We’re the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England. Together we champion voluntary action. We’ve been here for over 100 years. We have over 17,000 members, made up of all causes, shapes and sizes. From big charities to local sports clubs. Our members are at the heart of everything we do. We exist to make life for charities easier – so they can focus on changing people’s lives and making our communities stronger and more resilient.

At NCVO, we champion charities and volunteers, working to build a stronger, more connected society. Charities and volunteers are vital to communities across the UK, providing essential services that make a real difference in people’s lives. We unite and amplify the voices of charities, helping them overcome challenges and thrive. As we move forward, we are embarking on the development of a new strategy, positioning ourselves to maximise new opportunities and navigate the challenges ahead. After a period of unprecedented change for charities, NCVO remains committed to ensuring the voluntary sector remains resilient, innovative, and ready to meet the future needs of communities.

Our values guide everything we do at NCVO. They inform our decisions, shape our actions, and ensure that we stay focused on making a meaningful difference.

• Open – We are open about how we work and how we make decisions, sharing our learning along the way.
• Ambitious – We are bold in our goals, striving to make a bigger difference for charities, volunteers, and communities.
• Collaborative – We believe in the power of working together to create lasting change. We work with our members, partners, and communities to ensure everyone has a voice.
• Inclusion – We ensure that all voices are heard, bringing the diverse experiences and perspectives of our membership to shape our work.

Our current strategy is built on four key pillars:

• Support – Enabling charities to make a bigger difference. We provide practical support and resources to help charities and volunteers succeed in their work. We harness the collective power f the sector to create the best possible environment for charities to thrive.
• Amplify – Speaking up with charities and volunteers. We ensure their voices are heard by decision-makers and the public, building stronger relationships and platforming lesser heard voices.
• Connect – Uniting people who want charities to thrive. We build networks, connections and partnerships that foster collaboration and shared learning across the sector, and beyond.
• Evolve – Embedding and sharing new ways of working. We continually adapt our approach to meet the changing needs of our members and the voluntary sector as a whole. We work collaboratively to use the best evidence and insight, support our people to thrive and become a more equal, diverse and inclusive organisation.

Having recently been appointed, the new Chief Executive is now leading the development of  our new strategy, while ensuring that NCVO remains responsive to the evolving needs of the sector and can pivot to tackle new challenges and create lasting opportunities.

NCVO is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated and registered in England under company number 198344. It was founded in 1919 as the National Council of Social Services, incorporated on 30 May 1924 and registered as a charity on 1 January 1964. It’s governed by its articles of association and detailed regulations made under the articles.

Our board comprise three honorary officers (chair, vice chair and treasurer). The chair, treasurer and seven of our trustees are directly elected from the membership. Three trustees are co-opted by the board to ensure the right mix of skills and experience. One of the trustees is elected to the position of vice chair honorary officer by the board. Trustees serve for a term of three years, with a maximum of two terms to be served.

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Please follow these links to read about our Governance, the Civil Society Covenant, The Road Ahead 2025, Latest News and Insights, plus our latest Annual Report