This document discusses the importance of voluntary organizations being able to speak truth to power and critically challenge those in positions of authority. It notes that as voluntary groups rely more on government funding, through contracts rather than grants, their independence and ability to critique power structures can be threatened. The document explores the pressures on independence of purpose, voice, and action for voluntary groups. It examines factors that can influence groups' ability and willingness to speak out, and considers whether advocacy may become marginalized over partnerships with government. Overall, the document argues for protecting voluntary groups' independence so they can continue giving voice to the voiceless.

1. Speaking Truth to Power
Caroline Slocock
Civil Exchange
Matthew Smerdon
Baring Foundation

2. Protecting independence: the
voluntary sector in 2012
“A great deal is lost if the sector ceases to be able to give voice to the voiceless
or deliver uncomfortable truths to those with power. This is a two way street.
Voluntary organisations need to know that if they produce evidence-based
critiques or challenges, this will not be held against them. They should not need
to make the choice between being able to provide vital services to a client group
and being able to speak out on their behalf.”

3. Background on the Panel
Purpose: to make independence a top priority, raising awareness and
understanding, suggesting practical changes
Panel of seven members and one Adviser:
–Dame Anne Owers
–Prof Nicholas Deakin
–Andrew Hind
–Sir Bert Massie
–Julia Unwin
–Louise Whitfield
–Nick Wilkie
–advised by Matthew Smerdon

4. Definition of independence
Independence of PURPOSE
• To set and review purpose to match changing needs of the cause represented
• To maintain purpose, mission and values
Independence of VOICE
• To protest, campaign and negotiate without fear of retribution
• To be assertive about independence, focusing on the cause represented
Independence of ACTION
• To design and deliver activities that meet needs
• To innovate, respond creatively to needs and take risks
• To use assets at discretion of Trustees

5. Context
• Voluntary sector almost always relies on others for funding
• Increasing reliance on state over last decade, especially those working in
disadvantaged areas with disadvantaged groups
• Increasingly statutory funding comes via contracts rather than grants
• Squeeze on funding can bring independence into sharp relief

6. Six challenges
• The effect of contract rather than grant funding
• Inability of voluntary sector to influence the design of services and contracts
•The blurring of boundaries between the public, not for profit and voluntary
sectors
•Indirect and sometimes direct pressure towards self-censorship, muting the
voice of some in the sector
•The pressures on independent governance as trustees seek to balance survival
and independence
•Regulatory systems and safeguards may not be sufficiently robust.

7. Whose voice is it anyway?
• Compact Voice said that “a significant long standing threat [in relation to
independence] is the fear of retribution if organisations challenge a public body
over infringement of their independence.”
• Public Administration Committee Select Committee member has challenged
the right of voluntary sector organisations to speak out against the Government
• Iain Duncan Smith last year criticised the Child Poverty Action Group’s legal
challenge to housing benefit reforms as “ridiculous and irresponsible behaviour.”
•Fake charity website defines a “fake charity” as “any organisation registered as
a UK charity that derives more than 10% of its income – and/or more than £1m –
from the government, while also lobbying the government.”
• Reports of some charities losing capacity for advocacy work, due to tighter
funding.

8. Factors affecting independence
of voice
• Is there capacity?
• Is there unnecessary self-censorship?
• Is there legitimacy of voice – reflecting views and voices of people and
communities served?
• Is there a clear mandate through a strong evidence base?
• Do funding and other relationships support independence of voice?

9. Is this our future?
“Independence once enjoyed by mutual aid and religious organisations has
evolved into a complex, embedded relationship with government in which the
nonprofit and voluntary sector primarily strives to achieve a productive
interdependent partnership rather than an independent or civil society
relationship….Contractual obligations dominate, and representative advocacy
has been marginalised in favour of policy forums for the generic citizen.”
The First Principle of Voluntary Action, 2009

10. Discussion
Splitting into small groups:
Please discuss:
(iv)what are the pressures on the ability of campaigners to speak truth to power,
now and in the near future
(v)how can these pressures be resisted
(vi)(possibly a bit more fun…) What are the “Two Things” about speaking truth to
power.

11. “The Two Things” – some examples
The Two Things about passing your The Two Things about Medicine:
driving test 1. Do no harm.
1. Don’t hit anything 2. To do any good, you must risk doing
2. Don’t let anything hit you harm.
The Two Things about Being a House The Two Things about self-help:
Husband: 1. If you can tolerate a little discomfort,
1. That can wait until tomorrow. you can achieve almost any goal
2. That can too. 2. It’s amazing the lengths we’ll go to to
avoid discomfort.