ACO Brief History
Founded in 1946 by 20 Charities who worked together frequently helping the same beneficiaries the Association now has approximately 150 members (click here) All are registered or exempt charities helping individuals in need from all walks of life in an imaginative variety of ways.
The Association started informally but has for many years now been a registered charity. It holds regular meetings for all members, as well as special interest group meetings and working parties. The agenda are governed by the topical concerns of members and cover matters of relevance to the work of charities.
The Association welcomes as members all charities working in the field of benevolence and personal social welfare.
Liaison with Government Departments
on Key Areas of Policy
ACO is in touch with Government Departments and other key agencies - the Social Security Advisory Committee, the Home Office Active Communities Unit, the Charity Commission, the Department of Health, the Department for Work and Pensions - on key areas of policy. It responds to consultation documents on behalf of members after consultation with them.
Members with an interest in particular policy areas are invited to let the Chief Executive know so that they can be included in consultations as they arise.
A Voice for the Benevolent Sector
ACO believes that the voice of Benevolent Funds and charities working with individuals in need must be clearly heard by all those involved in policy making. It aims to involve members as widely as possible at every opportunity.
