ACEVO is working closely with NCVO and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to develop a framework for a Civil Society Covenant to reset the relationship between civil society and government to create lasting, positive change.
This was an ask in our voluntary sector manifesto, at that point referred to as a ‘charter’, and builds upon earlier initiatives such as the Compact.
Civil society leaders’ voices, experiences and input are crucial to influencing the development of a Civil Society Covenant that will have lasting and meaningful impact.
Have your say and complete the online feedback form ( Please note this will take you to the NCVO website where the form is hosted)
What is the covenant?
As part of the development of the voluntary sector manifesto and since the election earlier this year, we’ve influenced to ensure that sector leaders’ voices are recognised as key to shaping the new direction the government has committed to take in establishing a renewed relationship with civil society.
We’ve worked with DCMS to develop draft principles that could define a new two-way relationship and support collaboration and respect for the different roles played by government and civil society. Once finalised, these principles will from the Civil Society Covenant.
It is proposed the covenant will apply to support all public bodies and civil society organisations. It aims to build on and support existing agreements in place at a local level. It is proposed that it will focus on England, and complement other arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The four draft principles are:
- Recognition: to ensure a strong and independent civil society
- Partnership: to ensure effective service delivery and policy-making
- Participation: to ensure people and communities can be heard and make a difference
- Transparency: to ensure civil society and government have the information needed to best serve people and communities
Read more about the government’s commitment to develop a civil society covenant.
Take part and have your say
Sector leaders’ voices are crucial to developing a new relationship with government and a new Civil Society Covenant to underpin it. We need to hear from leaders of civil society organisations of all shapes and sizes, operating across the breadth of causes, communities, missions and localities.
Join us in this opportunity to shape what has the potential to re-set the policy environment that civil society leaders and their organisations operate in, for the benefit of the people and causes we exist to serve.
Click below to read more and fill out the feedback form hosted on NCVO’s website before 12 December and register to attend the online workshop events that will run in November – dates for these coming soon.
