Called Civil Society Futures, it will  create a space for a much needed conversation among those involved in all forms of civic action; from informal networks to vast charities, Facebook groups to faith groups. Through community events, academic research and online debate, Civil Society Futures will consider how both the nature of civil society and the context it exists in are changing fast,  investigate how to maximise the positive effects of civic action and provide a guide to how to release its potential to drive positive change.

Visit the Civil Society Futures website here >

We are contributing funds towards this Inquiry with the Baring Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn, Barrow Cadbury, Paul Hamlyn, Lloyds Bank Foundation, City Bridge Trust, Lankelly Chase. NCVO is providing research support. 

Former Chief Executive of the the Joseph Rowentree Foundation Julia Unwin (CBE) has been appointed as the Chair. On the Inquiry panel are Asif Afridi, Bert Massie, Debu Purkayashta, Sarah Gordon, Danny Sriskandarajah, Rhiannon White, Carolyn Wilkins, and Steve Wyler.

More events and calls to action will follow, but for now Civil Society Futures is asking for opinions here.