The Updated Coalition Manifesto published today…

 Section 27 –

We will introduce National Citizen Service. The initial flagship project will provide a programme for 16 year olds to give them a chance to develop the skills needed to be active and responsible citizens, mix with people from different backgrounds, and start getting involved in their communities.

We will use funds from dormant bank accounts to establish a ‘Big Society Bank’, which will provide new finance for
neighbourhood groups, charities, social enterprises and other non-governmental bodies.

We will take a range of measures to encourage volunteering and involvement in social action, including launching a national day to celebrate and encourage social action, and make regular community service an element of civil service staff appraisals.

Full details "The Coalition – Our Programme for Government"