Strengthening civil society impact on Westminster in the years ahead

Leading civil society experts from across the UK gathered in Cardiff Bay on 21-22 March 2024 to identify key shared priorities in the run up to the General Election and beyond. Funded by the Legal Education Foundation, this high-profile event was hosted by WCVA and the Wales Governance Centre, in partnership with the Civil Society Alliance and the Human Rights Consortia in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Ruth Marks, Chief Executive of WCVA, welcomed over 90 delegates from across all four parts of the UK to the event, being “held at a crucial time for the sector as we respond to new challenges and operate in a tight financial climate.”

In his keynote address, the Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, spoke of the valued role civil society has to play in UK policy making and in connecting communities to decision makers.

Academics, campaigners and charity leaders from Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales provided their insight into the challenges and opportunities of bringing community voices from each of the four parts of the UK to debate developments at Westminster. Topics included the operation of devolution, how charities engage with devolved and central decision makers, and debates and developments around constitutional reform.

“We respect you, we admire you and we thank you” said Lilian Greenwood MP, Shadow Minister for Civil Society in her opening remarks, posing the question of how best to support the huge breadth of civil society and unlock the potential for change and renewal.

Former First Minister for Wales Mark Drakeford MS shared his six suggestions for influencing success: “Be authentic - Be authoritative - Be local - Be there (where decisions are made) - Be vocal - Be bold”

A great many ideas and suggestions were discussed throughout the two days (general election planning, asks around civil society engagement with UK Government, asks around future devolution reform in key areas like equality and human rights…)

Photographer: Natasha Hirst