The National Council for Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) has published a guide on due diligence designed to help charities cut costs and curb consultancy fees.

Due Diligence Demystified, created by the council’s Collaborative Working Unit, is set to help voluntary organisations carry out the appropriate risk assessments before embarking on a merger or significant partnership. (more…)

Waverley Borough Council has been awarded a top European award this week, for a project designed to encourage awareness of decision-making.

The project, called eParticipate, was voted the European Union’s Ten Project of the Year 2006, awarding Waverley Borough Council a prestigious accolade.
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Helping immigrants learn English is one of the most important roles local councils can fulfil, according to a new Audit Commission report.

Not only does a better grasp of English help migrants look after themselves and their families, it is often also very important in minimising any disruption to communities from an influx of new workers.
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Twenty-six English councils have applied to become unitary authorities as part of the government’s drive to improve efficiency in two-tier areas, local government secretary Ruth Kelly has confirmed.

Welcoming the proposals, the minister championed the scope for improved efficiency and stronger leadership that unitary status would afford certain councils, adding that such authorities could provide better value for money and potentially lower council tax. (more…)

Department for Work and Pensions minister James Plaskitt has launched a comprehensive initiative designed to save the benefits system £1 billion over the next six years.

Entitled ‘Getting Welfare Right: Tackling Error in the Benefits System’, it is the first such strategy of its scope and outlines plans to identify and correct extant flaws in the system, prevent new problems arising and reduce the number of incorrect benefit payments.

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