The document discusses the concept of the "Big Society" proposed by the UK Conservative Party and how it may impact the voluntary sector. Key aspects of the Big Society include increased outsourcing of public services to private and voluntary organizations, greater involvement of local communities, and establishing funds and programs to support social enterprises and community groups. The voluntary sector may see opportunities to take on more outsourced services but also faces challenges around cuts to public funding and increased competition for scarce resources.

1. nfpSynergy Summer Insights Wednesday 16 th June 2010 20 Cavendish Square

2. Big Society What does it mean for the voluntary sector?

3. Key developments under the Labour Government 1997-2010 2002 Feb. Founding of CRUK 2004 Dec. Asian Tsunami 2005 Jul. Make Poverty History 2006 Apr. Capacitybuilders set up May. Office of the Third Sector established 2007 Feb. Charity Act 2006 comes into force Aug. Beginning of the credit crunch 1998 Nov. Compact signed and published 2009 Jan. UK officially enters recession

4. Voluntary sector income under the Labour Government 1997-2010. Source: The UK Civil Society Almanac 2010 (NCVO)

6. New actors in the voluntary sector The Cabinet Junior Ministers House of Lords

7. Context for the Big Society “ The recession has given the sector new importance. If we just respond economically we will come out of the recession with an environment of even more fragmented communities. The third sector is a key partner in creating a cohesive society” Nick Hurd nfpSynergy Insight Event, Summer 2009 Cuts will “affect every single person in the country” David Cameron , 7 th June 2010

9. Big Society: what does it mean? Medium Increased outsourcing of services to private and voluntary sectors. Increased involvement of local actors. Maximal Full outsourcing and increased service provision organised by locals and community groups. Minimal Existing voluntary and private sector service provision maintained and expanded.

10. Big Society: who will be affected? Central Government Local Councils Charities General Public Government funds Taxes and Donations

11. Some key policies ● A Big Society Bank, funded from unclaimed bank assets, to provide finance for neighbourhood groups, charities and non-governmental bodies . ● A “neighbourhood army” of 5,000 professional community organisers trained to identify and assist local community leaders. ● Introducing National Citizenship Service for 16 year olds. ● A Communities First fund to assist the establishment of community groups in deprived areas. ● Providing new funding for social entrepreneurs, and helping successful social enterprises expand and succeed. ● Launching an annual national Big Society Day to celebrate and encourage the work of neighbourhood and community groups.

13. Apart from cuts in public spending, what impact do you think the new government will have on the voluntary sector?

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