The Russell Commission will work in partnership with voluntary groups and businesses to develop new ways of increasing the numbers of youth volunteers.

"What we are looking for are ways of developing the leadership and mentoring skills of young people, enabling them both to participate in building the capacity of their community and to develop their potential for the future both as citizens and as valued employees," Home Secretary David Blunkett is to say at the launch in London today.

Chancellor Gordon Brown will tell those attending that, despite the efforts of many in both the voluntary and private sectors, many young people remain confused about the opportunities available for them to volunteer. "We need to widen access and remove barriers to volunteering and find innovative ways to involve excluded young people in exciting volunteering opportunities," he will say.

The commission will be headed by the chief executive of Scottish Power, Ian Russell, who will be supported by an independent advisory group of young people and representatives from the voluntary, business and media sectors.

The commission will also organise a series of consultation events with the wider voluntary and community sector and other potential stakeholders to seek their views before reporting to the Government by March 2005. Its proposals will inform the Government's National Youth Volunteering Strategy.