The minister for civil society used his first public appearance to promise charities that he will work with them as they tackle the inflation crisis.
Stuart Andrew MP, who was named in the role last Monday, told an audience at the Association of Charitable Foundations annual conference that he would “engage constructively” with the sector as it tried to cope with soaring costs and energy bills.
Andrew also stressed his own professional background as a charity fundraiser, saying that he had “experienced first hand the challenges that crises can have on giving”.
He said: “I’m aware that trusts and foundations are seeing increased demand and organisations – from small to large – are facing higher energy prices.
“I know that many of you are looking at the grants you have in place with vital civil society organisations and are now providing flexibility or additional funding to help them through the challenges they are facing.”
Andrew said that the government was already “taking action” to help the sector by subsidising energy bills until March 2023.
The minister did not say whether this support would be extended after March. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has previously said that it is liaising with other government departments on plans for the future of the support scheme.
He added: “My department will continue to engage constructively across the civil society sector to monitor the impact of rising costs and pressures.”
Andrew also told the event: “Courageous leadership is about humility. As leaders, we don’t know it all and never will. Acknowledging that is courageous.
“We must continually listen to those around us, to those whose views resonate with ours and, just as importantly, those which challenge them.”
He concluded: “I am committed to listening to your views, championing the fantastic achievements of civil society, and building a strong relationship together.”
Andrew is the ninth civil society minister in 12 years.