Our new paper has evidence about the dangers of commissioning, localism and ‘big society’, all part of the government’s privatisation agenda.
• Public service cuts are a political choice, not an inevitability.
• Creating competitive markets in the voluntary sector through commissioning damages services, users and staff and threatens independence.
• ‘Localism’ and ‘big society’ … 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
Listen to a podcast of NCIA’s Andy Benson speaking about whether there’s enough power to go around in the voluntary and community sector at the ARVAC annual lecture on 9 May 2011. You can also download a transcript of Andy’s presentation (Word, 6 pages) and the presentation slides (Powerpoint).… Continue reading
Read our two new papers if you want to get thinking about what privatisation means for charities and community groups and how the ‘big society’ and localism damage independent action.
Big market: how localism and the ‘big society’ damage independent voluntary action (2011) PDF, 4 pages
Voluntary action under threat: what privatisation means for charities … Continue reading
Manchester group The Art Corner are organising a funeral procession for the loss of our public services, to take place on the day of the royal wedding (29th April). They will have five coffins decorated with wreaths spelling out NHS, Education, Immigration, The Arts and Welfare. Participants will dress in black and march solemnly down … Continue reading
Cuts, privatising public services, commissioning replacing grants, voluntary agencies being run like businesses, managers who don’t understand the front line work, nonsensical targets… If you’re feeling angry, you’re not alone! Join us at the next NCIA assembly in Manchester on Thursday 12 May 2011 to discuss issues affecting you. Book now.
NICA assembly
Thursday … Continue reading
Who creates, controls and measures knowledge in the voluntary and community sector? What role is played by service users and volunteers, universities, voluntary sector organisations and umbrella organisations such as NCVO? Join NCIA’s Andy Benson at the ARVAC annual lecture in London on 9 May 2011 to explore these questions and more.
Association of Research … Continue reading