A new stage was reached in talks between Student Volunteering England and Volunteering England about a merger plan when on 1 November the Board of Student Volunteering England voted unanimously in favour of integration.

The move, likely to take effect from 1 April 2007, is still subject to formal approval by Volunteering England’s Board of Trustees when it meets on 13 December, as well as to satisfactory due diligence exercises on both organisations.

The addition of the student volunteering constituency in higher and further education will broaden Volunteering England’s membership base and give it a stronger voice. Student Volunteering England will have access to Volunteering England’s policy, campaigns and public affairs functions, as well as to the full range of membership services and back office functions.

Graham Allcott , Chief Executive of Student Volunteering England, said:

‘I believe this decision is in the best strategic interests of student volunteering. We are confident that the move will increase capacity enabling us, as part of a larger entity, to extend our reach, influence and impact. This merger will also enable our sector to work more closely with the rest of the volunteering infrastructure, without losing the distinct identity and voice of student volunteering’.

Christopher Spence CBE, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said:

‘I warmly welcome the decision of Student Volunteering England’s Board to join forces with Volunteering England. Student Volunteering England is doing some fantastic work from which we can learn. Its networks will bring into Volunteering England’s membership energy, passion and innovation, giving us a stronger, more representative voice with which to speak up and campaign for the whole volunteering sector’.

Notes to editors:

Media enquiries should be directed to Cat Dean in the Volunteering England press office. Email cat.dean@volunteering.org.uk, tel 020 7520 8932. For out of hours press enquiries, call Sonya Roberts on 07952 128057. For further information on Volunteering England’s activities, visit www.volunteering.org.uk

 Volunteering England’s mission is to support an increase in the quality, quantity, impact and accessibility of volunteering throughout England. It aims to raise awareness of volunteering and its value to society in all sectors and to secure a sustainable volunteering infrastructure that promotes and enables volunteering and community involvement.

 Student Volunteering England works towards ensuring every student has the opportunity to volunteer and make a positive difference in their community and beyond, through having access to relevant volunteering opportunities and receiving effective support.