National Association for Voluntary and Community Action


NAVCA is the national membership body for local support and development organisations in England. It is a registered charity, based in Sheffield, and was previously called the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service.

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. In June 2006 NACVS was renamed the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action. Since August 2017 its Chief Executive has been Jane Ide. Previous Chief Executives have been Neil Cleeveley, Joe Irvin and Kevin Curley.

Purpose

NAVCA’s stated purpose is to promote the local voluntary and community sector nationally. It provides 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. Local support and development organisations are often known as Voluntary Action, Community Action or Council for Voluntary Service. These organisations support local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups by providing them with support, information and funding advice.

Campaigns

NAVCA advocates social value, whereby public authorities have regard to economic, social and environmental well-being when commissioning goods and services. NAVCA supported Chris White MP's private members bill that incorporated social value in legislation through the Public Services Act 2012.

Membership

NAVCA has a membership network of nearly 200 local sector support and development organisations in England. NAVCA members work with around 145,000 small local charities and voluntary organisations to provide advice, support and services.