Civil Society Futures: 2016–18
Curation of the final reports and insights on the work
This blog is a curation of some of the final materials that were created at the culimation of the Civil Society Futures Inquiry that took place between 2016–18. An inquiry was the culmination of conversations with thousands of people and groups across England, with guidance from a panel and dedicated team.
In internet terms — this work is ancient history. There’s little trace of this work online now (funding cycles drop off, funds to pay for internet hosting long gone), so i’m sharing the links and a few insights, 6 years on for anyone who wants to refer back to it.
Full list and links of final reports:
- The story of Our Times: shifting power, bridging divides, transforming society (2018) — Summary report
- Civil Society in England: It’s current state and future opportunity (2018) — Academic report
- PACT — putting it into practice
- Lets Talk about Race: Civil society and race equality — brap (2018)
In addtion to the final reports, curating a few key outputs:
Definition of civil society:
Reframing and expanding what civil society is and what it means, this definition has since be adopted and used by others working in this space
A PACT for civil society: A behaviour framework
One of the key outputs was the creation of a PACT for civil society, by civil society — shared aspirations for us all to commit to, for the decade ahead and beyond.
The PACT is a map to guide us all in the future: a set of principles, practices and questions that are designed to help each of us forge our own future. It’s an invitation to a set of practices and beahpours that underline all interactions and work we do. Subtle — but significant.
Inquiry process:
There is much more to be shared about the design and strucutre of the inquiry process, but here is a visual overview of it:
This work had a huge influence on me — where I am choosing to spend my time and focus my work, so it’s interesting to read and reflect back. There’s lots more insights about what still feels relevant and what we totally missed off, but for another time.
