Minister wants 'full-time volunteering' for young people

Wilson said the independent review will look at the challenges and benefits of young people committing to full-time social action - classed as more than 16 hours per week for at least six months.

A chair and advisory panel - which will include experts from the private and voluntary sectors - will be announced in the new year and is expected to make recommendations to the minister by October 2017.

The panel will look at how to increase participation in full-time social action by reviewing the opportunities and barriers faced by organisations supporting young people.

Wilson said: "By helping others, young people can also transform their own lives.

"Full-time volunteering can provide meaning and purpose, as well as allowing young people to gain the skills they need to transition into full-time work or study.

"I want to make sure that we encourage as many young people as possible to get involved and make a difference in their communities, building a society for everyone."

The independent review has been welcomed across social media.

Sophie Livingstone, chief executive of City Year UK, tweeted that she is "delighted" that a review is to take place.

SO SO delighted about this. Thank you @minforcivsoc for launching an independent Review into Full Time Social Action #volunteerfulltime https://t.co/YPctdMPxih

— Sophie Livingstone (@LivingstoneSoph) December 14, 2016

Janet Royall, Labour peer in the House of Lords, also welcomed the announcement.

Meanwhile, Step Up To Serve's #iwill campaign tweeted that the review is an "exciting first step" towards providing full-time volunteers with more support.

Full-time volunteers deserve support. Today's review announcement an exciting first step! https://t.co/qEsvpFVHoZ #volunteerfulltime #iwill

— #iwill campaign (@iwill_campaign) December 14, 2016