Academics stand up for independence
We’re not the only ones saying mind your language when it comes to the ‘big society’ show. NCIA folks have been inspired by the academics who have protested at the inclusion of the party political term ‘big society’ in the funding agreement between the government and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
Interviewing the real ‘big society’
Sarah Lamb is a trustee of Adur Voluntary Action. She was one of the people who contributed to qualitative research in 2009 on The local state and voluntary action in West Sussex which showed the damage commissioning does. NCIA caught up with her to find out how things have been going over the last 18 months, which have seen the change of government and a bombardment of information about localism and ‘big society’.
Voluntary action under threat: what privatisation means for charities and community groups
Our new paper has evidence about the dangers of commissioning, localism and ‘big society’, all part of the government’s privatisation agenda.
Work Programme heralds double whammy for voluntary action
It’s another blow to the independence of the community sector as massive contracts go to private companies, writes Andy Benson.
Read the latest NCIA newsletter
See our June newsletter if you’re asking ‘is it just me who thinks privatisation is insane?’. Plus gossip, ideas, resources and links to help us keep on keeping on…
Managing for independence – help us spark debate and change
Read our new guide and manifesto for managing for independence (4 pages PDF) for ideas about how to get talking, make power visible, organise and act, and get help when you need it. The guide is designed to help us remember that effective voluntary action can’t be reduced to targets and the latest management jargon but is about changing society for the better. Tell us what you think or contact rachael@independentaction.net if you want to do an independence audit at your organisation.
