The Office of the Third Sector was a division within the Cabinet Office dedicated to leading and co-ordinating work across government that relates to the sector. It was renamed Office for Civil Society following the 2010 general election. 

The OTS was created in May 2006 in recognition of the increasingly important role the third sector plays in both society and the economy. It claimed that its work helps the sector to campaign for change, deliver public services, promote social enterprise and strengthen communities.

It also dished out the government’s funding to the sector and during the 2008-9 year oversaw a £515m funding programme.  Some 45 civil society organisations were strategic partners to the OTS and received an annual grant.