Details were released last week, following meetings between the Council of the Association of Guernsey Charities, which has now published a ‘draft Strategy for the Charitable and Voluntary Sector.’
It said it wants comment from AGC members, along with information about the issues faced by the third sector, which they say are not being dealt with at a government level. Strategic Objectives will then be agreed to prioritise actions to address those areas.
Five areas have already been identified for attention:
- Leadership
- Governance and Transparency
- Charitable Giving
- Volunteering
- Commissioning Services for Government
Pictured: The Association of Guernsey Charities has hundreds of members.
Malcolm Woodhams, the AGC Chairman said member feedback is crucial.
“We’ve listened to feedback from a significant number of our members who have voiced concerns that the States of Guernsey has no strategy or policy towards the charitable and voluntary sector. We believe this is essential for our community as a whole.
“Without an appropriate policy working towards agreed Strategic Objectives, our Charity and Voluntary Sector will inevitably become much less effective, particularly given the inexorable population demographic change we will face over the next few decades, with increasing demands for help, and fewer resources available.”
Mr Woodhams said the States will be involved going forward, once the charities have decided what they want.
“The research behind this strategy, and the engagement with Guernsey member charities will guide us in our discussions with the States going forward. It is an opportunity for our members to have a say in the future of the sector.”
His thoughts were echoed by the AGC Vice Chairman, Peter Rose, who also said charities have been frustrated at a lack of States action.
“The Social Compact was signed by the States of Guernsey in 2014 with a primary commitment To Foster and Encourage Development of the Third Sector. However, many charities report that they have not seen any positive results.
“We hope that Government will grasp this opportunity and properly engage with charities and voluntary organisations in Guernsey to guide ongoing discussions about initiatives such as the Social Investment Commission.”
The AGC has asked for feedback by the end of this year. A copy is available on the Association’s website.
Once the feedback has been received, and the strategy updated, the AGC said it would then formally adopt it in early 2019.