DEFRA's Third Sector Strategy

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs want to imporve the way they work with thrid sector (voluntary, community and fiath sector) organisations. They are consulting to inform the preparation of their Thrird Sector Strategy. It asks about ways in which the third sector can make an even bigger difference in tackling climate change, protecting the environment and supporting strong rural communities. It also asks about the way in which Defra can create a level playing field for third sector organisations in the way they do business, for example in their procurement procedures and the way they work with third sector stakeholders through the Defra Compact Group and Social Enterprise Forum. It sets out Defra's current thinking on these issues and asks for your views.

Defra are also inviting proposals from third sector stakeholders to prepare a small number of ‘think piece’ documents which focus on the key consultation questions or themes. These would discuss the issues in more depth and offer practical options and recommendations for Defra to inform the preparation of our Strategy. The preparation of each ‘think piece’ document could also include a targeted workshop or meeting which would enable the participation of a wider group of key stakeholders. Third sector stakeholders who would like to put forward a proposal to prepare a 'think piece' document should contact Defra as soon as possible to discuss the ideas at an early stage. The documents and any events must be completed and submitted by the deadline for consultation. If you would like to discuss ideas for a 'think piece' document contact Jon at Leeds Voice.

For an introductory letter, list of consultees and the consultation document (with contact details for submitting comments) see:
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/thirdsector-strategy/index.htm

The Sustainable Community Action Wiki has a section for you to read others thoughts on the consultation and share your own views. See: http://sca21.wikia.com/wiki/Defra_Third_Sector_Strategy_-_consultation_responses

The deadline for comments is 22nd February 2008.