Accountability of public services in Scotland: baseline evidence review and analysis

2. Civic Society

This Section provides an overview of civic society in Scotland.

Setting Scottish civic society in a broad context is important to help the Scottish Government and partners identify civic society organisations of most relevance and/or of use to supporting implementation of a public engagement strategy.

More specifically, partners are interested in identifying key organisations that could help explore peoples’ perspective and understanding of the current accountability framework for public services in Scotland.

2.1 What is Civic Society

Firstly, it is important to define what is understood by the term “civic society”, as it is a term that has been growing in use.

Put simply, civic society is sometimes referred to as the third sector.

According to the World Bank, civic society “refers to a wide array of organisations: community groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, and foundations” .^[5]

The World Health Organisation states that civic society “refers to the space for collective action around shared interests, purposes and values, generally distinct from government and commercial for-profit actors. Civic society includes charities, development NGOs, community groups, women's organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, trade unions, social movements, coalitions and advocacy groups” .^[6]

Civic society is also commonly defined as “all organisations that exist between government, individuals, and businesses” ^[7].

The UK Government defines civic society as “individuals and organisations when they act with the primary purpose of creating social value, independent of state control. By social value we mean enriched lives and a fairer society for all” ^[8].

2.2 The Importance of Civic Society

Civic society in Scotland (and beyond) plays an important and diverse role in society – it is hugely influential, and has the power to influence the actions of policy makers and businesses. Civic society is made up of a diverse range of organisations, groups and associations.

Civic society spans the voluntary sector, cooperatives, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), sports clubs and supporters trusts, independent schools, religious bodies/faith organisations, quangos (e.g. Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Enterprise), colleges and universities, leisure trusts, trade unions, and unincorporated groups and associations. Among other things, civic society has an important role to play in public sector reform and accountability agendas. Its varied roles span, for example:

• holding institutions/organisations to account and promoting transparency;
• raising awareness of societal issues, concerns and challenges;
• delivering public services;
• encouraging public engagement;
• bringing expert knowledge, experience and insights to help shape local and national policy and strategy; and
• giving power and a voice to those who are marginalized and seldom heard.

Civic society delivers great value to communities the length and breadth of Scotland. Many are firmly embedded in the local communities they serve, including within Scotland’s most deprived neighbourhoods. Many reach out into communities to reach and support those that are isolated or vulnerable in some way. Such organisations build strong relationships and trust with local communities – they are part of the community, and can be agile and responsive to local needs and opportunities.