Lord Wei had already cut down on the time he could devote to the Big Society initiative from three days a week to two and has now quit to work with the Community Foundation Network to drive "practical development of Big Society ideas."
The resignation must be a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron, who has described the Big Society as his “mission in politics”.
In a speech in Milton Keynes, Mr Cameron said: "The Big Society is not some fluffy add-on to more gritty and more important subjects. This is about as gritty and important as it gets - giving everyone the chance to get on in life and making our country a better place to live.”
Initiatives will include donating at cash machines and by mobile phone, and the use of social networking sites to promote volunteering. And Government policies will also be tested for social value as well as value for money.
However, the project has been criticised by the opposition and in the voluntary sector.
Referring to the idea that Ministers are to undertake a day of voluntary service with a charity or community group, John Low, of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: "While the move to encourage Ministers to volunteer is a step in the right direction, Government could have encouraged them to pledge money as well as time, helping to shape social norms around giving."
Commenting on Lord Wei’s departure, Mr Cameron said: "Nat has worked incredibly hard over two years to develop policies that support the Big Society… I wish him every success in his new role with the Community Foundation Network.”
For more information, please visit www.glazers.co.uk
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