National Coalition of Independent Action

Read the latest NCIA newsletter for reports of dissent among large national charities. Plus the last chance to register for some lively events, analysis of latest policy wonkiness, and news of independent action in communities around the UK.

Posted in NCIA work | Tagged Newsletter | Leave a reply

Read April’s newsletter

Posted on 17 April, 2012 by — No Comments ↓

Read the latest newsletter for NCIA’s take on the news, research and campaigns about voluntary action – are people getting more of a taste for fighting back or do we still have our heads in the sand about top-down clobbering? Let us know Continue reading →

Posted in NCIA work, News | Tagged Newsletter | Leave a reply

Read the latest newsletter

Posted on 10 February, 2012 by — 2 Comments ↓

Click here for news of fighting back and battles won, alongside some sorry tales from voluntary organisations who’ve forgotten we’re meant to be heading for social justice not an unequal pay day. Plus a questioning editorial from NCIA’s Andy Benson: Continue reading →

Posted in NCIA work, Newsletter | Tagged Newsletter | 2 Replies

Read the latest NCIA newsletter

Posted on 5 January, 2012 by — No Comments ↓

Read the latest news from the dark side of voluntary action, along with stories of how people are fighting back and what NCIA folks have been doing to make a louder noise about resisting privatisation, hanging on to our principles Continue reading →

Posted in News, Newsletter, Resources | Tagged NCIA work, Newsletter | Leave a reply

Read our latest newsletter

Posted on 2 August, 2011 by — No Comments ↓

Read our latest newsletter for commentary on the open public services white paper and the latest ‘big society’ nonsense, plus links and ideas for people who are fed up with language games and are getting on with what they want Continue reading →

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Not in our name!

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Not in our name!

We, the undersigned – along with many people active in voluntary, community and campaigning groups – disagree profoundly with much of the content of this letter. These national bodies do not speak for, or lead us.

We take issue on two matters of principle. Firstly, the letter commits to a party political agenda: the Open Public Services agenda. This policy is code for privatisation and termination of public services. We question whether the sector can be supportive, since charities are forbidden at law from engaging in party politics. We also question whether we should connive in delivery of policies about which there is growing evidence of damage to our common wealth and to vulnerable people. Our starting point should always be the expressed needs of our beneficiaries and those with whom we stand in common cause.

The letter uses the term “public service reform” without any recognition of the diversity of views that exist about the types of reforms needed. We find the letter’s references to government welfare reforms particularly disingenuous, because these are not reforms. They are cuts, the effects of which we observe daily, and are being monitored nationally. The clear inference is that the sector is, through these leaders, offering through increased levels of volunteering to compensate for shrinking public services. This is an untested and dangerous assertion that is being increasingly challenged in the academic and professional worlds, and from within local communities.

Secondly, the letter shows no understanding of the diversity and independence of voluntary action: between national and local organisations, and between service delivery and campaigning bodies. These independent bodies are all corralled together to “stand ready” to help deliver key government policies. The letter fails to mention the increasingly important role that is opening up for voluntary and community groups – campaigning alongside service users, trades unions and public sector staff against harmful cuts. To suggest that the sector’s role is to “help individuals and families prepare for and manage change” or “preparing for their impact” in “this time of transition” is frankly offensive to our members, our self-help communities and the users of our services. Our duty, rather, is to listen to and understand the experiences and needs of local people, then act according to our best judgements and consciences.

One responsibility of the independent voluntary sector is – in a constructive spirit of genuine critical thought and independence – to question and challenge policies which our users and members tell us are harmful. It is certainly not to pen letters which demean us all with a willingness to connive in almost anything, however damaging.

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NCIA campaigns to defend and promote the rights of civil society to act independently, and hold to account, the State and other powerful political, business and financial interests.

NCIA supports such action by individuals or groups for social justice, equality and solidarity. We are particularly interested in local action which makes a material difference to the conditions of daily life.

We believe in public services run by publicly accountable institutions. The role of voluntary services is to complement, challenge and test out new ways of meeting need: not to take the place of public services. We will oppose the privatisation of public services whether into the private sector or through voluntary services.

We assert the right to dissent, as part of a healthy democratic society. Power is not given but taken. Dissent – or at least the willingness to engage in some form of dissent – is required to challenge injustice and powerful interests and to push for alternatives. Dissent is particularly required when consensus, collaboration and negotiation has failed and where the stakes are high for individuals and communities. Without this capacity, the democratic role of voluntary action (or civil society) is fundamentally undermined.

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