25 October 2004

Information Note on the Russell Commission on a National Youth Volunteering Strategy

The Russell Commission was established in May 2004 by the Chancellor and the Home Secretary, to develop a new national framework for youth action and engagement. The Commission is independent, led by Ian Russell Chief Executive of Scottish Power, and follows the Government’s commitment to increase youth volunteering and civic service. The Commission is supported by two advisory groups - an Independent Advisory Group comprised of representatives from the voluntary sector, business and the media, and a Youth Advisory Group comprised of young volunteers and non-volunteers.

Following extensive research into the current volunteering landscape, both within the UK and abroad, the Commission launched its 12-week nationwide consultation on 4 October 2004. At a series of events, the Commission will be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including young people, the voluntary sector, business and the media, and a specially designed youth version of the consultation has been developed in order to test ideas and seek young people's views in a fun and relevant format.

The deadline for submissions to the Commission is 31 December 2004, and the Commission will deliver its report to the Chancellor and Home Secretary in Spring 2005.

For further information and copies of the consultation document, please visit www.russellcommission.org. To order a hard copy of the full consultation document, please call 020 7035 5144 or email info@russellcommission.gsi.gov.uk

To participate in the youth consultation, please visit www.russellmission.com . Alternatively a set of postcards can be ordered by calling 020 7035 5144 or emailing info@russellcommission.gsi.gov.uk