Is it possible for a big society to be a fair society? This presentation, given at the VONNE policy forum on 22 October, explores some of the dilemmas.

1. it’s not fair!

2. Can a big society ever be a fair society?

3. ‘ it’s like 500 people applied for the same job and only like three vacancies... so it’s really hard. When you know there’s only three going and there’s like 500 people applying, and then you’re thinking, “yeah, it’s not likely”.’ Oxfam research on poverty in Bradford

5. Big Society: the aspiration

6. ‘ at its core, the big society is an attempt to connect the civic institutions that lie between the individual and the state... our centralised state has become too big, too bureaucratic and just too distant to support many of those most in need of help.’ Ian Birrell, speechwriter for David Cameron

8. Big Society: the critique

9. ‘ the Big Society idea is strong on empowerment but weak on equality. By equality we mean everyone having an equal chance in life so that, regardless of circumstance, they can contribute to society, fulfil their potential and live a satisfying life.’ Anna Coote, new economics foundation

11. Big Society: the opportunity

12. ‘ the really helpful things will not be done from the centre; they cannot be done by big organisations; but they can be done by the people themselves.’ E F Schumacher, Small is Beautiful

14. So is a big society fair?

15. ‘ all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.’ George Orwell, Animal Farm

17. Making the most of it

18. ‘ it is not only possible for one human being to make a real and lasting difference to another; it is often, in the most difficult circumstances, the only thing that ever does.’ David Robinson, Out of the Ordinary