A new initiative to give charities a stronger voice connecting with government and business has been launched by the Chamber of Commerce.

The charity forum has been formed to encourage charities to share ideas and work with one another, plus provide a way of communicating with the public and private sector.

Working in partnership with the Council for Voluntary Organisations (CVO), the forum is supported by a broad cross-section of organisations operating within the third sector, including Crossroads, Disability Networks, Housing Matters, Isle Listen, Junior Achievement, Leonard Cheshire, Live At Home, Manx Wildlife Trust, One World Centre, Samaritans, and The Children’s Centre.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Rebecca George, said: ’Last year Chamber launched a general strategy to make it even more open and accessible to existing and new members.

’A central element of that strategy was to introduce open sector forums which are regular events throughout the year to allow all interested parties to engage with the activities in each sector.

’We have already hosted open forums for the finance and professional services sectors, and for the digital sector.

’Because the third sector contributes so much to the island and its people we thought it was important, in collaboration with the CVO, to help those organisations to get their voices heard.’

The charity forum, she said, will also encourage charities to share ideas and collaborate with one another, and provide another channel for communicating with government and the business community.

The forum will also host specific events about CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and volunteering opportunities. Equally, she said, many of the Chamber’s private sector members wish to work more closely with charities and support the vital work that they do.

Mrs George added: ’Historically, Chamber has always offered the opportunity for different sectors to get together via the sector committees and we wanted to be able to offer a similar opportunity to our charity members.

’We’re very pleased with the interest shown so far, and thank the CVO for working with us, and all of the charities that have supported this initiative.

’I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard MacNee from Manninvest for volunteering to chair the forum, and for the ongoing support given to Chamber by Richard and our charity members.’

Charity forum chairman, Richard MacNee, who is ILS World’s business development director, said: ’This forum is a great opportunity to bring together the island’s business community with the third sector.

’We hope it will be the starting point for many different types of partnership.

’It has long been recognised that volunteering and fundraising can provide learning and leadership opportunities as well as increase productivity and engagement for the business community.

’This new initiative also sits well with the Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status which encourages all of us to learn about and cherish what we have here in the Isle of Man and work together to make it an even better place to live, work and visit.’

When confirmed, details about the next event will be posted on www.iomchamber.org.im