By Charlotte Prothero, External Affairs Manager

The atmosphere at the 2024 Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham was surprisingly upbeat, despite the party suffering one of its toughest electoral defeats in decades. Many of the party’s attendees were jovial about the party’s future and determined to rebuild. However, despite many opportunities to speak, none of the party leaders vying for the top spot spoke about civil society in a positive light, nor did they acknowledge the potential for stronger engagement. As the Conservatives ‘review and rebuild’ as an opposition party, rethinking their relationship with civil society must be part of their strategy 

Historically, the Conservative party’s relationship with civil society has been mixed. Under Cameron, civil society was central to the Big Society agenda. But tensions grew as austerity did.  

The Conservative’s focus on individual responsibility and market-based solutions can sometimes seem at odds with civil society’s collective approach. Yet these need not be sources of conflict. 

Local, community-based charities have values of service and community that are closely aligned with what the Conservative party would highlight as important to them. These smaller charities, social enterprises and community businesses continue to play a vital role in supporting vulnerable groups, particularly as local authorities face growing pressures.  

Despite the challenges, there are strong foundations to build on. The Commission on Civil Society found that 88% of Conservative MPs in the last parliament had contact with a local charity, and 62% have volunteered. These personal connections could help rebuild trust, offering a way to reset the relationship between the party and civil society from the grassroots up. 

With 7 million people volunteering monthly and 30 million donating to charity in 2021/22, there’s a clear opportunity for the Conservatives to strengthen their relationships with civil society, particularly at the local level. Through collaborating with civil society, the party can empower communities while staying true to its principles of localism and self-reliance. Philanthropy also plays a crucial role in this, helping to address societal needs and complement government funding. 

To rebuild this partnership, the Conservatives must recognise the dual role civil society plays—as both the conscience of society and a key service provider. This balance has often created tension, particularly when civil society critiques government policies. But with an honest and open approach, these differences can be reconciled. This includes fostering long-term communication between policymakers and civil society; reforming procurement processes to be more accessible to civil society and acknowledging the essential role of philanthropy in delivering for communities. 

With 26 new Conservative MPs, there is a chance to reintroduce civil society as a priority for the party. Over the next few years, debates on public services, community resilience, and civil society’s role will shape future policies. Starmer has pledged a commitment to building a new partnership between the government and civil society, but we are yet to see action from them. The Conservatives should hold Labour to account for their commitments to civil society, ensuring these promises translate into meaningful action.  

Read the other blogs in the series: