The times they are a changing

The history of Britain's civil society sector is one of constant change.

The voluntary sector has been described as the glue that holds society together so it is no wonder that each change in government ushers in massive changes for the sector.

The Coalition Government's Big Society agenda combined with severe public spending cuts mean almost all voluntary organisations are going through times of change with many struggling for their very survival.

Our new chair, the veteran newscaster Martyn Lewis, tells us how he is looking beyond the current challenges faced by the sector and that the difficulties should be used to nurture more robust organisations.

Long term planning needs reliable data and as the nation fills in census forms we look at why this once-a-decade count is so important to the sector.

One change that is already taking place is the government’s new personalisation funding strategy. This offers opportunities to frontline organisations and community groups and we try to unravel some of the confusion about this new agenda.

Change has even come here at Engage. We have now published the last printed edition of Engage but are launching Engage Online. Engage Online will continue to offer you the in-depth analysis of issues affecting civil society while also allowing for a more dynamic service with a constant flow of new content.

Engage Online (www.beengaged.org) will build on the work of Engage and we hope to see you all there very soon.