The last Conservative government had an uneasy relationship with civil society. It championed community action and sought to leverage philanthropic spirits for good but also pushed back on charity campaigning. PBE research during this time showed strong parliamentary engagement with charities, with 98% of MPs seeing them as vital and 70% reporting using their insights. Yet, Conservative MPs reported noticeably lower satisfaction than their parliamentary colleagues. And some social sector organisations felt pressured to restrict advocacy amid debates over ‘wokeness’ and suggestions that charities “stick to their knitting”.

With Labour promising to reset the relationship between the social sector and government with the Civil Society Covenant and a focus on the ‘impact economy’, the Conservative Party must redefine its own approach to civil society. How will the party support charities in holding the new government to account and how will it work the sector to support its agenda in Opposition and beyond?

This breakfast panel event, chaired by Matt Whittaker, Chief Executive of Pro Bono Economics, explored this shifting landscape and the opportunities that exist for a renewed and refreshed relationship between Conservatives and civil society.

Speakers to include:

• Duro Oye, Chief Executive and Founder, 20/20 Levels
• Hannah Pearce, Director, Campaigns, Policy and Research, Royal British Legion
• Louie French MP, Shadow Minister for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society
• Ruth Hollis, Chief Executive, Spirit of 2012
• Sebastian Payne, Lead Writer and Columnist, The Times

The event was held in Westminster and live-streamed via YouTube. A link to the recording will be circulated to all registered guests after the event.

Compensation for small charities  

Pro Bono Economics also has a limited budget to cover travel [and accommodation where needed] expenses for the employees of smaller charities attending this event. This is available to charities with an annual turnover equal to or under £500,000 or under £1 million for charities representing underrepresented communities.  Get in touch with events@pbe.co.uk to find out more

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Booking for this event has now closed.