Barings Foundation has set up a panel to carry out a five-year investigation into the independence of the non-profit sector. This will be looking at independence in general, not just from central and local government, but also from other vested interests, such as private sector corporations or grant-making foundations.
Over a number of years, concerns have focused on the potential impact of government funding, as the voluntary sector has delivered more public services and increasingly been funded through tightly drawn contracts. There is the risk that voluntary bodies become mere delivery agents, lacking independence of action or voice and being diverted from their purpose. This requires a sustained commitment to independence when contracts are tendered and funding is offered and accepted.
The panel has produced its first report and is inviting responses by Wednesday 21 September 2011 to help form a report into the state of independence later on in the year.