Policy blog
A resolution for 2012 - the 3R Promise
Wednesday, 04 January 2012
This is a guest blog by Lewis Smith, a member of the Volunteer Rights Inquiry Call to Action Progress Group.
Recent red tape developments
Thursday, 11 August 2011
As you may know, we’re working to free volunteering from red tape. This week we’ve noticed that some useful guidance has been published that will hopefully cut through some of it.
There’s also the first stage of consultation on a bill of rights for the UK. Could this be some more red tape, or is it an opportunity to protect access to volunteering?
Internships - opportunity or exploitation?
Monday, 25 July 2011
Because the term ‘intern’ is not defined in law, it’s not surprising that the term has sparked controversy and confusion. Legally an intern could be an employee, a worker, a voluntary worker, on work experience or a volunteer – so it’s hardly surprising that many interns don’t know where they stand.
Volunteering and state benefits - some more myths busted
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
We continue to receive a high level of enquiries from our members about the rules around volunteering and benefits. Whilst there is still some confusion within the voluntary sector itself, in most cases they’re a result of individual members of Jobcentre Plus staff providing incorrect information.
Read more: Volunteering and state benefits - some more myths busted
Free volunteering from red tape
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
There are a number of things that often stand in the way of someone volunteering. Some are real barriers, others are myths and misunderstandings, and yet more are good old fashioned bureaucracy. Some are created by government and others by organisations that involve volunteers.
Giving Green Paper
Thursday, 20 January 2011
The government declares on the Cabinet Office website that its green paper on ‘giving’ is “not a conventional green paper”. Rather than a set of fully formed ideas, accompanied by requests for opinions on those ideas, it’s a free ranging discussion paper that invites opinions on how the government can “catalyse a culture shift towards a more giving society”.
Volunteering England's policy blog
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
The Policy & Information team at Volunteering England supports and represents volunteering by
- maintaining and developing the Good Practice Bank and Information Service, responding directly to queries from members;
- developing policy by keeping up-to-date with sector developments, consulting members, and engaging with government and our partners in the public, private and voluntary and community sectors; and
- campaigning for an effective and sustainable volunteering infrastructure at local, regional and national level.
