The Civil Society Covenant

The Covenant is a new agreement to improve and reset the relationship between civil society and government.

The Covenant is designed to:

• support collaboration between civil society organisations and government
• ensure respect for the different roles we play, and protect our independence
• support all public bodies and civil society organisations
• build on and support existing agreements in place at a local level
• complement other arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Read the Civil Society Covenant draft principles

While there have been some positive examples of collaboration, our relationship with the government has been transactional for too long.

The new government is very keen to work with us to develop a more collaborative approach, so we can tackle society’s challenges together.

For more information, download our FAQ document.

We have worked with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to develop four draft high-level principles.

Once finalised, these principles will form the Civil Society Covenant.

Principle 1: Recognition - to ensure a strong and independent civil society

We think this principle should:

• ensure both civil society and government can play their different roles in society
• recognise the value of civil society
• support the independence of civil society organisations to speak out in line with their purpose.

Principle 2: Partnership - to ensure effective service delivery and policy-making

We think this principle should:

• encourage meaningful conversations between civil society and government
• ensure civil society is involved in decision-making
• remove barriers for smaller organisations
• encourage partnership arrangements that facilitate collaboration.

Principle 3: Participation - to ensure people and communities can be heard and make a difference

We think this principle should:

• support government and civil society organisations to empower and engage communities in decision making
• include a joint commitment to civic rights, including the right to peaceful protest and legitimate campaigning
• support effective consultation processes.

Principle 4: Transparency - to ensure civil society and government have the information needed to best serve people and communities

We think this principle should:

• include a shared commitment to working openly and transparently
• encourage civil society organisations and government to improve data collection and evidence
• support honest conversations about funding and the challenges we’re facing.

If you have any questions about this work, please contact policy@ncvo.org.uk.

This work is being delivered in partnership by:

Alongside our partners NICVA, SCVO and WCVA, NCVO and ACEVO are coordinating voluntary sector responses.