Democratic Governance Through Intermediary Bodies: A Case Study of Third Sector Interfaces in Scotland (March 2021)
This document summarises PhD research undertaken at the University of Glasgow from 2015-2020, exploring the relationship between a third sector intermediary body (a third sector interface) and the state (focusing on the Scottish Government and a local authority). The findings suggested that the independence of the intermediary body (its ability to speak out and pursue its mission) was compromised by its close involvement with state actors and further that its legitimacy with the broader third sector was undermined. Recommendations from the findings are that intermediary bodies actively assert their independence, maintain ongoing engagement with constituents, advocate rather than mediate, that participative structures be designed collaboratively by civil society and state actors and that the state support organic third sector approaches rather than intervening in civil society infrastructure.
