Useful Information – October 2023
September 28, 2023
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 October. Please check back regularly. (Last update: 27/10/23 – items added on this date are marked as [NEW])
You can view last month’s Useful Information here to catch up on new information added during September ’23.
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
Council climate conversation events
Westmorland and Furness Council are hosting a series of climate events across Westmorland and Furness throughout October to help shape and inform Part Two of its Climate Action Plan. The Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Biodiversity, Councillor Giles Archibald, will be hosting five climate conversations including Barrow, Kendal, Penrith, Ulverston as well as an online option.
These events are open to everyone and will be an opportunity for people to hear from the council about the impacts of climate change on our area and the council’s response to the climate crisis. It is also an opportunity for people to let the council know what they are doing as individuals or in the community to address climate change, share their views on future actions and ask any questions they may have.
Long Covid Support group
St Mary’s Hospice on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.
Click on the thumbnail image for more information.
How can Trustees take action on the environmental crises?
Thursday 9 November 2023, online. NPC and Reach Volunteering are hosting a free webinar to share findings from the Everyone’s Environment programme. In collaboration with more than 50 partners, they have spoken with those worst affected by the climate and nature crises about how they want charities and policy makers to respond.
The webinar will discuss these findings, and consider how Trustees can support the charities that they govern as they take action on the social impacts of the environmental crises.
Find out more and register here
Youth Work Week 2023
Monday 6 to Sunday 12 November. The theme this year is youth work in every place and space. The annual Youth Work Week event, hosted by the National Youth Agency, aims to raise awareness of the life-changing difference youth workers have on young people aged between 8 – 25 years of age. This year Youth Work Week is focussing on the breadth of youth work taking place across the country: in youth centres, hospitals, outdoor activity centres, cultural spaces and so much more.
Youth Work Week is a chance to raise awareness of the difference youth work makes to young people, providing them with somewhere to go, something fun to do, the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and receive the support of a trusted adult.
Find out more and get involved
Inter Faith Week events
12 – 19 November 2023. Clink on the links below for details of events from Westmorland and Furness Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Partnership:
Wednesday 15 November – Kendal
Webinar: How to market fundraising events
26 October, online. In this webinar, Charity Digital will share tips for charities on how to boost participation and support for their fundraising events, whether it’s a fun run or a live stream.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust’s (NCIC) Annual Members’ Meeting
Tuesday November 7, Carlise and online. NCIC provides hospital and community health services and the event provides an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about our achievements and challenges over the last 12 months and the current financial position, which you can find out more about in our annual report for 22/23 now available on our website.
We are also keen to hear the views of as many members as possible about our emerging plans for the future, and listen to your feedback so that we can use this to improve our plans.
To book or for any enquiries please email corporate.governance@ncic.nhs.uk
Virtual Fundraisers Networking
Monday 23 October, online. These friendly sessions involve a Get Grants Expert providing an update on the current grant fundraising landscape, before facilitating discussions about how the grant fundraising world continues to change, and what opportunities and challenges this presents to you as fundraisers.
Fundraising for Beginners Training Course
Wednesday 22 & Wednesday 29 November, online. Develop a strong foundational understanding of different types of fundraising and explore what options are available and what will work best for your organisation.
Attendees will also consider the importance of a fundraising strategy and receive practical support to put this into practice and confidently take the first steps towards achieving your fundraising goals!
Using Data to Increase Fundraising Success Course
Thursday 2 & Thursday 9 November, online. Get Grants Online Using Data to Increase Fundraising Success Course will support you to incorporate freely available data, simple analysis, and evaluation into your bid writing to make you a more skilled, confident fundraiser.
Increasingly, we see funders asking charities and community groups to use data and evaluation to evidence why the work they do is worthy of funding. Simple uses of data and evidence can help you better tell the story of your organisation, describe the people you help, establish why your work is needed, and clearly demonstrate the difference you make. This course will equip you with practical approaches to thinking about the who, why, what, how and when of your organisation’s work.
Bid Writing in Sports and Physical Activity Workshop
Wednesday 8 November, online. The Workshop is a two-hour online session aimed at organisations who are delivering sports and physical activity projects who are interested in growing their grant fundraising confidence and increasing their income through grant funding.
The workshop aims to benefit fundraisers with all levels of experience looking to hone their grant fundraising skills, as well as those who are looking to write their first application and don’t know where to begin.
Developing Your Individual Giving
Wednesday 1 & Wednesday 8 November, online. Get Grants’ Developing Your Individual Giving Course will give you practical solutions and ideas for growing your charity’s income through support from individual donors. By developing an individual giving offer, organisations can diversify their income, strengthening resilience and sustainability (which is needed now more than ever).
Many organisations have communities of people that are enthusiastic about their work and willing to give their support. However, often organisations aren’t making the most of these opportunities as they lack the confidence and knowledge to progress this.
The Essential Trustee
16 November, Online. This short session is designed for Trustees of charities to help understand their role, responsibilities and duties.
Make Your Social Media More Effective
Thursday 9 November, Online. Do you get the most engagement from your Twitter, Facebook or your Instagram posts?
Why do some posts get more clicks than others? Find out how to increase engagement.
GDPR and Data Security
24 October, Online. Who is trying to access your data and what are the implications of this?
Also, what can you do to make it more difficult for people to steal your data?
Introduction to IQ
Thursday 30 November 2023, online. Improving Quality (IQ) is a Quality Scheme based on the original PQASSO and continuing that ethos. The scheme was created by a number of people previously involved in PQASSO including the person who designed the PQASSO Quality Mark scheme and trained all of the PQASSO Quality Mark Assessors.
It is clear, simple and focuses on the key issues that make a difference for charities. IQ can either be used for self-assessment or accreditation, and has international recognition: a number of organisations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland are already accredited to it.
This workshop will introduce the Quality Standard and what undertaking it entails. It will also consider how organisations can transition from Trusted Charity to Improving Quality without undertaking additional work.
Interactive workshop – Mobilising Community Assets. What’s next??
15 November, Blackpool. The Fylde Research Collaborative would like to invite you to an interactive workshop to discuss the opportunities and challenges of our coastal co-production model and how it might be applied in your organisation/setting. The Community for Health Equity Solutions project is the first externally funded project the collaborative have been successful in applying to, and it has been running in Blackpool for the last 9 months.
We would like to share learning and insights of the AHRC funded project and others across the Fylde Coast that have a core focus around local system co-production. There will be opportunities to network and exchange views and opinions about how lessons learned can help shape and improve the research infrastructure across all sectors for other coastal areas that contribute to a reduction in health inequalities.
NCIC Annual Members Meeting
Tuesday 7 November, People First, Carlisle or online. Members of the public are invited to join North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust’s (NCIC) Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM).
NCIC provides hospital and community health services and the event provides an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about our achievements and challenges over the last 12 months, the current financial position, and plans for the future. We will also be sharing ‘a time for change’ – which is an outline of our long term strategy. We are keen to hear the views of as many people as possible about our proposed approach so we can finalise our plans.
Members of the public can submit questions in advance to be responded to in the meeting through corporate.governance@ncic.nhs.uk no later than Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Barrow Library Events
Click on the links below for details of events during Libraries Week (2-8 October) and throughout the month.
Convening Conversations on Climate Action
31 October – 2 November, Online. Centre for Public Impact have introduced a brand new course for leaders of climate action. Convening Conversations on Climate Action will help you to develop the skills and knowledge to facilitate perspectives on climate action.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to facilitate collaboration between people across industries and sectors to build a just and regenerative future for everyone. Learn how to engage in meaningful conversations, build connections, and encourage positive change in your community and beyond. A discounted rate is available for smaller organisations with under 50 people.
Planning your 2024 Strategy
10 October, Online. Join nfpResearch for a free online webinar taking a deep-dive into their latest research and that trends that will give your charity the edge it deserves in 2024.
The event is designed to help organisations better connect with stakeholders and will share top tips on how the charity landscape is likely to change, and what you can do to prepare.
Getting on Board Festival of Trusteeship
Getting on Board is a charity that supports people from all sectors of society to become charity board trustees, and charities to recruit and retain a diverse range of trustees.
The Festival of Trusteeship takes place between 6 and 10 November, and is a jam-packed programme of events for trustees or anyone who works with charity boards. The events cover lots of different aspects of governance, so there is something for everyone.
Events at Kendal Library
Click on the links below to see flyers for each of the events:
5 October – Introduction to Mindfulness
7 October – Feed the birds
7 October – Junk Paper Jewellery
23 October – Horrifying Halloween
23 October – Upcycle a Pair of Jeans
Micro to Mighty heritage grant drop-in
Tuesday 3 October at Dalton Town Hall. ‘Barrow’s Heritage – Micro to Mighty’ is a programme that will see Westmorland and Furness Council award grants of between £200 and £3,000 to groups and organisations to support heritage-related projects in the Barrow area. You can find more information about the scheme here
The drop-in session is for any groups interested in applying for a Micro to Mighty heritage grant to discuss their ideas or get help with the application form. Click on the thumbnail for more information.
Eden Project Communities – Community Camp programme
Introduction to Community Action course – starts Monday 6 November, and takes place over 5 weeks with one online evening session per week.
Jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking and fun, the Introduction to course is for anyone interested in making a difference in their community. Places are fully funded, but in high demand so get your application in now! Part of our Community Camp programme, this short online course explores how to make positive change where you live, from the comfort of your own home!
Free online grant tracker training
Do you dread grant reporting? Trying to keep on top of your grant spending is stressful. This FREE course will teach you how to make a spending tracker for your latest grant! The course is online and made up of 5-20 minute lessons so you can train whenever it works for you. Wherever you are.
The training has been designed specifically for spreadsheet beginners (there are even step by step instructions you can print off). With this spending tracker, you will be able to get back to doing the work you love, knowing your next grant report will be a breeze.
Start the free training here or for more information, get in touch with Chris at: Chris@digikick.co.uk
Black History Month 2023
Black History Month 2023 takes place throughout October and is a momentous occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society.
This year, Black History Month will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women, who have too often been overlooked or forgotten. The theme, ‘Saluting our Sisters’ highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.
Find out more and get your resource pack
UK Civil Society Almanac 2023
12 October, Online. Join NCVO for the launch of the UK Civil Society Almanac 2023 to learn everything you need to know about the voluntary sector’s finances, workforce, volunteering and impact.
The webinar will explain how to use the Almanac to:
- inform your financial strategies
- consider the external environment for voluntary organisations
- better understand opportunities and challenges facing your own organisation
Cumbria Constabulary – Menopause Cafe
18 October, online. The guest speaker Is Michelle Masters, a local business woman and the creator of the Social Media group, Menopause Matters. The Menopause Café will run from 1230 to 1430 where Michelle will present and there will be plenty of time for questions.
It will focus on understanding what perimenopause and menopause symptoms can occur, why they occur and helpful tips for managing the hormonal transition. Michelle and Di will also share their personal stories. This is an opportunity for all to engage in a session to understand how to nurture the wellbeing of ourselves and others.
Silver Sunday Ageing Well Event
1 October at Kendal Leisure Centre. Celebrating the national day for older people – friends, family and carers welcome!
Click on the thumbnail image for more information.
Storytelling for Fundraising
Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 10 October, online. Get Grants Online Storytelling for Fundraising Training Course is designed to support fundraisers to improve their fundraising confidence and success through effective use of storytelling.
Telling stories is a powerful tool that is too often overlooked. Stories are used to engage, inform, persuade, and create connections between people. As a fundraiser, storytelling is a valuable skill that can be used to influence your potential supporters and maximise on your fundraising efforts.
Seldom Heard Forum – Adoption and Fostering
Weds 4 October, online. In the UK, approximately 36,000 children and young people will enter the care system in 2023, around 100 children every day. There are 100k children in the UK who are looked after away from home.
Research can help us to find actionable entry points and assist the development of effective policies to reduce such inequalities. The forum discussion will include representatives from communities themselves and charities working on Adoption and Fostering in the North West. This will be of interest to: researchers, students, health professionals, commissioners, third sector organisations.
Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness
18 October at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. Following Cumbria’s Local Government Reorganisation, Healthwatch Cumbria has become two new organisations to better represent the views of local people.
Join us for a unique celebration as we launch your new Healthwatch, Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness.
Cancern first annual event
4 October, Newcastle. VONNE have formally partnered with Cancern, a network of VCFSE organisations in the North East and North Cumbria who offer support for those who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis, making them the ideal organisation to lead on this community of interest.
Cancern are teaming up with Northern Cancer Alliance for this free event, funded by the Northern Cancer Alliance and Macmillan. They aim to:
- Provide an opportunity for VCSE Engagement & Networking including a marketplace / stall area.
- Involve members in developing the forward strategy for Cancern.
- Create a space to develop partnerships and opportunities to target health inequalities.
- Highlight the importance and value of VCSE services and support in cancer care.
- Focus on non-clinical support adding value to clinical pathways.
- Champion the sector.
Trauma Informed Conference 2023
2 November 2023 at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal. The conference is designed to bring together professionals from all walks of life to discuss and learn about trauma-informed practices and how they can be implemented in various settings, including voluntary sector agencies, health, education, social work, and criminal justice agencies.
The conference will feature prominent speakers from the field of trauma-informed practice, who will bring skills, knowledge, and current best practice in the field.
North Cumbria Community Mental Health Transformation Conference 2023
10 October, People First, Carlisle. Join North East and North Cumbria NHS this World Mental Health Day to celebrate the work that has been undertaken as part of Community Mental Health Transformation in North Cumbria and discuss with colleagues from across the system how we can meet the challenges facing us to ensure that we deliver sustainable community based solutions to support the mental health needs of our population.
We have a wide range of speakers and workshop to showcase the amazing work being undertaken in our region and promote discussion as well as hopefully generate ideas on how we move forward. Cumbria CVS will also be presenting an evaluation of the Migrant Mental Health Project at the conference.
More details, including how to book, in the attached document
Project John, Barrow – Race Night
Friday 1 October, Barrow. All money raised goes to the Giving to Communities Christmas Appeal. Click on the thumbnail for more information.
Digital Fundraising Summit 2023
1-2 November, online. Calling all charity sector employees – Charity Digital’s Annual Digital Fundraising Summit is back!
For the fifth year in a row, we are bringing back an action-packed event of Digital Fundraising insights from across the charity and tech sectors. The new and revamped Digital Fundraising Summit 2023 is a free, two-day, online event, with informative webinars and interactive workshops, and plenty of time for networking!
Barrow Summer Events
Details of events happening in and around Barrow Town Centre through to October can be found in this new leaflet.
Hard copies are available from The Forum, Leisure Centre, Children’s Centres and local shops etc. If you would like any hard copies please pop into the Forum.
Get Grants free introduction workshops
Following the success of Get Grants 10th Anniversary events, we are pleased to announce the return of our FREE Introduction Workshops! These workshops provide a taster session, filled with top tips and advice, of each of our training courses.
Tuesday 10 October: Introduction to Storytelling in Fundraising Workshop
Friday 10 November: Introduction to Fundraising Strategy Workshop
Meet the Funder Events
Dates through until January ’24. There has never been a greater need for fundraisers to get-together and share knowledge and experience. Get Grants FREE Virtual Events bring fundraisers across the UK together to share experiences and connect with other fundraisers.
In our popular Meet the Funder Virtual Events, Get Grants Funding Experts are joined by funders to talk about their funding programmes. These events give attendees the opportunity to speak directly to funders, take part in discussions, get unique insights, and ask questions specific to their project or organisation.
VCFSE News and Information
Back-to-basics: How to make great decisions
Whatever your role, whatever your charity, you’ll need to make decisions as part of your job.
Find out how to make sure your decisions are great ones.
Top charity blogs to inspire you
Having a blog can bring many benefits, such as strengthening your brand and driving traffic to your website. Here are eight examples of charity blogs to provide inspiration.
How charities are tackling suicide risk
Politicians are increasingly turning to charities to help prevent suicide among at risk groups.
What is the creator economy?
Take a look at the evolution of the creator economy and how charities can get involved.
How to write an incredible blog
Charity Digital outline some of easy-to-follow steps for blog content.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 15/10/23 here, including:
- Achievements of young people in care celebrated at ‘Celebrating Us’ CiCC Awards
- Cumberland Council going greener and cleaner…
- Walkway opens on Cocker Bridge
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 13/10/23 here, including:
- Council to host series of climate conversation events
- Rural, Community and Village Wheels schemes
- Barrow foster carers back campaign with new film
NCVO launch the Civil Society Almanac 2023
NCVO have launched the Civil Society Almanac 2023 bringing together trusted data on the state of the sector from a wealth of resources across the national VCSE sector.
The Almanac analyses and presents information around financial, workforce and volunteering across the sector and covers the first full year of the covid-19 pandemic period.
Regulator to probe fundraising subcontractors in first-ever market inquiry
The Fundraising Regulator has opened its first market inquiry which will look into issues with charities using subcontractors in fundraising.
Its inquiry comes after a media investigation uncovered that external fundraisers were pressuring people to make donations to charities.
Charities handing back ‘unsustainable’ public contracts, says NCVO chief
Charities are handing back public contracts that do not cover the full cost of delivering their services, the chief executive of NCVO has said.
Speaking at a Labour Party conference fringe event hosted by the Institute for Government, Sarah Vibert said recent NCVO research showed four in five charities had subsidised their public contracts at some point.
Shadow minister urges foundations to spend endowments that are ‘just sitting there’
Many foundations have large endowments that are “just sitting there” and could be released into the charity sector, the shadow minister for investment and small business has said.
Speaking at an NPC fringe event at the Labour party conference, Rushanara Ali said “we need to think about how we grow the pie for this sector”.
Donors wrongly claiming gift aid ‘a big problem’, says HMRC
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said that it is trying to stop charitable donors who are not entitled to gift aid but still claiming it as it is “a big problem at the moment”.
Representatives from HMRC told delegates at the Charity Finance Summit 2023 that the issue can cause “some unfortunate events” where the authority has “to contact people and ask them for the money back”.
Five tips for leading in the AI era
Leaders across all levels can help to guide your charity in utilising the power of AI – why not start with these tips?
Top tips for tackling digital exclusion
Charity Digital offer six effective tips to help you tackle digital exclusion.
Labour respects charities’ right to campaign, says new shadow charities minister
Charities’ ability to “speak truth to power is vital” despite how charity campaigning will not always be comfortable for those in government, the recently appointed shadow minister for civil society has said.
Lilian Greenwood was speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference alongside panellists from across civil society.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 08/10/23 here, including:
- Make a difference: join Cumberland Council volunteers!
- Looking for a volunteering opportunity in a brand new café?
- Council sets framework to enhance decision making
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 06/10/23 here, including:
- Commitment made to restore and improve bus services in Westmorland and Furness
- Get involved in shaping care and support services
- Deadline looming for education travel grant scheme
Regulator asks charities to submit annual return through new online service
The Charity Commission has opened its annual return for 2023, with organisations being asked to respond through its new online service.
Its new return form is available to charities through the My Charity Commission Account service.
Charities urged to adopt AI faster after ‘very slow’ uptake of ‘first wave of internet’
Charities should be quicker to adopt the use of artificial intelligence (AI) than they have been with other technologies as it has the potential to transform the sector, delegates at the Charity Finance Summit 2023 conference heard recently.
In his closing keynote, James Plunkett, chief practices officer at innovation foundation Nesta, said AI would “transform things in ways we cannot yet imagine, in very profound ways across our economy including across the charity sector”.
How to write an environmental strategy
It’s clear that we all need to take action to combat climate change. But how can charities organise themselves to improve their environmental impact?
Deadline looming for education travel grant scheme
Time is running out for young people to apply for a new grant scheme to help pay for travel to access education and training. Applications for Westmorland and Furness Council’s 16 to 19 Education Travel Bursary Fund will close at noon on 20 October 2023.
The fund is aimed at supporting young people in Westmorland and Furness to pay for transport for educational purposes – whether that be bus, train, taxis, fuel costs for private transport or even students who travel by bicycle.
More information and details about how to apply can be found here
Fundraising Regulator considers addressing bad subcontracting practice in code update
The Fundraising Regulator is considering strengthening its Code of Fundraising Practice after a rise in media reports of bad fundraising practices by third parties.
In a blog published recently, the regulator expressed concern over “mounting evidence” that some companies are using fundraisers who are insufficiently trained and motivated by commission-based sales.
Charities can attract donations by strengthening ESG practices, says consultant
Charities can attract more donations by strengthening their strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, a charity sector expert has said.
Speaking during a webinar on financial sustainability and outcome metrics, Hobby Dean, not-for-profit senior solution consultant at Sage Intacct, said that the more ESG credentials charities show, “the more people are starting to engage”.
Charity sector urged to share views on international accounting standards
Charities are being encouraged to have their say on the second of three consultations on proposed international accounting standards for the sector.
There are currently no such international standards for not-for-profit organisations, so the five-year International Financial Reporting for Non-Profit Organisations project began in 2019 to develop the International Non-Profit Accounting Guidance.
Charities should stay out of ‘contentious debates’, says former Commission chair
Former Charity Commission chair Baroness Stowell has urged large charities to avoid “contentious debates” to halt a “worrying divergence in public trust” in the sector.
Speaking at a Conservative Party conference fringe event recently, Stowell said she had observed a “worrying divergence in public trust when it comes to charities” and this “is affecting some people’s propensity to give”.
Fundraising Regulator launches consultation on its Code of Fundraising Practice
The Funding Regulator has opened a consultation on its Code of Fundraising Practice, which sets the standards that apply to fundraising carried out by all charitable institutions and third-party fundraisers in the UK.
The process for reviewing the Code of Fundraising Practice began in October 2022 with a public call for information and is expected to be completed by early 2025.
How to Make a Volunteer Plan
Authors F Pere Tarrés – Maria Bombardó outline a useful take on how to make a volunteer plan. Apart from the general sections that every Volunteer Plan must have, they say it is advisable to incorporate some annexes such as management or evaluation documents, so that everything related to volunteering can be saved in one place and always have it at hand.
The idea is to have tools to draw conclusions from the results obtained, hence it is important to establish the expected value of the indicator to then compare it with the actual value obtained, to see if the objectives have been achieved.
Marketing facts 2023
The latest facts about marketing, content marketing, social media, email marketing, search engine optimisation, and more
How to write boilerplate copy
All charities should have a standard description of the work they do to use in their communications.
How your website’s U.X. boosts fundraising
Explore how charities can boost their fundraising efforts through their website, with tips on providing supporters with the best possible user experience.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 01/10/23 here, including:
- Community Networks seek your views
- Get ready for winter
- Update on the Allerdale Geological Disposal Facility
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 29/09/23 here, including:
- Fresh and ambitious vision for Westmorland and Furness agreed
- Westmorland and Furness Libraries embrace sustainability for Green Libraries Week 2023
- Family-friendly launch event for Penrith’s refurbished Castle Park tennis courts
First of its kind institute opens to ‘defend and promote charities’
A first of its kind research institute dedicated to the organisation of charities, rather than just to giving, opened in Oxford last month.
The Gradel Institute of Charity, based in New College, University of Oxford, is a research centre which will aim to help government and policymakers take more of an interest in the role charities can play.
Cumberland Council Environment and Climate autumn Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 29/09/23 here, including:
- Communities invited to set priorities for investment
- New Growing Well in Egremont
- Zero Carbon Cumbria – Climate Café
The complete guide to accessibility software
From screen readers to relaxation and sensory support software to web accessibility checkers, explore the software that can help remove barriers for people with disabilities.
How are charities using artificial intelligence in service delivery?
Charity Digital explore the charities leading the way in using AI to deliver their services, and highlight some key steps every charity should take before embracing the technology.
What you need to know about CC14
The Charity Commission for England and Wales recently published updated investment guidance (known as CC14). This guidance has been updated to provide ‘greater clarity and to give trustees confidence to make investment decisions that are right for their charity.’
Mercer have put together an overview of the key changes outlined in the update guidance, alongside checklists that you can use to assess whether your charity is operating in line with the new guidance.
How to recruit trustees and diversify your board
Only 14% of boards feel well equipped to meet the strategic, development and regulatory challenges of the organisation, given who is on their board. Whatever we are currently doing in terms of trustee recruitment, it isn’t working.
Getting on Board have produced a series of free to download support guides giving information, case studies, practical advice and downloadable templates on how to recruit trustees for your charity and diversify your board.
How can charities measure the impact of their climate work?
In this recent podcast from Third Sector, VONNE CEO, Carol Botten joined hosts to discuss how voluntary organisations can measure the impact of their climate work.
Charity regulators respond to potential AI monitoring responsibilities
Charity regulators have responded to suggestions that they could be charged with regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the sector.
A government white paper, published in March, states that sector-specific regulators will implement the government’s AI framework.
HelpFilm – opening for referrals
HelpFilm works with professional filmmakers and video producers to create free or low-cost films for small and medium sized charities across a broad range of causes. We have worked with them at a few previous events, running free filmmaking workshops for our members.
Any registered charity with an income of under £1 million can request HelpFilm’s services by completing an online referral form. Shortlisted organisations will then meet with members of the HelpFilm team before a film is agreed.
Find out more about HelpFilm here
NAVCA social prescribing resources
NAVCA have recently published a set of new social prescribing resources, which aim to help facilitate better conversations and collaborations between local infrastructure organisations and Primary Care Networks.
In this blog, they explore the importance of partnership working, and share the new resources.
Membership at NCVO falls for first time as small charities close
Charity infrastructure body NCVO has reported a decline in its overall membership for the first time, while its income increased by more than 30%.
Its annual report for the year to March 2023 shows NCVO ended the year with 17,040 members, 62 fewer than the year before.
Charity Commission produces knowledge test quiz for trustees
The Charity Commission has began the next phase of its campaign that aims to increase charity trustees’ knowledge.
As part of this, the regulator has introduced a quiz which aims to increase trustees’ awareness of the Commission’s five minute guides and enables trustees to test their knowledge of their duties and responsibilities.
NCVO adopts term ‘global majority’ instead of ‘BAME’ or ‘ethnic minorities’
The National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has adopted the term “global majority”, a shortened version of the term “people of the global majority”.
NCVO says the move comes following extensive consultation with members, NCVO’s staff networks, and interest groups.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 24/09/23 here, including:
- Digging Deeper: Uncovering Roman Carlisle
- Transforming the Carlton – first phase begins
- Cumberland Council’s £800,000 investment unveiled
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 22/09/23 here, including:
- £350k grant fund to provide money advice services
- Winter’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme
- Kendal community celebrates investment in historic library building
Communities urged to apply for funding to save local institutions – Community Ownership Fund
DLUHC announced recently that pubs, community halls, gardens, sports clubs and other treasured locations across the UK can benefit from up to £2 million in government funding each through the Community Ownership Fund, which is open again for applications.
The fund gives local people the chance to save prized community assets that are at risk of being lost forever, and keep them open for future generations to enjoy.
To encourage as many applications as possible and make the process easier, the money available for applicants has doubled to £2 million, and the amount organisations need to match fund has decreased from 50% to 20%.
Community Automated External Defibrillators fund
Organisations in England are being invited to bid for a share of £1 million of government funding to buy defibrillators for community spaces like town halls, local parks or post offices.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is inviting interested organisations to apply for its Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Fund, aimed at increasing the number of AEDs in public places.
Local Resilience Forum Innovation Fund 2023 to 2024: prospectus
DLUHC has recently published a prospectus that sets out how Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) can bid for a portion of the 2023 to 2024 Innovation Fund.
The LRF Innovation Fund is a £1.35 million fund (£450,000 per annum over the period 2022-23 to 2024-25) designed to allow LRFs in England to develop and test new and innovative ways of working which partners would not have been able to progress otherwise.
Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund
The Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund, administered by the National Lottery Community Fund, is open until 12 noon on 16 October 2023.
This funding is for organisations that support people and communities in England under severe pressure because of the increased cost of living.
NHS Care Volunteer Responders webinars
Royal Voluntary Service provides webinars for NHS organisations and adult social care providers that are free to join.
Regular webinars provide a short briefing on the programme and are hosted on multiple dates, so you are welcome to attend any session which is convenient for you. Hear about the programme’s scope, what volunteer support is available and how to make a referral.
Embedding the VCSE sector in Integrated Care Systems (ICS) resources
NAVCA have published a new resource bank to support the embedding of the VCSE sector into integrated care systems (ICS). This brings together a range of example documents and case studies as a guide to help systems to develop policies, procedures and practice.
Find the first part of the resource bank here, and the second part here. This is an ongoing project and there are some resources still to be added.
Driving social and economic development – new resources by NAVCA and partners
A new set of resources has been produced by the NHS Confederation, NAVCA, National Voices and Local Government Association, funded by NHS England. The partners spoke to over 150 people and worked alongside a select number of ICSs to incorporate wider expertise and practitioners, to enable the spread and adoption across all ICSs and accelerate learning.
This is an exciting range of practical resources to help health and care systems with their work around social and economic development – one of the core purposes of integrated care systems. The learning platform contains a number of resources – an introductory video, a practical toolkit showing the experience of systems involved and common approaches and characteristics for making progress, a podcast interviewing participants, a link to a session recently run at the NHS ConfedExpo conference, an infographic on the key themes and plenty of case studies.
Charity infrastructure body Children England to close after 81 years
Children England has announced plans to close after 81 years due to long-standing financial challenges.
The infrastructure body for children’s charities, founded in 1942 as the National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations (NCVCCO), was primarily funded by the government for its first 72 years.
Strong Foundation Grant 2023
Sir Robert McAlpine has launched a West Cumbria focused funding pot for grants of up to £3,000, with a deadline of 31 October.
The Strong Foundations Grant will be available to those seeking funding or support for new ideas or existing projects, with an aim to drive positive change in the local area.
Regulator confirms charity staff’s freedom of expression rights in social media guidance
The Charity Commission has published its first-ever guidance on charities’ use of social media, following a consultation earlier this year.
Its guidance says that charities “can engage on emotive issues” as long as they align with their purpose, and that charity trustees and employees “have the right to exercise their freedom of expression” through social media and that the Commission does not expect individuals’ accounts to be monitored.
Big Society Capital nears £10bn market growth target ahead of schedule
The social investment market in the UK grew to £9.4bn last year, up from £7.9bn in 2021, according to figures published this week by Big Society Capital (BSC).
Of this total, £3.5bn had been lent to charities and social enterprises through bank, non-bank and charity bonds, a 6% increase on the year before.
Refugee & Asylum Grant Support
Westmorland and Furness Council has allocated £70,000 from its Priority Investment Fund allocation to the Welfare Support Top Up Fund, towards supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Westmorland and Furness.
This is to provide grant support to VCFSE sector organisations who are supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Westmorland and Furness to meet the additional support needs.
Grant application criteria and guide
#StandWithTrans: Charity leaders pledge their support
Charity So Straight believe that all trans and non-binary people should be able to live, work and access services without facing discrimination. Over the last few months, a small but vocal minority has specifically targeted the trans and non-binary community as part of their effort to halt and roll-back LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Most recent hate crime statistics showed two in five trans people have experienced hate crime or an incident within the last 12 months because of their gender identity.
Charity So Straight is calling for UK charities to #StandWithTrans and pledge their support.
The Inside Track from NCVO
NCVO Policy and public affairs manager, Chris Walker, shares the latest Westminster updates that might impact charities in his online round-up, The Inside Track.
Including a Labour reshuffle, an update on new APPG rules, and a look ahead to party conferences.
Getting the most from your new CRM system
CRM is a software application that helps organisations to manage and track their interactions with donors and customers.
For fundraising charities, a CRM system is a valuable tool for improving fundraising performance, as it allows the charity to track the success or otherwise of specific campaigns, and enables them to tailor and target communications across their donor base.
More can be done says Charity Commission as third of wealthy donate regularly
The Charity Commission has said that more can be done to encourage wealthy people to donate to charities after a report revealed that a third currently do so regularly.
Research from Rathbones Investment Management found that 34% of the UK’s high net-worth individuals (HNWs) and business owners have provided regular financial support to charities in the last six months.
Treasury warned of ‘big danger’ for charities from proposed tax rule changes
The government has been told to consider a potential “big danger” for charities caused by proposed changes to business rates rules.
At an event recently, Charity Tax Group (CTG) urged the government not to scrap the “next in use” exemption for charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) as it could have unintended consequences on the sector.
Surveys, Research, Feedback and Reports
What do the public think about charities and politics?
Explore the findings from the 2023 Autumn Donor Pulse report, from fundraising experts Enthuse.
Number of Black charity CEOs falls to below 1%, ACEVO research finds
The proportion of charity leaders from Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic backgrounds has remained at 7% for the second year running, according to new research.
Fewer than 1% of respondents to ACEVO’s Pay and Equalities Survey 2023, published this month, were Black, down from 2% last year and 4% of the population of England and Wales.
Digital Poverty in the UK
A report prepared by Deloitte for the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has been released to improve the wider public’s understanding of digital poverty, providing justification as to why this issue deserves attention.
The report is a socio-economic assessment of the implications of digital poverty in the UK and demonstrates the impact of digital poverty alongside the potential economic gains of tackling the issue, setting out data in a way not previously discussed.
Into the Corridors of Power: how charities can campaign effectively at Westminster
NFP Research have spent the past 20 years analysing the interplay between the charity sector and Westminster.
Using the past decade of research and all-new interviews as a lens to explore the current state of this relationship, this ground breaking report explores Westminster trends and in-depth insights into successful campaigning.
Charity sector income shrinks for first time since 2013, data shows
The UK charity sector’s income shrank for the first time in eight years following the Covid-19 outbreak, according to new research, with smaller charities most affected.
NCVO’s latest charity sector overview shows a 14% drop in money from the general public and a 15% fall in investment income led to a 3% overall decrease in 2020-21.
Charities told to prioritise staff as research finds most at ‘full capacity’
Charities should not be ‘overly apologetic’ to funders or their trustees when considering pay rises for their staff, the chief executive officer of CAF Bank and CAF charity services has said.
Speaking at the recent Charity Finance Summit 2023, Alison Taylor said charities have a duty of care towards their employees and that it is crucial they get the people agenda right to succeed.
Charity retailers face higher costs as good-quality donations decline
Costs in charity shops have increased while the quality of donations has declined, exclusive research has revealed.
Charity Finance magazine’s Charity Shops Survey 2023 shows that total expenditure at 35 charity retailers rose by 14% to £554m between 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Local charity branches merging due to economic pressures, researchers find
Local branches of large, central charity federations are merging due to economic pressures, according to a new report.
The research by Sheffield Hallam University, which involved 19 charity federations including RSPCA, Groundwork, Mind and Girlguiding, said that economic pressures were challenging most federations’ traditional operating model, raising questions of consolidation, rationalisation and other forms of collaboration.
Consultation on Section 75 NHS Act 2006 – pooled budgets
Section 75 enables NHS bodies and local authorities to enter into partnerships that allow their health-related functions to be delivered by the other body, and to establish and run pooled funds to do so.
DHSC are consulting on whether the scope of section 75 should be widened to include additional health related functions of local authorities and NHS bodies; whether DHSC should widen the range of organisations that can enter into these arrangements; how DHSC can strengthen or simplify the governance of s75; and whether there are barriers to further use that could be addressed via legislative changes.
You can read the full DHSC survey here
Consultation on pre-employment checks for health and care volunteers
This DHSC consultation seeks views on the proposal to remove the statutory requirement for a full employment history when appointing volunteers in health and care settings.
You can read the full consultation here
97% of the UK’s largest charities now report success against strategy
The annual reports and accounts at the UK’s 100 largest charities have continued to improve with 97% now clearly linking their trustees’ report disclosures to their strategic objectives in a measurable way, according to new research.
The research, published in the October edition of Charity Finance, is the latest review of annual reports and accounts carried out for the magazine by Helena Wilkinson, a partner and head of charities and not-for-profit at accountancy firm Price Bailey.
Wages in charity shops rise as retailers struggle to recruit ‘high-quality’ staff
Staff wages in charity shops have increased by 16%, as charity retailers still face a shortage of “high-quality” candidates, according to new research.
Charity Finance magazine’s Charity Shops Survey 2023 reveals that staff costs at 35 charity retailers rose by 16% overall between 2021-22 and 2022-23 while their workforce grew by 6%.
Government announces launch of Community Wealth Fund technical consultation
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced the launch of its new, technical consultation for community wealth fund(s). This consultation follows the announcement that community wealth fund(s) will be added as the fourth beneficiary of the expanded dormant assets scheme.
Local Trust will be coordinating a response to the consultation on behalf of the Community Wealth Fund Alliance (CWFA) outlining its vision for how a community wealth fund should work. The consultation will end on 19 October and will seek answers to questions regarding the design of the fund, including its breadth, how many communities should benefit from the fund, and the nature of distribution.
You can read more about the consultation on the DCMS website
Most charity whistleblowing reports come from employees, finds regulator
Most whistleblowing reports to the Charity Commission last year were from charity employees and ex-employees (55.4%), according to a new report by the regulator.
The remaining disclosures were made by non-employees. Some 18% of the overall reports were made by volunteers, while 5% were made by ex-trustees.
National Youth Sector Census
The National Youth Sector Census has revealed that a quarter of voluntary sector organisations delivering youth work have less than six months’ of reserves.
It also highlights the share of organisations that are delivering activities aimed at educationally or economically disadvantaged young people and those with a disability.
Are you represented? If you haven’t completed or updated your census, please do so here
NHS and Care Volunteer Responder programme survey
The NHS and Care Volunteer Responder programme is a flexible volunteering programme supporting adult social care and the NHS in England. The programme has been set up to complement local provision and provide short-term support (six-weeks) to patients and people in receipt of social care.
This short survey aims to identify the needs and experiences of VCSEs which will be used to further develop the programme to meet the current system demands.
11% of large charities report their ethnicity pay gap, research finds
Some 11% of the largest charities in the UK currently report their ethnicity pay gap, according to research by Civil Society.
Analysis of the top 250 charities by income, according to Charity Finance’s 100 and 250 Indexes, shows that 27 published their ethnicity pay gap for 2022.
The Future of the Funding Sector
Nfp Research released a report commissioned by John Ellerman Foundation in Spring 2021, which features interviews with funding sector leaders.
They hope that sharing the views of many important voices within the grant making sector through this research will spark further discussion about the challenges faced by the sector, how each individual funder can confront them, and ultimately how the sector can better serve the organisations and communities it funds.
Government match-funding scheme at risk of ‘charity-washing’, report says
The government’s UK Aid Match (UKAM) scheme, which provides match funding for chosen charity appeals, could be at risk of “charity washing”, a new report says.
All charities taking part in UKAM are “asked to factor how they will engage parliamentarians into their campaign”, according to the report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Aid Match, which formed in December last year.
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.
