The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is the umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in England. NCVO works to support the voluntary and community sector and to create an environment in which an independent civil society can flourish. NCVO has a membership of over 10,000 voluntary organisations. These range from large national bodies to community groups, volunteer centres, and development agencies working at a local level.
NCVO aims to: champion volunteering and the voluntary sector, strengthen voluntary organizations, grow and enhance, volunteering, wherever it takes place, connect people and organizations and be a sustainable and socially responsible organization
NCVO represents the views of its members, and the wider voluntary sector to government, the European Union and other bodies. It carries out research into, and analysis of, the voluntary and community sector. It campaigns on issues affecting the whole of the voluntary and community sector, such as the role of voluntary and community organisations in public service delivery and the future of local government. It provides information, advice and support to other organisations and individuals working in or with the voluntary and community sector. Many now well-established voluntary organisations started out as projects within NCVO, including Age Concern, Citizens Advice, the Charities Aid Foundation, the Black Environment Network, the Youth Hostel Association and the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs.
NCVO provides advice and support on a wide range of topics and in a variety of formats from practical how-to guides to video training courses or bespoke advice. PQASSO is one of its offerings. PQASSO is the leading quality standard developed for the voluntary sector, by the sector. Used systematically, it'll help you to run your organisation more effectively and efficiently.
PQASSO offers the following benefits for organisations: clearer outcome planning and delivery, greater credibility and legitimacy with funders, more efficient systems, higher quality, user-centred services, better leadership and governance, more creative thinking, enabling new ways of working and a commitment to continuous improvement.
PQASSO covers all aspects of an organisation, from governance to service delivery and monitoring outcomes. PQASSO’s flexibility means it can be used by all types of third sector organisations, including charities, social enterprises, community interest companies and community groups.
PQASSO offers a flexible approach to quality which allows an organisation to work at its own pace as it is self-assessed through the 12 quality areas. Organisations can also apply for the PQASSO Quality Mark, a nationally recognised award endorsed by the Charity Commission that offers users as well as commissioners and funders external verification of the quality and credibility of an organisation.
Since its development in 1997, PQASSO has helped large and small organisations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, with over 17,000 copies sold. Now in its third edition, PQASSO’s development is informed by the organisations that use it to improve their work.
Member's Assembly
The Assembly complements the work of the NCVO trustee board, representing NCVO members and involving them in the work of NCVO by:
- contributing to the development of new and emerging thinking on public policy issues
- providing input, information and advice as public policy positions are developed.
Being part of the Assembly is an inspiring and empowering experience. The Assembly works to capture and harness the immense knowledge and skills which lie within the sector, using a range of innovative and modern techniques.
The Assembly considers, debates and advises the trustee board on policy matters and wider issues affecting the sector. The Members' Assembly cannot instruct the trustee board but the trustee board is committed to considering the full views expressed by the Members' Assembly as they represent the views of their members.
