News - Voluntary funding rap

Government departments are under fire for failing to link up effectively with the voluntary and community sector ? so-called Third Sector Organisations (TSOs). Whilst acknowledging improvements in relationships with TSOs, a new report by the National Audit Office notes that the funding and monitoring processes of government departments often create uncertainty for the TSO and divert staff from front line activity.
The Auditor General, Sir John Bourn said, ? When engaging with the third sector, departments need to be clear as to whether they are ?shopping? (buying a service), ?giving? (supporting a worthy cause) or ?investing? (building capacity in the sector) and adapt their approach to funding accordingly.?