Moira Sinclair, chief executive of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF), has urged other trusts to fund charities’ campaigning and advocacy work, which is needed “more than ever”.
Speaking at NPC’s summer reception yesterday, Sinclair said it was important that grantmakers support civil society’s “pivotal role in raising awareness about injustices”.
However, she expressed concern that the sector’s contribution to the public debate was at risk of being undermined.
‘Civil society has always challenged the government of the day’
Sinclair said she was concerned about a “pervasive narrative” that charities should limit their campaigning activities.
“I’m worried that in a binary world and in the run up to an election, that narrative gets more toxic, and risks undermining a history of social change and public benefit that everyone should be proud of,” she said.
“I don’t want PHF or the wider sector to lose momentum. And I don’t want to be distracted by those armchair critics who argue that charities in receipt of public contracts for services shouldn’t speak up.
“Civil society has always challenged the government of the day, and it always should. It is right for charities to speak up to bring their expertise and learning from the work they led on challenging poor practice, advocating for the people they work with, and in some cases pushing for changes in the law, and it is important for us to fund it.
“Encouraging charities to speak out on injustices does not undermine the role of governments or other institutions.
“When charities speak out, they can bring attention to areas that may require policy changes or additional resources, leading to more informed decision making more effective solutions.
“And charities advocacy efforts contribute to a vital, vibrant and robust civil society, which is an essential pillar of any thriving democracy.”
‘We need to play this role more than ever’
Sinclair said the sector played “a collective role in using our voice” and urged charities not to avoid campaigning “because we’re worried about backlash”.
“In a climate of disinformation, mistrust of institutions and fear, we need to play this role more than ever,” she said.
“Even though we see problems and challenge all around us, and precisely because we’re always going to be a small cog in the very big wheel of systems, a role for us as funders is to raise up and fund the voices of those who are making change in the face of the odds.
“Because that shows transformation is possible. In doing so, we counter the idea that nothing can change that that your lot is a reality, which is so very disempowering.”
Related Articles
