Help ACEVO and NCVO develop a manifesto ahead of the next general election
The next general election is a maximum of 20 months away. Most people are predicting an autumn 2024 polling day. Organisations from different sectors are now trying to influence political parties’ priorities as they prepare for the big day.
We know that charities and volunteers are at the frontline of the challenges facing our country. However, the role we play in society and the economy is often not understood by political parties.
It’s essential we take the opportunity over the next year to ensure we’re at the heart of political decision-making and are considered as key partners for any new government.
What we’re doing
ACEVO and NCVO are working together to produce a manifesto for charities and volunteering because we feel strongly that there is benefit in engaging our members and the wider sector, in the spirit of generous collaboration and collective endeavour, in creating a shared vision.
This manifesto will set out:
- a vision for the society we want to see
- the role charities can play in getting us there
- what charities and volunteers need to make a difference.
We’ll use this manifesto to help us engage with parties across the political spectrum, including at party conferences this year.
We also plan to offer practical support and guidance to charities on campaigning rules. This will help ensure you’re best equipped to represent your communities and causes.
Why we need your help
Charity leaders, staff and volunteers do incredible work across the country, but are facing significant challenges. These include spiralling operational costs, rising inequality, shrinking civic space, and barriers to participation.
Now more than ever we need to raise our collective voice and we need charity leaders to help pave the way.
We want this manifesto to be truly representative of the whole charity and volunteering sector. For it to be powerful, it needs to be based on the direct experiences of charities of all types and sizes.
Our manifesto will address the big questions that impact our sector and our society;
- How can we ensure people can raise their voice and be heard by decision makers?
- What solutions are needed to ensure everyone can benefit from prosperity and opportunity?
- How can we make it possible for everyone to take action to help others and the causes they care about?
- What change is needed to make sure we can all live a fulfilling life where our wellbeing is supported?
- How can we make lasting change to protect our climate?
These questions are just to start. We want to know what you think.
Get involved
We’re running in person and online events in June and July to gather feedback about what we should include in our manifesto. We’ll use this feedback to draft a manifesto over the summer, which we’ll then consult on later this year.
You are invited to book on to one of our upcoming in person or online events. Please note that you’ll be directed to the NCVO booking site when clicking on the links below. The events are free to attend.
• Sheffield 22 June 1pm-4.15pm, The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, S1 4FW : Book here
• London 13 July 11am-1.45pm – NCVO, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL: Book here
• Online 12 July, 11am-1pm -online : Book here
Who should come?
The events are for charity leaders and others who work or volunteer for a charity and want to be involved in shaping our manifesto. You don’t need a lot of knowledge of the political system to take part.
The events are also an opportunity to speak to Jane Ide, our CEO, Sarah Vibert chief executive at NCVO and staff from both organisations about your priorities.
If you’d like to give feedback on our manifesto or be kept informed on this work, please email policy@acevo.org.uk or policy@ncvo.org.uk.
