The Third Sector European Network (TSEN), which lost its strategic partnership with the Office for Civil Society in March, has been absorbed into NCVO.

TSEN, which provides information, support and training to help voluntary organisations access the European Social Fund, will complement the work of NCVO’s EU and international programme.

Previously a not-for-profit company with a turnover of around £200,000, TSEN will transfer its two staff across to NCVO.

It is a long-standing partner of the Department for Work and Pensions and was also a strategic partner of the Office for Civil Society until March this year. NCVO will now provide match funding to the organisation both financially and in terms of staff time.

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said: “We are delighted to be formalising our close working relationship with TSEN, as their strategic aims fit closely with our own. 

“By teaming up with them, we aim to expand this area of support for our members and the wider sector, and ensure that organisations in this country are able to make full use of EU funding.

“Together we will also be in a stronger position to ensure that we can influence EU policy, to reflect the interests and core needs of voluntary organisations in this country.”

Sandra Turner, Director of TSEN, said: “This is a great opportunity to link our work together with NCVO, our longstanding partner. We believe that together we can offer a better package of support on EU funding and a stronger voice on EU issues.”