evidence and views from elsewhere

Appearing here, in reverse chronological order, are posts that presented evidence to support NCIA’s perspectives, alongside views and opinions about the changes that were taking place over the period of our work.

Academics stand up for independence

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We’re not the only ones saying mind your language when it comes to the ‘big society’ show. NCIA folks have been inspired by the academics who have protested at the inclusion of the party political term ‘big society’ in the funding agreement between the government and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

More than … Continue reading

Tick outside the box – arms dealers and the 2011 Census

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Cardboard box by Hay KranenPeople are being urged to boycott the 2011 Census, being run by arms dealers and defence contractors CACI and Lockheed Martin. CACI, the Scottish agents, are said to have interrogated prisoners at Abu Graibh – and now they want to ask us a few questions. Check out Ethical Census for the Scottish campaign. On a … Continue reading

Community revolution entrusted to Locality

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Digestive biscuitsThe issue that has, by far and away, put the national gossips in a tizzy has been the award of the £15M community organisers contract to Locality, the pseudo-business quango formed by the merger of Bassac and the Development Trust Association. Expected by all (including Locality) to go to the Citizens Organising Foundation (which at … Continue reading

Cake or death? A comment on the cuts, ‘big society’ and community sector ‘cognitive dissonance’

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Cake or death image‘Big society’ is a bust, local authorities have problems of their own and economic recovery is unlikely any time soon, writes Andrew Climo, CEO of Community Leaders. His advice for people who work in the community sector? Question partnerships with the statutory sector, only do projects with profound community benefits, lobby for what your community … Continue reading

Cats among pigeons at CSC

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A few hackles seem to have been raised following an open meeting on 7 December 2010 to discuss the Big Society Show, convened by the Community Sector Coalition (CSC).

People at the meeting had the temerity to be openly critical of the government’s motives and intentions, and even discussed the need to resist them! About … Continue reading

Delayed compact is definitely useless

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The latest version of the compact – the bit of paper that reckons to set out a more equal relationship between voluntary organisations and the government – has now been put off indefinitely.

We’re not too worried as the compact continues to ignore the bulk of small scale voluntary action. Meanwhile the compact industry sucks … Continue reading

Government has no business running civil society

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Government has no business running civil society. And voluntary agencies have no business running public services. NCIA’s Peter Bird talks with trade unionists

Cameron’s ‘big society’ is a front for cuts, privatisation, the exploitation of labour and good will, and undermining trade unions. Peter explains….. The other morning I heard the Chief Executive of a … Continue reading

Just wages – get your union to practice what they preach

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Just Wage campaign calls on Unite members. In 2010, the UK’s biggest trades union UNITE will hold elections for the post of General Secretary – their most senior elected officer. Just Wage is asking the candidates in this election to commit to:
1. a just wage within their organisations and
2. support for a campaign … Continue reading