Civil society and UK government relationship should be based on positive impact for communities
Speaking in response to the release of the Charity Covenant which sets out a “new chapter” in the relationship between the UK Government and civil society, Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“This Covenant is a positive step forward. The relationship between charities and government should be founded on positive impact for our communities. When we get this relationship right, it can be transformative.
“Charities are more than service providers – our responsibility as advocates for some of the most vulnerable parts of our society is crucial. So, we welcome the assurance that those who challenge government will not being shut out of funding opportunities; on making sure that all relevant groups are represented in policy making; and on collaborative commissioning. It is vital that these assurances are implemented meaningfully.
“The sector is a rich tapestry, from grassroot organisations to large national charities with the infrastructure and resources that come along with that. But power, access and influence are not distributed equally. For the Covenant to succeed, its delivery must make space for this full range of voices. We look forward to working constructively with government and sector partners to make sure the covenant means we all deliver better for the people we support.”
