About the Civil Society Covenant
The Civil Society Covenant is a new principles-based foundation for resetting the relationship between the UK Government and civil society.
The Covenant symbolises the government’s recognition of civil society as a trusted and independent partner in tackling the deep seated challenges of our time. It underpins a strong, sustainable, and independent civil society capable of collaborating with government alongside a responsive government that works with civil society to achieve its mission.
The Covenant is a living set of principles which will help to build effective partnerships right across the breadth of civil society and government, without cutting across existing administrative or statutory frameworks. The Covenant is relevant across the UK in policy areas where responsibilities are reserved to the UK Government and not devolved to the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Launching the Civil Society Covenant
The Civil Society Covenant was launched by the Prime Minister at a major summit on 17 July, bringing together key representatives from government, Civil Society, and the Impact Economy to explore how collective partnership can deliver on the government’s priority missions.
Summary of findings
In October 2024 the government announced its intention to co-produce a new Civil Society Covenant through engagement and collaboration with the sector and launched a framework to kickstart the process.
Working with key partners, including the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), DCMS ran one of the most extensive engagement exercises conducted across civil society. Together, we engaged over 1,200 organisations from across the diversity and breadth of civil society as well as Whitehall departments, local authorities, regional and devolved governments.
The Civil Society Covenant - Summary of engagement findings sets out the key themes and messages heard through this engagement. These findings have directly informed the development of the final Civil Society Covenant.
More info: www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-society-covenant/civil-society-covenant