Council of Voluntary Welfare Workers

CVWW

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Who we are:

The Council of Voluntary Welfare Work (CVWW) exists as an association of charitable organisations providing welfare services to the Armed Forces. Membership of CVWW does not impair the independence, initiatives and methods of work for any of the independent charities but does provide a link between the voluntary organisations and the Service Authorities, with whom there is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Our Members

Soldiers’ and Aviators’ Scripture Readers Association

Aggie Weston’s

Salvation Army Red Shield Services

Church of England Soldiers’ Sailors’ & Airmen’s Clubs (CESSAC)

Army Roman Catholic Trust

Miss Daniel's Soldier’s Homes (MDSH)

Naval and Military Bible Society (NMBS)

Royal Voluntary Service

Defence Memorandum of Understanding

In 1951, the CVWW was granted a charter giving statutory support for its work with the Armed Forces. This was replaced in 2023 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sponsored on behalf of all three Services by the Director of Personnel (Army).

The MoU recognises the invaluable welfare work provided by religious and philanthropic voluntary organisations and permits some trading to take place in ‘centres’ on MoD premises to help sustain the work where voluntary contributions alone would be insufficient. The MoU lays down the basis for establishing ‘centres’ and specifies parameters for operating to avoid overlap and conflict with Catering, Retail and Leisure (CRL) contractors. Provision of support facilities, including accommodation, rent and rates are covered along arrangements for local liaison and integration into the Service community on the UK mainland and overseas garrisons.