The Big Society

Big Society
The Big Society is the overarching concept that encompasses the Government's policies to redistribute power from the state to society; and from the centre to local communities, and to give people the opportunity to take more control over their lives.

Big Society Survey

With the Government's plans for the Big Society beginning to take shape, we surveyed NAVCA members to gauge their understanding, expectations and reservations about the proposals.

We have produced a report which details the findings from this survey.

Download the Big Society survey results (PDF, 140kb).



Big Society resources


Original Big Society document published by the Conservatives in March 2010


The Coalition Government's Big Society Programme (May 2010)

Big Society website

Big Society Blog

Nick Hurd's speech to Charity Finance Directors' Group on the Big Society Agenda

Big Society - challenges and opportunities NCVO briefing
Big Society - the evidence base NCVO

Interviews with Lord Wei, the Government's advisor on Big Society
Ten Big Questions about the Big Society: and ten ways to make the best of it New Economics Foundation

Civic Streets: the Big Society in action Demos

The Big Society: How it Could Work PACES

Building the Big Society: Opportunity or threat? Bassac

Big Society bite sized Urban Forum briefing.

Big Society and rural communities - call for evidence
The Commission for Rural Communities is collecting evidence on how the Big Society agenda can fully embrace the contribution and needs of rural communities. Deadline: 13 September.