Press Release, April 2012
Independence Panel opens its doors to help shape next phase of inquiry
Small organisations lined up to have their say at sector’s first open evidence gathering event on independence
The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector is holding a public open evidence gathering session on the morning of 26th April at the Baring Foundation, in London. Giving formal evidence are Community Matters, the National Coalition for Independent Action and LVSC, which supports London’s 60,000 voluntary and community organisations. In addition, there is an open invitation to members of the public, who will be given the opportunity to join in a group discussion following the evidence session.
The Panel published its first Annual Statement on Independence in January this year, based on a six month period of consultation, evidence gathering and analysis of data from across the sector. The Statement said that the Panel had found “real and present” risks to the independence of the voluntary sector and said it would be looking for evidence of improvement in the year ahead in areas of concern, such as the Government’s funding and commissioning practices and the operation of regulatory and other safeguards.
To build on its initial findings, the Panel is seeking to deepen its understanding of the experience of different parts of the sector as it gathers evidence for its next report, in particular from smaller voluntary and community organisations and those working with disadvantaged groups which might be facing particular challenges in the current stringent financial climate. The Panel will also be seeking to hear more from larger charities during 2012.
Panel Member Andrew Hind, who will be chairing the open evidence session said:
“Independence is vital because it ensures the interests of people served by the sector come first and that the sector maintains public trust. In this second year of the Panel, it is very important that we continue to uncover evidence of where the challenges are, and also of where things are improving. We are excited that this evidence session will give us the opportunity to hear about the experience of organisations on the ground, particularly small organisations. Anyone who would like to join the audience is welcome.”
This open evidence session will be the first opportunity for voluntary organisations and those with an interest in the sector to offer their views on the Panel’s findings to date, its priorities for the future and how issues of independence are affecting their capacity to deliver and work on behalf of their beneficiaries.
Members of the public and media are welcome to attend and take part, though they need to book their attendance in advance by emailing [email protected]. There will be an opportunity for group discussion at the end of the session.
The evidence session will take place at the Baring Foundation at 60 London Wall London EC2 between 11.30am and 1.45pm on 26 April.
ENDS