For immediate release
23 November 2006
Does volunteering mean the same to everyone? Should we expect people from all cultures and backgrounds to volunteer? Are government initiatives in the sector helping or hindering? The Commission on the Future of Volunteering is calling on volunteers and non-volunteers alike to consider such questions in a wide-ranging review on the future of volunteering in England.
The consultation, which is open for public submissions until May 2007, will be focusing on the following areas for evidence:
- The relationship between volunteering and government
- Volunteering is for all
- Developing a culture of volunteering.
The Commission wants to hear from volunteers and organisations in the voluntary, public and private sectors, in all regions of England, regardless of their background or experience.
Baroness Neuberger, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Volunteering, said:
“It is vital that everyone who cares about the future of volunteering in England can make their voice heard. Government initiatives are only as effective as the people who work with them, and I would urge all volunteers, and those who have a stake in the volunteering sector, to tell us what they think and what changes they would like to see.
“We would also like to hear from those who don’t volunteer – why they don’t, and what would encourage them – so that we can endeavour to remove those barriers to engagement.”
Notes to editors:
- The Commission on the Future of Volunteering was established by the England Volunteering Development Council (EVDC) to develop a long term vision for volunteering in England as a legacy of the Year of the Volunteer 2005. It is sponsored by the Volunteering Hub and supported by Volunteering England. The Commission is due to present its findings in autumn 2007.
- Press enquiries should be directed to Cat Dean on 020 7520 8932, email: cat.dean@volunteeringengland.org.uk . For out of hours enquiries, please contact Sonya Roberts on 07952 128 057.
- Evidence forms can be downloaded from www.volcomm.org.uk , by emailing evidence@volcomm.org.uk or by writing to: Commission on the Future of Volunteering, c/o Meta Zimmeck, Volunteering England, Regent’s Wharf, 8 All Saints St, London N1 9RL. It is also possible to receive information in large format, Braille, or languages other than English. Please contact Meta with any special requirements
