A Conservative MP has encouraged charities to look beyond politicians in her party’s assumed biases when working in collaboration with them.
Speaking at a New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) event yesterday, backbench MP Jo Gideon said: “MPs of all political parties care about their communities, we’re all elected to represent their needs.
“But sadly, within the Westminster bubble, and fuelled by the media, we’ve become obsessed with labelling MPs as part of a particular tribe or factions, and this has become shorthand for who we are.”
‘General feeling of mistrust’
Gideon, who is standing down at the next general election, said that many Conservative politicians were “invested in the significant power of the voluntary sector” but there was some mistrust from charities towards them.
“When it comes to looking at our relationship with civil society or with the third sector, if there is a disconnect, or a general feeling of mistrust of Conservative politicians, I think this comes because of perception of one particular wing of the party that is seen as uncaring,” she said.
“I believe that some of the language used in debates on immigration or homelessness has reinforced that perception.
“As part of the majority group of one nation Conservatives, this really saddens me.
“I believe it’s fair to say that the vast majority of charities are socially left-leaning and, therefore, don’t trust that all MPs will be sympathetic to their concerns.
“But this assumption doesn’t extend to attitudes within constituencies.
“The idea that MPs will only work with charities that align with their views or specific interests, I think, is unhelpful.
“In fact, more than that, an assumption of political bias can create unnecessary barriers in collaboration and problem-solving.
“So, in order to understand how charities can work better with Conservative MPs and vice versa, we need to develop a more nuanced relationship, or understanding relationship.
“The work done by MPs and civil society organisations within constituencies showcases a different and more collaborative side that transcends political labels.”
‘Most Conservatives have favourable view of charities’
Also speaking at the event, former special adviser to the prime minister on civil society and communities Samuel Kasumu said: “Most [politicians] have strong relationships with local civil society organisations, and they’re very happy to engage with national bodies.
“That does not mean that they will always agree with what they hear, but they are not against listening to the evidence and working [with] civil society organisations.
“The majority of Conservative voters and members have a very favourable view of civil society organisations. All of the polling tells us that that is the case.”
Most charities unlikely to impact Conservative manifesto
Kasumu said that in the run-up to the election, there would be a “narrow base” of charitable causes that would be able to influence Conservative priorities.
For example, charities which “can find a solution to stopping the boats or focusing on sustainable housing” may “be in luck”.
“If your priorities are very different to those then your ability to make some headroom, certainly in the short term, is unlikely,” he said.
However, Kasumu said a new wave of MPs after the election may be keen to speak to civil society organisations.
Charities’ rights to campaign
Gideon praised NCVO for protecting charities’ rights to campaign, “though not at the expense of neglecting their core mission, which is to deliver for their beneficiaries”.
“For this to be most effective, and to keep the focus on the local community, this should be done in a non-partisan way.
“By playing politics against each other or aligning too closely with any particular ideology, risks undermining the trust and inclusivity that is so important to civil society’s strength.
“I’ve seen this, particularly in an election, where there has been a noticeable shift in who organisations think it’s important to speak to.
“However, civil society should ideally be able to engage comfortably and equally with all political parties.”
Kasumu said: “The main bone of contention is whether a charity should use resources given via the public purse for lobbying.
“I think that is probably an area where most Conservatives would say they are uncomfortable with.
“If you are an organisation, and you can see what is happening on the ground, for me, it would be nonsensical for you not to then want to express an opinion on how things could be bettered.
“This idea that charities shouldn’t lobby doesn’t make any sense. Charities should always communicate what they are seeing and feeling, in a way that is productive and led by evidence.”
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