An outstanding group of influential figures spanning the private, public and voluntary sectors have joined forces to shape the world of volunteering.Volunteering England, the national Development Agency for volunteering, are leading on implementing ‘Manifesto for Change’ from The Commission on the Future of Volunteering. Volunteering England has secured the commitment and enthusiasm of over seventy industry figures to deliver long lasting change to the volunteering world.
This collaboration has bought together organisations and individuals from the private, public and voluntary sectors. Key figures from organisations such as the Institute of Directors, Yorkshire Water, the Local Government Association, the Department of Health, the National Trust, Media Trust, RSPB, Time Banking UK, Investors in People UK, and Office of the Third Sector are contributing to making lasting change within the world of volunteering.
Chief Executive Justin Davis Smith commented, “As the body leading on implementing the Manifesto for Change, Volunteering England is delighted and privileged to have so many committed senior professionals giving their time for free, to shape the future of volunteering in England.This is an exciting time for volunteering and we want all areas of society to be a part of it. The Manifesto for Change has set out an ambitious set of recommendations. This collaborative and innovative approach will help long lasting changes be made.”
“Significant progress has already been made, with the Office of the Third Sector agreeing to implement some of what was outlined in the Manifesto including a £6 million investment in volunteering initiatives.However, much work remains to be done if volunteering is to become part of the DNA of our society.”
The Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, Stephen Dunmore Ex Big Lottery, Caroline Diehl Chief Executive of the Media Trust, Baroness Hanham, Sue Davies, Trustee of the National Trust and Rod Aldridge Chair of V are all chairing key aspects of the programme.These influential figures who are giving their time to help secure the future of volunteering have been grouped into 6 different action teams, providing a focus for their time and expertise.These are Promotion of Volunteering, Modernising the Infrastructure for volunteering, Public Sector Action, Skills for Volunteers, Skills and empowerment for Volunteer managers and Employer Action.
The Action Groups aim to integrate the volunteering agenda into the future of the private, public and Third sectors. These groups are action focused and are tasked with influencing change and driving the delivery of the Manifesto’s recommendations through utilising their experience, networks and personal influence.
Alex Mitchell, Head of Influencer Relations at the Institute of Directors, comments, ‘Volunteering, if managed correctly, can be extremely beneficial for the private sector. A number of our members already have in place successful schemes that are encouraging volunteering within their organisations. We feel that the Employers Group is an important way in which the interaction between business and volunteering can be enhanced and be mutually beneficial, we are very pleased to be a part of it.”
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Notes to Editors
Volunteering England works to promote volunteering as a powerful force for change, both for those who volunteer and for the wider community. For further information go to www.volunteering.org.uk or call 0845 305 6979
