Category Archives: charity

A Shared Society Has To Offer Hope, Opportunity And Social Justice Not Fear, Inequality And Austerity

David Cameron launched his “Big Society” initiative only to let it wither on the vine of government. Through the “Big Society” he wanted an increased role for volunteers, voluntary social action and charities taking over from the state. Over his period in office public sector financial support for the voluntary and community, and wider charity… Read More...

Charities Matter And Their Chairs Are Important – Never Make The Wrong Appointment Or Hold On To The Wrong Person

Charities play a vital role across society and the economy. They must be well led by their chairs as well as their chief executives. How a charity is chaired matters – so charities must get these appointments right and be clear that this is a ‘strategic’ leadership role. Chairing a charity, or indeed any voluntary… Read More...

Article 50: the voluntary and community sector should not stand aside

The voluntary and community sector (VCS) should seize the opportunity opened up as government prepares to challenge the high court judgement on who has the legal authority to invoke Article 50. Whatever the individual views on leaving the EU, organisations should not stand aside as parliament and government consider their strategies. They should be actively… Read More...

Community Social Action Can Build A Great Movement For The Better

Last week, I completed six years as a trustee and board member of navca – the National Association for Voluntary Community Action. During this time I have had the privilege to meet some fantastic people, and to see and learn about some incredible examples of social action. I have come to understand the power of… Read More...

Where’s the respect between the voluntary and public sectors?

Local government is facing severe financial challenges and yet demand for services continues to rise.

No surprise then that local authorities and the public sector are turning to the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in the expectation – and sometimes desperate hope – that it will fill the gaps in provision.

But without an honest dialogue and understanding between the VCS...

EU Referendum: Charities Should Speak Up

In just over a week, the British electorate will have decided what is probably the most important political decision for generations, and for which the outcome will impact hugely on future generations.

The EU Referendum is vital for the economic, social, environmental and political future of this country. It also has major implications for the other EU member states, and...

Local Social Action Is More Vital Than Ever – And So Are Its Champions

If ever there was a time for bold, brave focussed leadership in the voluntary and community sector, at both national and local level, surely it is now?

And this must particularly be case in respect of the local community and small charity sector, which are the backbone of strong communities and the catalyst for local social action.

Given contemporary social and...

The EU and the Referendum Matter to Charities and VCS – They Need to Engage Positively

The outcome of the UK wide referendum on 23rd June will have significant long term implications for the country’s governance, politics, economy, environment, public services, employment rights, social mobility, migration, refugees, asylum status ... and so much more.

Indeed, whatever the outcome, the referendum will result in what is effectively a new constitutional settlement, which will have implications for many...

Contemporary Charities: The Big Lottery Should Support a Big Debate

The Big Lottery Fund's report and initiative on "The Future of Doing Good" is both timely and challenging. As the Government and others seek to redefine the role of the State, with an ambition to reduce its role in the delivery of public services and ...