Commissioner for the Compact Sir Bert Massie will mark his presence online with a new blog set to be launched on the Compact website later this year.

Further evidence is emerging that the economic slowdown is affecting the voluntary sector, as VSO reports potential volunteers dropping out to keep their jobs and social services charities record increased demand for their services.

Two charities have taken the government to the High Court this week to challenge its failure to lift vulnerable people out of fuel poverty.

The government has rejected calls for the estimated £500m left in dormant bank accounts to be used to bolster the balance sheets of ailing banks during the current crisis.