Brentwood Borough Council’s Community and Health Committee has agreed to sign up to two new volunteering initiatives.

The first is the set up of a Brentwood Compact – an agreement between the Council, voluntary organisations, charities, and statutory bodies working within the Borough. It sets out guidance and a set of commitments so that all those involved can work together effectively, share knowledge and expertise. The Committee also agreed to sign up to the county-wide version, the Essex Compact on behalf of Brentwood Borough Council.

Secondly, the Brentwood Borough Council Volunteering Strategy 2016-2019 was given the go-ahead. It ensures the Council continues to support volunteering and sets out an employee volunteering scheme to provide an opportunity for employees to make a more direct and personal contribution to local people and our communities.

Brentwood Borough Council’s Chair of the Community and Health Committee, Councillor Will Russell, said: “Volunteers play an important role in our communities and through their contributions they have the power to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

“By signing up to the Brentwood Compact agreement, we can ensure we work more effectively with other voluntary and community organisations for the benefit of residents.

“Alongside this, the Volunteering Strategy supports Council staff who are already volunteering and encourages new people to make a more direct and personal contribution for our communities.”

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit Volunteer Essex to look at opportunities available and to also register what you are interested in.