UK CSOs & new government to work together to ‘reset’ relationship

The recently elected UK government has asked civil society organisations (CSOs) to provide feedback on a framework designed to create a ‘new partnership’ between the state and the sector.

It follows requests prior to July’s general election for the new government to commit to establishing a civil society charter that supported charities and government to work effectively together.

The new Civil Society Covenant was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in October, along with a framework for that Covenant that was developed in consultation with sector bodies including NCVO and ACEVO.

Outlining how government and CSOs collaborate and cooperate, the Covenant Framework proposes four key principles:

1. Recognition: to ensure a strong and independent civil society.
2. Partnership: to ensure effective service delivery and policy making, and shared learning of best practices.
3. Participation: to ensure people and communities can be heard and make a difference.
4. Transparency: to ensure civil society and government have the information needed to best serve people and communities.

Stakeholders across both government and civil society have until 12 December to give feedback on the proposed framework, before a final version is published next year. CSOs are asked to provide input via NCVO.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the “dynamism, innovation and trusted reach” of CSO, and commented:

“To fix the foundations of our country we need a fundamental reset of the relationship between government and civil society. That is why we’re building a new partnership with the sector to tackle the complex social and economic challenges we face as a country.”

Neil Heslop, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), comments:

“It is positive that the government appreciates the vital role charities undertake and are announcing the start of a partnership approach with civil society to address our most pressing issues. Charities have been through very tough times, and we look forward to working with the Government to build a more resilient and thriving civil society in the coming years.”

A joint statement from the CEOs of ACEVO and NCVO says:

“Civil society organisations have always been key to building stronger, more resilient communities. Now, under a new government committed to change, we have the opportunity to make that relationship more meaningful and collaborative.”

In addition to this, ACEVO CEO Jane Ide says:

“ACEVO welcomes the government’s commitment to work together to develop a Civil Society Covenant which aims to redefine our relationship for the benefit of the people, causes and communities we serve. Effective leadership relies on collaboration, trust, and mutual respect – values that underpin this Covenant. Civil society leaders are essential partners in realising this vision and ensuring its principles are upheld.”

Picture by Dominika Gregušová on Pexels