Kevin Curley, chief executive of Navca, has warned that the number of people employed amongst Navca’s members could be reduced by 25 per cent as a result of spending cuts.

Curley (pictured), who was speaking to an audience of charities in London last week, highlighted staff cuts as a major consequence of local authorities slashing spending,

He anticipated his member Councils for Voluntary Action would reduce employee numbers from 6,890 to around 5,100 – a drop of 25 per cent. Navca plans to reduce its own staff members by over half from 40 to 19.

During his speech, Curley said political engagement was "really important" for charities during a period of cuts. But, he said some charity leaders were reluctant to engage politically: “I do find too often a reluctance on the part of voluntary sector leaders to engage with local councillors and to build the credibility which is so essential for hard times,” he said.

“If you have not had an opportunity for three months through your normal activity to meet the leader of the council and the cabinet member responsible for the voluntary sector funding, make sure you create one.”

Curley also used his speech to challenge scepticism around the Big Society, urging the sector to try to embrace it:

“I know of course that many of you are sceptical about the Big Society. You set it alongside the cuts in funding from every part of the government,” he said.

“You may think that this government wants the Big Society for the wrong reasons. But let us celebrate and use the government’s enthusiasm for volunteering, social action, neighbourhood groups, citizen empowerment, the loans from the new Big Society Bank and philanthropy.”