Big Society public services - revolution or evolution?

Big Society public services - revolution or evolution?

On 6 July, Lord Wei came to the Institute to discuss the government’s role in achieving his vision for the Big Society. This page contains an overview of the discussion and a copy of his presentation.

The building blocks of the Big Society

The aim of the Big Society is to move from a default position of "central design and government provision" to "give power to people to solve problems close to where they live".

This historic movement has evolved from the increased investment and active role for government and markets in the 2000s. 

Three priorities need to be achieved to devolve power to communities:  

  1. Get people more involved in their communities and promote mass social action
  2. Ensure people are able to contribute more effectively through a stronger social sector
  3. Ensure people are better able to shape governmental policy and delivery. 

These are the building blocks of the Big Society, and the interactions of the government, provider and community group 'eco-system' will be central in achieving these.   

 

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What is Government’s role in the Big Society?

...developing policies which will achieve the three Big Society priorities

Policies will need to be flexible and respond to the needs of communities. The Free Schools policy is an exemplar case of the new approach to policy making.

Grounding government actions in Big Society principles will allow development of responsive policies.

For example, to ensure people can shape government policy and delivery, departments should look beyond expensive and lengthy formal public consultation processes.

Instead, they should consider other innovative feedback methods. Making better use of online service rating websites may be one option.

...building citizen capacity 

There is a danger that certain citizen groups, especially in areas with low social capital, will not have the capacity to take up new freedoms. The government will therefore need to create the capacity to get involved.

State resources could be used to build civil capacity by training groups of Community Organisers to help communities organise to address social problems. Using resources in this way will create a multiplier effect - organisers will in turn teach others how to use new freedoms.

Social entrepreneurs also have a role as they can help people to engage with complex issues. They can do the 'ground work' for communities and help remove the sometimes very complicated barriers to community engagement, such as overcoming legal barriers to participation.

Social entrepreneurs should look to eBay and Amazon for lessons. These websites simplify the burden of process and allow buyers and sellers to engage directly with one another.

Government departments therefore might want to consider how to engage with other elements in the ecosystem, such as social entrepreneurs, in order to help to improve community capacity to participate. 

...continuing to tackle issues beyond the remit of the Big Society 

The Big Society is not a panacea for all social ills. Social justice, welfare, and security still needs to be provided and government departments will play a role here.

What the Big Society can achieve should not be overstated. 

...ultimately protecting the most vulnerable members of society

Where to look for the Big Society in action

There are lots of existing examples. The change is the priority and commitment politicians are giving to achieving Big Society outcomes.

Collaborations like the Big Society Network are already starting to systematically remove the barriers to mass civic action, and provide the support to help devolve capacity in areas which need them the most. 

Lord Wei made it clear that the government is looking for, and looking to develop, geographical showcases, flagship policies and case studies of the Big Society in action. In addition, the Institute and the BBC's Today Programme are looking for real world examples of better public service at less cost.

For more information