The ChangeUp administrator is providing a grant to aid the Foundation in the setup of regional forums, which will enable campaigners to discuss policy issues and share expertise. The Forum itself was established to support and empower campaigners from across the VCS.

The new forums will effectively be an extension of the London forum pilot, which was established in June 2005 and involved a number of VCOs of varying sizes. There are eight new forums in the works, with a new forum to be introduced every three months.

Capacitybuilders chief executive Simon Hebditch said: “Advocacy and campaigning are vital aspects of the activities of voluntary and community organisations. Capacitybuilders is happy to provide a grant to enable the Sheila McKechnie Foundation to roll out a regional programme setting up campaigners forums around the country.”