NAVCA (the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) is the national voice of local third sector infrastructure in England. Our members work with 164,000 local third sector groups and organisations that provide community services, regenerate neighbourhoods, promote volunteering and tackle discrimination in partnership with local public bodies.

Our purpose is to promote the local third sector nationally. We do this by providing our members with information, advice, networking and learning opportunities, support and development services. In turn, we draw on our members' experience to influence government and contribute to national policy. We also work closely with other national bodies to ensure a collaborative approach to policy development.

NAVCA's work is guided by the values of equality of opportunity, participation, co-operation and democratic involvement. In supporting the local third sector we help to combat poverty, disadvantage and discrimination, and improve the quality of life for communities, groups and individuals.

Until 14 June 2006, NAVCA was called NACVS (the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service).