A BARRY-BASED charity helping to improve the quality of life of communities and individuals by supporting voluntary groups, has been shortlisted for a national award.

Vale Centre for Voluntary Services (VCVS), formed in 1997, is one of 19 organisations shortlisted for an award at the prestigious Third Sector Awards Cymru.

VCVS has been shortlisted, for the first time, in the Good Governance category which recognises groups whose trustees ensure their organisation is well run and exemplar.

The Wales Council for Voluntary Action-organised event, sponsored by voluntary sector services specialist Class Telecommunications, will see the presentation ceremony hosted by BBCTV presenter Jason Mohammad at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff, on January, 23.

Clive Curtis, of VCVS, said “This is excellent news and demonstrates that VCVS is a charity that can be trusted. It’s a testament to the skills, knowledge and experience of our trustees who lead the organisation.”

He added: “Being shortlisted for this award comes hot on the heels of receiving an excellent Welsh Government Audit Report.

“The auditors reported that ‘Our review has demonstrated that VCVS has a robust control framework and sound governance processes. We have identified many instances of good practice’.”

VCVS is the only Vale-based organisation shortlisted in any of the award categories.