The interim report provides an assessment of the third sector as it stands at the moment with regard to what it has achieved so far and what remains to be done. It clarifies and defines the role of the sector. It identifies how Government interacts with the sector and makes suggestions as to how this should be structured. How Government and the sector can best work together is considered and also what more Government should do to achieve the long-term goals of building a more cohesive society in the context of demographic change in the global economy.

The review of the third sector is part of the Government’s 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review which will set departmental spending plans and priorities for the years 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11. It was initiated in response to a report which set out the challenges of demographic and socio-economic change, cross border competition, technical innovation, global uncertainty and poverty and environmental concerns. These challenges have implications for public services and society, and thus for the third sector.

The review was overseen by a cross-departmental ministerial group and was advised by a third sector advisory panel drawn from a variety of organisations across the third sector. A large consultation was undertaken to inform the review with over 2,000 people representing more than 1,000 organisations being consulted. Events targeted at specific groups of people such as equalities and faith groups were held to gather views. The report represents a snapshot of the third sector at the time of the consultation.

There is a huge diversity across the third sector, in organisations’ size, values, objectives and finances. Different parts of the sector will need different support at different times and future policy development must recognise this diversity. There is an important role for the third sector to play in building stronger, connected communities, in enabling views to be heard and campaigning, in promoting volunteering and mentoring, in furthering social enterprise, and in transforming public services. 

HM Treasury
Phone: +44 20 7270 4558
public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk

01/12/2006

//

Cross-Departmental Ministerial Group; Third Sector Advisory Panel

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Specific sectors