News story: National Citizen Service (NCS) Bill receives Royal Assent

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

Rob Wilson, 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.

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.