Humanists UK has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of a new ‘Civil Society Covenant’, aimed at forging a stronger partnership between civil society and government.
The Covenant, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, seeks to harness the expertise of voluntary, community, social enterprises, and charities to address pressing social and economic challenges. Based on principles of transparency, recognition, participation, and partnership, it will act as a charter to improve collaboration in tackling complex social and economic issues across the UK.
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:
‘We are delighted to have been part of the process in developing this new Covenant. Civil society organisations, including Humanists UK, occupy a unique position in public life. The Covenant acknowledges the importance of our work and lays the groundwork for more effective collaboration. With non-religious people volunteering at the roughly same rate as religious people, an inclusive approach to harnessing the power of civil society will prove essential.’
Announcing the new Covenant, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP said:
‘The Covenant paves the way for a new era in the relationship between government and civil society — one that recognises the critical role the sector plays as a trusted partner in achieving shared goals for the benefit of communities across the UK.
‘Voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises all understand the challenges being faced every day in our villages, towns and cities and the government wants to work hand-in-hand with them to help fix them — changing lives for the better.’
At a recent World Humanist Day Reception, Faith and Belief Minister Lord Khan said:
‘Humanists UK’s community services today benefit over 1.5 million people each year – from weddings and funerals to newer services like a helpline for vulnerable humanists, and asylum support. And, of course, out there in our local communities as well.
‘That is something that this Government is, and I personally am, happy to say we recognise and value.’
Humanists UK and community services
Humanists UK has long advocated for a stronger working partnership between government, charities, and civil society at large, and commends the Civil Society Covenant for taking a whole-sector approach to this diverse area of our national life.
Humanists UK has over 1000 volunteers operating across the UK. Alongside public policy work advancing human rights and equality, its services include a dedicated helpline and peer support for vulnerable groups, asylum support, non-religious ceremonies for life’s milestones, pastoral care in hospitals and prisons, dialogue with religious groups to promote social cohesion, and supporting a network of local groups to strengthen social ties and combat loneliness.
We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming engagement process and the finalisation of the Covenant in the coming year.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.