By Kathryn Sturgeon, Research and Events Officer and Malene Bratlie, Alliance Coordinator
On 21 January the Brexit Civil Society Alliance launched our new report, Seizing the Opportunity: the case for embracing civil society’s role in democracy. To mark the occasion we had a virtual launch event, hearing from expert speakers and opening up the discussion to attendees.
The event was opened by Malene Bratlie, BCSA Coordinator who introduced the session and our speakers. She then provided an introduction to the report, explaining why it is needed now - in the context of COVID-19 and as the government forms post Brexit policies - more than ever.
We then heard from the report author, Kathryn Sturgeon, who outlined the basis of the report and its findings. The first part of the research demonstrates the importance of civil society to democracy. Not only is the strength of civil society an indicator of the health of a country’s democracy, but civil society organisations are uniquely placed to make other democratic practices better. The report then sets out and assesses the current position across the UK, before setting out recommendations to achieve a vision for a vibrant civil society in which civil society organisations can engage in democratic processes inside and outside of the formal policy sphere..
Our first keynote speaker was Sue Tibballs, the CEO of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, who set out the environment in which third sector organisations are operating. Their 2020 Campaigner Survey results were published on 15 January, showing that there has been a growing gap between politicians and the public in the last year. Whilst the public has become more supportive of third sector campaigning, politicians were becoming increasingly hostile. Indeed, 90% of respondents felt there are threats to civic space, with most feeling this comes from conditions on funding and negative rhetoric from politicians.
After a short Q & A session, attendees at the launch split into three virtual breakout rooms:
What does meaningful engagement look like and how do we collectively advocate for it? Led by Jane Thomas former BCSA Coordinator
How does civil society respond to the shrinking of civic space? Led by Kristiana Wrixon, Head of Policy at ACEVO
Lessons from Wales: how do we improve engagement with Westminster? Led by Anna Nicholl, Director of Strategy and Sector Development at WCVA.
Fantastic discussions were held in all three sessions, hearing from individuals from across the UK, different types of organisations, those working in third sector infrastructure, and in local government. The theme that came out from all three sessions is the need for organisations to work together in a truly inclusive way: forming networks, learning from experience in the devolved nations, and presenting a joined up vision to the public of a better future. By doing this we can celebrate the work of civil society, bring the public on side, and create a powerful counterforce to the government’s attack on civic space.
The launch event finished with an inspiring talk from Ruth Ibegbuna, Founder of RECLAIM, The Roots Programme, and a Commissioner in the new Commission on Civil Society. Ruth reminded us of the importance of governments listening to those individuals who their policies are impacting: the difference between making decisions for communities and with them. She went on to explore the role of civil society organisations in bridging that gap, reiterating the importance of the third sector being bold in creating change.
What has become increasingly clear throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is that charities, community groups and voluntary organisations are, in the words of one event attendee, ‘the glue that holds society together’. It was agreed by participants that this is the moment for radical hope. We present this report as a step towards that vision.
The event was a great success and we would like to thank our speakers and facilitators for taking part. Read the report and executive summary here.