CABINET OFFICE News
Release (CAB/110/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 26
November 2008
Today, Kevin
Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, published a practical
handbook to help public servants open up the consultation process,
to reach third sector workers on the ground and to use their
experience to influence policy outcomes.
The handbook accompanies new research by Involve on effective and
innovative ways of consulting with the third sector. The report
was itself the product of a partnership between government and the
sector, and was funded and commissioned by the Office of the Third
Sector and Children England, an umbrella organisation for third
sector organisations working with children, young people and their families.
Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said:
"One of the most fundamental tasks that the third sector
undertakes is to ensure that the voices of individuals,
organisations and communities are heard - including the most
marginalised sections of society.
"We recognise that the unique role and the diversity of the
third sector sets policy makers a challenge in conducting
effective, meaningful consultation - but the benefit of getting it
right makes it well worth the effort."
"Government policy has a real impact on the people whose
lives we all aim to improve. This practical handbook will help
policy makers work more effectively with third sector
organisations, contributing to a stronger and fairer society."
Today's research illustrates how third sector organisations
can influence the debate about local needs and can provide unique
perspectives and insights as to how those needs are addressed. It
also encourages an environment in which the third sector can work
in partnership with government, and can campaign for change,
whilst retaining its independent voice.
ENDS
To get a pdf of the report and the handbook, please visit: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector/Consultations
Notes to editors:
The Office of the Third Sector is part of
the Cabinet Office that deals with Government policy on charities,
voluntary organisations and social enterprise. More information
can be found at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/third_sector
Children England: Formerly National Council for Voluntary Child
Care Organisations (NCVCCO) is the leading membership organisation
for the children, young people and families voluntary sector.
Children England provides capacity building, support and
information to its members and to the wide range of voluntary
sector organisations working with children, young people and
families. Contact Joe Levenson, Director of Policy and
Communications, 020 7833 3319
Involve: Involve are public participation specialists; bringing
institutions, communities and citizens together to accelerate
innovation, understanding, discussion and change. Involve makes a
practical difference by delivering high quality public
participation processes as well as undertaking research and
policy analysis into what works in public and stakeholder
involvement. It is a not for profit organisation.
Contact:
Karin Gavelin 0207 632 0123, karin@involve.org.uk
http://www.involve.org.uk
http://www.peopleandparticipation.org.uk
For further details contact:
Cabinet Office Press Office 22
Whitehall LONDON SW1A 2WH
Tel: 020 7276 0436
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk