Civil Society Covenant
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-24)

A new principles-based arrangement for re-setting the relationship between UK Government and civil society.

The Civil Society Covenant is a set of principles designed to help build effective partnerships across civil society and government. This page details the core purpose and principles of the Covenant. For guidance on putting the Covenant into practice visit Civil Society Covenant: tools (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-society-covenant-tools) or to learn more about the Covenant’s programme of work go to Civil Society Covenant: programme (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-society-covenant-programme).

Summary

An enduring covenant between government and all those across civil society who invest their time and money in the service of others.

We believe:

Britain’s civil society, including volunteers, charities, faith organisations, co-operatives, trade unions, philanthropists, social enterprises, social investors and purpose-driven businesses, are part of the fabric of our nation.

Their service is a proud part of our national identity. It is an expression of the responsibility towards each other that underpins our social contract. It strengthens the bonds that bring our communities together, enriches our democracy, and improves lives across the UK and around the world.

A strong and independent civil society is essential for the shared pursuit of national renewal. Working in partnership will enable us to build a better, fairer, future for all.

Civil society is a force for innovation. It has the local knowledge of what works, it is rooted in lived experience and earns the trust of those it serves. By strategically co-investing with government, social finance can help drive innovation through testing and growing new ideas.

Civil society should never be expected to step in and replace government. Rather, government should lean in to work in partnership with civil society.

We will:

Recognise and value all those who give their time and money in the service of others, respect our different roles, and build trust and shared objectives together.

Respect the independence of civil society organisations and ensure they can advocate for those they serve and hold government to account without fear of reprisal.

Partner and collaborate across every department and every mission of government, working at both national and local level across the UK to deliver the Plan for Change (https://www.gov.uk/missions).

Design, fund and deliver policies and services in genuine partnership; working with mayors, local authorities and other public bodies on place-based partnerships and developing collaborative commissioning and procurement arrangements.

Promote participation and inclusion by involving people in decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and removing barriers to democratic participation.

Strengthen trust with open communication and sharing of information, data, and best practice, and by civil society organisations being proactively transparent and accountable for the money they receive.

Report annually on actions to honour this covenant and the impact of this partnership with civil society.