Labour and Civil Society: Could it be that (whisper it) somebody is finally listening….?

Well I went (virtually) to the Labour and Civil Society symposium hosted by Pro Bono Economics and Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and I have to say I was impressed....

All I can say is that they said all the right things. I was impressed by the humility as well as the respect for the VCS. And they managed to blend that humility, listening and respect with a sense of realism. I know some of the panel were sceptical that no money was mentioned. But how could it be?

Certainly the positive words about allowing charities to have a voice and shape policy was welcome. And Starmer was basically channeling one of my barnstorming soapbox speeches on the VCS designing the modern welfare state - and always being intended to form a parallel and vital part of the partnership. (It’s okay Keir, you can have it this time.)

And much as realities change after elections (indeed this reality may never come to pass at all), there was no desperate weaseling and obvious chicanery around any Big societies as I remember from last time we were around here.

There’s some hope for the VCS here. At least, for those of us who survive as long as November.

A note of caution about pushing ‘philanthropy’ partnerships with the public sector. This could turn into public private partnerships with a different branding. Or Shell making a donation to an environmental charity in return for tax breaks or Government contracts. We’ve been there and done that. No more.

Anyway, I was talking to a very likeable and down to earth colleague a couple of days later, and asked ‘Did you see the Labour and Civil Society conference the other day?’ And he said, rather nonchalantly, ‘Yes, I was there. I had lunch with Keir Starmer.’

Next time, Keir, you need to get me on that guest list.