The NCVO has published
a manifesto to further strengthen the relationship between local authorities
and the voluntary and community sector (VCS). Sent to the local government
spokespeople for the three main political parties and leading members of
the Local Government Association, it calls for elected officials to demonstrate
their commitment to VCS by:
- Working with the
VCS to improve consultation and community involvement mechanisms, including
enhancing the engagement of potentially excluded groups
- Considering potential
barriers to VCS service delivery
- Engaging the VCS
as key partners in the negotiation and delivery of local public service
agreements
Chris Stalker, Head
of Campaigns and Communications at NCVO said: "By pledging support
for the manifesto, local authorities will help to ensure their relationship
with charities and community groups continues to be effective and meaningful."
The manifesto is based
on a series of principles that the elected officials and political parties
can sign up to. These include:
- Recognition - local
authorities should recognise the contribution of the VCS to the quality
of life and wellbeing within their localities
- Respect - local
authorities should improve mutual understanding between sectors by developing
a Local Compact which will help underpin the relationship
- Partnership - to
work with the sector in consultation and co-production to achieve better
and more inclusive policy making, resulting in better services for local
people
Copies of the manifesto
‘Recognition, Respect and Partnership’ can be obtained by
emailing
policy@ncvo-vol.org
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