Charities ’should form stronger links with local councils’

Jobsgopublic

21 July 2008

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Councils should work with the third sector more often on the provision of services.

Such is the assertion of nfpSynergy, where its Local Authorities Monitor study showed that two-thirds of local authority councillors and officers believe that charities can provide as cost-effective a service as private companies.

However, it was indicated that council officials estimate the third sector provides an average of 14 per cent of services, in comparison to the 26 per cent supplied by private industries.

Joe Saxton, co-founder of nfpSynergy, claimed that it is important for the relatively low amount of services provided by the voluntary sector to be addressed by "all parties".

He said: "The public sector spirit seems willing, yet conversion into charity contracts remains weak. Surely, actions speak louder than words."

Such news could be of interest to those with jobs with voluntary groups and charities looking for work via a regional recruitment portal.

Earlier this year, communities secretary Hazel Blears reported that the third sector can have an important role in delivering public services.

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