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Participation in legislation

This piece explores the need for improved legislative processes in England, emphasizing the role of civil society in shaping effective legislation. With a background in parliamentary work and charitable organizations, the author advocates for better policy development prior to legislation, increased governmental openness, and meaningful consultations. The challenges of a politicized Commons and the powerful executive are addressed, alongside recommendations for improved engagement and skill-building within civil society. Collaboration and coalition-building are essential to influence policy effectively.

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Participation in legislation

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  1. Participation in legislation An English Perspective

  2. My background • Worked for Member of Parliament 1997-98 • Worked as Parliamentary Officer for childcare organisation and NCVO • Now work on the Compact

  3. What is needed for better legislation • Better policy development before legislation • Better legislative process (including scrutiny of legislation) • Civil society working together to improve its effectiveness to influence policy and legislation

  4. Policy development before legislation Government needs to: • Be more open • Provide information proposals and policy development, and how to take part • Carry out effective consultation, not just written but actively engage those affected

  5. Policy development before legislation Civil society needs to: • Work together to enable effective responses and to develop skills, and to spread information • Work with others (eg coalitions) to make their voice heard • Be clear about how organisations came to their views in response to consultations

  6. Traditional legislative process Legislative process in England is poor: • Executive too powerful • Legislation often rushed (one year) • Lack of resources for scrutiny • Commons too politicised • Lack of opportunity for NGOs to be involved • Parliament doesn’t like outsiders

  7. But some improvements… • Draft legislation • More openness • Opportunities for using new technology • But still more to do – most bills aren’t draft and MPs still lack resources

  8. Civil society and legislation • Disseminate information about legislation • Help build skills of civil society • Persuade Parliament to improve engagement with civil society • Build coalitions to influence process

  9. Good legislation / bad legislation • Charities Bill: • Strategy Unit review • Home Office consultation • Draft bill • Criminal Records Bureau: • Rushed before the election • Doesn’t work

  10. European Union • 60-80% of UK legislation starts in EU • EU institutions need to improve their dialogue with civil society • EU constitution and “Euro Compact” • European civil society working together – Eurogroup in England, CEDAG in Europe

  11. …For further information about the Compact See www.thecompact.org.uk Email: compact@ncvo-vol.org.uk

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