The Prime Minister has prioritised resetting the relationship with civil society and building a new partnership. As a result, DCMS has now published a Covenant Framework to enable wider conversation across civil society and government. The framework is the starting point of the conversation and will support engagement leading to the development of the final Covenant in the new year. This final Covenant is intended to act as a principles-based foundation for the relationship with the sector moving forward. It will symbolise the government’s recognition of the sector as a trusted and independent partner.
The Covenant’s scope will be wide and aims to be relevant to the full range and diversity of civil society and the government at every level. Some devolved governments, local authorities, and combined authorities have existing arrangements that the Covenant will need to complement, such as the Greater Manchester Accord.
It is based on four high-level principles – transparency, recognition, partnership, and participation – that will form the basis of future relationships. So far, DCMS has worked closely with key civil society bodies, including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) to share ideas about their vision for a new relationship with the Government but they are engaging directly with the sector about what they want to see in a Covenant.
NCVO is leading the sector engagement and is seeking initial feedback on the Framework via its website. The form will take just over 10 minutes to complete and will be open until midday on Thursday, December 12.
Further Reading
Government Website – www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-society-covenant-framework-launch
NCVO Website – www.ncvo.org.uk/get-involved/civil-society-covenant
