Statement on the recent racist violence
6 August 2024
Civil society organisations are on the front line in the racist violence that is affecting many parts of the country. Their premises have been targeted, their services disrupted, and the communities that they serve left traumatised.
As a group of civil society leaders, we reject and condemn the actions of those involved in the recent wave of violence. This violent and vociferous minority, fuelled by hatred, Islamophobia and misinformation, act in direct contrast to the values of a fair, just and inclusive society.
Staff and volunteers working in civil society organisations will be feeling the same sense of shock and horror at the events of the past week that we are all experiencing, particularly those who are working with Muslim communities, or with migrants and refugees.
Civil society exists to make the world a better place – championing the voices of those who experience disadvantage and exclusion, providing lifeline services, and working to achieve social justice and cohesion.
Civil society leaders will play a leading role in the community response to this violent unrest – supporting those most affected, redoubling their efforts to maintain continuity, and playing their part in healing the harms caused by this lawless minority.
Jane Ide OBE, Chief Executive, ACEVO
Lucinda Godfrey, Chief Executive, ACOSVO
Liz Lowther, Chief Executive, Association of Chairs
Donal Watkin, Chief Executive, Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO)
Carol Mack OBE, Chief Executive, Association of Charitable Foundations
Adeela Warley OBE, Chief Executive, Charity Comms
Jonathan Chevalier, Chief Executive, Charity Digital
Caron Bradshaw OBE, Chief Executive, Charity Finance Group
Robin Osterley, Chief Executive, Charity Retail Association
Katie Docherty, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Fundraising
Nadia Alomar, Chief Executive, Clore Social Leadership
Jane Colthup, Chief Executive, Community First Yorkshire
Victoria Armstrong, Chief Executive, Community Transport Association
Marcus Ward, Voluntary Chair, Consultants for Good
Amanda Tincknell CBE, Chief Executive, Cranfield Trust
Debra Allcock Tyler, Chief Executive, Directory of Social Change
Kamran Mallick, Chief Executive, Disability Rights UK
Ali Harris, Chief Executive, Equally Ours
Antonia Swinson, Chief Executive, Ethical Property Foundation
Rick Henderson, Chief Executive, Homeless Link
Brian Dalton, Chief Executive, Irish in Britain
Rebecca Wilkinson, Chief Executive, LawWorks
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive, Locality
James Banks, Chief Executive, London Funders
Anna Feuchtwang, Chief Executive, National Children’s Bureau
Jacob Lant, Chief Executive, National Voices
Maddy Desforges OBE, Chief Executive, NAVCA
Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive, NCVO
Janet Thorne, Chief Executive, Reach Volunteering
Deborah Layde, Chief Executive, The Seafarers' Charity
Fiona Sandford, Chief Executive, Visionary
Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG)
Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, Chief Executive, WCVA
The most up to date list of signatories can be found on the Civil Society Group's website.