[cma-l] New guidance for consulting with the third sector (in England)

[CMA-L]

** England only **

Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, has announced the
publication of a practical handbook to help public servants open up
the consultation process to reach third sector workers on the ground
and to use their experience to influence policy outcomes.

The handbook accompanies new research by Involve on effective and
innovative ways of consulting with the third sector.  The report was
itself the product of a partnership between government and the sector,
and was funded and commissioned by the Office of the Third Sector and
Children England, an umbrella organisation for third sector
organisations working with children, young people and their families.

Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

"One of the most fundamental tasks that the third sector undertakes is
to ensure that the voices of individuals, organisations and
communities are heard – including the most marginalised sections of
society.

"We recognise that the unique role and the diversity of the third
sector sets policy makers a challenge in conducting effective,
meaningful consultation - but the benefit of getting it right makes it
well worth the effort.

"Government policy has a real impact on the people whose lives we all
aim to improve. This practical handbook will help policy makers work
more effectively with third sector organisations, contributing to a
stronger and fairer society."

The research illustrates how third sector organisations can influence
the debate about local needs and can provide unique perspectives and
insights as to how those needs are addressed.  It also encourages an
environment in which the third sector can work in partnership with
government, and can campaign for change, whilst retaining its
independent voice.

You can access the research via the links below. An interactive
version on the handbook will be available in the consultation section
of the website shortly.

- Better together: improving consultation with the third sector [PDF,
1.07MB, 118 pages]: http://tinyurl.com/5ssvdz
- Involve: http://tinyurl.com/55pm5t
- Consultation section: http://tinyurl.com/553qxk