Participating in Public Life

Both society and the system of government in the UK depend upon people being willing to make a commitment to public work. This involves giving one's time, energy and skills for the benefit of the community or a certain group within the community often for little or no financial reward. The benefit lies

• in broadening your horizons
• in broadening your personal and management skills
• in contributing to the community and the efficient administration of government
• in gaining a valuable insight into the practice and process of an aspect of society or government, and having an interesting and rewarding experience

This service is concerned with promoting greater awareness of the opportunites available through appointments by ministers to public bodies at local, regional or national level ('quangos'). These exist to serve the public, either directly or by providing advice to government. In addition local appointments, such as school governors, are made to organisations which are part of a larger national structure but which service a particular local community or part of the community.

There is a growing recognition that a more diverse representation in decision-making which influences the way we live and how society operates is essential if the policies are to effectively take into account the views of, and the impact on, the community. It is no longer thought satisfactory that one part of society should determine policy affecting the whole of society.