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Trend watch: Sector research (October 2008 Charity Times)
Research reveals a skills gap in the sector which should be closed by more training and development. Sensible, says Ben Wittenberg, but also project funding is at the core of the skills challenges that parts of the sector face today.
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Trend watch: Sector research (June 2008 Charity Times)
Research in the voluntary sector is in a mess, with the majority being too general or too specific to do anyone any good. But there is a source of highly relevant research available, says Ben Wittenberg, we just need to tap into it
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Trend watch: Civil Society (April 2008 Charity Times)
It’s gone from the ‘VCS’, to the ‘third sector’, and now, increasingly, to ‘civil society’, but what’s in a name? As the sector’s definition is broadened, however, there is an inverse trend towards aggregation, says Ben Wittenberg
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Trend watch: Public service delivery (February 2008 Charity Times)
Can a level playing field ever be achieved between the third and private sectors in the commissioning of public services? No, says Ben Wittenberg, and even attempting to do so demonstrates a profound lack of understanding...
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Civil society assembly 'must not become sole sector voice’ (20 February 2008 Charity Finance)
The new civil society assembly being set up by the NCVO must be careful not to become the only sector voice that the government consults on key issues of public policy. Read more
Ministers must not set priorities for unclaimed cash ( January 9 2008 The Guardian)
It sounds like a good idea, but there are concerns the government is to determine what priorities the cash should be spent on. These are written into the bill: youth services, help for individuals in debt or who need financial advice, or on a "social investment wholesaler" (a sort of good causes investment fund)... says Jay Kennedy, DSC Policy Officer. Read more
Demonstrating impact (December 2007 Charity Times)
Is a new ‘charity inspectorate’, as proffered by New Philanthropy Capital’s Martin Brookes, the best way to demonstrate the sector’s effectiveness to funders? No, says Ben Wittenberg, and could in fact be a complete disaster
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Compact (Oct - Nov 2007 Charity Times)
With the Compact Commission in pretty dire straights, and evidence that government is not living up to its promises, Ben Wittenberg says there are some critical approaches needed if the Compact is to actually fulfil its potential
Government funding (September 2007 Charity Times)
Will the outsourcing of government funding to Capacitybuilders, Futurebuilders and the like actually improve the funding process? Yes it will, says Ben Wittenberg, as the current state of affairs is pretty dire
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Third sector mergers(July - Aug 2007 Charity Times)
Greater economies of scale, more purchasing power and reduced staffing costs are all viable arguments for smaller charities to merge; but, asks Ben Wittenberg, will society be worse off from the resulting lack of diversity and choice?
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Grant funding inequalities(June 2007 Charity Times)
Failure to disclose terms and conditions at the beginning of the funding process is reinforcing the unequal relationship between grant makers and grant recipients, argues Ben Wittenberg
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Trustee remuneration (April - May 2007 Charity Times)
Payment of trustees will not improve governance standards in the third sector, says Ben Wittenberg. It will create a financial crisis in which the largest charities offer benefits at the expense of smaller charities’ boards
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The future of funding for smaller VCOs (March 2007 Charity Times)
Is future funding for small and local voluntary and community organisations being threatened? Yes, says Ben Wittenberg, and more transparency is needed if we are to see the true impact of a reduction in local money
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Public service delivery isn’t for everyone (January - February 2007 Charity Times)
The government’s current policy agenda for the voluntary sector is focused almost entirely on those organisations delivering public services. But what about everyone else, asks Ben Wittenberg