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Finance | Gareth Jones | 1 May 2008

A number of stories over the last month or so have provoked some interesting feedback on the Charity Finance website. The NCVO’s suggestion that the term ‘added value’ be replaced by full value has certainly divided opinion.

One argument is that the sector does not merely add value. “Without the voluntary sector, society would not function. It is essential, not merely an add-on,” said Rita Beddard. However, contrary views said that what voluntary sector organisations offer are additional benefits for service recipients, and commissioning organisations, that public and private counterparts cannot offer. Therefore, as this is in addition to contractual obligations, it is added value.

Another comment, from Glen Atkinson, said that the terms themselves were not important. “The fact remains that the statutory sector needs the third sector in regard to service delivery. I believe that the work needs to be viewed as a partnership. In my experience the third sector providers have continuously had to prove themselves to be worthy of recognition which in itself has caused the sector as a whole to increase the quality and cost effectiveness of its services. There is a need for more respect to be given to third sector providers for the excellent work they do, rather than an attitude, held by some but not everyone, of mistrust ie. we are the professionals and you are the amateurs and so need to continue to prove yourselves.”

Elsewhere, acevo’s suggestion that the third sector establishes its own university was accused of being “pretentious and inward-looking”. David Stables, ceo at ACET, cautioned: “Let not the charity sector set itself up as so different from mainstream business and management faculties. Charity modules as offered can suffice.”

Finally, reports that the Charity Commission could fine charities for late submission of accounts prompted the following note of warning from Lorna Plumpton, centre manager at Sefton Enterprises: “Concessions should be made for micro-charities as they often have volunteers running the charity and to financially penalise them would be grossly unfair.” Maggie Rodger argued that before the Commission started to fine for late submission it needed to ensure it could deal with and reliably date submissions as they arrive. “Recorded dates are often a fortnight later than postal delivery dates. Enabling online accounts filing would be a great help.” It was also felt that if the Charity Commission did impose fines they should be donated to other good causes within the UK.

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