Natalie Zhivkova, Policy & Insights Manager at WCVA, gives WCVA members some tips on how to influence UK Government.
The general election is over. There is a new government in Westminster, a set of new and returning Welsh Members of Parliament (MPs), and plenty of opportunities to engage with them. But is it worth it and how can Welsh voluntary organisations maximise their influencing potential at a UK level?
BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
Your organisation and its beneficiaries are affected by laws, regulations and policies implemented at three levels – UK Government, Welsh Government and local government. UK Government has power over reserved matters. Welsh Government needs to abide by reserved legislation but it also has power to legislate on devolved issues. Local government structures in Wales abide by UK and Welsh Government legislation, and also develop their own policies and regulation.
Before you start designing an influencing strategy or agree to join another organisation’s campaign, make sure you are directing your efforts at the right level. To solve some issues, you may need to campaign at multiple levels. Make concrete asks to each level of government for the areas within their responsibility, otherwise it is easy for them to ‘pass the ball’.
MAIN INFLUENCING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways you can try to influence UK Government. However, Westminster is much noisier than the Senedd. There are numerous well-resourced stakeholders working hard to capture ministers’ attention. Campaign coalitions and partnerships are a great opportunity to amplify your voice. However, be mindful that devolution is not widely understood – always check if campaign asks relate to reserved responsibilities.
Do not miss out on opportunities to influence positive change in accordance with your organisation’s purpose. Read The Charity Commission for England and Wales’ Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities to make sure you are campaigning lawfully.
Here are the main ways to influence UK Government:
- Respond to UK Government and Select Committee consultations (sign up to receive consultation alerts) – this may lead to you being invited to give oral evidence to a Select Committee
- Get involved in an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) – this is a good opportunity to develop relationships with backbenchers and build momentum behind a cause
- Write to MPs and engage with them on social media – they can raise the profile of your campaign by asking a question in plenary, pushing for amendments in a government Bill, or introducing a Private Members’ Bill
- Submit a Budget representation ahead of fiscal events (e.g. Autumn Statement)
- Write to the Secretary of State for Wales or another Cabinet minister (cabinet ministers receive a lot of letters daily, writing to the Wales Office is an effective method to bring attention to an issue in Wales, for all other offices, a more effective strategy would be to make contact as part of a coalition)
Before you take any action, it is always worth checking if you can join forces with other stakeholders. Share your concerns and ideas with peers, umbrella bodies, regional and national organisations in Wales, and across the UK.
Think about cross-sectoral and intersectional collaboration. The issues you want to bring attention to are likely affecting many others. You may be able to feed into an existing stream of influencing work, or spearhead a new campaign with pooled resources. We make a bigger difference together.
THE NEW CABINET AND PARLIAMENT
Initial analyses of the new UK parliament are promising. Pro Bono Economics have developed a free tool mapping all parliamentarians with charity background. 50% of Wales’ 32 MPs have voluntary sector experience. Over one third of all elected members come from the sector, including eight Cabinet ministers. In light of that, we are hoping that the voluntary sector will be given greater consideration and more access to government officials.
Here are some useful links and contacts:
A list of all Welsh MPs (including their e-mails, phone numbers and social media handles)
- The Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP (Secretary of State for Wales)
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport
- The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) and her Special Adviser Richard Howarth (e-mail: Howarth@parliament.uk)
- Stephanie Peacock MP (Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth) – this is the minister with direct responsibility for the voluntary sector in England and non-devolved voluntary sector policy
- Sir Chris Bryant MP (Minister for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism) – many of you would know him as MP for Rhondda and Ogmore
Directory of Social Change’s tips on introducing your organisations to new MPs.
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