23/01/2012

The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector has published a report on the risks that need to be addressed by government to maintain an independent voice.

Three major aspects of voluntary sector independence - threats to the purpose, voice and action of the voluntary sector have existed for some time, but cuts in public spending and other income and the way in which contracts are rewarded has heightened the threat.

The Protecting Independence; the Voluntary Sector in 2012, report highlights six major challenges:

• The contract model favours large, often private sector organisations and can be unnecessarily restrictive.
• Inability of voluntary sector to influence services design and delivery or funding models
• The Blurring of boundaries between public, for profit and voluntary sectors, which may mask important difference and dilute independence
• Pressure for self-censorship, whith some organisation fearful of using their voice
• Pressure on independent governance, as trustees seek to balance survival and independence
• Regulation and safeguards for independence that may not be sufficiently robust.

The report is the first of five annual assessments. More information is available at:
www.independencepanel.org.uk/news