We have seen the actions Obama is taking to create jobs in the States as unemployment rockets. He is clear, the State must provide funding to create jobs.
The UK unemployment figures for March are bound to show unemployment shooting up here too. It's time for action. It's time to gear up our sector. This cannot wait.
I see that The Big Lottery Fund have just announced the conclusion of round two of their " BASIS" funding. This was a great scheme, set up to support the development of capacity in the sector. 119 projects supported. Worth £50m. They are to be applauded.
As a funder of our sector they have often been at the forefront - introducing Full Cost Recovery before many other funders for example.
They also realised that for our sector to grow we need capacity support. So often funders are seduced by a glossy project that appeals to some trustee and forget that the boring day in, day out, task of paying the rent and the cleaner that need support too.
So let's make sure they continue to keep the funding pledge: that 70% of their lottery money goes to our independent third sector. Not as a Ministerial piggy bank, or to propping up Parish Councils. And let's hope the Tories too keep the pledge on the funding side and not reduce our share as worryingly seems to be the net effect of their proposals.
Though one idea the Tories must implement, and that is to remove the BLF from its imprisonment as a non departmental public body and set it up as an independent charitable foundation.
I may be in Albania but news reaches me of an unpleasant attack on Futurebuilders by Triodos and Charity Banks. Complaining of the FBE winning the DH tender to run the Social Enterprise Fund. They say the decision is "questionable at best".
Now what exactly is the problem? Is the suggestion that the Department of Health have done something improper? Government tendering is held to very strict rules and subject to rigorous audit. The process can be challenged through established procedures. Is there is suggestion that an error or mistake, or worse, has been made? It is a very serious allegation to say the decision is questionable and it is therefore proper to ask those banks to justify this statement. What aspects of the process exactly are they questioning? Are they saying the DH did not award the tender to the best bid?
Or is the suggestion that the Department should not award the tender to the best bid? Whatever happened to old fashioned courtesy: as in "congratulations on your win - it must have been a terrific bid".
Or am I naive; surely if the best bid wins this is also a win for our sector? One of the less pleasant aspects of our sector is a sometime inability to celebrate success. Far better to have a good old whinge.
Now to be clear, no organisation is immune from improvement and can always learn. But what I object to is that the two Banks made no attempt to contact me as Chair of FBE, or our CEO, to raise any issues. The first we know about it is the press release.
And I note the unsubtle smear about us being a "Government funder". Actually we are not; FBE is an independent organisation, with independently appointed Directors and the Chair is hardly a lickspittle! Indeed as the CEO of Charity Bank knows, one of his Trustees sits on the Investment Committee of FBE.
They also claim we are "unaccountable". Exactly how may I ask? I am again very open to discussion about how we can improve our processes and our accountability. If there are lessons we can learn from how Charity bank and Triodos work by all means let's talk, but first of all we need to hear what the issue is?
In a recession what third sector organisations need is for us all to pull together. Not divisions. We need to ramp up investment to third sector organisations. We must work together to do that. So if the CEOs of Triodos and Charity Bank would care to pick up the phone, I'm sure a dialogue is preferable to press releases?
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Monday, 9 March 2009
Letter from Tirana
Yes, that is Tirana, as in the Capital of Albania. EUCLID - the European Third Sector Leaders Network set up by ACEVO - is running a conference on leadership development for the heads of the incipient Albanian civil society. It opens tomorrow with an introduction by HM's Ambassador.
A strange country! It must have been very weird when run by mad Enver Hoxha. On the way from the airport we drive past numerous of the 700,000 bunkers he had built. Some are now painted in jolly colours! Still, it occurred to me that must have been one hell of a job creation exercise. Might not catch on in rural England, but perhaps a pilot in Lambeth as unemployment rises?
And it was here in Albania that they perfected pyramid investment schemes. As the guide book amusingly puts it, "the banks offered a rate of return that people with any experience of Western capitalism would have known was unsustainable."
When the pyramid banks collapsed in 1996 they rioted, burning the banks and state offices! We are so much more civilised. Why we give our errant bankers nice pensions and big bonuses so they don't get cold in the winter.
I'm in a hotel on what must once have been a pleasantly wooded mountainside overlooking Tirana. But developers are rapidly chopping down the trees to replace them with jerry-built and depressingly ugly buildings; most of them without planning permission and funded through the proceeds of organised crime.
It is clear that in the emerging democracies of the Balkans, a strong civil society is needed to ensure a democracy that actually means something to communities.
Civil society needs strong leaders. It is a mistake to think that in developing the institutions of the third sector you can only spend money on projects and neglect the capacity of the organisation itself: that means spending money to develop leadership. Now that will be a challenge here, as one tries to distinguish the saints from the sinners; this is not exactly a country dedicated to promoting the common good and the ethical use of public money.
But I left the UK with great news. Futurebuilders has won the contract to run the Department of Health's £100m Social Enterprise Investment Fund. There was strong competition for this contract. We teamed up with Partnerships UK and with the Innovation Exchange in support. It proved the winning ticket.
It's fantastic news and a great fillip for our CEO, Jonathan Lewis, and his team. He and his colleagues put in mega effort to get this right. And it's tremendous to have such a vote of confidence in the way we are now running Futurebuilders. Our engaged investor model, with quick access to capital and minimum bureaucracy is working.
It means that the base we have to invest in promoting social enterprise and third sector service delivery is strengthened - now a £330m capital fund. As we build our sector to play a leading role in promoting economic recovery it's essential to have a strong social investor. Rock on!
A strange country! It must have been very weird when run by mad Enver Hoxha. On the way from the airport we drive past numerous of the 700,000 bunkers he had built. Some are now painted in jolly colours! Still, it occurred to me that must have been one hell of a job creation exercise. Might not catch on in rural England, but perhaps a pilot in Lambeth as unemployment rises?
And it was here in Albania that they perfected pyramid investment schemes. As the guide book amusingly puts it, "the banks offered a rate of return that people with any experience of Western capitalism would have known was unsustainable."
When the pyramid banks collapsed in 1996 they rioted, burning the banks and state offices! We are so much more civilised. Why we give our errant bankers nice pensions and big bonuses so they don't get cold in the winter.
I'm in a hotel on what must once have been a pleasantly wooded mountainside overlooking Tirana. But developers are rapidly chopping down the trees to replace them with jerry-built and depressingly ugly buildings; most of them without planning permission and funded through the proceeds of organised crime.
It is clear that in the emerging democracies of the Balkans, a strong civil society is needed to ensure a democracy that actually means something to communities.
Civil society needs strong leaders. It is a mistake to think that in developing the institutions of the third sector you can only spend money on projects and neglect the capacity of the organisation itself: that means spending money to develop leadership. Now that will be a challenge here, as one tries to distinguish the saints from the sinners; this is not exactly a country dedicated to promoting the common good and the ethical use of public money.
But I left the UK with great news. Futurebuilders has won the contract to run the Department of Health's £100m Social Enterprise Investment Fund. There was strong competition for this contract. We teamed up with Partnerships UK and with the Innovation Exchange in support. It proved the winning ticket.
It's fantastic news and a great fillip for our CEO, Jonathan Lewis, and his team. He and his colleagues put in mega effort to get this right. And it's tremendous to have such a vote of confidence in the way we are now running Futurebuilders. Our engaged investor model, with quick access to capital and minimum bureaucracy is working.
It means that the base we have to invest in promoting social enterprise and third sector service delivery is strengthened - now a £330m capital fund. As we build our sector to play a leading role in promoting economic recovery it's essential to have a strong social investor. Rock on!
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Public Services but no sandwiches
A meeting of the Public Services Forum today . This is a forum between the trades unions , employers , third sector and Government . It is Chaired by Tom Watson MP , Cabinet Office Minister and we meet in the Cabinet Office .
Its at 1pm so I arrive early in search of the usual lavish Government hospitality ; you know the sort of thing , curled sandwiches and grease encrusted sausages . But no lunch , not even a paltry crisp . Times are hard . I follow Dave Prentis in and am shown into a room where I discover I am in the trades union pre meeting . I offer to stay . But no . I make my way to the main meeting room and walk in , only to find I am in the pre meeting for Government officials . I am quickly ushered out by kindly civil servant who offers me the consolation of a cup of tea and a biscuit . No biscuit I say virtuously; it's Lent ! So there you go , the third sector marginalised yet again . I sit morosely in a corner.
But at least when I do get allowed into the room I can correct an obvious mistake in the seating plan . They had placed my name plate on the second row. Anxious not to get the civil servant into trouble who had made this mistake I removed it and placed it in front row , opposite the Minister , where clearly it ought to have been . It also has the advantage that I am in front of the great and effective Liz Atkins from NCVO who is therefore able to pass me notes , should she feel the urge , from her place on the second row.
We have presentations from Tom McNalty MP , the Works Minister , and from Liam Byrne MP. I am able to make interventions that stress the role of the third sector in supporting the victims of recession and also in creating the jobs of the future , the jobs that we need in the new growth industries. These Fora are always good opportunities to showcase the work of our sector and our role in public service reform . ACEVO is keen to promote how we can work with Government at central and local level to overcome the social tensions of a recession , but the real advance will be in how we promote the recovery . All in the lecture .
And now its off to my Brother Nick's for an evening at Kew Gardens , in the marvellous Conservatory and their brilliant collection of orchids. And there will not be a curled sandwich in sight.
Its at 1pm so I arrive early in search of the usual lavish Government hospitality ; you know the sort of thing , curled sandwiches and grease encrusted sausages . But no lunch , not even a paltry crisp . Times are hard . I follow Dave Prentis in and am shown into a room where I discover I am in the trades union pre meeting . I offer to stay . But no . I make my way to the main meeting room and walk in , only to find I am in the pre meeting for Government officials . I am quickly ushered out by kindly civil servant who offers me the consolation of a cup of tea and a biscuit . No biscuit I say virtuously; it's Lent ! So there you go , the third sector marginalised yet again . I sit morosely in a corner.
But at least when I do get allowed into the room I can correct an obvious mistake in the seating plan . They had placed my name plate on the second row. Anxious not to get the civil servant into trouble who had made this mistake I removed it and placed it in front row , opposite the Minister , where clearly it ought to have been . It also has the advantage that I am in front of the great and effective Liz Atkins from NCVO who is therefore able to pass me notes , should she feel the urge , from her place on the second row.
We have presentations from Tom McNalty MP , the Works Minister , and from Liam Byrne MP. I am able to make interventions that stress the role of the third sector in supporting the victims of recession and also in creating the jobs of the future , the jobs that we need in the new growth industries. These Fora are always good opportunities to showcase the work of our sector and our role in public service reform . ACEVO is keen to promote how we can work with Government at central and local level to overcome the social tensions of a recession , but the real advance will be in how we promote the recovery . All in the lecture .
And now its off to my Brother Nick's for an evening at Kew Gardens , in the marvellous Conservatory and their brilliant collection of orchids. And there will not be a curled sandwich in sight.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
celebrating the Adventure
We had a Board meeting for the ACF today . The Adventure Capital Fund was set up as an experiment to see if there was demand for investment loans into community enterprise . When it was set up the founders decided that they should have an evaluation process with action research so that we could learn as an organisation and and the sector draw the lessons from an experiment into loan finance.
Today's Board meeting had an oral report of the final results of the evaluation that has been carried out by a team led by Stephen Thake of the Metropolitan University . It was fascinating . But the overall conclusion was hugely positive. The ACF model has made a big difference . It works . And it is has been copied ; the engaged investor approach where ACF stands by the investee to support in difficult times , but is also prepared to step in and take difficult decisions like tackling bad governance.His final Report will be well worth reading.
So we were in somewhat nostalgic mood . We have appointed 4 new trustees so we had a short induction session on the history since 2002 . And decided we would have a great year of celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2012 !
I have been Chair for 3 years , taking over from Julia Unwin of the JRF. And what was interesting is that we also had a report of a Board appraisal process undertaken into the performance of the Board itself and its Chair. This too was very largely positive. Having a top performing Board and a first class Chief Executive is the key to organisational success . It was an interesting process ; I sat through a presentation where my fellow trustees were rating me and commenting on my performance . It was good .Indeed very good . They recognised my strengths , but also my foibles and areas where my skill set is more challenged .All Chairs should be put to the test like this .
I think any Board that aims to be good at governance must go through appraisal . But the proof of the pudding , as they say, is in the eating . If ACF had not been good it would not have won the tender to run Futurebuilders. And it would not have got the plaudits it has from the National Audit Office for the way it has tackled the task of taking on futurebuilders and getting cracking on new processes and change.
Now you are thinking this is all a tad too congratulatory . No organisation can be perfect , especially new ones. We have to learn and adapt . The evaluation will be likely to suggest some ways to improve . Leadership is all about learning. Adapting. I hope that as Chair I will always be up for change and taking on the difficult tasks . But also using the strength of the resource that is FBE and ACF to pour capital into our sector. In the recession it is the time for us to invest in our communities.
And changing the subject , I arrive home and pick up my copy of "Third Sector " , or do I now call it " Brolly News " ? I turn from the weekly Cook Sermon to the lively back page Matt Little , purveyor of High Class Gossip to the Third Sector. He reports that the Shaw Trust has been given " one to watch " status in the best companies accreditation scheme which feeds into the Sunday Times ( on the basis of their employee engagement ). As Matt writes , this may come as news to the GMB official, who ,after the removal of the CEO, warned that some staff, " were worried about the repercussions of speaking out " . Will the Charity Commission report into this be published before or after the results of the scheme are announced I wonder?
And on the subject of the Press , did you see my article in the Guardian today ? Click here if not. A challenging call to our sector to gear up to meet the challenge of recession and leading recovery. And for a more socially responsible business . My rallying call is one of optimism . the challenges are huge , but I am convinced we are up to them .
Today's Board meeting had an oral report of the final results of the evaluation that has been carried out by a team led by Stephen Thake of the Metropolitan University . It was fascinating . But the overall conclusion was hugely positive. The ACF model has made a big difference . It works . And it is has been copied ; the engaged investor approach where ACF stands by the investee to support in difficult times , but is also prepared to step in and take difficult decisions like tackling bad governance.His final Report will be well worth reading.
So we were in somewhat nostalgic mood . We have appointed 4 new trustees so we had a short induction session on the history since 2002 . And decided we would have a great year of celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2012 !
I have been Chair for 3 years , taking over from Julia Unwin of the JRF. And what was interesting is that we also had a report of a Board appraisal process undertaken into the performance of the Board itself and its Chair. This too was very largely positive. Having a top performing Board and a first class Chief Executive is the key to organisational success . It was an interesting process ; I sat through a presentation where my fellow trustees were rating me and commenting on my performance . It was good .Indeed very good . They recognised my strengths , but also my foibles and areas where my skill set is more challenged .All Chairs should be put to the test like this .
I think any Board that aims to be good at governance must go through appraisal . But the proof of the pudding , as they say, is in the eating . If ACF had not been good it would not have won the tender to run Futurebuilders. And it would not have got the plaudits it has from the National Audit Office for the way it has tackled the task of taking on futurebuilders and getting cracking on new processes and change.
Now you are thinking this is all a tad too congratulatory . No organisation can be perfect , especially new ones. We have to learn and adapt . The evaluation will be likely to suggest some ways to improve . Leadership is all about learning. Adapting. I hope that as Chair I will always be up for change and taking on the difficult tasks . But also using the strength of the resource that is FBE and ACF to pour capital into our sector. In the recession it is the time for us to invest in our communities.
And changing the subject , I arrive home and pick up my copy of "Third Sector " , or do I now call it " Brolly News " ? I turn from the weekly Cook Sermon to the lively back page Matt Little , purveyor of High Class Gossip to the Third Sector. He reports that the Shaw Trust has been given " one to watch " status in the best companies accreditation scheme which feeds into the Sunday Times ( on the basis of their employee engagement ). As Matt writes , this may come as news to the GMB official, who ,after the removal of the CEO, warned that some staff, " were worried about the repercussions of speaking out " . Will the Charity Commission report into this be published before or after the results of the scheme are announced I wonder?
And on the subject of the Press , did you see my article in the Guardian today ? Click here if not. A challenging call to our sector to gear up to meet the challenge of recession and leading recovery. And for a more socially responsible business . My rallying call is one of optimism . the challenges are huge , but I am convinced we are up to them .
Recession Support
Today we launch our Recession Support Website.
Go to www.recessionsupport.org.uk and see.
We have developed this new website as a tool for the whole sector. We decided that in troubled times we have to pull together . So whilst we could have just done this for our own members we thought we should make this as widely used as possible . So this website will have links with other sites . Inside the sector we will flag key items from NAVCA , NCVO and the Social Enterprise Coalition, for example . And we will link with Government Departments . James Purnell has agreed to support the site with information and advice as have BERR. Peter Mandelson is doing us a film clip to be used.We have videos of messages from members. We will have information from local government as well as news and views. But the key is passing on tips and making tools to support organisations available .
So whether you are a Chief Executive or the Head of Volunteering , the Chair of trustees or the Finance Director you can use the site. And you should.
Its unusual for membership bodies to open up sites in this way . But we felt that it was part of that Chief Executive leadership role , to show the way for others. I am asking my colleagues to do likewise . Show we are joined up . Working together.
But its worth a note that my staff put together what is , I'm sure you will agree , a pretty impressive website in 4 weeks ! Yes , just 4 weeks. it shows both the talent and the dedication of my staff team . And it makes me , as their CEO immeasurably proud . We do not just talk about Recession . We are there to do something about it .
USE IT.
Go to www.recessionsupport.org.uk and see.
We have developed this new website as a tool for the whole sector. We decided that in troubled times we have to pull together . So whilst we could have just done this for our own members we thought we should make this as widely used as possible . So this website will have links with other sites . Inside the sector we will flag key items from NAVCA , NCVO and the Social Enterprise Coalition, for example . And we will link with Government Departments . James Purnell has agreed to support the site with information and advice as have BERR. Peter Mandelson is doing us a film clip to be used.We have videos of messages from members. We will have information from local government as well as news and views. But the key is passing on tips and making tools to support organisations available .
So whether you are a Chief Executive or the Head of Volunteering , the Chair of trustees or the Finance Director you can use the site. And you should.
Its unusual for membership bodies to open up sites in this way . But we felt that it was part of that Chief Executive leadership role , to show the way for others. I am asking my colleagues to do likewise . Show we are joined up . Working together.
But its worth a note that my staff put together what is , I'm sure you will agree , a pretty impressive website in 4 weeks ! Yes , just 4 weeks. it shows both the talent and the dedication of my staff team . And it makes me , as their CEO immeasurably proud . We do not just talk about Recession . We are there to do something about it .
USE IT.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
more on The Lecture
Would you believe it ? Walking to the lecture with my trusty staff and it starts to rain . Now you would expect amongst all of us ; employees of an umbrella body , that we would have had an umbrella between us ! But no . the Chief Executive went unshielded from the inclement weather . What would my friend , Robin Bogg make of that I wonder?
I was flattered to get such a great turn out for the Lecture . I hope the messages will go out far and wide .The role the sector can play as an economic force in healing society's wouns, in building recovery and preventing a rpeat is crucial . if you have not yet got a copy see the Blog below and run one off .
I saw Rosie Chapman there from the Charity Commission , and trust she will take back the message about the need for Governance reform and an enabling approach to payment of trustees when charities want this . David Freud , in his as yet unennobled state was there . A great person , and a great mind . Various of my Futurebuilder trustees , The Chair if The Big Lottery Fund ,and lots and lots of members who are the reason I am doing all this . Oh , and my sister Lucy . Lucy ( not to be confused with my other sister Sara who is on her 13th book on teacher induction ) is an accountant and works at Deloitte . She arrived at the last minute to avoid the embarrassment of big brother introducing her to everyone. It meant she missed the rather splendid lunch . Serves her right. But at least I was able to embarrassingly mention to Mary Riley how she should be a partner!1 Brothers eh !!
Good also to see Ian Charlesworth in his new incarnation at Futurebuilders. I notice that on Saturday the Guardian revealed that the Charity Commission have been making use of the so called " spying powers "in the recent surveillance Act . interesting . Not sure how appropriate that is but I'm sure we will be told . Still , I though , if they are using these to uncover what has been going on with the Shaw Trust who so shockingly removed Charlesworth then it may have been worth it . Incidentaly , when will we see the report on their investigation? As the recession bites the need for proper process for Chief Executives and their jobs becomes more important .
Richard Reeves was a superb Chair for The Lecture in the glorious surroundings of the Deloitte Lecture Hall .Richard has nice mix of humour and thuoght provoking ideas. Mary Riley , Senior Partner of Deloitte ,said this is no time for the amateur charity.How right. And Nick Hurd MP was a real star turn . He has an excellent speaking style. Engaging and thoughtful and with a real sense of passion for the cause .He has a strong commitment to sustainability and the role of our sector here is paramount. We are lucky in our sector to have Nick as the sector spokesperson . No doubt he will be in the Cabinet. Alongside Lord Freud .
Then its back to the Office for a warm thankyou to all the staff and a glass of bubbly for the brilliance of the workers who make it all possible . I offer to read them my lecture , but strangley this generous offer is not taken up.......
I was flattered to get such a great turn out for the Lecture . I hope the messages will go out far and wide .The role the sector can play as an economic force in healing society's wouns, in building recovery and preventing a rpeat is crucial . if you have not yet got a copy see the Blog below and run one off .
I saw Rosie Chapman there from the Charity Commission , and trust she will take back the message about the need for Governance reform and an enabling approach to payment of trustees when charities want this . David Freud , in his as yet unennobled state was there . A great person , and a great mind . Various of my Futurebuilder trustees , The Chair if The Big Lottery Fund ,and lots and lots of members who are the reason I am doing all this . Oh , and my sister Lucy . Lucy ( not to be confused with my other sister Sara who is on her 13th book on teacher induction ) is an accountant and works at Deloitte . She arrived at the last minute to avoid the embarrassment of big brother introducing her to everyone. It meant she missed the rather splendid lunch . Serves her right. But at least I was able to embarrassingly mention to Mary Riley how she should be a partner!1 Brothers eh !!
Good also to see Ian Charlesworth in his new incarnation at Futurebuilders. I notice that on Saturday the Guardian revealed that the Charity Commission have been making use of the so called " spying powers "in the recent surveillance Act . interesting . Not sure how appropriate that is but I'm sure we will be told . Still , I though , if they are using these to uncover what has been going on with the Shaw Trust who so shockingly removed Charlesworth then it may have been worth it . Incidentaly , when will we see the report on their investigation? As the recession bites the need for proper process for Chief Executives and their jobs becomes more important .
Richard Reeves was a superb Chair for The Lecture in the glorious surroundings of the Deloitte Lecture Hall .Richard has nice mix of humour and thuoght provoking ideas. Mary Riley , Senior Partner of Deloitte ,said this is no time for the amateur charity.How right. And Nick Hurd MP was a real star turn . He has an excellent speaking style. Engaging and thoughtful and with a real sense of passion for the cause .He has a strong commitment to sustainability and the role of our sector here is paramount. We are lucky in our sector to have Nick as the sector spokesperson . No doubt he will be in the Cabinet. Alongside Lord Freud .
Then its back to the Office for a warm thankyou to all the staff and a glass of bubbly for the brilliance of the workers who make it all possible . I offer to read them my lecture , but strangley this generous offer is not taken up.......
The Third Sector at the Tipping Point.
I think I was on my nineth draft before I was satisfied. The final draft on Sunday was given a polish during BBC R4 Choral Evensong from St John's College, Cambridge. So the purple prose on fairness and social justice may be a result of that! Then Monday morning, after a final check, I pop up to "News and Things" our local Charlbury newsagents to fax it back to trusty Alison to type up for publication!
And today I gave my Lecture at Deloitte.
The Panel responding included Nick Hurd MP, the charming but brilliant Richard Reeves, of the think tank DEMOS, and Mary Riley, the multi talented star of Deloitte.
You can see the results of my endeavours for yourselves. Click here to read it. I am arguing that:
* policy makers and government underestimate the economic power of the sector.
* the sector is trusted. Business and governments are not.
* the sector should play a lead role in healing the wounds of the recession.
* the sector can play a lead role in promoting recovery (the growth sectors of the future are in education and health, care and sustainability, arts and sport). This is where the sector is strong.
* the sector can help prevent a repeat of the problem by campaigning for better business and better government.
See what you think. And tell me if you agree.
And today I gave my Lecture at Deloitte.
The Panel responding included Nick Hurd MP, the charming but brilliant Richard Reeves, of the think tank DEMOS, and Mary Riley, the multi talented star of Deloitte.
You can see the results of my endeavours for yourselves. Click here to read it. I am arguing that:
* policy makers and government underestimate the economic power of the sector.
* the sector is trusted. Business and governments are not.
* the sector should play a lead role in healing the wounds of the recession.
* the sector can play a lead role in promoting recovery (the growth sectors of the future are in education and health, care and sustainability, arts and sport). This is where the sector is strong.
* the sector can help prevent a repeat of the problem by campaigning for better business and better government.
See what you think. And tell me if you agree.
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