The Network of National Volunteer-Involving Agencies (NNVIA), made up of 46 agencies that include: The National Trust, Age UK, Attend, CSV and The Refugee Council is calling on the new Government to establish a Task Force to report to the Prime Minister on improving citizen involvement across government services.

The Network, as part of its manifesto for change wants greater public involvement in tackling crises that include child protection, care of older people, youth offending, environmental protection and community justice.

Chairman of NNVIA and executive director of UK volunteering charity CSV, Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, said: "A small dedicated task force could identify the enormous benefits that citizens bring to public services, especially during economic hardship.

"When we are told that some patients are leaving Queen Mary's hospital a day earlier because a volunteer has helped feed them, then the benefits should be extended throughout the NHS.

"Volunteers in General Practice enable the doctor to see six patients in the time it would take for a GP to visit a housebound patient's home, by providing transport to the surgery. Volunteers are also preventing 'at risk' children returning to costly care plans, not only saving lives but reducing costs for social services. £1million is saved in Bromley thanks to volunteers in child protection."

NNVIA's manifesto for citizen engagement points out that the supply of volunteers is rising but opportunities and resources are not.

The manifesto lists a number of key action points including the establishment of the small, dedicated Task Force to report to the Prime Minister on progress in establishing better citizen involvement with:

• All government departments

• Non-departmental public bodies e.g. Environment Agency, English Heritage

• The National Health Service

• Local authorities

• Police services

• Fire and rescue services

It lists a series of objectives which include:

• Assisting the development and implementation of plans to ensure that volunteer hours reach 3% of the work force by 2014.

• The launch of a local, regional and national awards programme to highlight innovation in citizen engagement by public and other agencies and to encourage early pioneers.

• Progressing the inclusion of citizen engagement skills in learning and training curricula.

NNVIA proposes that the new Government administration should require a module on citizen engagement in the training of all public service staff including: doctors, fire fighters, nurses, psychologists, police officers, social workers and teachers.

The Manifesto points out that "many employers offer staff the chance to volunteer."

"Government should offer similar possibilities to its own personnel. The benefits would exceed the costs. In addition the experience would enhance civil servants' capacity to involve volunteers in their own services."

The Manifesto looks ahead to the vetting and barring system and points out that it "must be fit-for-purpose.

Greater clarity on how the scheme is applied with more standardised criteria would be welcomed, as well as an independent annual review to ensure the scheme works as it is intended."

The NNVIA charities also recommend integrating 'Study Service' into schools. All secondary schools, 16-18 colleges and universities should involve their students in curricula related service.

Dame Elisabeth Hoodless added: "Growing evidence indicates that involvement in study service improves attendance, improves achievement and reduces teenage pregnancies."

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