A new report argues a series of UK government actions have undermined the independence of UK charities
The independence of UK charities is at a five year low following a series of government actions designed to undermine their role in campaigning and shaping society.
A report into the independence of the third sector from think tank Civil Exchange has called on the sector to unite and stand up for its right to speak out.
The report blames moves such as the recent no advocacy clauses the Westminster government is inserting into third sector contracts, which forbids them from campaigning against government policy.
Charities are being silenced but business are apparently still free to directly influence senior levels of government
Increased fundraising regulation following a series of fundraising scandals, the UK lobbying bill and a £4.6 billion funding gap for the third sector are also cited.
The report, Independence in Question, is part of an annual investigation into the independence of the third sector by The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector, which was established by the Baring Foundation in 2011 to ensure independence is seen as a top priority by the sector.
Civil Exchange director Caroline Slocock said: “Independence in Question shows how new no advocacy clauses in all taxpayer funded grants mark a key shift in the balance of voices shaping public policy, with charities being silenced but business apparently still free to directly influence senior levels of government.
“The input of grassroot and expert voluntary organisations ensures all voices in society can be heard, and is especially important at a time of massive changes in services and benefits.”
The report is also critical of the Charity Commission, which regulates the third sector in England and Wales. It claims the commission appears at times to be following a politically-driven agenda that undermines its role as the protector of charity reputation and independence.
Slocock added: “More than ever, the voluntary sector must work together to develop a new and more self-confident narrative which stresses the distinctive qualities of an independent sector, challenges the status quo and shows how it can be even better at delivering its mission.”
Many of the issues affecting charity independence highlighted in the report apply to the sector in England and Wales only. There are however a number of charities in Scotland that received funding through Westminster rather than the Scottish Government, including international development organisations and advocacy groups such as Citizens Advice Scotland. These groups will be subject to no advocacy clauses.
