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The Big Society remains front-of-mind, as Francis Maude announces a Green Paper on fairer commissioning and Sir Stuart Etherington prepares to outline some tangible ideas for how the slippery concept should manifest itself. On a more practical level, John Brownlow shares a model document charities can use to help them safeguard vulnerable children.

Maude announces Green Paper to 'create level playing field' for civil society

Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office announced plans to "create a level playing field for civil society organisations" at a Downing Street summit yesterday.

Big Society must be more than 'hot air', warns Sir Stuart

The Big Society will need more than "good intentions and hot air" if it is to succeed, Sir Stuart Etherington will warn tonight in a speech at Cass Business School.

New leader of Office for Civil Society as units combine to drive Big Society

The Cabinet Office has named its director of strategy, Gareth Davies, as the new head of the Office for Civil Society as the two units are combined to drive forward the Big Society agenda.

Council protecting funding to the voluntary sector wins Compact Award

Thurrock Council, which has protected £600,000 of funding for the voluntary sector till 2011, has won the Compact's Commissioner's award for a partnership that has demonstrated outstanding progress over the last 12 months.

Navca warns new Compact may weaken campaigning

Navca has raised concerns about principles on campaigning  and prime contracters in the new draft Compact which was released for consultation last month.

Voluntary sector offers professional women greater opportunities

Women are likely to encounter greater business opportunities in the voluntary sector than in the public and private sectors, according to a new report from the Third Sector Research Centre.

Capacitybuilders hires operating officer to oversee its closure

Ann Sander has taken the role as capacitybuilders' chief operating officer to see it through to closure at the end of March 2011.

Safeguarding trustees' responsibilities for children

Among the many things that busy trustees have to think about, arrangements for safeguarding and protecting children can be easily overlooked. John Brownlow shares a model document for ensuring this doesn't happen.

The future of charity?

Paul Gibson reflects on the recent trend towards philanthrocapitalism to divulge his thoughts on creating a better future for the sector.

Outstanding leadership: enabling and sustaining engagement and high performance in your organisation

Tesse Akpeki looks at the results of the Work Foundation's research into the links between leadership and high performance.