National Association for Voluntary and Community Action

NAVCA, the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action,^[1] is the national body for local support and development organisations in England. Local support and development organisations are often known as Voluntary Action, Community Action or Council for Voluntary Service. These organisations champion and strengthen local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups by providing them with support, information and funding advice.

NAVCA is a registered charity (1001635), based in Sheffield, and was previously called the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (NACVS). Its Chief Executive is Kevin Curley ^[2]

Membership

NAVCA has approximately 290 full members and 60 affiliates, that work with over 160,000 organisations. These cover almost every local authority area in England and provide advice, support and services to charities in their local area. NAVCA's members are all listed in the NAVCA directory of members and local contacts.

Purpose

NAVCA’s stated purpose is to promote the local third sector nationally. It does this by providing its members with information, advice, networking and learning opportunities, support and development services and in turn it draws on its members' experience to influence government and contribute to national policy ^[1].

History

The Councils for Voluntary Service National Association was a project of NCVO. In 1991 this project became independent and was named the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (NACVS). In June 2006 NACVS was renamed the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA). NAVCA is a strategic partner of the Cabinet Office's Office of the Third Sector.^[3][4]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} National Association for Voluntary and Community Action
2. ^ Guardian Society
3. ^ Office of the Third Sector Strategic Partners
4. ^ Third Sector