Report calls for improvements in the way voluntary organisations are funded
A new Assembly report today calls for improved access to information and less bureaucracy in funding for voluntary organisations.
The Communities and Culture Committee has today published the result of its inquiry into funding for the voluntary sector, also known as the “third sector”, encompassing voluntary organisations, community groups, self-help groups, community co-operatives and enterprises, religious groups, and other not-for-profit organisations.
This is the first scrutiny inquiry completed by the Committee. Members received evidence from a cross-section of the 30,000 third sector organisations in Wales as well as from the Assembly Government, local government, and organisations such as the Arts Council of Wales and the Sports Council for Wales.
The report does not call for additional funding and acknowledges that funding for the third sector from the Assembly Government has increased significantly over the past four years; from £79 million in 2002-03 to £174 million in 2006-07.
Recommendations in the report include a review of funding criteria, a web-based portal providing information for the voluntary sector, and making funding application forms clearer.
The Committee also recommends that the Assembly Government, should fund four pilot projects in rural and urban areas to provide training and support to help small voluntary sector organisations become more self-sufficient - the private sector should be encouraged to help; either by providing sponsorship or lending staff with specific skills for short-term secondments. It also says that the Government, local authorities and other public bodies should treat the third sector as a strategic partner when planning, commissioning and delivering public services.
Janice Gregory AM, Chair of the Committee, said: “The third sector plays a vital role in civic society; not only in the range of services delivered but also in providing opportunities for people to give of their time, experience and expertise for the benefit of others and the enrichment of community life. We are impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of those we have met during the course of this inquiry.
“The Committee is not calling for additional funding and acknowledges the support currently provided by the Welsh Assembly Government and other funding bodies. However, we feel there are opportunities to help third sector organisations to make better use of their time and energy; for example, by improving access to information on funding and reducing bureaucracy in application procedures.
“I anticipate that our report will be widely read within the sector and hope that our recommendations will be accepted by the Assembly Government. I look forward to receiving their response before the end of term.”