JGP News

Community groups across the country are being asked to consider what the government should do as the financial crisis rumbles on.

The Council on Social Action is inviting those working for such organisations to think of ways in which both social renewal and economic regeneration can be fostered during these turbulent times.

David Robinson, vice-chair of the council, states that although the downturn could help to drive division, "it could unite us, extracting greater value from all that we have, embracing new ideas and working together on common goals".

Those groups looking to improve this skills framework may be interested to hear that initial proposals include the creation of a national talent bank to oversee work-related volunteering, providing support for businesses to offer peer mentoring and financial incentives for those looking to volunteer.

"Effective communities benefit from the engagement of the many, not the few," he adds.

And while the organisation points out that a number of discussion groups are set to take place in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield and Stoke, community groups throughout the country are being urged to set up their own meetings.

Earlier this week, it was revealed charities are being invited to apply for the chance to sit on a new government taskforce which aims to discuss ways in which too tackle climate change.

More skills framework information.