NCVO chief executive Sir Stuart Etherington has become a member of the European Economic & Social Committee (EcoSoc), the major civil society body of the EU.

EcoSoc is an official consultative body holding which makes policy recommendations on social and economic issues to the EU Council, the European Commission (EC) and European Parliament, and also gives opinions on draft legislation.

The group is currently calling on the EC to propose a Social Action Programme guaranteeing that social rights are placed on an equal footing with rules on competition and economic freedom.

Speaking about his appointment, Sir Stuart said: “This is a key time to push for a more transparent EU and greater recognition of the voluntary sector across Europe.

“My work with EcoSoc will build on the progress NCVO has already made in forging close links with European partner organisations through membership and development of ENNA [the European Network of National Civil Society Associations].”