Memorandum from Mandy Lawrence
I think that there needs to be more accountability
within the third sector, to the public.
At present the accountability levels seem to
remain within the third sector organisations themselves with little
scope for appropriate independent scrutiny.
I would like to see charities involving those
who fund them in the decision making on a regular basis, and for
transparency when informing funders and members of the public
of what they are doing and why. I also think it is important for
information on what funding has been spent on to be open access
to the public.
In regards to complaints about how third sector
organisations run their affairs. This needs to be, again, effectively
dealt with. Proper and transparent procedures should be in place
and again the public (an independent body made up of members of
the public) should oversee how these procedures are used and if/how
complaints are dealt with.
Ultimately, charities and the voluntary sector
should not be dictated to or driven by government directives but
should be driven by those they have been set up to represent/support
and the independent funders who are often members of the public.
I think the fact that many charities are relying on and seeking
out government funding means that they will lose independence
and become another section of the government.This leads to too
much government control and not enough democracy.
March 2007
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