Volunteering England, the national Development Agency for volunteering, today, 6th October, welcomed the appointment of Kevin Brennan MP for Cardiff West, as the new Minister for the Third Sector.
Responding to the news, Volunteering England Chief Executive Justin Davis Smith said: ”The Minister’s appointment comes at an opportune time for the volunteer movement. Although progress has been made since the ‘Manifesto for Change’ was first published in January this year, many challenges lie ahead for Government, as highlighted by the recent meeting of the Public Sector Action Group.”
The group engaged with key figures from The Commission for the Compact, Office of the Third Sector, Community Service Volunteers, local government and Westminster Volunteer Centre. Challenges include implementation of The Compact, and uptake of new guidance on Criminal Record Bureau Checks and volunteering while receiving benefits.
Justin Davis Smith continued: “Volunteering England welcomes Kevin Brennan MP to his role as Minister for the Office of the Third Sector. We look forward to working with the new minister on the big issues facing our movement: implementing the recommendations from the Commission on the Future of Volunteering; securing a sustainable future for the Volunteer Centre network; helping to raise the status and profile of volunteer management and managers; and securing a lasting legacy for volunteering from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
“We would like to thank Phil Hope for his excellent stewardship of the department and we are grateful for his contribution to volunteering. Phil was an exemplary Minister who valued the role and impact of volunteering and the importance of a strong, local volunteering infrastructure. It was a job well done.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Volunteering England, the National Development Agency for volunteering, is 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. Spokesperson available on request 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 