Government Launches Civil Society Covenant
The UK government has launched the Civil Society Covenant, outlining a new way of working that puts people and communities at the heart of decision making.
The Covenant sets out how civil society and public bodies will work together at both national and local level in the future, to design policy that works for everyone. While also marking a commitment to improve collaboration across wider public bodies in health, local government and the justice system.
It applies to all UK government departments and recognises the vital role of charities, social enterprises, faith-based groups, unions, funders and informal community organisations.
As part of the Covenant’s launch, the government has confirmed:
- a new Joint Civil Society Covenant Council, which will bring together civil society and senior officials to oversee how the Covenant is implemented
- a Local Partnerships Programme, designed to support better working relationships between local authorities, public bodies and civil society
- a developing VCSE-HM Treasury forum, providing a regular space for engagement on economic and financial issues affecting the sector.
These measures aim to support a stronger, more consistent relationship between government and civil society at all levels.
Saskia Konynenburg, Executive Director, NCVO SAID:
“The voluntary sector is vital to the fabric of a fair and equal society. Today, the government has recognised the crucial role our sector plays in achieving that. The Civil Society Covenant lays out the ambition for how we put people and communities back at the heart of decision making and lays a roadmap for a relationship where true lived experience forms the basis of designing good government policy.”
“In 2024, NCVO and ACEVO led a major engagement exercise with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hearing from over 1,000 civil society organisations. Organisations told us they wanted a Covenant with clear commitments, meaningful accountability, and practical impact.”
“We published our findings and recommendations in May 2025. Since then, we’ve contributed to the Civil Society Advisory Group convened by DCMS to help shape the final version.”
“We’ve been working with government officials, partners and our infrastructure and membership body counterparts to make sure the final Covenant works for those it is designed to support.”
Paul Farmer Chief Executive at Age UK said:
“For many years, we have seen the positive role that civil society partners can play as strategic partners and independent advocates. We can play a significant role in rebuilding communities locally and shaping change nationally.
“We welcome the publication of the covenant as a crucial first step in rebuilding trust and partnership working between civil society and government at all levels. We know the crucial role those local organisations, such as local Age UKs, play in supporting communities.
“The announcement of joint task and finish groups on key topics like commissioning are especially welcome to help ensure a level playing field for charities who deliver lifesaving, life changing and life affirming support.
“The task now is to build on the momentum to create and embed positive change both locally and nationally.”
