The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector has launched a consultation inviting sector views on the state of the sector’s independence.

The results will feed into the first of five annual reports from the Panel, which will be published later this year.

Each report will contain a ‘Barometer of Independence’ which will seek to measure where independence is strong or weak.  This will be ascertained by asking the sector key questions that will help to assess how well independence is being achieved and maintained.

The Panel published its consultation report, Voluntary Sector Independence, today. In the foreword, Panel chair Dame Anne Owers said that the commitment and connection of voluntary organisations with the people they serve allows them to meet needs, speak up without fear or favour and deliver services innovatively and effectively.  “This independence – of purpose, voice and action – is what makes the voluntary sector special and enables it to service the interests of those who might otherwise be left without support or a voice because they lack power or influence.

“This Panel…has been established by the Baring Foundation because of continued concerns about that independence.”  She said the Panel’s investigations would cover independence in general, “not just from central and local government, but also from other vested interests such as private sector corporations or grantmaking foundations”.

The report goes on: “The prime responsibility for maintaining independence lies with voluntary organisations themselves – trustees, staff and the people and communities they serve. Above all, independence has to be asserted.

“When the impact of voluntary sector organisations is strong, its impact is huge. But independence can be undermined and when it is, the process is often gradual and imperceptible.  It is often only missed when it is too late.”

The document quotes figures from the NCVO Civil Society Almanac about the proportion of charities that receive government funding and which sub-sectors receive the most.  It also outlines the statutory environment that service-delivery charities operate in, describes the Big Society and discusses the effect of spending cuts.

It poses questions for respondents such as: ‘What do you think are the significant challenges or threats that are being faced by the sector in relation to independence?  Are these new or long-standing?’ and ‘What initiatives and changes do you think could help to strengthen the independence of the sector?’

It also invites views on the Panel’s proposed Barometer of Independence and how it intends to measure independence.

The consultation closes on 21 September.