Sharon PalmerChief Executive

28th September 2010

BIG SOCIETYWhat does and could it mean?

“The Big Society represents an approach that seeks to give increased power to people to solve problems closer to where they live”

A cross-government policy programme which will create a climate that empowers local people and communities

Not a process or a structure : an outcome

What Is The Big Society?

Key objectives

To change the relationship between the state and the individual To give control to the individual and the

community To change behaviours and values To tackle social problems and improve lives… To tackle disadvantage… LOCALLY

Building Blocks

Accountability and transparency : information, right to buy / right to request Building activism and local activity : organisers / community first Building citizenship and volunteering Developing the role of the community

and the voluntary sectors service provision and delivery : commissioning, Big Society Bank, Social Investment Bonds, co-ops and mutuals, Community Housing Trusts, community enterprise

and

Reducing bureacracy and intervention Encouraging local integrated services Co design and co-production Focus on outcomes Focus on front line service delivery Tackle intransigent issues

Drivers

Resources : reduction Reform : policy Power differentials : shift

FOCUS : The individual : The community responsibility

participation

Building on what is there now and what works

Power and rights but ….responsibility? Limited resources ….balance with demand? Ensuring the most disadvantaged do not get marginalised Understanding and ameliorating risks Making, finding and capitalising on opportunities

Big Society already exists in the sector