Making good society - Final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland

The Commission of Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society was established to explore how civil society could be strengthened in the UK and Ireland. The Inquiry Commission was chaired by Geoff Mulgan and was also informed by an International Advisory Group.

The objectives of the Inquiry were to:

• explore the possible threats to and opportunities for civil society, looking out to 2025;
• identify how policy and practice can be enhanced to help strengthen civil society;
• enhance the ability of civil society associations to shape the future.

The Inquiry Commission’s work began with an extensive futures exercise to explore possible futures for civil society. Drawing on the findings of the futures work, which are documented in two reports, The Shape of Civil Society to Come and Scenarios for Civil Society, the Inquiry Commission agreed to explore the current and possible future roles of civil society associations in relation to the following themes:

• Growing a more civil economy;
• A rapid and just transition to a low carbon economy;
• Democratising media ownership and content;
• Growing participatory and deliberative democracy.

This report documents the findings of the Inquiry’s work and of the Commission’s deliberations.

For further information about the Inquiry and to download related reports go to www.futuresforcivilsociety.org.

Published on behalf of the Commission by the Carnegie UK Trust www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk

March 2010