by Catherine Hine, CEO, The Breastfeeding Network
The publication of the Civil Society Covenant marks an important moment for organisations like ours. As an organisation that already works closely with government nationally, locally, and with government bodies, like the NHS, we welcome the commitment to strengthening the relationship between government and the voluntary sector, and to continuously upping our game for families. Together.
At The Breastfeeding Network, we value the impact that can be achieved through strong relationships with government, especially when they’re built on trust, shared purpose, and connection to communities we’re all here to serve. The Covenant recognises this too. At the outset of the Ten-Year Plan for the NHS, the Best Start strategy, and with the forthcoming English Devolution Bill, it’s a good opportunity – perhaps after the school holidays for us parents! – to take stock and build on what’s already working well.
As a national charity deeply rooted in the communities we support, BfN empowers women with lived experience of breastfeeding to make an often life-changing difference to families, just when they need it. I am continually struck by the rich expertise and knowledge of our organisation, and the wider sector. And little surprised, since this is gained through decades of conscientious training, service delivery, learning and innovation. Our people are trusted, committed, trained, and have a deep understanding of the realities families may be facing. Whilst sometimes voluntary, our people are not amateurs, and their contribution must be valued for the resource it is.
As The Minister recognises in her introduction to The Covenant, the third sector has not had the funding, recognition and power to match the role it has stepped up to play in communities across the country[1] The sector will now be looking for action to back up the words of The Covenant. This means:
- Action to recognise and resource the contribution of organisations that make a real difference to families and communities.
- Fair funding that allows us to continue to make a difference in communities, as well as giving time to developing and implementing new services that respond to and evolve with community need.
- Long-term partnerships that allow us to focus more of our time on the things we do best: empowering women with information and support they can trust.
Across our network, I hear about many great examples of collaboration to build upon. We are ready to work with government at all levels to bring The Covenant to life in the services we provide — so that together, every parent has access to the support they need.
Read the Civil Society Covenant, here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-society-covenant/civil-society-covenant
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-society-covenant/civil-society-covenant