March 2009 News
Opportunities for innovation – even in the depths of recession
Despite what many people might think and although many previous financial crises have turned into economic, social and political ones, crises are often a time when new possibilities arise. Downturns often bring radical institutional innovation, for example it was the depression of the 1930s as much as WWII that led to the creation of the welfare state and the NHS. The Young Foundation have just produced a paper which suggests some ways in which the VCS, governments, local authorities and...
The future of the sector/government relationship
I am currently spending two days a week at the Office of the Third Sector where I am working with others on a futures analysis project. I am spending my days thinking about current trends and future implications, and I’m aware of what a luxury that is and the stark contrast to my usually hectic and meeting-filled days at NCVO Third Sector Foresight!
I’m identifying the drivers that will or could influence the future interaction between government and the sector. We are also looking at what...
When I'm 65...
The ruling of the European Court regarding compulsory retirement in Britain must have come as a bit of a shock to many people. With an ageing population, increasing flexibility at work and relatively new age discrimination legislation, it was expected by some that this would be the first of many rulings signalling the end of mandatory retirement.
Although the final outcome rests with the UK High Court, the European court has ruled that British organisations can continue to enforce retirement ...
