Overview

This bill proposes creating a Civil Society Empowerment Agency to assess the impact and effectiveness of third sector organisations (TSOs) in England and Wales. The Agency will provide support and guidance to TSOs, particularly in accessing public sector funding, and will produce annual reports on their overall contribution.

Description

The bill establishes the Civil Society Empowerment Agency (the Agency), tasked with two main functions:

• Assessment of TSOs: The Agency will create a framework to assess the benefits and effectiveness of TSOs, including their economic and social contributions and value for money. This will involve a public register containing relevant data and assessment tools.
• Support for TSOs: The Agency will provide advice, support, and training to TSOs, helping them engage with public sector commissioning processes and improve data collection and reporting. The Agency aims to make these processes more accessible to TSOs, especially smaller ones.

The Agency will also publish annual reports detailing the aggregate impact of TSOs and its own activities.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify the exact level of government spending. The cost will depend on the size and operational requirements of the newly created Agency, including staffing, infrastructure, and operational expenses. These details will be determined through regulations to be presented to Parliament.

Groups Affected

• Third Sector Organisations (TSOs): The bill directly affects TSOs by creating a body to assess their performance and provide support. The impact will vary depending on the size and type of TSO, with potential benefits for those seeking better access to public funding and improved data management.
• Public Sector Bodies: The bill requires engagement with the Agency and could affect their commissioning processes, potentially leading to greater involvement of TSOs in the delivery of public services.
• Taxpayers: The bill aims to improve the value for money from public spending on TSOs, potentially resulting in better outcomes and a greater return on investment.
• Government: The bill creates a new government agency, resulting in additional costs and responsibilities.

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