Third Sector
The Government defines the third sector as non-governmental organisations that are value driven and which principally reinvest their surpluses to further social environmental or cultural objectives. It includes voluntary and community organisations, charities, social enterprises, cooperatives and mutuals.
Defra has an extremely diverse range of third sector stakeholders ranging from small, volunteer-led community groups through to international environmental Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), waste and recycling social enterprises and the UK’s biggest farming businesses.
Defra Third Sector Strategy
Ministers from Defra and the Office of the Third Sector launched Defra’s Third Sector Strategy on 3 November 2008. It will improve the way Defra and the sector work together to achieve common goals.
The Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change
The Every Action Counts Consortium launched the Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change on 18 June 2007. The Declaration recognises the urgency of tackling climate change and argues that Third Sector organisations can play a unique role in working with communities to develop practical and innovative ways to meet this challenge and change behaviour. Both the Office of the Third Sector and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs support the initiative.
Third sector organisations are urged to sign up to the declaration and pledge their commitment to adopt plans to reduce CO2 emissions; publicly agree the importance of behaving in ways that combat climate change; work with government and others to support policies for environmental and social justice; and engage service users and clients to make changes in their lives and their communities.
Useful links
- Third Sector Strategy
- Consultation & Think Pieces document (May 2008) (National Archives)
Page modified: 8 April 2009
Page published: 16 November 2007