A Defra Third Sector Strategy - a consultation on emerging issues and options
Strategy and Sustainable Development Directorate
Area 1D
Nobel House
Smith Square
London SW1A
Website www.defra.gov.uk
16 November 2007
Dear Consultee
Towards a Defra Third Sector Strategy – a consultation on emerging issues and options
1. I am writing to invite views on some issues and options which will help shape Defra’s Third Sector Strategy which we aim to publish in spring 2008. These are set out in the enclosed consultation document.2. The document reinforces our commitment of working in partnership with third sector organisations across the full range of our Departmental business and seeks comments and suggestions about the way in which Defra can improve upon the way we engage with the sector. The results of this consultation will help Defra prepare its Third Sector Strategy.
3. The document covers a range of issues. It asks about ways in which the third sector can make an even bigger difference in tackling climate change, protecting the environment and supporting strong rural communities. It also asks about the way in which Defra can create a level playing field for third sector organisations in the way we do business, for example in our procurement procedures and the way we work with third sector stakeholders through the Defra Compact Group and Social Enterprise Forum. It sets out our current thinking on these issues and asks for your views.
4. As part of the consultation process, we are also inviting proposals from third sector stakeholders to prepare a small number of ‘think piece’ documents which focus on the key consultation questions or themes. These would discuss the issues in more depth and offer practical options and recommendations for Defra to inform the preparation of our Strategy. The preparation of each ‘think piece’ document could also include a targeted workshop or meeting which would enable the participation of a wider group of key stakeholders.
5. Defra would meet the costs of preparing the think piece documents and any accompanying meeting or workshop. We will be looking to cover a balanced range of consultation questions and stakeholder groups. A number of third sector stakeholders may wish to work together to prepare a joint document on a common theme. Defra will also aim to help link-up related proposals from different stakeholders.
6. Third sector stakeholders who would like to put forward a proposal to prepare a 'think piece' document should contact us as soon as possible to discuss the ideas at an early stage. The documents and any events must be completed and submitted by the deadline for consultation.
7. The following documents may be found on Defra’s website: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/thirdsector-strategy/index.htm
- Letter to consultees
- List of consultees
- Consultation document
8. We welcome your views and comments on the questions. If you wish to obtain a copy of this consultation please contact Robert Rawlings at the above address.
Responses
9. Please send responses to:
Third Sector Team
Regional, Local and Community Sustainable Development Directorate
Area 1D
Nobel House
Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Email: thirdsector@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7238 5884
Website: www.defra.gov.uk
10. Responses should be received by the 22 February 2008.
11. In line with Defra’s policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive will be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. The information they contain will also be published in a summary of responses.
12. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.
13. The library will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hour notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.
14. If you have any comments or complaints about the consultation process, as opposed to the content in the consultation paper, please address them to Marjorie Addo Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7C Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
15. Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any queries please contact us as above.
Yours sincerely,Sue Adams
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Page published: 16 November 2007