1/ Have been mulling over #GE2019. Lots to think about for us working across civil society.
We're still living through times where society is still divided (anyone note the 52/48 result last night?). The future still seems uncertain, despite a clear result.
We're still living through times where society is still divided (anyone note the 52/48 result last night?). The future still seems uncertain, despite a clear result.
2/ There is much to do if we are to build the sustainable, prosperous, civilised society we all want, for everyone. Strikes me we've got to put creating public benefit on a par with creating wealth if we're going to do that.
3/ My message to the new government is that a thriving civil society, where people come together and get involved in their communities is, as it always was, critical in building a country that is sustainable, prosperous and civilised.
4/ There’s a list of pressing tasks for this new government. People clearly want a resolution on Brexit. The most important is establishing a clear and credible way forward on Brexit that builds upon the existing rights and standards that many of us have campaigned for and won.
5/ Those of us running organisations across civil society also need certainty around the future, as do business leaders. Whether we are providing critical public services or working across borders we need to be able to plan for our workforce, our funding, or demand for what we do
6/ As ever, government has a better chance of leaving the EU in good order if they listen to voices from across civil society. Staff and volunteers with lived experience can help government plan, if we involve them.
7/ Also urgent on the new government's to-do list is bolstering local government funding. Government desperately needs to address the strain that is being felt by communities and the charities and volunteers that work amongst them. They can't simply replace local government.
8/ But we also need new ideas. Community cohesion and wellbeing could be strengthened by using dormant assets to create local pots of money for grant funding. Let's help communities take control of the local resources that matter to them, such as pubs or community centres.'
9/ We've had a revolving door of civil society ministers over the years. @dianabarran, in her brief time in the role, listened keenly. She knows her stuff too. I hope the Minister stays in post.
10/ So, whichever political party you're in, whatever your role, however you want to build a new country: now, more than ever, is the time to invest in civil society. Now is the time to support people getting involved in their community. And now is the time to involve us.
