A White Paper for the voluntary and community sector

This seminar will explore what is meant by a White Paper and consider the possibilities and limitations of placing the sector's relationship with government under a stronger, more defined framework.

Over the past six months NICVA staff and executive committee have been engaging with elected representatives on the possibility of a White Paper on the voluntary and community sector. In an Assembly debate in November 2007, MLAs agreed that a White Paper would be a useful way forward.

DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie now feels that the time is right to explore the relationship between government and the voluntary and community sector.

The relationship between government and the voluntary and community sector in Wales is governed by the Voluntary Sector Scheme; a legislative framework which aims to ensure real partnership and equality in engagement. Phil Jarrod, deputy chief executive of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) was involved in the formulation and development of the scheme and will explain how the scheme operates in Wales and how it has impacted on voluntary and community organisations.