Work programme

The OCVS works with other agencies to respond to the community and voluntary sector's priorities for capacity development, and supports the following initiatives:

• Kia Tūtahi Standing Together Relationship Accord: a symbol of commitment between government and communities of New Zealand.
• Social finance (lending) and social enterprise development in New Zealand.
• Keeping It Legal E Ai Ki Te Ture: a resource kit to help voluntary organisations manage their legal responsibilities
• Practical advice and helpful resources for community groups to work differently during the economic downturn

Having good data and information on the community and voluntary sector is important for government's and communities' planning, decision-making and resource allocation.

The OCVS coordinates projects focused on further data collection and publication:

• Data on the size and scope of New Zealand's non-profit sector
• Data on how different community sub-sectors contribute to society

The OCVS undertakes a range of activities to support active citizenship, including promoting volunteering and giving. The OCVS supports the following initiatives:

• Payroll Giving: an easy way for employees to support a good cause
• The Generosity Hub: a project to grow the level of giving in all its forms in our communities
• Opportunities to participate in government processes and your community

In 2008, OCVS summarised and reported to Cabinet on government work to support volunteering in the document Government Support for Volunteering 2002-2008.

The OCVS promotes good practice by government agencies in their interaction with community and voluntary organisations. The focus of this work is on improving funding arrangements and participation in policy development.

• OCVS Good Practice Funding website
• OCVS Good Practice Participate website
• Regular Good Practice in Action seminars for public servants and their community partners
• Video and/or presentations from previous seminars on good community engagement
• Building Better Government Engagement