The Fontis Declaration

  Our Society, Our Public Services

We believe that

every citizen should have the opportunity to shape the priorities that affect their lives

active, continuing involvement by citizens is

  • fundamental to democratic development
  • crucial to securing social justice
  • central to building sustainable public services

public services must reflect a social and psychological contract between the public and those who act in their name, which

  • generates a greater sense of trust, ownership, accountability and transparency through effective, efficient, open processes of involvement, engagement and participation
  • gives citizens greater control over their lives
  • frames and clarifies choices
  • places individuals at the heart of the way services are designed and delivered

high-quality public services, strong civil society, mutualism and respect for the role of the individual are achievable together, and to do so is both desirable and necessary

organisations with social purposes, in whatever form they take – public, private or third sector - have an ethical responsibility

  • to explain openly the ways in which they involve the public and to be held to account for them
  • to invest in developing skills which improve the practice of involvement within communities.

We believe in the transformative power of disparate individuals and organisations making common cause to achieve fundamental and necessary social change.

This declaration of intent advocates a radical shift in public life. We propose a new deal for the public in the way public services are defined, designed, delivered and experienced.

We advocate for collaboration, co-operation, participation and mediation, addressed by clear standards of individual and collective accountability, responsibility and behaviour. This takes civic and personal commitment.

We aim to engage directly with policies and activities whatever their political and social origin or intent, in order to improve social cohesion and public experience.

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