Tuesday 15 May 6.00-8.00pm at LSE, London
Here’s something for those of you who are fed up with national bodies who say they represent the voluntary sector and then consistently put forward positions that infuriate us. Organised by the Galileo Group of academics, the discussion will focus on the adequacy of the so-called ‘leadership’ bodies and whether we should be looking for a radical alternative. Here’s what the organisers say:

“Considerable attention is currently being given to the position of the voluntary sector in relation to the state. Whilst this is not new, what gives it urgency is the apparent scale and radical nature of the transformation in relationships between the sectors.

In recent months we have seen an initiative from the Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC) calling for a debate on the ‘great unsettlement’ and suggesting that the voluntary sector requires a powerful ‘strategic narrative’ from its leadership in order to play a key role in the changes.

Alongside this is an on-going discussion on the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) website which, amongst other concerns, has focussed upon the extent to which academics and large voluntary organisations have accepted the prevailing government view of the voluntary sector, rather than subjecting it to critical analysis.

The response of many different size voluntary organisations has been pragmatic, adopting a variety of responses and adapting to and managing the changes at the same time as taking an oppositional stance.

Our Roundtable seeks to address whether a strong ‘leadership line’ is desirable or indeed, possible? Can the main leadership organisations such as National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) and National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) meet the diverse and changing needs of the sector and provide a ‘real voice’? And how might such leadership help shape the future position of the voluntary sector? Or alternatively, should we be considering whether the present ‘leadership’ organisations are still fit for purpose and that something different might be required?

The discussion will be introduced and chaired by members of the Galileo
Group and will take place on Tuesday 15th May 6-8.00pm at London School of Economics, Room CON 202,  second floor,  Connaught House, Aldwych, WC2A 2AE

There is no charge for this event but please let the organisers know by Tuesday, 8th
May 2012 if you want to go:  christy.bilos@homechoice.co.uk”