Dame Mary Marsh has been appointed by the minister for civil society to lead a review into leadership and skills in the voluntary sector.

Nick Hurd has asked her to look at how effectively existing support for the sector is meeting its need. The review will bring together key figures from the sector and from business to look at the challenges and opportunities, reporting its findings in spring 2013.

Marsh is the founding director of the Clore Social Leadership programme and was chief executive of the NSPCC for eight years, among many roles in the social sector. She has also been a member of the National Council of the Learning and Skills Council.

In August the Office for Civil Society published a report outlining its progress on new initiatives and revealed that priorities were to help the sector exploit technology and support volunteer infrastructure.  

Hurd said: “Charities and social enterprises must meet the reality of tough economic conditions head-on and be ready to play a greater role in the delivery of public services, if they are to fulfil their potential to help create a better, stronger society.”

He added that Marsh would also “examine how the capabilities that exist now need to adapt if the sector is to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Marsh said: “All of us who are committed to securing effective social action know that there is an urgent need for us to gain new skill t lead and contribute in a radically changed context.”

She added: “The review must help us focus on the most urgent gaps in our capability and find smart ways of overcoming them.”