Charities provide essential support and services that save the government and taxpayer money, fosters community wellbeing, values our heritage and natural environment, and addresses pressing social issues with an army of volunteers and staff – and so much more.
To ensure their continued success, the States of Guernsey is invited to partner with the charitable sector, providing support and resources for long-term sustainability and better outcomes for all.
The existing social compact, drawn up in February 2014 with the intention to shape partnership working between the States and the charitable sector, has been ineffective and should be replaced with a 'Bailiwick Community Strategy'. This would naturally align the charitable sector and the States with a commitment to co-designing a plan for the whole Bailiwick that fosters social cohesion, economic sustainability and environmental resilience.
So what are the four asks, and why do they matter?
Ask 1: Effective commissioning to become a strategic goal, establishing strong, collaborative partnerships
Treat charities as equal partners in achieving shared community goals, valuing their expertise and capacity.
Engage charities early in policy- making to ensure decisions reflect real community needs and lived experiences.
Provide multi-year service level agreements with RPI-linked funding for financial stability and KPIs for accountability.
Co-design and produce solutions with charities to align policies with real needs.
Why it matters:
For too long, charities have felt the ‘poor relation’, often seen as an afterthought rather than equal partners.
In providing front-line services, charities are often best placed to identify the need and most effective solutions.
Helps fund essential services that benefit the community.
Commissioning is a proven model for governments to source solutions to issues affecting the community similar to how procurement works, but more effective. We have been pleased to have worked with the States in appointing its commissioning lead and have been encouraged with some early successes. Embedding this model as a strategic goal will ensure the necessary resources and prioritisation to capitalise on the good start.
Ask 2: Recognise the charitable sector’s economic and social value
Regulation to be proportionate and tailored to the charitable sector.
Acknowledge that charities often provide more efficient and cost-effective services than government and are nimbler.
States to lead by example in adopting an employer supported volunteering programme like the UK’s civil service.
Why it matters:
Reduces time and money spent on compliance and paperwork.
Makes it easier for small charities, the vast majority in the Bailiwick, to operate and grow and helps address concern that the extra burden is putting off volunteers.
As we explore later, employers have a vital role to play in promoting the benefits of volunteering to their workforce, the States is well placed to lead by example.
To date, charity regulation in the Bailiwick has been dominated by the needs of the finance sector. The reasons are recognised, but it is now time for the needs of charities to be fully incorporated. The States can streamline regulations, registration processes, provide clear guidance on compliance, and offer digital solutions to make it easier for charities to fulfil regulatory requirements.
Ask 3: Strengthen financial sustainability
Ensure full GST exemption for charities or, as a minimum, protection from the negative impact it will have on service delivery.
Unlock dormant assets, such as unclaimed bank deposits, escheated assets etc. for charitable use.
Expand tax relief and incentives to encourage greater public and corporate donations.
Give greater consideration to the specific needs and priorities of the charitable sector from the outset in all key deliberations such as Revenue Services, the Guernsey Registry and regulatory frameworks.
Why it matters:
Provides stability for charities to plan long-term projects.
Helps fund essential services that benefit society.
Encourages more charitable initiatives by reducing financial stress.
We appreciate that the States’ finances are a concern and that additional revenue sources must be found, many charities have already adept at finding alternative sources. It is counter-productive, however, if government finances are increased in a way that unduly impact charities who are themselves coming under increased pressure to step up and help increasing numbers in the community requiring support. Focus should also be made on revenue from other sources, such as dormant and unclaimed assets which Guernsey has been terribly slow in releasing for community benefit and promoting charitable giving.
Ask 4: Enhance the value and impact of volunteering
Improve public and policy understanding of volunteering as a vital community asset.
Incentivise volunteering and charitable giving through tax benefits for businesses supporting employee engagement in charities.
Strengthen recognition of action on volunteering and corporate social responsibility as a key component in tendered and sub-contracting arrangements.
Provide resources to help charities strengthen governance, transparency and accountability.
Why it matters:
Strengthens community engagement and support for charities.
Provides charities with skilled volunteers who can contribute their expertise.
Builds a sense of social responsibility within the workforce.
Volunteers are a vital community asset, whether delivering front-line services directly or in leadership and governance roles as trustees. Charities would not exist without them. By encouraging both private and public employees to take part in volunteering programmes, the States can help charities access valuable human resources while fostering a more compassionate community. Increased support for charitable giving, through tax incentives, leading by example and effective grant giving increases greater contributions from the community and corporate sector.
Call to action
The charitable sector is crucial to the fabric of our community, and many existing services would collapse without its support.
A strong partnership with the States of Guernsey, with each party respecting the role of the other, is essential for its continued success. For our part, charities will continue to enhance their governance and effectiveness to be even stronger partners and we ask that government fulfils its obligations for such a partnership to succeed.
By committing to these key actions, we can co-create a supportive, sustainable, and resilient framework for charities to thrive and make a lasting impact on our islands.
We urge all candidates in the 2025 election to adopt these asks and work with us to strengthen the charitable sector for the benefit of all in our communities.
Contact us to learn more by emailing chair@charity.org.gg or visiting www.withoutus.gg. We are keen to engage with candidates and wider community leaders ahead of the upcoming elections.
