News & Views

The century of social sector organisation

Welcome to the first edition of Caritas magazine.

 The late Peter Drucker predicted that the 21st century would be the century of the social sector organisation. ‘The more economy, money, and information become global, the more community will matter’ he said. ‘And only the social sector non-profit organisation performs in the community, exploits its opportunities, mobilises its local resources, solves its problems. The leadership, competence, and management of the social sector non-profit organisation will thus largely determine the values, the vision, the cohesion, and the performance of the 21st century society’.

It is in recognition of this indisputable challenge that Caritas magazine was born.  Increasing levels of regulation and close scrutiny of governance standards, public benefit and finances, along with the day-to-day pressures of fundraising, operational efficiency, and risk management make it tough to maintain the passion and single-mindedness needed to deliver on all the charitable objectives. 

Charity executives and governing boards are facing unprecedented changes as the sector continues its rapid growth.  According to the Charities Commission, annual income of ‘main registered charities’ is currently £43 bn- almost double what it was seven years ago. This brings huge opportunities for the sector; but can it rise to the challenge?

The balance between charity independence and not missing out on income-generating contracts will continue to be a tricky one.  Government grants to charities have reduced over the last few years as a percentage of overall government funding while contracts awarded to the sector have increased – the larger charities being the primary recipients of these. 

More than ever, charities are a force to be reckoned with. Non- profits need to be efficient, compliant, visible and effective but can’t lose sight of what they were set up to do. This places enormous strain on their executives and governing boards.  Caritas magazine has taken all this feedback on board in its content selection.

This is a magazine for charity professionals shaped by charity professionals and we hope that you find Caritas an invaluable tool as we move into 2008.  We think that not only was Drucker right, but that the sector will be a major determinant of the external economic and social environment. 

If you have ideas for future articles or would like to share your views please email me; it would be great to hear from you.

All the best for Christmas and the New Year.

Clarissa Dann

Clarissa Dann was the editor of Caritas as well as an HR and management online service,he People Bulletin until July 2011.

She is now the editor of the specialist trade finance magazine, Trade and Forfaiting Review which can be viewed at www.tfreview.com but does write on charity finance and investment from time to time.

Clarissa has a background in legal and professional publishing, as well as business journalism and holds an MBA from Cass Business School. She has been one of the judges for the non-profit category of the Chartered Institute of Marketing's Excellence in Marketing Awards for the second year running.

She has also acted as clerk to the trustees of a small almshouses charity and as a member nominated trustee to a pension scheme of a multinational publishing company.

 

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