A new panel is looking at voluntary sector independence. NCIA co-ordinators Rachael McGill and Melaina Barnes hope it revises its methods to avoid being sucked into the ‘big society’ marketing campaign.
NCIA has sent a response to the Baring Foundation’s voluntary sector Independence Panel consultation report.
We welcome the aim of the panel ‘to … Continue reading
Is your organisation managing to stay independent and true to the purpose it was set up for? NCIA challenges you to find out.
These are difficult times for the voluntary sector. NCIA is getting more and more reports from people who are uncomfortable about changes to working methods and management styles which make their workplace … Continue reading
John Seddon reflects on how a systems thinking method has improved public services but is now under threat from cuts, commissioning and ‘big society’ as the government fails to move beyond central control and large-scale initiatives.
David Cameron described the ‘big society’ as a ‘culture change’, where people are free and powerful enough to help … Continue reading
Following the riots in the UK this week, many people in the voluntary and community sector are asking where we go from here. If you feel the need of thoughtful questions, messages of solidarity and some analysis of how we are thinking and talking about the riots, see the discussion ‘Wasn’t it inevitable’ on the … Continue reading
Penny Waterhouse finds a connection with the struggle for democracy in Burma.
I was listening to Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratically elected leader of Burma, about the struggles in her country to be self-determining. And although Burma’s situation is very different to mine, here’s what she said which rang bells with me:
– being … Continue reading
We’re not the only ones saying mind your language when it comes to the ‘big society’ show. NCIA folks have been inspired by the academics who have protested at the inclusion of the party political term ‘big society’ in the funding agreement between the government and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
More than … Continue reading
It’s another blow to the independence of the community sector as massive contracts go to private companies, writes Andy Benson.
This month sees the beginning of the government’s new Work Programme. Leaving aside views about where this latest attempt to harness the skills of the workless comes from or is likely to go, the programme … Continue reading
See our June newsletter if you’re asking ‘is it just me who thinks privatisation is insane?’. Plus gossip, ideas, resources and links to help us keep on keeping on…
Read our new guide and manifesto for managing for independence (4 pages PDF) for ideas about how to get talking, make power visible, organise and act, and get help when you need it. The guide is designed to help us remember that effective voluntary action can’t be reduced to targets and the latest management jargon … Continue reading
Underground networks, public relations battles, keeping sane through organising – these were some of the ideas from our last assembly meeting in Manchester on 12th May. We talked about how to tell our stories, link with other groups and campaigns and get resources in a climate of cuts, recession and political bombardment. Click here for … Continue reading
