The government will this week outline plans to make it easier for more people to volunteer for key roles in their local community, a key recommendation of The Morgan Inquiry that was launched earlier this year with The Scout Association’s support. Launched in February, The Morgan Inquiry found that many young adults would benefit from an extra eight hours leave a year from their jobs for voluntary activities. It also included the recommendation for a flexible day off to encourage volunteering. Later this week, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears will announce proposals to broaden the list of activities that will entitle people to time off work. Magistrates, school governors and members of health bodies or police authorities already have time off entitlements. But the government will be looking at whether this should be extended to other roles to better reflect modern life and the needs of local communities. ‘Nearly three quarters of all adults volunteered at least once during last year, with almost half volunteering at least once a month,’ said Blears. If we value volunteering and community spirit then we have a responsibility to see what we can do to make it easier for more people, from all walks of life to get involved.’

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1 October 2008
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