The new UK Civil Society Covenant was officially launched on 17th July marking an opportunity to reset relationships between government and civil society. This follows the call from the Prime Minister last year for a ‘fundamental reset’ in how civil society and government work together.
This was a commitment echoed at the time by WCVA CEO Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, who welcomed the opportunity to build a more open, collaborative and respectful partnership across all nations of the UK. From the outset, WCVA has welcomed the chance to help shape this conversation and ensure the Welsh context is learned from and respected.
THE COVENANT AND WALES
For us in Wales, the Covenant represents a step forward in how we engage with UK Government on matters that are not devolved to Welsh Government. The Covenant does not replace or override any of the strong frameworks already in place within Wales.
Our own Third Sector Scheme, established in law and jointly owned by Welsh Government and the sector, remains the gold standard. It continues to guide how we work together across all policy areas devolved to Wales, from health and education to climate action and volunteering.
That partnership is built into the structures of government here, with the Third Sector Partnership Council and regular engagement through ministerial portfolios. The Covenant must complement these structures. It also offers a chance for other parts of the UK Government to learn from how partnership working is already embedded in Wales through Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW).
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