Ategi welcomes the UK Government’s announcement of a new Civil Society Covenant & Framework
Ategi is delighted to share the recent announcement from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy of a Civil Society Covenant Framework, aimed at transforming lives across the UK. This new initiative promises to reset the relationship between government and civil society, with a focus on tackling some of society's most pressing challenges, from social care to community development.
Charities and not-for-profit organisations, like Ategi, play a critical role in providing essential social care services and strengthening communities through local projects. Yet, despite our impact, the voices of those we support—and their carers—often go unheard. The Civil Society Covenant is a much-needed step forward in changing that, creating a platform for greater collaboration between civil society and government.
Kate Allen, Chief Executive of Ategi, welcomed the government's new initiative:
"It is encouraging that the government has not only reached out and listened to third sector leaders, but that we are now seeing outcomes from stronger partnership working. In addition to my role at Ategi, I am also a long-standing Trustee of ACEVO, one of the key parties involved in the development of this covenant. I am particularly pleased to see their months of hard work result in a strong positive step forward. If this engagement and commitment continues, and we have to hope it will, this is promising for the future."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of building a new partnership with civil society:
"To fix the foundations of our country, we need a fundamental reset of the relationship between government and civil society. By harnessing the dynamism, innovation, and trusted reach of civil society organisations, we can boost growth and deliver better outcomes for communities right across the country."
The Civil Society Covenant aims to leverage the knowledge and expertise of voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises to achieve better results for communities, including improved social care support. With 1.5 million people employed in social care and nearly 1 million people receiving care, it is crucial that government draws on the strengths of the third sector to address the complex challenges we face.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the Covenant’s role in redefining the government’s relationship with civil society:
"The Covenant paves the way for a new era in the relationship between government and civil society—one that recognises the critical role the sector plays as a trusted partner in achieving shared goals for the benefit of communities across the UK."
The framework’s four guiding principles—transparency, recognition, participation, and partnership—are designed to foster a deeper collaboration. Over the autumn, the government will engage with civil society groups, including charities and social enterprises of all sizes and geographical locations, culminating in a final co-created Covenant to be published next year.
Jane Ide, CEO of ACEVO, added:
"ACEVO welcomes the government’s commitment to work together to develop a Civil Society Covenant that redefines our relationship for the benefit of the people, causes, and communities we serve. Effective leadership relies on collaboration, trust, and mutual respect—values that underpin this Covenant."
This new framework will bring together the unique capabilities of government and civil society, creating an innovative partnership to drive growth and opportunity. Ategi looks forward to contributing to this new collaboration, ensuring that the voices of those we support—especially carers and individuals in need—are amplified in shaping policies and services that impact their lives.
Ategi is proud to stand alongside civil society leaders in welcoming this announcement and looks forward to working with the government to create a brighter future for the communities we serve.
Shirley with her Support Worker - Supported Living.
"It is encouraging that the government has not only reached out and listened to third sector leaders, but that we are now seeing outcomes from stronger partnership working...
- Kate Allen, Ategi CEO
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About the author
Kate Allen
Kate joined Ategi after seven years as Chief Executive at Autism at Kingswood, a charity and support provider of services to Autistic adults and young people in England.
Driving continuous improvement in the delivery of services is compulsory to Kate who says: “The service we provide directly affects the lives others, therefore every person working in social care has an enormous responsibility to do the absolute best they can to ensure people receiving our services get the highest quality of support possible.”