Big Society Policy Resource

Big Society –the VSNW Policy Resource
The ‘Big Society’ concept is a growing part of the Coalition Government’s language and thinking.
 
As yet it is not a clearly defined concept except that, very loosely, it speaks of a rolling back of the state and the stepping in of ‘Civil Society’ (defined as third sector plus). In a small way, Big Society offers a platform for engaging with the new Government. If there’s a serious and concerted will to make it happen, it could be a very important context for how we as a sector seek to define ourselves.
 
To help highlight this important debate and draw your attention to how it will affect the third sector we have pulled together a resource to help keep you up to date with the developing issues. For the next few months we will build on this informal resource and you may wish to subscribe or comment.
 
At the moment the site outlines the beginnings and background context of the debate:
  • from its roots in the Conservative Think Tank, The Centre for Social Justice
  • its transformation into a Conservative Party policy (Stronger Society to Control Shift)
  • launch of the Big Society Network and latest news from their Blog
  • to the pre-election open letter to the voluntary sector from Francis Maude and Nick Hurd
  • the formal early outline of the Big Society programme plus launch video
  • early responses from national third sector bodies
  • early thoughts and biography of the new Government advisor on Big Society, Nat Wei
  • latest thoughts, via twitter, of Nick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society
To find out a bit more, or get involved in the debate, or sign up for updates and simply follow the issues click the link below and go to:

VSNW’s Big Society Policy Resource

Featured News

14 May 2013

Supporting influence on health and wellbeing boards

Regional Voices, of which VSNW is a partner, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from the Department of Health (Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund) to support voluntary and community sector influence on health and wellbeing boards

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25 April 2013

New report - Effectiveness of European Social Fund delivery

The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has published the findings of a research study on European Social Fund delivery with the aim of informing thinking around the next round of programmes

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24 April 2013

List of North West Local Healthwatch Contacts

Healthwatch England was formed in April 2013 and is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in England. They have now published a list of local Healthwatch, including those for the North West

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23 April 2013

How to Sustain an Effective Local Healthwatch Organisation

The Local Government Chronicle held a webinar to explore the essential elements to ensure local healthwatch organisations are effective in scrutinising local health services and provide a voice for communities. Regional Voices, of which VSNW are a part, are mentioned.  

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26 March 2013

NAVCA analysis of Transforming Local Infrastructure

An analysis has been published by NAVCA of the 74 areas that received Transforming Local Infrastructure and provides a national perspective, and allows the sharing of information and ideas

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