Welsh Government’s relationship with the Third Sector under review

How the Welsh Government and the Third Sector work together in the future is the focus of a new consultation launched last Thursday (16th May) by the Communities & Tackling Poverty Minister Huw Lewis.

The Third Sector describes the thousands of community groups, voluntary organisations and not for profit bodies active across Wales. The latest figures show there are 33,000 Third Sector organisations in Wales employing 55,000 people, with more than a million volunteers helping out in their communities.

The consultation will ask for views on how the Welsh Government and the sector can work in partnership, especially in light of the current economic climate. It will also examine how voluntary and community groups in particular can best be supported in future.

Making the announcement before a meeting of the Third Sector Partnership Council, Huw Lewis said:

“This is the beginning of a vital discussion about one of the most important partnerships in Wales – that between the Welsh Government and Third Sector. As well as the staff and volunteers who run these organisations, the sector also includes many others who give their time and effort freely in their communities.

“Some organisations rely heavily on government funding while others receive little or no direct support. Small, local groups make up a large proportion of the sector and make a major contribution to the wellbeing of people across the country.

“It is five years since we published the last major review of this relationship. There have been significant changes since then that affect the work we do together. The economic situation has become much more challenging, making life more difficult especially for our poorest households and communities.

“The Third Sector has a vital part to play in building resilient communities and helping people to get by in these tough times. It is even more important now than in the past that resources and efforts are coordinated and used to the best possible effect.

“The Welsh Government will need to make some important decisions about these issues later this year. Before then, I want to hear from a wide range of people and organisations on their thoughts on how we can work together.”