Ben Wealthy

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Charities, politics and pragmatism

This blog considers the parameters and possibilities for charities seeking to influence policy in the context of a looming general election. There are two broad questions for charities to think about when developing their approach to public affairs. One relates to legalities and the other pragmatism. I will briefly reflect on each in turn. I wanted to start by making a statement that should go without saying. Attempting to improve public policy is a noble pursuit. Many undermine and belittle it, often driven by ideological or commercial interests, however this activity is vital to a thriving democracy. It should be prized; and pursued without fear or favour. It is entirely proper for charities to argue for changes in policy, regulation, law and spending. Guidance from the Charity Commission makes clear that "campaigning and political activity can be legitimate and valuable activities." Although it should not be the sole purpose of a charity and must be undertaken "only

Policy and Politics Now

Politics is changing, again. Charities need to rethink their approach to policy and influencing and decide where they stand on the central issue of the day: the economy. It is advisable to revisit, but not rip up, existing work. Pandemics and political winds can, and should, force every organisation to reflect on the principles and plans it holds. This is no bad thing. Above all, stay true to your charitable objectives (which transcend political cycles) and stay close to your members and/or those you exist to serve. Considering the tone you use and the tactics you employ is essential. Your messages and asks are likely to remain broadly similar although your language could benefit from a refresh. Plays and songs are often framed and reframed for different audiences and different times while the essence of the story is retained. Flexibility and pragmatism matters. What works matters. Preventing progress being reversed and, where possible, edging key priorities forward matters. Building

It’s called ‘public’ health

In times of trauma, we look to family, friends and neighbours for solace and strength. But the nature of the COVID-19 threat, a virus transmitted through close contact with others, tested this instinct. Despite that, people emerged as one of the main tools in the response to COVID-19. Communities rallied to deliver food parcels and medical supplies, we wore face coverings to protect others and adapted our behaviour as part of a common cause to limit illness and death. One innovative approach to building and sustaining community power was the COVID-19 Community Champions Scheme . As rapidly developed vaccines offered hope, attention turned to delivering messages to diverse and disadvantaged communities that made them feel comfortable about stepping up and receiving a vaccination. The messenger was key, especially in poorer areas and particular ethic minority groups. They had to be trusted by people and rooted in their area. The idea behind Community Champions was to encourage and

Don't be poor

Following the Spring Statement in March, the Resolution Foundation published analysis estimating that another 1.3 million people would be pushed into poverty next year. Professor Michael Marmot has warned of an impending “humanitarian calamity” and argued that to deprive citizens of basic material needs robs them of their dignity. In place of a policy response to the poverty pandemic there is a void. Cue the Health Disparities White Paper (currently being drafted in the new Office for Health Improvement and Disparities). It could be out as soon as May or June, so the influencing window is narrow. The priority given, by the public and politicians, to tackling the elective backlog in the NHS is understandable. We can see it, right here and right now. However, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has also acknowledged the link between poverty and poor health and outlined his ambition to address the ‘social backlog’. Both are essential and both are connected. The Preve

The search for a post-pandemic public health story

2022 will be a complex one for public health policy - three defining themes standout. First, COVID-19 remains a significant public health threat. We are in a transition period, edging tentatively towards a settled ‘business as usual’ approach. It is wise to ignore the loudest voices, those seeking to frame ‘living with COVID’ in terms of either strict lockdowns or letting the virus rip. There is a third path which politicians, public health professionals and the public can support. What this looks like – in terms of measures and messages - has yet to be adequately defined (perhaps a small unit in the Cabinet Office is currently ruminating over the next roadmap ‘Beyond Plan B’ or ‘Living with COVID…still’). The public inquiry offers the chance to take a step back and consider how policy-making can improve in the future. For me, some key areas are a must for scrutiny and deliberation – the government’s approach to and implementation of stakeholder relations, the process of rapid ev

Beyond the roadmap

I recently returned from a COVID-secure holiday (as far as is possible) to Scotland. Preventative measures included: a private cabin on a sleeper train from London to Inverness, staying in a ‘pod’ on the Isle of Skye, eating lots of salmon (aids physical distancing), travelling by ferry (on deck) and walking and cycling (huge thanks to Andy Bike ) around North Uist (recently made famous by the Channel 4 documentary The Scottish Island that Won the Lottery ) which has a world-beating natural ventilation system (the wind) and where you are more likely to come into contact with a lamb or a loch than a human. International travel is unlikely to take off over the summer months. We all have a unique opportunity to explore Britain’s stunning coastline, countryside and cities in a safe and respectful way. This will provide a lifeline to the tourism and hospitality sectors and remind us of the adventures available closer to home. Enjoy it. Of course, it would be naïve to romanticise the Highla