Government body hunts for agencies

The National Experience Corps, a working party set up by the Government to encourage people aged over 50 to become voluntary workers, is seeking a creative and a media agency.

The organisation, which is headed by former head of Age Concern Baroness Sally Greengross, was established in January this year as part of a &£300m Government drive, announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown, to promote opportunities for voluntary work.

It is understood that the agencies will work on campaigns to encourage the over-50s to pass on their skills and experience to others, for instance by advising young parents on bringing up children.

Saatchi & Saatchi is believed to be among the creative agencies pitching for the business.

No one from the Experience Corps was available to comment on the pitch. But the organisation’s website states that one of its goals is to develop “a distinctive brand for the Corps, which will emphasise its features and goals”.

The site also says the group’s advertising strategy will concentrate on magazines and programmes aimed at the over-50s.

The funding package that was announced by the Chancellor earlier this year includes &£60m to develop mentor projects around the country, and a further &£50m for small community projects.

No one from Saatchi & Saatchi was available for comment.