This snapshot taken on 07/04/2010, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Last updated: 09 July 2009
CAB049/09
8th July 2009
The public sector must increase volunteering amongst its employees, according to the Minister for the Cabinet Office Tessa Jowell. Speaking at Civil Service Live today, the Minister announced that the Cabinet Office will allow all staff up to five days off a year to volunteer.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Tessa Jowell, said:
“I believe volunteering can make a real difference to society as well as a positive impact on the individual. There are already positive and creative examples of volunteering already going on across government but we must to do more.”
“Volunteering brings significant benefits both to the employer and the employee. It builds the employee’s skills, gives wider perspectives and helps support stronger communities. For the employer, it brings new skills and ideas to the workforce and is clear way of showing the support the organisation is giving to the local communities in which it works.“Increased volunteering will help the Government build on its understanding of the issues impacting on people from different backgrounds, and will support our work to transform public services and support stronger communities.”
Olympic Triple Jump Gold Medallist Jonathan Edwards, who spoke to the Civil Service about London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, also backed volunteering:
“Volunteers play a hugely important role across communities, but in particular they are the lifeblood of thousands of sports and athlete clubs across the UK. I know from experience that their role is crucial in getting young people active and developing future competitors and champions. So for me, it is heartening to hear that every Government department backs volunteering amongst their staff.”
Yesterday, Baroness Julia Neuberger, the Government’s independent volunteering Champion, called for all civil servants to be given up to five days off per year to volunteer in her review of employee volunteering in the civil service.
The Minister continued:
“I am delighted to lead the way in volunteering by offering the opportunity to all Cabinet Office staff to volunteer for up to five days a year. I now call on all Government departments to follow our lead and provide similar opportunities for their staff.