JGP News

The National Association for Voluntary Community Action (Navca) has unveiled plans to work alongside two government departments, it has been revealed.

In news that might interest those working for charities, Navca will operate with network partners - the Office of the Third Sector and the Department for Communities and Local Government - on ways in which local third sector groups can play a greater role in setting local priorities.

Released earlier this week, the organisations published Principles of Representation: A framework for effective third sector participation in local strategic partnerships, a document which - in addition to containing examples of best practice in setting priorities and allocating resources for a community - includes seven key principles to help third sector groups make sure their voice is heard.

Neil Cleeveley, director of policy and communications, claimed that the move means that both of the government departments recognise that "local groups are often in the best position to understand and respond to the needs of local communities and accepting that more needs to be done to make sure their voice is heard".

Earlier this week the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury invited those operating in the third sector to take part in a new survey regarding the bidding process for public service contracts.

More about network partners.

Those living in Scotland appear to be the most likely people in Britain to work in the voluntary sector, a new study shows.

In the 2007 Scottish Household Survey, it was revealed that three out of ten people volunteered over the course of last year.

Such a proportion, it was stated, not only indicates that Scots are more likely volunteers than anyone else in Britain but also puts them above the rest of Europe.

It was also shown that women are slightly more likely to volunteer, with those between the ages of 35 and 59 involved in the third sector the most.

The results of the survey might be of interest to third sector bodies looking to attract would-be volunteers via a regional recruitment portal.

Furthermore, schools, the church and children’’s activities were revealed to be areas Scottish volunteers get involved in the most.

In other news, the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services recently claimed that those working for voluntary groups involved with young people should be able to study for qualifications and take advantage of development opportunities.

More regional recruitment portal information.

Those working for charities are being invited to attend a new series of advice sessions, it has been revealed.

Starting this October, the 2008-09 series of workshops organised by the Charities Aid Foundation will provide guidance to voluntary and community groups on ways in which to manage through the credit crunch.

In addition, charities will be advised on how to maximise tax-efficient donations and ways in which to promote their organisation in new ways.

Held both in London and Edinburgh, the workshops will last until March 2009.

It was also reported that the current economic downturn will see charities come under more pressure to secure financial assistance and that they could struggle to sustain donor loyalty.

Following on from receiving guidance on how to manage through tough times it may be possible that third sector bodies are able to improve sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Devon Community Foundation had received some £180,000 to offer to smaller charity and voluntary groups within the greater Devon region.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

Those operating in the third sector won more than £7 million in public sector contracts following investment from Futurebuilders England, it has emerged.

Research released by the organisation revealed that some 44 public service deals - worth over £7.7 million - were secured by groups it had provided financial assistance to between April 1st and June 30th.

Among the voluntary and charitable institutions, Futurebuilders revealed it had helped include the North Liverpool Citizen’’s Advice Bureau and Dormers Well Trust.

Jonathan Lewis, chief executive of Futurebuilders England, claimed to be "encouraged" by the amount of third sector groups which have won contracts following financial assistance from the organisation.

He added: "It is our goal to get as many different types of third sector organisations as possible winning as many different types of contracts as possible."

Following on from such monetary assistance it may be possible that charities are able to improve the skills framework of their organisations.

In other news, the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action recently revealed it is to receive grants of £424,000 from the Office of the Third Sector both in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

More skills framework information.

Those working in the third sector are being invited to take part in a new government survey, it has been revealed.

Jointly launched by HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, the questionnaire follows up the office’’s June 2008 report Excellence and Fairness: Achieving world class public services, which highlighted aims for voluntary and community groups when bidding for such contracts.

In a statement, the government departments said: "To build upon Excellence and Fairness, this survey aims to identify what enables and encourages third sector providers to develop and deliver innovative public services."

The departments reported that the results of the questionnaire will help it to develop the government’’s policy on the provision of public service contracts in the future.

It may be possible that the survey helps charities to address their attempts to improve their skills framework.

Recent research by the Charities Aid Foundation showed that members of the public benefit from the third sector more than they actually anticipated.

More skills framework information.