CFG, the UK’s leading membership organisation for charity finance professionals, urges the charity sector to help shape the future of civil society-government relations.
The Civil Society Covenant, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on Thursday 17 October, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to redefine the relationship between civil society and government. The Covenant is currently undergoing a crucial consultation phase.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) are seeking input from organisations across the sector to ensure that the Covenant effectively addresses the challenges and opportunities facing civil society.
The Covenant aims to establish a strong, two-way partnership that supports collaboration, respects the independence of civil society organisations, and fosters a fair and equitable society.
By providing your feedback to the consultation, you can help shape the principles and guidelines that will govern this vital relationship.
Commenting on the Covenant, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) CEO, Sarah Elliott said: “This foundational moment resets the relationship between government and civil society, ensuring the expertise of charities and social enterprises are central to decision making.
“We look forward to continuing our work with partners across the sector to achieve this vision.”
Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) CEO, Jane Ide added: “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.”
Key areas for input from within civil society include:
- Draft principles: Review and comment on the proposed principles of recognition, partnership, participation, and transparency.
- Your experiences: Share your experiences of engaging with local or national government, both positive and negative.
- Your priorities: Identify the most pressing issues facing your organisation and the sector as a whole.
How to participate:
- Read the draft principles: Familiarise yourself with the proposed framework for the Covenant.
- Complete the feedback form: Share your views and experiences by completing the online form before the deadline of midday on Thursday 12 December.
Your voice matters. By participating in this consultation, you can help ensure that the Civil Society Covenant is a meaningful and effective tool for strengthening the relationship between civil society and government.
CFG CEO Caron Bradshaw, who participated in a roundtable with the Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy, to discuss how the relationship can be reset, and attended the Downing Street launch, said: “Our members tell us how critically important and impactful the relationship between them and government is to delivering to the people and causes they serve.
“The Civil Society Covenant consultation offers a unique opportunity to influence how that relationship works in practice. I urge all civil society organisations, regardless of size and focus, to participate and ensure that your voices are heard. Your input will help us create a more equitable, collaborative, and effective partnership that benefits everyone."
To access the feedback form, please visit: The Civil Society Covenant | NCVO
To learn more about the Covenant and Downing Street launch, read the article on our Knowledge Hub.
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