Subject: New Panel wants your views on voluntary sector independence

I am writing on behalf of the Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector, a new initiative funded by the Baring Foundation and chaired by Dame Anne Owers. The Panel is seeking views from all parts of the voluntary sector to help inform its thinking on the nature of independence, and any challenges organisations may face in this regard.

The Panel has launched a consultation report and would like as many responses as possible. Your views are very important to this process.

Please see the text below.

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New Panel wants your views on voluntary sector independence

The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector is inviting views and evidence in a consultation report published on 14 July 2011. The Panel has been established by the Baring Foundation to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of independence, open up a wider debate and generate positive changes.   The Panel recognises the mutual benefits of partnership with government and other funders but is concerned that independence should always be upheld.  Independence ensures that the interests of the people and the communities voluntary organisations serve are always kept centre stage. 

The Panel would very much like to hear from you.

Please read the consultation document which contains some specific questions for you to consider. You can download the document from the Panel’s website: www.independencepanel.org.uk
 
Please do send your responses to info@independencepanel.org.uk .   The deadline for responses is 21 September 2011.

The evidence gathered will feed into a report on the state of independence which will be published later this year – the first of five annual reports to come from the Panel.
 
To find out more about the Panel, please do take a look at our website www.independencepanel.org.uk