The National Citizen Service Bill has today received Royal
Assent.
Together the Act and Royal Charter are designed to make sure NCS
is delivered efficiently, effectively and transparently.
The NCS programme brings young people from different backgrounds
together and gives them the opportunity to take part in new
experiences, develop skills and volunteer in communities across
England.
The Act:
- Enables the staff and assets of the NCS Trust to transfer to
a Royal Charter Body
- Allows government to provide grant-in-aid funding to the NCS
Trust
- Requires the NCS Trust to publish a business plan at the
start of each year and produce annual accounts and an Annual
Report, ensuring accountability and transparency
- Makes the National Audit Office the auditor of the NCS Trust
- Promotes NCS by giving Government the power to send a letter
to young people as they turn 16 on behalf of the NCS Trust
, Minister for Civil Society,
said:
I am pleased that the Bill has received Royal Assent. Many
young people value NCS so it is important the programme is
delivered well with realistic measurable targets, proper
transparency and accountability. This Act will do that.
The NCS runs in spring,
summer and autumn and helps build skills for work and life, while
inviting participants to take on new challenges and meet new
friends.
Notes to editors
The NCS Trust was originally established as a Community Interest
Company - a social enterprise that has the status of a company
but with the aim of working for the benefit of the community -
the act now enables the transition to a Royal Charter Body.