In 2006 the Carnegie UK Trust opened the Democracy and Civil Society Programme. A key element of the Civil Society strand is the Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland. The Inquiry is an independent commission set up to strengthen civil society in the UK and Ireland.
Goals of the Inquiry
The primary objectives and hoped for results of the Inquiry are to:
- Explore the possible threats to and opportunities for the development of a healthy civil society, looking out to 2025
- Identify how policy and practice can be enhanced to help strengthen civil society
- Enhance the ability of civil society associations to prepare for the challenges of the future
Phase 1
The goal of the first phase of the Inquiry was to explore the possible threats to and opportunities for civil society, looking out to 2025. Using futures thinking, the Inquiry conducted research and gathered the insights from over 400 people around the UK and Ireland. The findings of this work are documented in three publications:
- Futures for civil society (Summary)
- The shape of civil society to come
- Scenarios for civil society
To enable civil society associations to make practical use of the reports and to aid their strategic thinking a toolkit has also been developed, all publications are available on the Inquiry website.
Phase 2
Drawing on the findings of the first phase of the Inquiry's work, the second phase of the Inquiry, starting in 2008, will explore a number of 'burning issues' that are critical to the future well-being of civil society. The following themes form the focus of the next phase of the Inquiry’s work:
- The distinctive roles of civil society associations in tackling increasing fragmentation and socio-economic divides in society.
- The links between civil society, social justice and growing pressure on global resources.
- The distinctive roles that civil society associations play in creating safe spaces for meaningful deliberation where difference can be articulated and acknowledged.
- The diminishing arenas for public deliberation and the relationship and role of civil society and the media.
- The marginsalisation of dissent in the UK and Ireland and possible consequences.
The goal of phase 2 of the Inquiry is to identify how policy and practice might be enhanced to strengthen civil society. The findings of this phase will be updated on the website during 2008/09. Final conclusions of the Inquiry will be published early 2009.