Umbrella Organisations - An England Perspective Ben Kernighan National Council for Voluntary Organisations www.ncvo-vol.org.uk
NCVO Umbrella organisation of 3300 members representing voluntary organisations in England Provide advice support and information (effectiveness) Campaign and lobby on behalf of members (context)
What is an umbrella organisation? An organisation which represents and supports the common interests of other organisations Compare to membership organisations and compare to voluntary infrastructure
Functions of Infrastructure Representation Policy development Advice Information Brokerage Sense of Community Role model Networking
Areas of influence International National and Local Generic and subsectoral
Democratic and efficient
Meeting needs and leading
Members and non-members
Independent of Government and Influencing Government
Meeting common needs and addressing diversity
Addressing today's needs / looking to the future
Peak bodies Value of peak bodies Umbrellas working together