The Refugee Council’s Chief Executive Maeve Sherlock is to chair a new advisory panel to the Treasury. The independent panel will provide expert advice on issues relevant to the third sector and will include representatives of third sector bodies, members of different faith communities and volunteers, bringing the perspective of these groups to the strategic direction of policy.

The panel is part of a raft of new initiatives established in the wake of this year’s Budget that will impact on the voluntary sector.

Ms Sherlock said “This a great recognition of the importance of the third sector.”

Also included in the Budget was the Treasury’s new Office of Charity and Third Sector Finance, which will advise charities and third sector organisations on financial issues. In addition, the office will co-ordinate Treasury policy and strategy, bringing together all aspects of spending, financial services and tax policy relating to the third sector, including charities, voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, co-operatives and mutuals. It will also function as a central information point for stakeholders.