Public put trust in charities to deliver public services

Finance | Gareth Jones | 5 Feb 2008

The public has given a vote of confidence to charities in the debate over public services, after 63 per cent said voluntary organisations were more suitable to provide them than the public sector.

More than 1,000 adults were asked by Ipsos MORI if they thought charities and local voluntary groups could do a better job than local and national government in providing services, such as meals on wheels and playgroups for young children.

The poll was commissioned by insurance company Zurich, which has published a report citing the increasing number of partnerships between charities and public sector organisations as the key challenge facing the voluntary sector.

Perception and reality – the real risks for public service and charitable organisations highlighted funding, loss of independence and confusion in the transfer of risk as key concerns among charities.

Paul Emery, head of charities and voluntary organisations at Zurich, warned that charities were being held increasingly accountable by public authorities, with requirements to demonstrate best practice and handle risk effectively. He cited last year’s Stand and Deliver report from the Charity Commission, which found 62 per cent of charities with an income over £500,000 now delivered public services.

Clare Tickell, chief executive of NCH, which delivers a wide range of public services, believed the result reflected the vital role voluntary organisations already performed in delivering services to communities.

“NCH collaborates closely with local organisations to deliver our services, and in partnership with the children, young people and families we support. As a result, many services – such as Sure Starts and Children’s Centres – have become a neighbourhood ‘hub’, forming part of the glue that keep communities together.

“Developing such close links with communities makes the voluntary sector a recognisable and trusted source of support, which these results show,” she said.

Who's Who: Gareth Jones

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