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Plans for a ‘Civil Society Covenant’ have been welcomed by UK Youth.
A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said the creation of such a covenant “will usher in a new era of partnership between government and civil society and help tackle some of the country’s biggest challenges”.
The covenant framework was launched at a roundtable discussion with civil society leaders – including Ndidi Okezie OBE, UK Youth chief executive – chaired by Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lisa Nandy at 10 Downing Street.
Ndidi said: “This initiative promises to redefine the relationship between the government and the third sector. Ms Nandy came across as authentic, warm and truly committed to doing things differently.”
At the event, Ndidi emphasised the need for urgency, adding “our young people can’t wait 12 months for consultations”, as well as calling for transparency in strategic choices, “so we can be treated like grown ups in understanding that not everything can be prioritised”, and advocating for a “clear, joined-up, national strategy, with a bold vision that organisations can rally behind”.
The DCMS said the covenant marks the “new beginning” of the Government’s relationship with civil society to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues.
The spokesman said: “The new Covenant is designed to harness the knowledge and expertise of voluntary, community, social enterprisesand charities to deliver better outcomes for communities right across the country.
“Civil society occupies a unique place in public life by providing support to those in need, binding communities together and helping drive growth. Across the country, there are countless examples of what partnership between civil society and government can achieve, including youth activities to support vulnerable teenagers and tools to support people into work.
“The new Covenant will build a new partnership between government and civil society based on trust and mutual respect. Crucially, it will unlock the dynamism, innovation and trusted reach of civil society across communities, helping to deliver the defining missions of this government; driving economic growth and opening up opportunity to all.”
Ndidi said key government commitments she took from the event include “genuine partnership with the sector, resetting the relationship with civil society organisations, and a willingness to learn from what works! listen and engage directly”.
She said: “After the roundtable, we were then ushered into a larger reception of Civil Society leaders, where Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke passionately and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to service and collaboration with our sector. The atmosphere was electric—optimism and determination filled the room of leaders.
“We stand at the cusp of transformative change, ready to drive concrete outcomes that will benefit all. This renewed partnership between government and civil society holds immense promise. Now, it’s time to turn words into action and create lasting impact for those we serve.”
Announcing the covenant, Sir Keir said: “To fix the foundations of our country, we need a fundamental reset of the relationship between government and civil society. That is why we’re building a new partnership with the sector to tackle the complex social and economic challenges we face as a country.
“By harnessing the dynamism, innovation and trusted reach of civil society organisations, we can boost growth and deliver better outcomes for communities right across the country.”
Ms Nandy said: “The Covenant paves the way for a new era in the relationship between government and civil society — one that recognises the critical role the sector plays as a trusted partner in achieving shared goals for the benefit of communities across the UK.
“Voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises all understand the challenges being faced every day in our villages, towns and cities and the government wants to work hand-in-hand with them to help fix them — changing lives for the better.”
About UK Youth
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org
UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes
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