Big Society still has a big way to go 
Last night I attended a ‘Big Society Open Night’ organised by the Big Society Network. In case you’re wondering who or what the Big Society Network is, they are a new organisation that has been set up to lead the and co-ordinate the thinking and, I assume, some of the implementation behind the Big Society initiative.
The event format was good, although being asked to complete a network mapping document on arrival did not sit well with everyone. I took my form and joined the ranks of people jostling for table space to complete them. The form asked you to list all the organisations that you regularly do business with and then rate them in terms of how easy they were to work with and how much they shared their information. Quite a few people struggled with this and not feeling comfortable with assessing my peers in such a public way I declined – the woman behind the counter looked aghast as I handed back my form and said that I was not doing it, ‘but you have to...’ she spluttered, ‘well I’m not,’ came my reply, and that was that.
One thing that struck me about the event was the make-up of the attendees. Notable by their absence were local and national voluntary and community agencies (sorry I refuse to call them civil society organisations), especially those in the volunteering sector – perhaps they’d already been to a previous event and knew all about it. There were however more consultants and digital marketing agencies than you could shake a stick at, plus lots of social enterprises and start up projects.
The event then kicked off with an introduction from Big Society Network’s CEO, Paul Twivy, who insisted that the idea for Big Society had actually been around for some time and that it was not a political initiative – that being the case if I was him I’d be pretty miffed that the new government had nicked my idea and my brand for their flagship policy. However as the Network had not existed as an organisation before the Coalition – indeed as Paul stated, they were only just sorting out their bank account - I’m sure that most people will see them as firmly rooted in Lib-Con policy.
Paul then outlined what he perceived as some of the key problems that Big Society had to address. The fact that 74% of people do not volunteer in this country, that people were ‘unengaged’ as they felt disempowered and disregarded. He stated how he disliked the words community or active citizenship as he saw these as socially engineered terms dreamt up by politicians, and that in his view it was difficult for local people to get involved in local action.
Paul then went on to outline some of the Big Society ideas. Have to say I like many of them – the concept of investing in ‘Community ISAs’ where your cash receives a return that is measured by community impact as well as a modest financial return, is sound in principle and if they can get people to invest in them then I can see that being a big winner, both in terms of raising capital for community projects but also for helping to generate greater awareness of community issues. The ‘Square Mile’ is also another really interesting concept. As much as the prospect of another government funded technical platform fills me with dread (and let’s be real here they are going to create one) the concept is exciting. By mapping micro environments that people identify with locally, the idea is to create local Industrial and Provident Societies that all citizens own a share in, which they then use to lobby and influence local government or actually undertake work directly, to manage and improve local environments. One thing that struck me in this was the idea that these IPS’s would be able to purchase liability insurance that would enable local volunteering and hopefully bypass the need for a CRB check, which Paul sees as a major barrier to citizen action and to which I totally agree.
But there are few ideas that had me thinking ‘here we go again’. The reference to wanting to make time into a tradable currency showed a worrying lack of awareness of the existing Time Banking network, which has been doing just that successfully for many years now. And the desire to enable professionals to donate their professional skills locally seemed to ignore the work of ProHelp, Time and Talents and many more such initiatives that have been trading in professional skills exchanges for ages – one can only assume that Big Society does not know about these projects but I’m sure that will change.
Following Paul’s introduction we got onto the main event, which was essentially to pick our brains about how to make some of these ideas become a reality. I’ve not attended an open mic event for some time but the format is a good way to get everyone involved. Essentially, a number of people are invited to come up and outline a question or issue they would like to lead a discussion on, people then pick a group to join, and away you go – 30 minutes to address the topic and then we all change over. Sadly my time in this process was rather cut short. The room became incredibly hot and this coupled with the high noise level from all the groups meant it was very difficult to concentrate – being a tad claustrophobic I had to make a swift and sudden exit before I ended up in a sweaty mess on the floor. But not before I’d taken part in the ‘The Role of Technology’ group which aside from one sad statement made by a participant ‘no one knows where to find a volunteering opportunity online’ - a shame that YouthNet who were in the room were not in that group so it was down to me to point out that do-it has been around for almost ten years now – covered some interesting areas, in particular that the Square Mile does not need a new platform and that the future of social networking was enabling sharing across multiple platforms – I could not agree more.
As I gratefully gulped the fresh air outside of the DCLG building, I was struck as just how much work there was still to do to solidify the Big Society ideal into actual deeds. I had assumed that the Coalition had more or less decided on what they were going to do, but what is clear is that it’s still very much in the air and to some extent up for grabs. This is a good thing. A policy of such complexity will need the support and co-operation of all of us to make it succeed and I for one welcome the opportunity to be involved in its development – I eagerly intend to watch this space.
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Hi Jamie
Sorry you had to dash off hope you feel okay now? It didn't get any cooler but I concentrated on getting myself a steady supply of water and stuck around for the sessions and the pub discussions after.
There were lots of interesting people there and several groups seemed to be creating some focus about specific issues, but my overwhelming sense was that it isn't really built ON anything - by which I mean it lacks foundations, or principles or SOMETHING more than some very energetic people sharing their ideas at the dawn of a new Government.
For example I am interested in ideas that help create a more equal society, not just a society where some people fill gaps in other people's services. Volunteering is a way of sharing and equalising and can bring coherence in a community [why aren't we allowed to use that word btw?]. It's not just a cheap option when times are tough.
Still, from discussions at the pub it is really early days and there is more support yet to be leveraged form Downing Street, which may give it a bit more focus...
Maybe see you at the next one - or over a coffee sometime soon?
Mark
Thanks Jamie for the comprehensive write up! There's a definite issue here for the Big Society Network to be rooted in a good working knowledge of the community and voluntary sector. As you've neatly pointed out in your post - this is easier said than done. But better networking us all together seems like a good objective ;- )
A very interesting post Jamie.
I hope that the Big Society concept gets a clearer focus as it develops. I'm not too surprised that the third sector (I share your distaste for the term "Civil Society") was under-represented. We need to ensure that we get onto the radar of networks like this one. Your attendance and @scipmark's response show that this is work in process.
Of course, the VCS is only part of a Big Society, but I suggest that we are an important part and that we need to use every opportunity to have our voice heard as the policies around the concept are developed. It's up to all of us to make sure that we are included.
A very interesting article, though I would like to see a fuller report.
You mentioned the "fact that 74% of people do not volunteer in this country" - where does the fact come from ?
Who measured it and how did they do that ?
Enjoyed reading this - particularly after just getting back from the National Conference on Volunteering & Service in the US in New York City (attended by over 5000 like-minded volunteer managers and volunteers) where a lot of these issues were also being discussed.
One small, but important point - at the US conference there were often comments about nomenclature, eg the use of 'service' being preferred instead of 'volunteering' . This is similar to disliking the word 'community'. The people all of us are reaching out to and working with don't share these strictures and we should continue to use simple language that is easily understood and resonates with them and not create artificial barriers to success. We have enough issues to deal with already!
Thanks, too, for the detailed description of what went on at the Big Society Network meeting. Felt like I was there!
Thanks for that comprehensive update Jamie.
I attended the Institute for Government event yesterday morning:
_Big Society Public Services - Revolution or evolution? Breakfast roundtable 6th July 8.30-10am
The Big Society represents an ambitious reform agenda to “take power away from politicians and give it to people”. Lord Wei, a founding member of Teach First, founding partner of the Shaftesbury Partnerships and now David Cameron’s advisor on the Big Society, has responsibility for making this devolution of power a reality. He will discuss the next steps for the Big Society, the scope of the agenda and what the long term impact on public services may be. After a response from Barry Quirk, Chief Executive Office of the London Borough of Lewisham, there will then be an opportunity for a roundtable discussion focusing on the implications for government.
Speakers: Lord Wei, Government adviser, Big Society
David Prout, Director General, DCLG
Barry Quirk, Chief Executive Officer, London Borough of Lewisham_
There was little chance for 'round table discussion' because the event was so well attended and not enough time for a lot of q's to be asked.
The presentation that Nat Wei (incidentally he has been involved with the Big Society Network but has recently had to step down) used was extremely useful and I understand it will be available on the institute for government website soon:
http://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/
A few points I picked up:
- 'core funding' is being referred to as 'working capital';
- there is acknowledgement that the existing VCS infrastructure needs to be used to achieve the Big Society objectives but there is no money;
- as sector professionals we need to 'think smarter'
- the onus is going to be on the individual as part of 'groups' to influence local decision making and achieve local objectives. This may or may not include existing neighbourhood groups but other 'groups' are formed along the lines of cultural identity, shared concern for local issues (eg kids on streets), health service users and so on; it is into these groups that Big Society intends to tap to galvanise action at local level. These groups of course will not be receiving any 'free' money - they will have to find the solutions them elves by working with local statutory sector and tapping into the skills and direction of the proposed 500o new 'Big Society Community Organisers'.
I wanted to ask Lord Wei: if he is advising Gocvernment - who is he seeking advice from? Does this include the existing 'specialists' in the VCS? I didn't get chance to pose my q even tho I tried to catch him after the event - he slipped out very quickly, but I have emailed him.
I have a delegate list for the event and I would love to see the attendees engage with the discussion.
A very interesting document raising q's about the Big Society by the New Economics Foundation can be found at: http://www.neweconomics.org/publications/ten-big-questions-about-the-big-society
more info about The Institute for Government Big Society Public Services Seminar Series July – August 2010 - What does the Big Society agenda mean for public services?:
Public services lie at the heart of the new Government’s vision of a ‘Big Society’. Schools, hospitals and police forces will be given greater freedom from central control whilst becoming much more accountable to the public they serve. Targets, regulations and directives from Whitehall will be dramatically reduced and much more performance data made directly available to the public who will be able to hold service providers to account through new mechanisms such as elected commissioners and local boards. The right to run public services will be opened up to new mutuals, co-operatives, charities and social enterprises with providers rewarded for the outcomes they achieve.
The challenge now for policy makers and public service professionals is to translate this high-level vision into practical reality that can improve services even at a time of fiscal constraint. Fortunately the path ahead is not entirely untrodden. A handful of public service leaders, both in the UK and abroad, have already demonstrated how many of the elements of the Big Society vision can work in practice. They have transformed their services by applying the principles of local accountability, transparency and innovation while balancing some of the inherent tensions and tradeoffs.
A discussion between practitioners and policy makers
In this major seminar series, hosted by the Institute for Government, NESTA and the Design Council, public service leaders with a track record of success will debate the challenges of implementing Big Society public services with policy makers, academics and leading thinkers in the field. What are the lessons from their experience? How can government best support the agenda? What are the main risks and how can they be avoided? The series aims to clarify how government can best support the implementation of Big Society concepts in practice.
Seminar series overview
All seminars held at the Institute for Government, 2 Carlton Gardens, London, SW1Y 5AA
1. Big Society Public Services: Revolution or evolution?On the 6th July Lord Nat Wei came to the Institute for Government to outline how the Big Society will shape our public services in the future. A write up of the event can be found on our website.
2. Education: A new relationship between schools and government - 12th July, 17.30 – 19.00The government’s planned education reforms such as the expansion of academies and the introduction of “free schools” imply a new relationship between schools and both local and central government. This seminar will explore these evolving relationships and ask how school leaders, local officials and central government will need to adapt.
Speakers: Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills
Sir Alasdair MacDonald, Head teacher, Morpeth School
Maria Nyberg, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office
3. Health and Social Care: Patients in control - 19th July, 17.30 – 19.00The government has stated its commitment to devolving power to local communities – to the people, patients, GPs and councils who are best placed to determine the nature of their local NHS services. Through this devolution, the government hopes to achieve a number of priorities including putting patients at the heart of decision making, enabling professionals to focus on health outcomes, and empowering people to exercise greater control over their care.1 These changes represent a radical shift in decision making and accountability in the NHS and a new relationship between commissioners and providers. This seminar will ask what the implications of this radical devolution will mean for patients, professionals and policy makers.
Speakers: Dame Jo Williams, Acting Chair, Care Quality Commission
Professor Bevan, Professor of Management Science LSE
Dr David Lyons, GP in Castlefields, Runcorn, involved with 'Unique Care' case management
Emma Jones, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office
1 Andrew Lansley ‘My ambition for patient centred care’ Speech 8th June 210
4. Welfare: Help from the community to improve people’s lives - 28th July, 17.30 – 19.00The government has committed itself to rebalancing the role of state and society in providing welfare support. State welfare provision will be streamlined through a Work Programme which will move towards a single scheme that will offer targeted, personalised help for those who need it most, sooner rather than later. A key part of this Work Programme will see more private and third sector provision to tackle worklessness, both in supporting people back into work and in creating sustainable jobs for the future. The seminar will explore some of the challenges raised by this agenda such as the implications for commissioners and the role of civil society.
Speakers :
Hillary Cottam Founding partner, Participle (tbc)
Emma Stewart, Founder, Women Like Us
Adam Sharples, Director General for Employment, Department for Work and Pensions
Akhil Patel Audit Manager on the Third Sector Value for Money team, National Audit Office
Emma Jones, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office
5. Decoding localism: Local Government in the Big Society - 2nd August, 17.30 – 19.00The government has claimed that localism will be the mantra that defines everything it does. Eric Pickles has argued “I have three very clear priorities: localism, and we’ll weave that into everything we do from parks to finance to policy. My second priority is localism, and my third is…localism.”2 Preparations are underway for a localism bill later in the year, but the government’s wider localism agenda, discussed in earlier seminars, is already taking shape, with practice based commissioning, schools independent of local authorities’ control, and personalised budgets at the cornerstone of the agenda. These reforms suggest a revised role for local government, but the form this role will take is not yet clear. This seminar will debate the future role for local government in light of this agenda.
Speakers: Lord Bichard Executive Director, Institute for Government
John Sinnott Chief Executive, Leicestershire County Council
Barry Quirk, Chief Executive, Lewisham Borough Council
Rob Whiteman, Managing Director Improvement and Development Agency (tbc)
Jo Ivens, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office
6. Criminal Justice: New approaches to re-offending – w/c 9th August. Date tbc, 17.30 – 19.00The government has indicated that it believes short prison sentences are not effective in tackling offending and re-offending. There have been proposals to reduce the demand for short sentences by revising sentencing guidelines and creating a greater role for restorative justice through community sentencing, possibly channelled through community courts and neighbourhood justice panels. There have also been proposals to tackle the causes of crime by moving towards preventive intervention, with providers from the private and third sector being
2 Eric Pickles Speech at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London 11th June 2010
paid on the achievement of significant reduction in the re-offending rate. New funding mechanisms are already being trialled, such as the Social Impact Bond pilots in Peterborough. There is an expectation that preventative intervention and moving away from short sentences will make a dent in the £2.2bn prison budget. 3 This seminar will explore how this agenda will impact the relationships between the different players in the criminal justice system and ask what the most appropriate role for government should be.
Speakers: Lord Adebowale Chief Executive, Turning Point
Max Chambers Research Fellow, Crime and Justice Unit, Policy Exchange
John Marshall, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office
Other speakers tbc
For further details or to reserve your place(s), please RSVP to events@instituteforgovernment.org.uk making clear which dates you would like to attend
For further work on the Institute for Government’s work on public service reform contact big.society@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
All events are free.
Meant to say - apologies for such a long post but the Big Society Series info is not available in the Institute for Government website.
Thanks for the comments everyone! Yes there is still much to do in terms of firming up plans, surprisingly a lot actually, but as said. Think that's a good thing. It is important that VIOs are involved - one thing occurred afterthe event is that despite how much focus there is on this the day to day business of recruiting, enabling and supporting volunteers remains and if anything is only going to increase and it's important that wedon lose sight of it. @scipmark soz I ran off, could feel a panic comin in and just had to get out, but coffee soon deffo :0) @HelenP congrats on the longest comment ever! Can I suggest you create a post with most of your info in it - it's really useful. Hi @Paula hope ur having fun at the conference :0)
Thanks for the write-up @JamieT. I've just been looking at The Big Society Network website and am still a bit confused about who they are, how they are funded and what they are planning to do.
That's about all there is. I know they're new, but I'd expect a bit more clarity. In particular, what exactly is their relationship with the government? Are they a charity? Who funds them?
HI Jamie, thanks for a really insightful article - so refreshing to read your write up from you actually having been there - now I'm out of town I have to rely on the media/reading the papers and their inevitable layers of spin/opinion/selective reporting!!
There is a huge amount of 'stuff' going on all over the place and it's not time-consuming to get a decent flavour of much of what's emerging via the Twitter hashtag #bigsociety ... I haven't seen anything specifically related to Big Society and implications on the future of volunteering. Anyone have any links?
Hi Jamie - just a quick post to say that I work for NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations) and that I was at the event on Monday...
I took part in the group on diversity and the discussion was fascinating confirming some of my initially thoughts around the challenges of inclusive participation. My colleague Katherine who was at the event too blogged about it on the NCVO Foresight website: http://www.3s4.org.uk/news/big-society-in-a-small-room
For those who want to know what NCVO is doing around the Big Society you may want to check out the following webpage: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/policy-campaigns-research/-big-society/big-society
Thanks for the links @VeroniqueJochum, and for the many other links they lead on to. In my quest to understand a bit more about what the Big Society Network is, this was the most useful: http://bsnopen.wikispaces.com
It, in turn, links to this: http://socialreporter.com/?p=784 - which has some background including:
Yet another government initiative! Am I the only one that thinks the term Big Society is such a load of twaddle?! People have been volunteering for years and years and no dressing it up in fancy new terams is going to chamge that especially as we all know the main driver for this is to make massive cuts to front line srevices. The real irony is that the cuts will affect those most in need who will probably end up being the volunteers that run much of these services in order to keep them going...
I'm trying to find out who is funding the Big Society Network. Does anyone know yet? I know the Asda Foundation are funding Your Square Mile, but am not sure where the money is coming from for the Network.
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