How charities help to address future economic and social challenges was discussed. The 2015 project: Ideas for the future was the main theme of the presentation. The 2015 project aims to stimulate discussion about what role charities can, and should, have in a number of areas. Find out more about NCVO's upcoming and past events: http://www.ncvo.org.uk/training-and-events/events-listing

1. Filling the gap?
How can charities help to address our
future economic and social challenges

2. This presentation covers the first theme of NCVO’s 2015 Project:
Economic and Social Justice.
It explores three themes – the economy and jobs, welfare
provision and demographic change
The 2015 Project aims to stimulate discussion about what role
charities can, and should, have in a number of areas.
The feedback we receive will form the basis of NCVO’s work
ahead of the 2015 election.

3. After a massive recession hit the UK in 2008, the economy has
still not fully recovered, and continues to face a sustained
period of low growth.
Source: http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/RP13-43
GDP Growth (% change quarter-on-quarter)
The Economy

4. The OECD states that economic growth is expected
to pick up gradually through 2013 and 2014.
According to the Chancellor, Britain is “out of
intensive care” and moving into recovery.
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/10137337/Recession-risk-remains-warns-Osborne.html
Source: http://www.oecd.org/economy/unitedkingdomeconomicforecastsummary.htm
However, in political contrast, the shadow chancellor, Ed Balls claims the British
economy flatlined and the deficit reduction has stalled.

5. Spending cuts
Source: The Barnet Council Graph of Doom
This enticingly named graph shows
that without radical change the cost
of adult and children’s social services
could be more than Barnet council’s
entire budget in the future.
This is an illustrative example of the
huge challenges associated with
public spending cuts teamed with
increased demand for services.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/15/graph-doom-social-care-services-barnet
Regardless of which party wins the next election, it will be
difficult for anyone to make the case for more public spending.

6. It’s a pretty bleak picture for employment figures too.
Source: Telegraph

7. Consistently, around 8% of the population are
unemployed.
That’s over 2.5 million people, roughly the same as the
population of Jamaica.
Source: Labour Force Survey – ONS http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_305051.pdf

8. ‘Generation unemployed’
One of the major issues we face is the legacy from sustained youth
employment.
Currently, around 1 in 5 of young people (16-24) are unemployed in the UK.
Source: Telegraph
Source: http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/sn05871

9. But all is not lost…
Young people are the second most likely group to volunteer
regularly.
Source: Third Sector
Source: Community Life Survey http://communitylife.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/assets/q3-2012-
13/Community%20Life%20Survey%20Q3%202012-13%20Bulletin.pdf

10. Society is changing
We are a less religious, less married, more ethnically diverse, more
atomised Britain – and there’s more of us than ever before.
Source: Independent
Source: ONS http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-built-up-areas-in-england-and-
wales/index.html

11. Source: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/key-issues-for-the-new-parliament/value-
for-money-in-public-services/the-ageing-population/
An older demographic may add
strain to public services, most
particularly in health and social
care. But an older population can
present benefits as well as
challenges.
These might include:
- Isolation issues
- Pension poverty
- A more experienced workforce
- A society with more time to
give
We are also an
ageing population…

12. A changing welfare regime
Source: Guardian
A major reform of welfare provision has taken place.
A key objective of the reforms is to ensure that ‘work pays’ -
removing incentives that mean it can cost people more to work
than to remain on benefits.

13. The ‘skivers vs. strivers’
debate
The framing of the welfare debate has become fairly political –
nicknamed the ‘skivers verses strivers’ debate.
Source: Politics Home

14. Increased demand for
emergency support
With unemployment high and further reductions in welfare
spending, charities may well see an increase in demand for support,
advice and emergency aid – such as food banks.
Source: Guardian

15. So, what does this all mean?
Some food for thought.
Charities are often the organisations that are closest to, and provide support to,
the most vulnerable groups in society. How will (or how should) charities be
adapting to these changes identified?
Is there a greater role for the voluntary sector to address the trend towards
individualism? Or could long-term unemployment be addressed in a different way
– should charities be the main provider?
Has there been a shift in public attitudes towards welfare recipients? And if so,
should the sector respond by providing an alternative narrative? Or making a
conscious decision to collectively tackle unemployment and disengagement?
What are the potential solutions to these social trends that charities can provide?
What changes need to take place for the sector to work at its best?

16. What next?
If you have 2 minutes - We’d love to hear your ideas in relation to
these big debates – contact 2015project@ncvo-vol.org.uk
If you have 10 minutes – Please read our discussion papers and
blog posts on each topic, and respond to the questions.
Economy and jobs
Discussion paper and guest blog from Inclusion
Demographic change
Discussion paper and guest blog from Age UK
Welfare
Discussion paper and guest blog from Oxfam

17. References
Labour Market Statistics http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lms/labour-market-statistics/june-2013/index.html
Telegraph: Recession risk remains, warns Osborne
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/10137337/Recession-risk-remains-warns-Osborne.html
NCVO Almanac 2012 http://data.ncvo-vol.org.uk/a/almanac13/finance-the-big-picture/what-is-the-voluntary-
sectors-contribution-to-the-economy/
Guardian: Coalitions and austerity: Britain better get used to them
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jun/13/coalitions-austerity-reality-british-politics
The ageing population http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/research/key-issues-for-the-new-
parliament/value-for-money-in-public-services/the-ageing-population/
Community Life Survey http://communitylife.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/assets/q3-2012-
13/Community%20Life%20Survey%20Q3%202012-13%20Bulletin.pdf
Barriers and facilitators to pro-social behaviour among young people: a review of existing evidence
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/183475/DFE-RR188.pdf
Demographics http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-england-
and-wales/sty-non-uk-born-population.html
OECD – Inequalities http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census/key-statistics-for-local-authorities-in-
england-and-wales/sty-non-uk-born-population.html
NCVO analysis: Spending Review 2013 http://blogs.ncvo.org.uk/2013/06/26/spending-review-2013-a-2-minute-
guide-on-whats-important-for-charities/
Simplifying the welfare system and making sure work pays https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/simplifying-
the-welfare-system-and-making-sure-work-pays#actions
Guardian: food banks http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/apr/24/number-people-food-banks-triples
British Social Attitudes survey http://www.bsa-29.natcen.ac.uk/media/13421/bsa29_full_report.pdf