Overview

This bill proposes creating a Civil Society Empowerment Agency to assess the effectiveness of third sector organisations (TSOs) in England and Wales and provide them with support. The Agency will create a framework for assessing TSOs' impact, offer advice and training, and publish annual reports on their overall contribution.

Description

The bill establishes the Civil Society Empowerment Agency (the Agency). The Agency's main functions are:

• Assessment Framework: Develop a framework to assess the benefits and effectiveness of TSOs, including their economic and social contribution and value for money. This will include a public register with data on TSO performance.
• Support for TSOs: Provide advice, support, and training to TSOs, particularly in navigating public sector commissioning processes and producing standardized performance data. The Agency will also advocate for greater openness and accessibility in these processes for TSOs, especially smaller ones.
• Data Access: Ensure TSOs have timely access to relevant public sector data to accurately measure their impact. The Agency will facilitate dialogue with TSOs to understand their data needs.
• Reporting: Publish annual reports on the aggregate economic and social contributions of TSOs, the benefits to taxpayers from public sector commissioning of TSO services, and the Agency's own activities.

The bill also outlines the Agency's establishment, governance, and operational procedures, subject to regulations approved by Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify the exact cost of establishing and running the Civil Society Empowerment Agency. Funding will be required for staffing, operational expenses, and the development and maintenance of the assessment framework and support systems. The ultimate financial impact on government spending will depend on the scale and scope of the Agency's operations, as determined by subsequent regulations.

Groups Affected

• Third Sector Organisations (TSOs): Potentially significant impact. The bill aims to support TSOs through training, advice, and improved access to public sector commissioning opportunities and data. However, the assessment framework and reporting requirements might place additional burdens on some TSOs.
• Public Sector Bodies: Will be affected by the Agency's efforts to improve the accessibility of public sector commissioning processes for TSOs and by potentially being required to provide data and promote commissioning opportunities through specified methods.
• Taxpayers: May see increased transparency regarding the performance and value for money of TSOs supported by public funds.
• Government: Responsible for funding the Agency and overseeing its activities.

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