The British public have a greater degree of confidence in the third sector’s ability to deliver public services than local/central government a study by Zurich has found.
An overwhelming 631 per cent of respondents answered ‘yes’ when asked, "Do you think that charities and local voluntary groups could do a better job than local or national government in delivering public services, such as meals on wheels and playgroups for young children?" signifying considerable backing for the Government’s public service delivery agenda.
The comments support findings from a recent Zurich report looking at public sector risk which identifies the rising number of partnerships between charities and public sector organisations as the key challenge facing voluntary organisations. ‘Perception and reality – the real risks for public service and charitable organisations’ cites confusion around the transfer of risk in such arrangements as well as funding and the loss of independence as prime concerns for charitable organisations on the back of the government’s commitment to using the sector to deliver public services.
Since undertaking the research the insurer has made some enhancements to provide greater support and confidence for customers delivering against this strategy. Its Insight offering aims to accommodate evolving issues such as increasing dependence on volunteers, changing asset cover and the need for flexible solutions.
Zurich also observed that many charities and voluntary organisations harboured very real concerns regarding recruitment of volunteers and trustees and covering themselves appropriately in these areas, as has the Charity Commission. Similarly, the importance of good governance in light of riskier activities they might be undertaking led Zurich to produce two booklets introducing the fundamentals of insurance and risk management. ‘Making Insurance Simple’ and ‘Making Risk Management Simple’ are available, complimentary, for customers with their updated policy information to support them with instilling good governance.
Paul Emery, Head of Charities and Voluntary Organisations at Zurich said; ‘The sector is being held increasingly accountable by public authorities to demonstrate best practice and appropriate handling of risks associated with its changing role. Our specialist claims teams provide valuable assurance to customers engaging in riskier activities who will have expert assistance on hand in the event of a large or complex loss. In the same manner we have updated our policy to be more relevant to the risk that undertaking new activities can represent.’
Updates to the policy include;
- Death or disgrace of a patron
- Volunteers can now be covered under Employers Liability
- Employee dishonesty now extended to cover volunteers
- Personal effects limit increased from £500 to £1,500 (for employees, volunteers and visitors)
- Increased limits on Court Attendance costs (to cover volunteers/trustees)
- Wordings simpler and more straightforward
Mr. Emery, concluded; ‘Some 62% of charities with an income above £500,000 a year now deliver public services2. As sector experts our role is to clarify what the changing service delivery model means for our customers large and small. We are confident these updates will help our customers plan for and manage their risk more effectively and based on their individual circumstances.’
-Ends-
1. Survey commissioned by Zurich conducted by Ipsos MORI of the general public (interviewed on a face to face basis). Fieldwork dates: 11th - 18th May 2007, Sample: 1034 adults aged 15+
Number of sample points used: 157
2. Source: Charity Commission, 2006 Stand and Deliver, p. 5
For further information contact
Louise Naqvi, Zurich on t: 01489 561574 m: 07875 885120: e: louise.naqvi@uk.zurich.com
Notes to Editors :
For over 100 years Zurich has been dedicated to providing insurance and risk management services to the third sector. With the experience and know-how to help community and voluntary organisations identify and manage the risks they face Zurich works with its customers to develop tailored solutions which enable them to focus on meeting their objectives.
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 58,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries.
