Voluntary sector leaders have called for the new Labour government to ensure charities are involved in policy discussions at all levels if they are to work in partnership together.
After the Labour Party’s landslide victory in the general election overnight, charity leaders have urged Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour colleagues to make good on promises to consult the voluntary sector on policy decisions.
Sarah Elliott, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “This election result marks a significant shift in our political landscape and while the dynamics may have changed, the role of charities remains as critical as ever.
“Over the past months, we’ve heard Labour commit to wanting to partner with the voluntary sector and that they see charities as vital to delivering against their missions. Now we must be really clear – charities aren’t just here to deliver.
“We must have a seat at the table from the very start of planning new policy initiatives, so the voices of communities are heard.”
She said there was a “real opportunity” for the new government to grasp.
“The voluntary sector has an army of untapped and undervalued skills and potential that will help turn this country around,” she said.
“The government must forge a new relationship with charities where we work in true partnership to build a better society. We stand ready and willing to do this.”
Dan Corry, chief executive of the charity think tank NPC, said: “This moment of change is a powerful opportunity for charities and philanthropists to join forces with the government to help improve people’s lives all over the country.
“It’s vital that civil society has a strong voice in Whitehall if Labour is going to be able to deliver on its five missions.
“As new ministers settle into their briefs, NPC and the whole social sector – charities, funders, philanthropists, and impact investors – stand ready to assist with the mission of re-building our country.”
Jane Ide, chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo, said: “We look forward to working with the new administration to reset the relationship between government and civil society – not for our sake, not for theirs, but the sake of the people and causes we are all here to serve.”
Neil Heslop, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: “Charities are the backbone of society, experts in serving communities and in innovating to deliver great social impact.
“But they have been through tough times. This new government needs a fresh approach to working in partnership with civil society – so it thrives and not just survives.
“A central enabler for this is a strategy to unlock greater philanthropy and social investment across the UK.”
Stephen Muers, chief executive of the social investment wholesaler Better Society Capital, said his sector was ready to support the new government.
“Through providing social and affordable housing, creating cheaper and more efficient public services and funding innovative tech products which change lives every day, social investment has proven to be a trusted mechanism to help government deliver on promises,” he said.
“By creating a policy environment which fosters social investment, the new government can leverage £50bn of additional investment to make a positive impact across the country.”