Useful Information – November 2024

Events, training, charity news, surveys, research, feedback, reports, services and much more – in one handy place!

This page will be updated with new information as we receive it during November. Please check back regularly. (Last update: 12/11/24 – items added on this date are marked as [NEW])

You’ll also find the latest Health and Wellbeing news, events and opportunities in the current post on our News page here.

You can view previous Useful Information posts here to catch up on our archive of information.

For useful resources, information, news and events, updates on our climate commitment, blog posts from colleagues about what they’re doing (in a work capacity and privately) to minimise environmental impact and more take a look at Cumbria CVS Green

If you’ve seen something you think we should be sharing, let us know! Email us: info@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Looking for funding information? Check out the latest edition of Focus on Funding here


Training and Events

[NEW] On-demand webinar: Budgeting tips for charities: how to plan your financial year

In this webinar, explore how charities can better plan their financial processes and budgeting in order to stay efficient and stay compliant.

Watch the webinar here

 

[NEW] How to Create Effective Content Using Your Phone

Thursday 21 November, online. Join The Saltways for a practical and interactive session. Learn the fundamentals of film-making using your phone, from planning and shooting to editing and sharing your content.

These sessions are free and open to any charity.

Sign up for the workshop here

 

Webinar: Building financial sustainability for your charity

5 December, online. The charity sector has faced major financial challenges recently due to the pandemic, recession, and cost-of-living crisis. This has made it harder for charities to plan and deliver essential services.

This webinar will explore strategies for ensuring financial sustainability and long-term success. We’ll cover key fundraising tactics, diversifying income streams, and smart financial planning to help your organisation thrive in uncertain times.

Find out more and book here

 

Learning Events – 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

Monday 25 November – Tuesday 10 December, online. Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Community Safety Partnerships are delighted to present a series of Learning Events during the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence 2024.

This is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. We have developed a suite of learning events during the 16 days, delivered via Microsoft Teams – no need to book, simply log in at the required time via the link in the attached poster.

 

How to navigate local government financial difficulty

Wednesday 20 November, online. Financial difficulties within many local authorities, sometimes leading to the issuing of a section 114 notice (s114), are affecting voluntary sector organisations and communities across the country.

In the webinar we’ll present the stages of financial difficulty a local authority might experience, and the significant impact these can have on the local voluntary sector. We’ll offer some suggestions for voluntary sector organisations to help navigate the stages and mitigate the impact on communities, bringing insights from voluntary sector groups and local infrastructure organisations involved in the research.

Find out more and book here

 

Regional Remuneration Working Group Learning Event

Friday 29 November, Newcastle. The group includes researchers, PICE leads, university finance representatives, VCSE organisations and public contributors.

The group has been co-developing a regional approach to issues around remuneration for public involvement in research based on the current NIHR National Guidance. During this event, we will be sharing the work that we have been doing and explore some barriers and areas of good practice. The event will also involve the NIHR Lead Silvia Bortoli who has been instrumental in reviewing and updating the national guidance.

Find out more and register here

 

Labels stick: How we use language in mental health research and services

Monday 11 November, online. Please join us for this free online event hosted by the NENC ARC’s mental health special interest group, looking at Labels stick: how we use language in mental health research and services, it will showcase local ideas and evidence concerning language and labels in mental health.

We will consider some of the tensions around different terminology, how and why certain ways of speaking have become dominant and share community-led ideas about better practices. Topics covered will include ableism, the power of words for people with learning disabilities, severe mental ill-health, and preferred language to describe autism.

Register here

 

Social Action Audit result presentations

Churches Together in Cumbria and Cinnamon Trust invite you to join them as they share the results.

Monday 25 November, Barrow.
Tuesday 26 November, Kendal.
Thursday 28 November, Penrith.

Click on the thumbnail image to find out more.

 

Governance and Ethical Considerations for AI in Non-Profits

Thursday 28 November, online. Navigating the complexities of AI governance and ethical considerations can be daunting for non-profits and membership bodies, which must ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in their AI applications.

Join Hart Square for this free online session to help you ensure you have a solid foundation on which to develop your AI Strategy. The session will delve into establishing robust AI governance frameworks, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Find out more and book here

 

Podcast: Misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories

In this podcast, explore how false information spreads, its impacts, how charities can avoid spreading it, and approaches to address misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories about your charitable cause.

Listen here

 

Introduction to Community Action on Energy

6 November, online. As a part of the National Lottery Energy Learning Network, we would like you to join us for CSE’s first webinar, ‘An Introduction to Community Action on Energy.’ This webinar is an opportunity for you to learn about the many ways that a community organisation can act on energy for the benefit of your local community.

This webinar is aimed at community-based organisations from across the UK and Northern Ireland and we are really keen to hear your thoughts and gain your insights into how energy projects happen or could happen, in your local area.

Find out more and book here

 

Webinar: Advanced financial planning strategies for charities

In uncertain times, charities need the power of data to navigate challenges. With the right financial insights, charities can predict fundraising opportunities and allocate resources more effectively to extend support services.

This webinar explores strategic financial planning for non-profits. Discover data-driven approaches that enhance resource allocation, boost efficiency, and drive mission success.

Watch here

 

Pension Roadshow

This course is designed to help people explore and understand what a state pension is. During the course, learners will have the opportunity to use the Pension Calculator and examine how much you will need for retirement.

Monday 4 Nov: Carlisle Civic Centre

Tuesday 5 Nov: Kendal Cancer Care

Wednesday 6 Nov: Barrow Library

Friday 8 Nov: Workington Library

Further information is available in this leaflet

 

Practical uses of AI for your charity

5 November 2024, online. This course aims, in just three hours, to boost your everyday use of AI.

The course takes a hands-on, practical approach, showing charities how to use AI to improve meetings, boost email marketing, smash data analytics, enhance workflow efficiency, and so much more.

Find out more and book here

 

Cyber Security Month: Practical guidance for your organisation

12 November, online. Are you an organisation that doesn’t know where to start with your cyber security, or could do with a “sense check” on where you stand?

As charities, that often hold and process sensitive information, it’s important to have the correct security in place to protect user data.

Find out more and book here

 

Energy Resilience Event

20 November, Alston Town Hall. At this exciting in-person event showcasing the latest in energy resilience technology, discover how Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems are revolutionising rural energy solutions. Whether you’re a technology enthusiast or simply curious about sustainable energy, this event is perfect for you.

At the heart of the event will be a demonstration of V2X technology, enabling vehicles to act as mobile power sources – a pioneering solution to enhance energy management in rural areas. This event is ideal for Local Authority EV Teams, Resilience Teams, and anyone interested in learning about or hosting this groundbreaking technology, particularly those in rural settings.

Find out more and book here

 

Inter Faith Week events

10 – 17 November 2024. Please see the flyers below for details of: Home sessions of  meditation or prayer and study; AWAZ Cumbria and Westmorland and Furness Diversity Equity and Inclusion Partnership (WFDEIP) talks on interfaith; +more.

Retired RC Priest IF Week 2024 event
WFDEIP IFWk 2024 at home event
WFDEIP IFWk 2024 QT event

 

Start a purpose-driven business – free training

The School of Social Enterprise are offering free training for anyone wanting to learn how to transform their ideas into a purpose-driven business that not only makes a positive impact, but also connects you with your community.

There are sessions in Barrow in October and November, Penrith in November and December, and Kendal in November, December and January. See the flyers below for more information.

SOSE BARROW FLYER
SOSE KENDAL FLYER
SOSE PENRITH FLYER

 

Barrow Introduction to British Sign Language courses

Starting Monday 4 November, Barrow. Cumbria Deaf Association would like to invite you and your staff to attend a new Introduction to British sign Language (BSL) course. BSL is the first or preferred language of an estimated 70,000 Deaf people in the UK, and in March 2003, BSL was recognised by the Government as a language on its own.

Currently we offer a six-week introduction to basic sign language course, which is an entry level course. This is ideal for anyone wanting to learn some signs and gain a better understanding of deaf awareness. A relaxed fun learning environment with topics that can include family, numbers, colours, emotions, animals etc with basic communication being the main goal. Course cost £95.

Book your space here

 

Festival of Trusteeship 2024

Getting on Board’s Festival of Trusteeship is happening from Monday 4 November to Friday 8 November in conjunction with Trustees’ Week. The 15 sessions over five days will help you develop and grow your trustee superpowers. Whether you’re just getting started on your trustee journey or have been a serial trustee for years there’s something for you.

Topics include:

  • Convincing the sceptics: diversifying your board
  • Trustees in 2024: A deep dive into the latest trustee research
  • Catching clouds: How to assess and pin down your organisation’s culture
  • What is it like to be a charity CEO? Getting on Board draws back the curtain
  • Turkeys voting for Christmas – how can you conduct an objective review of your governance?
  • Are trustees brave enough? Get empowered to be a brave trustee

 

Youth Work Week

4-10 November. The National Youth Agency is calling on youth workers to celebrate the rich diversity of young people they support and the ways they make their provision accessible in line with this year’s theme: A right to youth work for all – delivering positive futures for young people.

Youth clubs can choose to celebrate in any way they wish and there’s lots of guidance on how to go about planning your event on the NYA’s website, as well as downloadable assets and templates to help you engage your local MP and media.

Find out more about Youth Work week here and the Art of Youth Work campaign.

 

Digital Fundraising Summit

Thursday 7 November 2024. The Summit is a free, one-day, online event, with informative webinars, interactive workshops and plenty of time for networking.

We will explore fundraising trends and fads, and how to spot the difference; examine the impact of AI and where it can help with fundraising; investigate how we can make fundraising more accessible for donors; and much, much more.

Find our more and book here


VCFSE News and Information

[NEW] Cumberland Council Newsletter

You can view Cumberland Council’s newsletter from 01/11/24 here, including:

  • Autumn Ramblers Wellbeing Walks
  • Cumberland Youth Justice Service recognised for positive outcomes
  • Whitehaven’s Beacon Museum wins top tourism award

 

[NEW] Westmorland & Furness Council Newsletter

You can view Westmorland & Furness Council’s newsletter from 01/11/24 here, including:

  • New solar farm sparks greener future for council
  • Council celebrates Occupational Therapy Week
  • Museum designs sensory tour for blind visitors

 

[NEW] ‘Long-term decline’ in government funding leaving charities vulnerable, peers told

A “long-term decline” in funding from the government has left the charity sector vulnerable, the president of NCVO has told members of the House of Lords.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, who has served as president of the sector body since June and was chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, made the remarks during a debate on the importance of contributions of the charity and voluntary sector.

Read more here

 

[NEW] Charities urge chancellor to ease sector’s £1.4bn national insurance rise from budget

Over 1,000 charities have signed a letter urging chancellor Rachel Reeves to intervene after recently announced increases in employer national insurance contributions (NICs) will create an extra bill of £1.4bn per year for the sector.

Umbrella bodies NCVO and ACEVO published an open letter to Reeves yesterday evening, voicing concerns over the impact of this week’s budget announcements, which has since garnered more than 1,000 signatures from charities and voluntary organisations.

Read more here

 

[NEW] Autumn Budget: what does it mean for the voluntary sector?

The Autumn Budget announcement saw many potential changes and challenges for the voluntary sector and for the communities we work with. In NAVCA’s blog post, they highlight some of the key announcements and what they could mean for NAVCA members and their local communities.

Read the blog here

 

[NEW] Foundations umbrella body says pauses on grants could benefit charities

The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF), the UK’s umbrella body for foundations and independent grantmakers, has said that recent pauses announced by grantmakers may be good for charities.

In the past months, numerous foundations have paused their grant programmes to reset their operations while others like the Albert Hunt Trust have announced moves to change their grant criteria due to an “unprecedented number of funding requests”.

Read more here

 

[NEW] Plans to prevent charities claiming tax reliefs ‘in ways that aren’t intended’ published

The government has published plans to stop charities from obtaining tax reliefs “in ways that aren’t intended”, which it expects to generate £125m for the state by 2029-30.

Last year, the government opened a consultation on charities tax compliance designed to help tackle non-compliance and protect the sector’s integrity.

Read more here

 

[NEW] National insurance increase to place strain on charities, warn sector bodies

Civil society umbrella organisations have voiced concern over the impact on charities of the government’s increase to employer national insurance contributions, announced in October’s budget.

NCVO, ACEVO, Charity Finance Group (CFG) and New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) all issued responses to chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first budget.

Read more here

 

Cumbria Community Foundation October newsletter

You can view CCF’s newsletter here, which this month features the launch of the 2024 Winter Warmth Appeal.

There is also information on:

  • Funding for mental health support confirmed
  • £2.7m awarded to good causes in Cumbria
  • New Guide to Giving out now
  • Age Friendly South Lakeland Premises Award
  • Hub offers support for the whole community
  • Warm Spots open their doors again
  • Wanted: young entrepreneurs
  • Call for applications
  • Sector Funding, News & Opportunities

 

Rainbow Wishes closes

As you may have noticed we have been very quiet over the past year or so. This is because a while back we made the decision to close the company. It was a difficult decision for us as we all truly believed in the Rainbow Wishes mission and loved spreading magic across Cumbria. However, all of our lives have been pulled in different, but equally exciting directions and we decided that the time was right to say goodbye.

We want to thank everyone who has ever hired us for a party or attended an event; any company who we have worked with; all of our amazing team and all of those people who supported us from behind the scenes. As a CIC we relied upon the wider community to keep us going and we had lots of great people who helped us. As we do officially close, the rest of the money in our pot of wishes will be going to the wonderful team at Cumbria Family Support to support the amazing work that they do – please go and check them out.

 

How to make your social media a trusted voice

Explore how charities can make the most out of their social media accounts, helping them to reach more people and make them a successful extension of their online presence.

Read more here

 

Charities respond as chancellor announces £40bn tax rise in first budget

Rachel Reeves has delivered her first budget since Labour formed a government following the general election, in which she announced £40bn-worth of tax increases.

Reeves announced several changes following lobbying by charities including Shelter, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Trussell.

Read more here

 

Charities underinvesting in fundraising staff development, says report

Charities should be investing more in their fundraising team’s professional development, according to a new report.

Online community platform Fundraising Everywhere surveyed 339 professionals, most of whom are experienced fundraisers with management responsibilities at their charities, and 47% said that they don’t have a learning and development plan.

Read more here

 

Slow the Flow films

Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Cumbria Innovative Flood Resilience project have launched a new series of Creature Comforts-style animations, showcasing how natural flood management (NFM) can protect communities from flooding, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change.

Developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA), Westmorland and Furness Council, Royal Society Protection of Birds (RSPB), National Farmers Union (NFU), Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), and the National Trust, and funded by the EA, these short films demonstrate how working with nature can reduce flood risks, improve water quality, and build climate resilience for homes, businesses, and farms across the region.

The new animations can be watched here

 

Westmorland and Furness Council – Customer Charter

We’re committed to putting customers at the heart of everything we do.

We are here to serve you, our residents, businesses and visitors. We strive to deliver high quality customer service by caring, listening and putting you first – helping to make Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive. This is reflected in our Customer Charter, which sets out what you can expect from us and what we ask from you in return.

 

Involving children and young people in research

The NIHR has revised guidance and top tips for involving children and young people in research including issues around safeguarding, payment & ethical considerations.

“Never overlook comments from young people – they are unlikely to continue to contribute if you ignore their points” Young person.

Find out more here

 

How charity leaders can drive trust

Explore the top governance risks for charities and how leaders can mitigate them to drive trust, with insights from a new whitepaper from Azeus Convene.

Read more here

 

How to embrace micro-volunteering

Providing short-term volunteering opportunities benefits both charities and people who want to give back.

Read more here

 

6 Tips for Harnessing AI at your Nonprofit

Ready to get a comprehensive view of the current state of AI for nonprofits in the UK?

Blackbaud surveyed nearly 850 nonprofit professionals for their annual Status of UK Fundraising Report with a focus on artificial intelligence. These findings revealed that while most participants use AI, comprehensive adoption is in the early stages and many are unsure how this technology can be used in a nonprofit fundraising context.

Read more here

 

Healthy response to new Charity Commission trustee campaign based on updated guidance

The Charity Commission has already received around 35,000 responses to its recently launched trustee campaign for 2024, compared with over 75,000 responses last year, a spokesperson told Civil Society.

The campaign is a call to trustees to refresh their knowledge of the commission’s guidance on the role of the trustee. It has a new interactive component for this year’s quiz, with questions stemming from recently updated guidance.

Read more here

 

New guidance for VCSE organisations working with councils in financial difficulty

New guidance has been published to help smaller and local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations operating in local authority areas experiencing financial difficulties.

Published by NAVCA and the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales (LBFEW), the guidance sets out the key stages of a section 114 notice (s114 notice) journey, detailing what VCSE organisations should expect and do to navigate each.

Read more here

 

The new office for Equality and Opportunity

A new Office for Equality and Opportunity has been announced by Westminster, which will succeed the Equality Hub. Additionally, two new appointments have been made: Dame Nia Griffith MP as Minister for LGBT+ Equality, and Lord Collins of Highbury as Lords Spokesperson on LGBT+ Equality.

The Office for Equality and Opportunity (OEO) will oversee the comprehensive framework of equality legislation in the UK, along with cross-cutting equalities policy. This encompasses areas such as disability policy, race and ethnicity, gender equality, and LGBT+ rights.

Find out more here

 

Cumbria Deaf and Hearing Loss Services

Cumbria Deaf and Hearing Loss Services is delivered by BID Services and offers specialist equipment support alongside specialist information, advice and support to people living in Cumbria who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a dual sensory loss. We also provide support to families, carers, professionals and other organisations.

You can find out more in this flyer and click the thumbnail image for more information on free hearing loss home and equipment assessments.

 

GoFundMe launches ‘social sharing feature’ with tech giant Meta

The crowdfunding platform GoFundMe has announced that it is partnering with Meta, the tech conglomerate which owns Facebook and Instagram, to launch a “social sharing feature” that it hopes will “supercharge” charity fundraisers and help them to raise more money.

The new feature will reportedly make it much easier for individuals to raise money for their chosen charities on GoFundMe by providing improved sharing capabilities for charities and fundraising organisers that help fundraisers to stand out more in Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Read more here

 

New automated and free service to help charities process gift aid claims

The GivenGain UK Foundation has created a fully automated, free service to help charities process gift aid claims.

Launched in October, the service automatically distributes 100% of gift aid claims to charities free of charge.

Read more here

 

Handyperson scheme rolled out

A scheme that supports elderly or vulnerable residents with practical help around their homes is being rolled out across Westmorland and Furness.

The popular Handyperson Scheme has run for several years in the South Lakeland area, offering eligible residents assistance with small jobs around the home to help them maintain independent living and support quality of life. The service, which is operated by Westmorland and Furness Council, can provide help with anything from changing a lightbulb to putting up shelving, hanging curtains, installing handrails and small repairs such as unblocking sinks or replacing a washer on a tap.

Find out more here

 

The Governance App

The Governance App is a new, free and easy way for your board of trustees to review and improve its governance, together.

  • Gather responses from your whole board
  • Get a performance score out of ten in seven different areas
  • Highlight where board members have different views on performance
  • Have targeted discussions about what’s going well and where to focus on improving

So if you’re looking to review your governance but don’t quite know where to start, can’t afford the time or expense of a consultant or facilitator and want an easy way to involve your whole board in the process, click here to find out more

 

2024 Force for Good Program

Is your charity ready to take its mission to the next level?

JPMorganChase have opened applications for the 2024 Force for Good Program, a pro-bono social innovation initiative that pairs their skilled employees with charities like yours. Whether you need tech, data, or design solutions, this program is designed to help you drive meaningful change and deliver your services even better.

Apply here

 

Get Grants Virtual Conference – Sessions Now Available Online

This free event offered two days full of celebration, inspiration, and practical advice and support. Get Grants were joined by Fundraisers from across the UK to share expert fundraising advice, top tips, Q&As, networking, and peer-support.

The programme included practical ‘how-tos’, sharing knowledge, and wellbeing and confidence building – all delivered by sector experts, funders, and hosted by Get Grants Founder & Director John Ellery.

You can view recordings here and click here to view the post-conference press release

 

How does digital inclusion impact service delivery?

Explore the recent Digital Inclusion Report and look at the landscape of digital service delivery, the core barriers to service delivery, and ways your charity can overcome such barriers.

Read more here

 

Addressing substance misuse in Cumberland

Healthwatch Cumberland has produced a report based on the stories of people living with the impact of addiction. Cumbria Addictions: Advice and Solutions (CADAS), Recovery Steps and The Well have all supported the project based on people sharing their personal stories.

It aims to improve service delivery and to raise awareness of the complexity of addiction and emphasise the importance of seeing past someone’s addiction.

View the report here

 

Starmer reveals plans for ‘fundamental reset’ of relationship with civil society

Prime minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for a “fundamental reset” as the government publishes a framework for a new working relationship with civil society.

In September, NCVO chief executive Sarah Elliott revealed that a new agreement between the government and charity sector was due to be published in 2025.

Read more here

 

Free cyber security support with IASME

There is plenty of free cyber security support and guidance written especially for charities on the Cyber Essentials Knowledge Hub. Find guidance on:

  • The Cyber Essentials guide to working with contractors for charities
  • Guidance on Remote Working for Charities
  • Guidance on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) for Charities
  • Cyber Essentials Guide to Working with a Third Party IT Provider for Charities
  • The future is password-free

+more

 

Pension Credit information

Pension Credit (PC) can be enhanced through Attendance Allowance so awareness of that DWP benefit can be invaluable. We all have older friends and family as do our clients so very much worth sharing as far as possible.

Pension Credit toolkit: advice and guidance for stakeholders – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Pension Credit calculator – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Attendance Allowance: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Pension support, health & money Check the status of your work, health and money – Midlife MOT (jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk)

Get help with savings if you’re on a low income (Help to Save): How it works – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). This is for working families and individuals in receipt of UC and in work.

 

Charity Commission campaign to support trustees

The Charity Commission has launched a new campaign to support charity trustees, helping them refresh their knowledge on essential trustee duties. The campaign has been designed to prompt trustees at all levels of experience to pause and reflect on what they think they know. It promotes the Charity Commission’s five-minute guides, which give short and clear advice on key topics all trustees need to know. In addition, they are promoting their recently updated guidance, including decision making and improving your charity’s finances.

It features a new interactive quiz, enabling trustees to test their knowledge as well as promoting our guidance. The quiz sits on their campaign website which also showcases their 5-minute guides and videos.

 

Stop Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers in the UK. If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are worried about someone else, we’re here to help and keep you safe.

Our specially trained staff will provide you with emotional and practical support that is tailored to your needs.

Visit the Stop Loan Sharks website

 

Funding to create Warm Spots across Cumbria

Community groups and organisations across Cumbria are once again being offered financial support to help people keep warm over winter.

Working in partnership with Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Community Foundation is offering grants of up to £500 from the Warm Spots Fund to help create a network of places where people can go to keep warm and socialise.

Find out more here

 

Volunteer platform launches to connect charities with media professionals

Media Trust has launched a free volunteer platform to connect charities with skilled media and creative professionals.

The platform matches charities with Media Trust’s volunteers who range from freelance filmmakers to marketing directors and social media strategists.

Read more here

 

Fundraising events guide: 25 email templates and tips

Are you looking to enhance engagement and boost your fundraising events? Email marketing is a powerful tool for non-profits, helping you build connections and reach your goals. iRaiser’s latest guide, featuring 25 ready-to-use email templates and expert tips tailored for charities.

Download the guide here

 

Diversity in Research Film

Egality has worked with eight health charities, eight people with lived experience, and two community organisations to co-produce this film, all about diversity in research.

Their collective aim is to increase the number of people with lived experience from diverse ethnic groups who are actively involved in health research and ultimately improve health treatments and services.

Watch the video here

 

Simple campaigns your charity needs to automate

Charity Digital explore the top ideas for charities to automate their marketing campaigns, allowing them to spend more time on their mission and deliver more impact for their communities.

Read more here


Surveys, Research, Feedback and Reports

[NEW] How digital access challenges impact charities and service users

Charity Digital’s research found that digital access is a roadblock to charities achieving their missions.

Read more here

 

[NEW] Mass event participants raising larger amounts for charities, research finds

The proportion of mass event participants raising larger amounts for charities has increased, according to new research.

A survey of 2,486 people in the UK published by fundraising platform Enthuse found that 23% plan to participate in a mass participation event for a charity in the next 12 months.

Read more here

 

[NEW] Hope Not Hate report – Fear and Hope 2024: The case for community resilience

HOPE not hate has launched the seventh nationwide iteration of its Fear and HOPE report: Fear and HOPE 2024: The case for community resilience.

In the report, HNH examine how building resilience to the far right in communities goes beyond promoting social cohesion and includes tackling economic deprivation, repairing relationships with democracy, ending damaging political rhetoric and more.

Through an updated segmentation analysis of UK attitudes, HNH look back on the last 13 years of Fear and HOPE and what’s changed since the first report in 2011. This includes detailed analysis on how narratives around migration and multiculturalism in particular have lowered resilience to hate and allowed the far right to thrive, as we saw unfold during the nationwide riots in August.

Read the report here

 

Researchers warn of power imbalances in business-charity partnerships

A new report has warned of potential power imbalances that can form in partnerships between charities and businesses.

Based on consultations with dozens of charities and businesses, research by Pro Bono Economics (PBE) found that partnerships that entail common goals are more likely to be sustainable, adaptable and impactful.

Read more here

 

Poverty and Children in Care

The Together Trust has published a report exploring links between poverty and children entering care in the UK. It looks at research on poverty and the care system, examining how factors such as abuse, neglect, deprivation, education, race, health, and welfare policies are intertwined.

Recommendations for policy change include recognition of poverty as a primary driver behind children entering care, not just a contextual factor.

Read the report here

 

Local authorities urged to better engage with voluntary sector to address inequalities

Local authorities must better engage with the voluntary sector and community groups if they are to address known inequalities in their areas, according to a new report.

In October, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates and inspects health and social care providers in England, published its State of Care report 2023-24. Every year, the CQC assesses the state of health and social care in the country, looking at the trends, sharing examples of good and outstanding care and highlighting where care needs to improve.

Read more here

 

Social justice charities considering leaving X due to ‘misinformation’, survey finds

Many organisations working in the social justice sector are considering leaving X due to the role the social media platform plays in spreading misinformation, according to a new survey by a major funder.

The Barrow Cadbury Trust recently surveyed 415 of its funded partners and other stakeholders, many of which are charities, about their use of social media.

Read more here

 

Trustees say their boards are performing worse at EDI than anything else

Charity trustees have rated equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as the governance area in which their boards are most struggling to achieve positive outcomes.

The Directory of Social Change (DSC) analysed the responses of over 1,000 users of its Governance App and found that they rated their charity board’s EDI performance at 6.5 out of 10 on average.

Read more here

 

Demand has risen ‘a lot’ over past year for most charities, report leaders

Most UK charities have seen demand for their services increase “a lot” over the past year while many are facing increased competition for funding, according to a survey of sector leaders.

Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) surveyed 784 charity leaders and 86% said that their charities had recorded increased demand for their services over the last 12 months, with 54% of those reporting that it had risen by “a lot”.

Read more here


Disclaimer
The information above is provided in good faith. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that it is correct, Cumbria CVS cannot accept liability for any omissions or inaccuracies and does not take responsibility for the quality for any services or products mentioned.