Over the last 100 years, a Network has developed, of organisations which describe themselves as Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS or an equivalent name).

Historical Background

The first CVS was founded at the end of the 19th century. Its aim was to coordinate voluntary effort and promote new organisations to fill gaps in local services. In 1945 individual CVS linked up to form a Standing Conference, serviced by what is now the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) was established as an independent body in 1991. There are specialist networks within the membership to enable CVS with specific needs and interests to link together effectively to share information and good practice.

The Benefits of a CVS

While the characteristics, history and even name of individual CVS may differ from place to place, they share the same purpose and values. All CVS support, promote and develop local voluntary and community action through the following five key functions:

The Structure of CVS Organisations in Surrey

In Surrey, CVS organisations have integrated volunteer centres/bureaux as part of their structure. The CVSs all believe that the promotion of volunteering values and good practice is intrinsic to their core functions. Some CVS in Surrey have more than one volunteer centre dependent on the local area. For example, Central Surrey CVS has volunteer centres in Dorking, Leatherhead and Epsom. All the CVSs in Surrey have integrated the development, support and promotion of volunteering into the core activities of the organisation.