Established in May 2004 by the then Home Secretary, David Blunkett, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, The Russell Commission set out to develop a new national framework for youth action and engagement.

[citation needed] Headed by Ian Russell, the CEO of Scottish Power, the Commission aimed to deliver a step change in the diversity, quality and quantity of volunteering opportunities available to young people aged 16 to 25 in the UK.

With help from its youth advisory board, the YABsters, the Commission engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including young people, the voluntary sector, business and the media, receiving over 700 responses from voluntary and community sector organisations, and a further 6,000 responses from young people.

The Commission’s headline recommendation was the creation of a dedicated implementation body to take the lead in delivering the new framework in England.

vinspired's England-wide network of 107 vinvolved teams ensured that young people and voluntary organisations could access expert advice and help.