The Civil Society Covenant: A Chance to Reset the Relationship with Civil Society 

The Civil Society Covenant paves the way for how the government seeks to engage with civil society. After over a decade of faltering relations, coupled with severe cuts to public services, civil society is having to push beyond boundaries, often acting as the fourth emergency service to help the most vulnerable.

Though the Covenant shows some positive steps in how the government intends to engage with civil society, it must go beyond co-opting the sector. Any new civil society engagement must learn from the mistakes of the Big Society Compact to ensure this new partnership transcends beyond a Labour government by genuinely partnering with civil society to deliver social outcomes for the benefit of the public. 

Of the most prominent ways in which civil society has been challenged is the vast shrinking of civic spaces. Legislation such as the Lobbying Act (2014) and the Policing Act (2022), and anti-advocacy clauses in government grants have curbed the ability of organisations to campaign and advocate effectively. These laws have fostered a culture of self-censorship within the sector, discouraging organisations from exercising their fundamental rights to protest or engage lawmakers. This erosion of rights has led to a downgrade of the UK’s position on global freedom indices, a stark reminder of the barriers preventing civil society from engaging with the government. Restoring civic space is critical to rebuilding trust and enabling civil society to fulfil its role as a vital partner in addressing societal challenges. Without this, the Covenant risks being yet another hollow promise.  

A true partnership involves the government sharing power with civil society, working together to design policies and services that meet the needs of those the government cannot reach alone. The example of South Africa stands above others, enshrined in the Non-Profit Organisation Act of 1997, where every organ of the state has a duty to coordinate with non-profit organisations. Such a duty not only acknowledges the role of civil society, but contributes towards an environment where there is constant engagement and dialogue between civil society and government. In these contexts, civil society plays a key role in co-designing policies and public services, enabling governments to create better legislation while ensuring equitable access to resources for voluntary organisations. This approach fosters mutual learning and enhances the capacity of both parties to serve the public effectively. To avoid repeating the mistakes of the Big Society Compact, the Covenant must include robust accountability mechanisms. Genuine engagement and equitable resource distribution can transform the relationship between government and civil society, ensuring long-term success. 

Muslim organisations have historically been excluded and even vilified by previous governments when attempting to engage.

Instead of fostering inclusivity, previous governments have shut them out of civic spaces. The government’s long-standing ban on engaging with the Muslim Council of Britain and its controversial definition of extremism highlight this exclusion. These definitions, criticised even by former Home Secretaries, seemed to disproportionately target Muslim organisations, particularly those critical of policies like Prevent. Excluding the largest umbrella body of Muslim organisations demonstrates a stark reality: meaningful partnership cannot be achieved without including marginalised voices. Muslim organisations provide tailored, culturally sensitive services that the government cannot replicate. Their exclusion undermines efforts to build genuine partnerships. If the Covenant is to succeed, it must create a space at the table for these voices, ensuring that no community is left behind. 

The Civil Society Covenant offers a unique chance to reverse years of austerity and decline in public services. It is more than a framework for engagement; it is an opportunity to leverage collective action to tackle urgent issues such as record-high NHS waiting lists and growing food poverty.

For the Covenant to succeed, the government must go beyond warm words. It must commit to inclusion, accountability, and meaningful partnership. Civil society, in turn, must articulate how its work aligns with the government’s missions while maintaining its independence. By fostering a collaborative relationship, the Covenant can unlock the full potential of civil society, demonstrating the power of collective action to serve the public interest. 

If you would like to discuss the Covenant with us, please get in touch at: [email protected]