Fighting back

January 25, 2009 · Filed Under Viewpoint · View Comments 

Previous articles in Green Socialist have pointed out that privatisation does not just affect services formerly run by the statutory sector, and also (ironically) that privatisation can sometimes go hand-in-hand with increased state control. Voluntary organisations providing public services are being compelled to adopt the methods and priorities of private businesses through tendering and commissioning procedures. However, the pernicious undermining of the very concept of an independent voluntary sector goes even further. Below, Andy Benson, from the Coalition for Independent Action, looks at how the state and business are eroding this important element of our civil society.

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    • Systems thinking in the public sector - John Seddon is a private sector consultant who is trying to introduce ‘systems thinking’ into the public sector…
    • NCIA speaks out - NCIA concerns about voluntary sector co-option are picked up by the Times in an article by NCIA’s Andy Benson. Go add your comments on-line
    • London Coalition Against Poverty (LCAP) – Direct Action Casework Manual - Direct Action Casework is what LCAP calls the actions it takes with people to challenge and overcome unjust treatment. Download the guide in pdf format
    • Overheard at the Jobcentre - A blog set up by and for unemployed workers and claimants to share stories and work out ways to support, defend one another and develop a united voice.
    • www.equanomics.org.uk/ - Equanomics UK exists to improve the economic prospects of minority and marginalised communities as a means to readdress social inequalities that exist in our society and rather create opportunities for sustained community development.
    • Newcastle CVS sets out the case against outcomes measurement - This paper examines what are seen as mistaken ideas about the appropriateness of using outcomes as a measure of success in the voluntary sector. Whilst it is primarily aimed at bodies like CVSs, much of it also applies to all voluntary groups.
    • Critically Chatting Collective’s Blog - Heretical and imaginative debate about Youth and Community
    • Salford Star - Written and produced by people in Salford for people in Salford. Totally independent, the Salford Star just aims to give the community a voice, to make public bodies a bit more accountable and to inform, campaign and entertain.
    • New video jingle for salfordstar.com - Salford Star’s new online issue has seen hits to the website rocket by 2000%!!! Salford singer songwriter, James Herring, has created a new video jingle for salfordstar.com.
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