Greetings! 

There are few surprises in the Office for Civil Society's list of strategic partners published today - equality and youth groups appear to have lost out. The government has also agreed a small top-up to the Transition Fund ahead of tomorrow's Budget. And Irene Khan has sought to clarify that her severance package included remuneration owed to her over a number of years.

Strategic partnerships announced by Office for Civil Society
  

Acevo, Navca, NCVO, Volunteering England and the Institute of Fundraising will be part of the Office for Civil Society's final strategic partner programme ending in 2013/14.  

Department of Health adds £7m to the Transition Fund
  

The Department of Health has boosted the Cabinet Office's £100m Transition Fund with an extra £7m.

Irene Khan hires lawyers to clarify payment details
  

Irene Khan, the former Amnesty International Ltd secretary-general, has instructed lawyers to clarify details about the salary and severance package paid to her when she left the organisation.

CAB volunteer wants to escalate employment rights case to Europe
  

The former Citizens Advice volunteer whose attempt to achieve the same employment rights as an employee was rejected by the Court of Appeal recently, is seeking leave to appeal to the Supreme Court to try to have the case heard in Europe.

Wellcome Trust proposes £1bn Olympic legacy investment
  

The Wellcome Trust is exploring further Olympic investments which could almost double its property investment portfolio, following its shortlisting for the purchase and long-term management of the Olympic Village.

Stephen Lloyd moots new legal structure for hybrid social businesses
  

Charity lawyer Stephen Lloyd, one of the architects of the Community Interest Company structure, is leading a drive to convince the government to create a new legal form that advances a social purpose but also allows financial returns to private sector investors.

No joy for Mrs X - Volunteers are not protected by employment law
  

Judges have ruled that volunteers aren't employees. Andy Williams examines the implications.

Frontline: Japan doesn't need our help
  

Andrew Chaggar, a tsunami survivor and head of disaster relief charity European Disaster Volunteers, has been transfixed watching Japan's circumstances unravel, but will not be rushing in to help. Here he explains why...

"Will someone tell me why anyone should donate part of their hard earned cash to an organisation that is so profligate with contributions, instead of putting them to the use intended by the donor? This whole episode smacks of wet, weak mismanagement."

"This would appear to be a move away from the concept of 'social business' as prescribed by Muhammad Yunus, in which investors are repaid only what they contribute.Perhaps there would be benefit in the collaboration of lawyers and those with field experience? "