Office of the Third Sector Homepage
The latest news and policy updates from the Office of the Third Sector.
Sir Bert Massie, Commissioner for the Compact, will be logging on to the Third Sector Indicators Community of Practice next Thursday 15 January to take your questions on his recommendations for the future of the Compact (the the framework agreement for how the government and the sector should work together).
The Office of the Third Sector has published details on how to express an interest in tendering for Phase 2 of the National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning. Details have been advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
"As we end the year, I know that many of us have anxieties about what the new year will bring. And I know that many third sector organisations are worrying about how the downturn will affect them and what challenges lie ahead. But it is during difficult times, times when some of us will find ourselves in need of extra help, that we see most clearly the vital role that the sector has to play. This is when we see charities, community groups, local networks and projects - which are the glue that binds communities together - at their very best. This is why I am determined that in the coming months we will help to support the sector to play its role in helping the country through the downturn fairly, to the benefit of us all... "
"At this time of year most of us tie up loose ends at work and head back home to be with our families. But there are many who would have little to look forward to if it were not for the tireless work of charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and all the other groups that make up this vibrant movement we call the third sector..."
An interim Chair and a Project Director have been appointed to lead the setting up of a new Third Sector Skills Body charged with leading the drive to improve the skills of volunteers and staff.
Following an NCVO summit on the impact of the economic downturn on the third sector, Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, announced plans to publish a third sector action plan in the New Year. The action plan represents a real opportunity for the sector and Government to work in partnership to address current and future challenges.
The OTS has published a revised guidance document to help charities, professional fund-raisers and commercial participators involved in fund-raising ventures, to comply with changes have been made to legal requirements. The OTS would like to thank those who submitted comments on the draft guidance.
Following her recent appointment as the Cabinet Office Advisor on Third Sector Innovation, Anne McGuire MP addressed an audience of Chinese Government officials and non-governmental organisations in Beijing on 4th December. She spoke about the important role of the third sector in driving public service innovation.