Press releases
Increase UK productivity and reduce inequalities post-Brexit with world-leading initiative, says cross-sector working group
Government must seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve funding for education, training and employment support for the most vulnerable groups in society when the UK leaves the EU, a cross-sector working group has said.
The group convened by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) today published proposals for a successor to the European Social Fund (ESF) that it said would help boost productivity and create a fairer and more inclusive society.
Diversity the big challenge for participation says NCVO
People in the UK remain willing to become involved in society but attracting people from more diverse backgrounds remains a challenge, says a new report from NCVO.
The report, Getting Involved: How people make a difference (pdf, 3.4MB), gives an overview of the different ways and activities in which people participate in society, drawing together statistics from a variety of sources.
Read more: Diversity the big challenge for participation says NCVO
New Charity Governance Code winning support from charities
The independent chair of the cross-sector steering group behind the new Charity Governance Code for England and Wales says she is delighted that it is winning support within such a short space of time.
Read more: New Charity Governance Code winning support from charities
Charity tax commissioners announced
A former chairman of Inland Revenue will chair a commission on charity taxation, it was announced today. Sir Nicholas Montagu will lead a high-level team of commissioners undertaking a full review of the charity tax system and develop recommendations to government. The Charity Tax Commission has been established by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), which represents charities, social enterprises and community groups.
A tribute to Sir Bert Massie
The death of Sir Bert Massie is a great loss, personally and professionally, says Sir Stuart Etherington, the chief executive of NCVO.
Lobbying Act reform: debate required, say charities
Three organisations representing thousands of charities have asked the Electoral Commission to explain its opposition to reform of the Lobbying Act, which contributed to the government dropping plans to make any changes.
In a letter sent earlier today to Claire Bassett, the chief executive of the commission, NCVO, ACEVO, and Bond have asked for a detailed explanation of why the Commission opposed reform.
Read more: Lobbying Act reform: debate required, say charities
Campaigning peer Baroness Pitkeathley proposed as NCVO president
NCVO’s board has announced that it has proposed the Baroness Pitkeathley of Caversham OBE as its choice to become the membership organisation’s next president.
Lady (Jill) Pitkeathley has had a long career in public service and has worked in or with the voluntary sector for more than 40 years. She has been chief executive officer, chair and trustee of many charities.
Read more: Campaigning peer Baroness Pitkeathley proposed as NCVO president
NCVO calls on charities to speak up about civic engagement
NCVO is urging as many charities as possible to submit evidence to a new Lords select committee on citizenship and civic engagement in order to highlight innovations and best practice in the area.
The ad hoc committee, chaired by Lord Hodgson, is examining ways of building bridges within and between communities and supporting civic engagement. The committee says it is keen to ‘think about citizenship in a more vibrant, positive and integrated manner’.
Read more: NCVO calls on charities to speak up about civic engagement
Challenges remain for voluntary organisations’ input into health and social care services
All future health and care plans should be produced in collaboration with the voluntary sector, review urges
Recognition of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector’s potential in health and social care is vital but still limited, a new report finds. While there are examples of positive local partnerships, the difference that these organisations can make is not consistently understood.
Read more: Challenges remain for voluntary organisations’ input into health and social care services
Larger charities should undergo external reviews every three years, new governance code recommends
External reviews for larger charities every three years, more openness and limits on how long trustees may serve are among new recommendations unveiled today by a group of leading charity membership bodies to strengthen governance and accountability in the voluntary and community sector.
The new Charity Governance Code will outline the high standards that all charities in England and Wales should aspire to and is designed to help charities and their trustees to develop high standards of governance.
