The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed that its minister Stephanie Peacock will hold the civil society brief.
Umbrella bodies NCVO and ACEVO, who both met culture secretary Lisa Nandy this week, welcomed Peacock to the role.
Peacock has also been handed responsibility for sport, media, youth, ceremonials, legislation and corporate.
She will also be responsible for the gambling brief in the House of Commons as peer Baroness Twycross has been made minister for gambling.
Her predecessor as civil society minister in the last Conservative government, Stuart Andrew, was also the ministerial disability champion and responsible for major events including Eurovision.
Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, was Labour’s shadow sport, gambling and media minister before the election.
Prior to becoming an MP, Peacock worked as a history teacher and for trade union GMB.
Peacock is a patron of the charity Barnsley Independent Alzheimers And Dementia Support and was parliamentary chair of anti-fascist campaign organisation Hope not Hate.
Great to be part of @DCMS team as Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth.
— Stephanie Peacock MP (@Steph_Peacock) July 26, 2024
Looking forward to the challenge ahead 🌹 https://t.co/kxzjkBapox
Sector bodies look forward to collaboration
Sarah Elliott, chief executive of NCVO, said: “We’re delighted that Stephanie Peacock has been appointed as Minister for Civil Society, and we look forward to working closely with her to build a collaborative partnership between government and the voluntary sector in the future.
“Charities aren't just a force for good, they're also a force for change. The new government has set out an ambitious plan for a decade of renewal, and we believe charities and voluntary organisations will be a critical partner for them to achieve their missions.
“We’ve already had some incredibly productive meetings with the new team at DCMS to make sure the needs of charities are heard and that the limitless opportunities for charities to make an impact are understood.
“We look forward to more opportunities to work with Stephanie and the team to unlock the experience and understanding charities have to help solve some of society's biggest issues.”
Shareen Patel, policy and influencing officer at ACEVO, said: “ACEVO is delighted that the new minister for civil society has been announced.
“We welcome Stephanie Peacock to this role, who given her experience of the charity sector will be aware of the context in which our sector has been working in for so long.
“As someone who has already highlighted the need to work with us in the delivery of the new government’s missions, we look forward to having an open and genuine partnership and together championing the vital role our sector plays.”
Nicole Sykes, director of policy and communications at Pro Bono Economics, said: “A flourishing civil society is crucial if the new government is to achieve its ambitious mission, from building a robust economy to providing opportunities to all.
“The new government has already shown positive signs that it is keen to leverage the hands-on experience and practical solutions offered by charities, in order to develop better-informed and more effective policies that address local challenges and enhance the wellbeing of all UK citizens.
“The new prime minister set out his vision for a thriving civil society at the summit we hosted in January, and now it’s time to start turning that vision into reality.
“We're looking forward to working closely with the new minister and the entire government to secure the change that is needed to strengthen civil society. It’s encouraging to see how much of that work is already underway.”
Dan Corry, chief executive of NPC, said: “We warmly welcome Stephanie Peacock to the very important role of minister for civil society.
“We look forward to working with her so we can put civil society at the heart of delivering the new government's missions.
“Charities have been providing critical services over what have been challenging years. This opportunity for a renewed partnership between government and civil society is one both sides should take.”
A spokesperson for NGO umbrella body Bond said: “We look forward to working with her in her new role to improve government relations with civil society and strengthen the political and operating environment for charities.”
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