An independent charitable body is to be established that will implement the recommendations made by the Russell Commission, the Home Office announced today.

To be chaired in the interim by Ian Russell, who headed up the Commission, the organisation is to create a national youth volunteering framework that not only will build on the voluntary activity that is already taking place but will help develop new opportunities and encourage more young people to take part.

The need for the organisation was listed in the original report from the Russell Commission, which also gave details of various schemes that were examples of best practice and innovation. One such scheme, the Young Volunteer Challenge (YVC), was also recognised today by Hazel Blears MP, who said that the YVC would receive continued funding worth £1.25m. The YVC was identified by the commission as a good model for full-time volunteering and one which provided opportunities for traditionally hard to reach young people.

The Home Office Minister for Active Citizenship said: “The creation of an independent body, specifically to implement the Russell Commission’s recommendations, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to young people.

"And today we have pledged funding to extend the YVC in advance of the body being established to enable more young people to become involved in full time volunteering opportunities.”

Full details of the Russell Commission’s proposals listed in A National Framework for Youth Action and Engagement can be downloaded via www.russellcommission.org