[WiLT] 'Respect our autonomy'

[WiL Admin]

'Respect our autonomy'

Six out of 10 voluntary organisations say local public bodies do not
understand the importance of sector independence, according to
research published today.

Stronger Independence, Stronger Relationships, Better Outcomes also
says that 24 per cent feel there is unwarranted influence in their
internal affairs, and 69 per cent of funded groups fear campaigning
would affect their future funding.

The research was commissioned by Compact Voice, which promotes the
Compact, to mark 'local sector independence day' today. The day was
organised amid fears that many public bodies are failing to respect
the independence of charities.

The Compact seeks to support charities' independence by upholding
their right to campaign regardless of funding agreements. But 65 per
cent of the 106 Compact Voice members surveyed say there is "a gap
between what their local Compact says on independence and what happens
in practice".

The report concludes: "In only a minority of areas covered by the
survey do public bodies have a reasonable understanding of sector
independence. Far fewer may realise why it is important for them."

However, the report also urges charities to be more assertive with
public bodies.

"The sector should consider whether it is being a sufficiently
proactive partner in working with government to create better
conditions for local sector independence to thrive," it reads.

"In particular, securing funding for local Compact implementation is
long overdue."

Compact Voice hopes the research will provide a starting point for
joint discussion locally and nationally.

From
http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/DailyBulletin/668353/Respect-autonomy/2E6F6109BC8FC7DBF734A12175462DB8/

Posted on WiLT blog
http://www.freecharity.org.uk/~womeninlondon/?p=354