The Prime Minister has announced that the Government will be launching a Civil Society Covenant to build “a new partnership with the sector to tackle the complex social and economic challenges we face as a country.” The Covenant builds upon the Voluntary Sector Manifesto developed by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO).

What’s in the Covenant?

So far, the Covenant framework consists of four high level 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.

You can find out more about the Covenant framework here.

What’s next?

NCVO and ACEVO are working with a wide range of voluntary sector infrastructure bodies, and need to hear from civil society organisations of all shapes and sizes, operating across the breadth of causes, communities, missions and localities. They are asking for your views on the Covenant so far through their survey by midday on Thursday 12 December.

Complete the survey here

You could also join one of the NCVO online workshops to share your views:

If you have any questions about this survey or want to discuss your thoughts on a Civil Society Convenant, please contact Third Sector Leeds. Third Sector Leeds is the leading policy body that advocates for the third sector’s values and interests in supporting Leeds’ city ambition. You can find out more about TSL Leadership Group reps here, or contact megan.russell@val.org.uk 

Voluntary Action Leeds