Christmas Edition 2009 Quick Survey Analysis

By Jay Kennedy, Policy Officer, Directory of Social Change

In our Christmas Quick Survey we asked:

It’s that time of year when we reflect on the past, look forward to the future and think about the meaning of things. There is a choice of two words on each line below – choose the word or phrase you think best represents the voluntary sector:

There were 453 responses, including 70 written comments.  A selection of the comments is provided below, following the main themes of opinion which appear in bold.

Several people made general comments about the language we use to describe ourselves and our work:

"I have just been thinking about the Good Samaritan and I reckon that while he might be able to cope with registration as a charity his view of "investment", "infrastructure" and "service users" would be to scoff at it as a load of management jargon from the Pharisees."

"It’s interesting how the terminology of business management affects our thinking when it isn't appropriate for the sector. The VCS needs to articulate more effectively its own models of management and leadership rather than using the failed ones from the world or corporate business."

"Let's change the language that we use back to that which much more reflects the real values of the sector!"

A number of people thought that upholding values and ‘spirit of the cause’ was more difficult in a climate of measuring effectiveness, outcomes, actions, etc.

"We lose the spirit amongst the statistics."

"Use deadening measurement techniques on voluntary organisations and you drain the life-blood from them or just beat them to death. So, Trust Human Beings to Help by Giving of themselves and you achieve the ultimate VALUE."

"In these days of increasing accountability, decreasing budgets and continual "box ticking" the spirit of the voluntary sector is in danger of being lost. We need to fight to keep it alive."

"Don't always focus on what can be measured, value what cannot too."

Some people suggested additional or alternative words they think are important:

"I would have liked to use the word "caring" because that is what this section does and provide, and what is needed today as much as ever."

"It's primarily about people, rather than policy; about caring, before counting; about living and (in significant part at least) being and doing good."

"To me "altruism" sums up the voluntary sector. That is considering the needs of others (human or environmental) beyond our own self-interest."

"Investment is also important both financial investment and the investment of human endeavour. Voluntary does not exclude the need for investment."

Other people who commented felt that organisations don’t always live up to their own values, lose their values, or have the wrong values:

"OR these words SHOULD describe the sector but sadly, all too often they don't."

"Depends who you are talking to. It seems many voluntary organisations are inextricably linked to statutory funders who want/need the language of service users, investment etc but in the process take the heart out of what is being done. In contrast some voluntary organisations feel they have a God given right to exist and do little sustain themselves outside of statutory funding. A conundrum and an extra mince pie goes to the person who can find a solution."

"The Voluntary sector also represents failings of the government. If greed was replaced with generosity there would be less need for charity."

"The Third Sector is mainly driven by values rather than investment and infrastructure, in my opinion from working with various charities and trusts, and if they were driven by other than values they would not continue to input of themselves; the day they become "business driven" is the day they decide they are not valued and appreciated. The fact that they continue to give, give and give of their time and dedication against the odds of trying to build some kind of infrastructure is what makes them truly unique"