Protecting Independence: the Voluntary Sector in 2012

The Baring Foundation have published a new report entitled 'Protecting Independence: the voluntary sector in 2012'.

The Panel on the independence of the voluntary sector was established by the Baring Foundation in June 2011 to ensure that independence is seen as a top priority by the voluntary sector and those with whom it works and to make recommendations to ensure that it is not lost.

The Six Keys Challenges to Independence

Extract from the report:

"We have identified six elements which, if not properly understood and tackled, could undermine independence, particularly of that part of the voluntary sector which will continue to depend on an element of public funding. they are:

•  the effects of a contract, rather than a grant, funding model.  contracts often focus on price rather than social value, can be unnecessarily restrictive, and can favour large, often privatesector, organisations.  Smaller voluntary sector bodies struggle with the bureaucracy and, where successful, are increasingly becoming sub-contractors, with their relationship with government mediated through the private prime contractor;

•  the inability of the voluntary sector, in a competitive commissioner/provider environment, to influence the design, delivery of services and funding models, based upon its own experience and expertise;

•  the blurring of boundaries between the public, for profit, and voluntary sectors, with new models and governance structures that aim to bring added value but may also mask genuine differences and dilute independence;

• and sometimes direct pressure towards self-censorship, muting the voice of some in the sector;

•  the pressure on independent governance, and the need for expertise and a strong commitment to mission and values, as trustees seek to balance survival and independence;

•  regulatory systems and safeguards for independence that may not be sufficiently robust, or thoroughly complied with; or alternatively that may unnecessarily hinder independent action. 

Tags: Policy, Research, Voluntary organisations