(1)The Welsh Ministers must make a scheme (“the voluntary sector scheme”) setting out how they propose, in the exercise of their functions, to promote the interests of relevant voluntary organisations.
(2)In this section “relevant voluntary organisations” means bodies (other than local authorities or other public bodies) whose activities—
(a)are carried on otherwise than for profit, and
(b)directly or indirectly benefit the whole or any part of Wales (whether or not they also benefit any other area).
(3)In determining the provision to be included in the voluntary sector scheme, the Welsh Ministers must consider how they intend to exercise such of their functions as relate to matters affecting, or of concern to, relevant voluntary organisations.
(4)The voluntary sector scheme must specify—
(a)how the Welsh Ministers propose to provide assistance to relevant voluntary organisations (whether by grants, loans, guarantees or any other means),
(b)how the Welsh Ministers propose to monitor the use made of any assistance provided by them to relevant voluntary organisations, and
(c)how the Welsh Ministers propose to consult relevant voluntary organisations about the exercise of such of their functions as relate to matters affecting, or of concern to, such organisations.
(5)The Welsh Ministers—
(a)must keep the voluntary sector scheme under review, and
(b)may from time to time remake or revise it.
(6)Before making, remaking or revising the voluntary sector scheme, the Welsh Ministers must consult such relevant voluntary organisations as they consider appropriate.
(7)The Welsh Ministers must publish the voluntary sector scheme when they make it and whenever they remake it; and, if they revise the scheme without remaking it, they must publish either the revisions or the scheme as revised (as they consider appropriate).
(8)If the Welsh Ministers publish a scheme or revisions under subsection (7) they must lay a copy of the scheme or revisions before the Assembly.
(9)After each financial year the Welsh Ministers must—
(a)publish a report of how the proposals set out in the voluntary sector scheme were implemented in that financial year, and
(b)lay a copy of the report before the Assembly.