originally published: 17th August 2010

A “red-tape taskforce to flush out burdens on the voluntary sector” has been announced by the government.

NCVO’s president Lord Hodgson will chair the taskforce, and other members are Andrew Hind, retiring Chief Executive of the Charity Commission; Lynne Berry, chief executive WRVS, David Tyler, chief executive Community Matters, Sir Graham Melmoth, retiring chair NCVO and past chief executive Co-operative Group and David Thompson, chair of Marstons PLC.

The Big Society De-regulation Taskforce will connect with other government initiatives such as the review of the vetting and barring scheme, but will decide for itself which areas to focus on. A suggested list includes responsibilities of trustees and directors, employment law and contractual arrangements in providing public services.

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts will lead the new cutting red-tape taskforce to flush out burdens on the voluntary sector Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, and Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise announced today.

The Government is committed to making it easier to run charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises. Reducing bureaucratic burdens will free-up time and resources for these organisations to make a difference in their communities and help mobilise the Big Society.

Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd, said:

“This is a tough time for small civil society organisations and we want to make life easier for them. So I have asked for specific ideas on how we can thin the thicket of bureaucracy and regulation that too often gets in the way. I see it very simply. Every pound or hour we can save a small voluntary organisation is a pound or hour that could be better spent.”

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