New investment in voluntary sector
The Home Office has confirmed £16.5 million in funding to set up national centres of expertise for the voluntary and community sector (VCS).
Minister Hazel Blears said the six ChangeUp national hubs, which will be established over the next two years, will provide coordinated leadership and support for the sector.
And she stressed the investment was an indication of the government’s commitment to “a strong, independent and competent voluntary and community sector”.
The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the body responsible for three of the six centres covering ICT, workforce and governance, welcomed today’s announcement.
“Now that funding has been approved, work can begin on driving forward each of the hubs, making a real difference to the voluntary and community organisations,” said director of services and development Ben Kernighan.
“We look forward to leading on the governance, ICT and workforce hubs in collaboration with our partner organisations.”
Ms Blears said the hubs, which will also cover the areas of performance improvement, financing VCS activity, and recruiting and developing volunteers, would improve the efficiency of voluntary organisations by helping them share best practice.
“The government values the voluntary and community sector and recognises that the time, talents and passion invested by its workers and supporters make a real difference to people’s lives,” she said.
“These hubs will improve the co-ordination and quality of support available to frontline VCS organisations and are a positive example of partnership within the sector.”
The Charities Evaluation Service will be accountable for the performance improvement hub, while the Charities Aid Foundations will run the finance and Volunteering England the volunteering ones.
