Tag Archives: Charities

You say scale up, I say scale down …

Posted on July 18, 2013 by ianchisnall

The power which is exercised by democratically elected Governments is meant to be power that they administer on behalf of the whole of society. This suggests that their role is meant to be facilitative not controlling or coercive. The state inevitably on … Continue reading →

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What price a lack of common sense?

Posted on July 5, 2013 by ianchisnall

It has been widely reported that Lord Freud, speaking in a discussion in the House of Lords on Tuesday led to serious questions about his own judgement. Whilst a number of MPs were in Westminster Hall discussing the benefits of joint working … Continue reading →

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A tragic beauty contest

Posted on July 3, 2013 by ianchisnall

The debate on food waste is beginning to be understood at least as far as food and environmental networks are concerned, along with their supporters. Both of these ‘sectors’ seem able to articulate their ideas in the public space and to differing degrees … Continue reading →

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On the route from London to Rio

Posted on June 23, 2013 by ianchisnall

The news reports from Brazil in the last few days have reflected something of a transition, to my ears at least. The voices that our media have captured as they attempt to explain the  unrest on the Streets have distilled down … Continue reading →

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Abject failure by a matchstalk man

Posted on June 19, 2013 by ianchisnall

A recent article in Third Sector magazine, reports a speech at the Charity Finance Group Northern Conference by Geoff Little, deputy Chief Executive at Manchester City Council. According to Mr Little Councils should not offer charities three-year funding agreements, but should “commission and … Continue reading →

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When £1 is not 100p

Posted on June 8, 2013 by ianchisnall

According to an article in Monday’s Guardian the Isle of Wight Council acted with some ingenuity in offering a 62 year old homeless woman a free tent, because under the current ridiculous DWP rules they were not allowed to make a … Continue reading →

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A selection we could have confidence in

Posted on May 25, 2013 by ianchisnall

The Charity Commission are working under huge pressure (as is the case with many Government agencies) to make significant changes to their operations with a severely diminished budget. They are being stripped of many of their traditional roles with the … Continue reading →

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What a William

Posted on December 4, 2012 by ianchisnall

William Shawcross, the new Chairman of the Charity Commission took up his two-day a week, £50,000 per year post in October replacing Dame Suzi Leather who had served in the role since 2006. He made his first public speech at the ACEVO annual conference on 29th … Continue reading →

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We need fair procurement practices

Posted on September 21, 2011 by ianchisnall

Eighteen years ago two men died whose combined story can explain why government procurement practices must be open and transparent. Few people today will recall the name and stories of T. Dan Smith and John Poulson with any great certainty, but the annals of Local Government history … Continue reading →

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