This report has been described as a great tool for policymakers, volunteer managers and anyone who wants hard evidence of the impact that volunteers can have in priority areas of social policy. It provides evidence for the success of volunteering, but voices the weariness of volunteers at the Government’s approach to volunteering. 

Local authorities are being reminded of their obligations under the Data Protection Act to protect people from identity theft by restricting the amount of personal information which they publish on their websites. It follows a complaint against a Scottish council that was upheld by the Information Commissioner’s Office. 

Public bodies are being urged to have the courage and confidence to invest more in good design as they come to terms with new funding settlements. CABE - the Commission for the Built Environment - says positive investments are even more important.
The call came as the Commission, the government’s advisor on architecture, urban design and public space, published its annual report.