Think tank Civil Exchange will continue to produce reports on the relationship between government and charities, after its work with the Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector revealed concerns about state interference.

The panel, which was convened by the think tank, published its final report in February, in which it warned that civil society’s independent voice was under threat.

Civil Exchange will now produce two further annual assessments of the situation.

Caroline Slocock, director of Civil Exchange, said: “The next 18 months will be critical for the voluntary sector’s independence and we will be keeping a very close eye on developments and documenting them in two new reports.

“David Cameron has said he wants a ‘smarter state,’ in which government and the voluntary sector work collaboratively to help those who are ‘hardest to reach,’ but this would require a huge shift in culture and practice.

“We will be exploring whether recent negative trends can be reversed – which include contract terms and legislation that restrict the sector’s independent voice; reduced consultation; and weak protections and regulation to stop state interference.”

The panel will also look at how devolution will affect charities.

Civil Exchange will produce two annual reports, in early 2016 and 2017. It expects an independent commission on the future of the voluntary sector to be launched in 2017.

The new reports are being supported by the Baring Foundation and the LlankellyChase Foundation.