7 December 2006
For immediate release
Commenting on the publication of the reports, Justin Davis-Smith, Deputy Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said:
“Volunteering England (VE) welcomes Gordon Brown’s acknowledgement of the key role volunteering plays in our society in both the pre-budget report and the Interim Report on the future role of the Third Sector.
The Interim Report’s recognition of the need for a strong, well supported volunteering infrastructure is most encouraging. The work of volunteer centres in developing and supporting local volunteering is vital, and VE has already made its position clear on the need for sufficient funds to ensure a sustainable future for local provision.
The Report also highlights important barriers to volunteering regarding benefits rules and Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks. The publication of clear guidance for claimants who volunteer, combined with training for local Jobcentre staff would greatly help avoid misunderstandings. Concerns related to CRB checks may be reduced by tailored guidance for voluntary groups and a commitment to retaining free checks for volunteers.
VE is concerned by the Chancellor’s reference to students being encouraged to volunteer in return for reduced tuition fees. While there may be merit in such a proposal, we strongly feel that such activity should not be described as volunteering. Volunteering is – in the government’s own definition – unpaid and freely entered into. By eroding either of these principles we risk losing the very thing that makes volunteering unique.”
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Notes to Editors
- For more information on Volunteering England, or an interview with Justin Davis-Smith, call Cat Dean on 020 7520 8932 oremail cat.dean@volunteeringengland.org.For out of hours press enquiries, contact Sonya Roberts on 07952 128057.
Volunteering England’s mission is to support an increase in the quality, quantity, impact and accessibility of volunteering throughout England. It aims to raise awareness of volunteering and its value to society in all sectors and to secure a sustainable volunteering infrastructure that promotes and enables volunteering and community involvement.
