Useful Information – November 2024
October 29, 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: 05/11/24 – 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 last month’s Useful Information here to catch up on new information added during October ’24.
For useful resources, information and news, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VCFSE News and Information
[NEW] 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
[NEW] 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.
[NEW] 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
[NEW] 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.
[NEW] 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Surveys, Research, Feedback and Reports
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.
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.
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”.
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.
