Navca and Community Matters have announced they are in merger talks and will take a vote from members on the action at their AGMs later this year.

A steering group has been formed of board members and staff from both organisations to look at the possibility of a merger which would create a single membership body for local community organisations some time next year.

The organisations will now consult with members ahead of the AGMs on 6 October for Community Matters and 14 November for Navca. A merger decision will require the approval of both organisations' memberships.

Navca's members support over 160,000 charities and local groups. It has an income of £3.2m supporting 37 staff. Community Matters has 1,232 organisations under its umbrella, an income of £1.8m and 22 staff.

Mike Martin, chair of Navca said the merger would cement their collaborative efforts over a number of years:

"We have a really good history of working and campaigning together. Merger seems to be an obvious next step. We both support local organisations and we are both a national voice championing voluntary and community action. Importantly, we share the same values. However our work is complementary not competing and we have separate memberships, who support the full range of local organisations at different levels."

Navca chief executive Joe Irvin who took over from Kevin Curley in January this year said the move is part of a move to create unity throughout the sector:

"Merger would enable us to speak with a common voice on key issues, share best practice and to reach deeply into the local sector. But as well as benefitting members, local charities and community groups, we would want to work closely with other community and voluntary networks who share our vision and values to give national and local government and funders a simple route to the local voluntary and community sector."

David Tyler, chief executive of Community Matters added: "Now, more than ever, local voluntary and community action needs the united national voice and coherent support that a merger between Navca and Community Matters offers.

"The vast majority of voluntary organisations are small butare the lifeblood of the whole sector. They currently face unprecedented challenges in getting funding, support and a fair hearing. A merger would create a powerful voice to stand up for local organisations and groups."