OCVA are sad to read the news that Reach Volunteering are closing after 45 years of service to the charity sector. You can read their announcement on their website.

Reach volunteering have provided an impeccable service to the charity and voluntary sector. Matching volunteers, trustees and supporting charities to thrive through top quality skilled volunteering.

The resources and support they have provided for decades will leave another gap, one which has been created due to lack of funding. The demand for the service is high, with trustee recruitment being a major challenge for many charities. But the cost to employ and maintain cannot be matched by the current funding environment.

Trustee recruitment has also been affected recently by another charity closure of Getting on Board. Their work in making trusteeship accessible was essential to support board diversity and ensure skill sharing alongside lived experience.

At OCVA we endeavour to support charities in Oxfordshire find trustees with our Oxon Volunteers platform as well as the Trustee Leadership List. We also provide regular training sessions on How to Be a Good Trustee. However we recognise and respect the place national charities have in specialising in these essential governance areas, as well as the resources and expertise they share.

As we all take time to reflect on the impact this will have on volunteering, everyone at OCVA is thinking of those affected by the closure.