Charities must make new alliances, some “unusual”, to create a healthy democratic space, a new report claims.
Defending our democratic space by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) and Civil Exchange uses the term ‘democratic space’ to define how people and civil society organisations help to shape policies, services and laws.
This democratic space is laden with threats nowadays, according to the report, including the limiting of rights to protest.
Moreover, there has also been some perceived politicisation of the Charity Commission, and there have been ill-founded complaints made by backbench MPs to the regulator, the report adds.
One participant in the research likened the shrinking of democratic space to ‘boiled frog syndrome’, which happens progressively over time without being noticed.
To combat this, charities must have conversations across the political spectrum, and there are “unusual allies to be made”, according to the report.
Democratic space ‘can be defended and repaired’
SMK’s report cites Civicus, a civic space monitor, which shows the UK’s civic freedoms are currently classed as obstructed.
The charity sector has a “leading role” to play in having conversations about civic freedoms with different parties, the report states.
Charities and the social sector should lead the way in connecting different parties and curating this conversation because they are at the sharp end of changes and well placed to see the bigger picture, the report adds.
They must be bold in the face of challenge, co-ordinate their activities, and create common cause across different interests and positions.
“More investment by charitable foundations is needed in their capacity. Although they can do much to raise awareness, help build the momentum for change, and lift ambitions, it is politicians who ultimately bear the responsibility for defending our democratic space. Only they can stop this serious situation from getting worse and set a new direction.”
Call to action
The 41-page report closes with a call to action for charities and social sector organisations.
It challenges charities to consider whether they are “staying silent when delivering your mission” and if that mission “requires you to speak up or join forces with others”.
The report suggests charities should build alliances with others and join existing networks, and that staff should dedicate time to “the shared civil society effort”.
It states charities should: “Lead by example and speak up, including on subjects that impact your core issues, such as climate breakdown, cost of living, poverty, or inequality. Tell your staff and supporters why you believe it is important.”
The report reflects qualitative research, including 32 interviews and four roundtables with people working in civil society, trade unions and politics.
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