What is the Third Sector?
The Third Sector includes voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations, registered charities large and small, foundations, trusts , trade unions, not-for-profit trade associations, political organisations, co-operatives and social enterprises, private clubs, sports organisations, places of worship and grant-making trusts.
In short, Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) are:-
Non-governmental;
‘Value-driven’ – (primarily motivated by the desire to further social, environmental and cultural objectives rather than to make a profit); and
Principally reinvest surpluses to further their social, environmental or cultural objectives.
Source - Exploring the Role of the Third Sector in public service reform’ HM Treasury, DTI and Home Office (2005).
Why the West Midlands Third Sector is important?
The West Midlands Third Sector supports the delivery of both West Midlands Economic Strategy and the AWM Corporate Plan objectives in two ways:-
An advocacy role, influencing design of interventions; and
A delivery role by working with groups and communities that most statutory bodies find hard to reach. The sector is particularly well placed to reach out to those who are most at risk of social and economic exclusion.
The Region’s Third Sector organisations contribute to the regional economy by employing people and delivering goods and services not provided by either the public or private sector. This is particularly important in areas or neighbourhoods with low levels of economic activity. The sector also has a strong track record in testing innovative approaches to service design and delivery, building on unique knowledge of the needs of particular individuals, local communities or neighbourhoods. This provides huge potential to transform public services through mainstreaming activities first piloted by the sector.