Useful information – w/c 10/02/25
February 10, 2025
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 the week. Please check back regularly. (Last update: 11/02/25 – 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] A Web for All: Accessibility, usability and inclusivity online
19 March, online. Few and Far, a digital agency that work with non-profits, are hosting a free webinar on accessibility online. This comprehensive session will be led by Col Grist, Co-founder and Creative Director, who brings 15 years of experience working with leading UK charities.
Key highlights:
- Understanding accessibility fundamentals and WCAG guidelines
- Practical tools and tips for improving website accessibility
- Solutions for both physical disabilities and socio-economic barriers
- Real-world examples and interactive exercises
- Full recording and resource pack provided afterward
Sir John Fisher Foundation – pre application session
19 February, online. Any groups considering applying to the Sir John Fisher Foundation for the 1st March deadline may be interested in signing up to a pre-application session which the Foundation will be running.
The session will provide an opportunity to ask questions about the application form and required documentation and will be run remotely via Teams.
Manage your charity’s contracts with confidence
Thursday 27 February, online. This training course will cover the key elements to consider when drafting a contract, ensuring that any risks are mitigated and disputes are avoided.
The session will be led by Shivaji Shiva and Ed Rimmell from law firm VWV who are experts in charity law and commercial contracts.
FE Accelerator: Grant Writing 2025
20 February 2025, online. Join Fundraising Everywhere for an in-depth masterclass on improving success, efficiency, and impact in your 2025 trust fundraising.
Learn how to create effective trust fundraising strategies, Write successful applications and much more
Charity Digital Academy: Getting set up with Microsoft 365
25 February 2025, online. The course, the first of three parts, uncovers everything you need to know about Microsoft 365. The first half of the first session looks at the functionality 365 includes, helps charities to make sense of registration process and domain authentication, explores eligibility, and so much more.
This course is perfect for organisations who are considering using the M365 platform or for those who’ve taken this decision but are looking for guidance on how to start. You don’t have to be an expert to join.
#DoWith – new campaign by The King’s Fund
26 March, online. Radical and hopeful change in how public services work with people and communities is urgently needed.
Do With is a network of people and organisations calling for a radical shift in the public sector from ‘doing to’ to ‘doing with’.
Click here to find out more about the campaign and to sign up for the event
Webinar: Unseen but essential: The voluntary sector microbiome
6 March, online. Join NAVCA and the University of Exeter to discuss what the drive towards integration of health and care means for the smallest organisations in the voluntary sector, and how recognising this diversity is a vital part of systems-thinking in health and care integration.
This session will also explore some of detail behind the figures.
Chapters & Cheers! Love Barrow Libraries event
Friday 28 February, Barrow. Emma and the ‘Love Barrow Libraries’ team would love you to join them to toast the Grand Finale of their Volunteer Project. There will be a buffet, live entertainment gifts, games and a glass of bubbly.
View the event flyer for more information
Reasonable Adjustments: How to get them right
Tuesday 18 February 2025, online. Join Acas for this free webinar on reasonable adjustments, which will explore the law and good practice on how to implement reasonable adjustments in the workplace. This session aims to improve understanding and help you gain practical insights.
This webinar will provide an overview of:
- The legal obligations surrounding reasonable adjustments
- How to overcome challenges with practical solutions
- Different types of reasonable adjustments
- Strategies to foster an inclusive workplace
Shopmobility 30th Anniversary
Thursday 3 April, Carlisle. Shopmobility Carlisle are holding a drop in event (Coffee and Cake) to celebrate the official opening above back in 1995. Anyone is welcome to come along between 10am and 3pm.
Shopmobility Carlisle information
Free film-making charity workshops
Various dates, online. These workshops by The Saltways are open to anyone involved with a charity who is interested in creating more effective content, including fundraisers, communications managers, front-line staff, beneficiaries, and even marathon runners.
A practical and interactive session. You will learn the fundamentals of film-making, from planning and shooting to editing and sharing your content.
Our experienced professionals will guide you through the process, providing tips and tricks for creating compelling content that effectively communicates your charity’s mission and impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your content creation skills to the next level and make a real impact with your charity’s message.
#DoWith – new campaign by The King’s Fund
26 March, online. Radical and hopeful change in how public services work with people and communities is urgently needed. Do With is a network of people and organisations calling for a radical shift in the public sector from ‘doing to’ to ‘doing with’.
We have come together to ask others to join us in making this change, starting with an online event.
Click here to find out more about the campaign and to sign up for the event
Introduction to Individual Giving Workshop
Tuesday 4 March, online. This FREE 1 hour workshop examines practical solutions and ideas for growing your charity’s income through support from individual donors, giving a fantastic introduction to our full course whilst also providing really useful hints and tips as a stand-alone session.
As a bonus, all attendees will be entered into a draw to win one of two places on the full course!
Meet the Funder Event: Tesco Stronger Starts
Tuesday 25 February, online. Tesco Stronger Starts funding provides charities, community organisations, schools and local good causes with grants of up to £1,500.
Every three months, three causes are selected to be in the blue token customer vote in Tesco stores throughout the UK. The funding aims to make a positive difference to local communities with priority given to causes that help children and young people. Come along for an opportunity to ask questions about the relaunch of this grant scheme, including the application process.
Meet the Expert Event: Charity Excellence Framework
Tuesday 11 February, online. Get Grants will be joined by Ian McLintock, Founder and CEO of Charity Excellence Framework for a discussion about the current state of the sector and how AI can be used to improve fundraising success.
Join us to explore the platform’s AI tools, funding databases and resources, and to learn about the system’s new AI capabilities.
Webinar: Getting your board on board – how to communicate about AI
20 February, online. Join Ha Cole, Chief AI Officer at Microsoft Tech for Social Impact EMEA, and Lev Malinin, Head of AI at The Salvation Army UK & Ireland, for a fireside chat on communicating AI’s value to stakeholders.
What you’ll learn:
- How AI can boost your organisation’s impact and efficiency
- Tips for presenting AI concepts effectively to your board
- A practical framework for refining your approach to AI principles
How to be a digital leader in 2025
13 February, online. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and charities that embrace technology are making the greatest impact. However, the 2024 Charity Digital Skills report revealed that while half of charities have a digital strategy, this percentage has remained unchanged since 2023—highlighting a need for progress.
With AI and other transformative tools reshaping the sector, it’s crucial that charities stay ahead and adapt to emerging technologies. But what does it mean to be a digital leader in 2025?
How to master email marketing
12 March, online. This course aims, in just three hours, to boost your email marketing.
The course provides a hands-on approach, showing charities the basics of email marketing, the best platforms, strategies for effective list-building, the importance of segmentation, tips and tricks for crafting effective emails, the best way to write a subject line, the virtues of personalisation, and so much more.
Supercharge your use of social media
18 February, online. This course aims, in just three hours, to supercharge your use of social media. We’ll explore how you can pick the right platforms for your charity and how to know whether you should invest, or divest, in other platforms.
We’ll show you how to increase social media engagement, how to extend your reach, and how to ensure you target the most rewarding demographics.
How to manage charity finances
11 February, online. This course aims, in just three hours, to help you make sense of your finances. It provides a simple, straightforward, plain-English introduction, covering budgeting, reporting, governance, sustainability, futureproofing, and so much more.
In two back-to-back sessions, each lasting approximately 80 minutes, the course offers key insights into the essential elements of charity finance. More information here.
Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail – Free February Half Term Activities
17-20 February. We have collaborated with fantastic outdoor providers, artists, heritage experts and boaters to bring you a week’s worth of Towpath Trail activities!
If you haven’t cycled along the new towpath surface between Crooklands and Stainton yet, here’s you chance! Join Emily and the Lakes Gravel Gang for some free guided rides, they’ve even organised bike hire options in case that’s useful! Keen to learn more about the heritage of the Lancaster Canal? Heritage expert Bill Froggatt will be leading a Heritage Walk to tell you more and answer any questions you may have.
Have you experienced the delights of travelling on Lancaster Canal in the infamous Waterwitch? Free rides are available all day on the Thursday. And in case you need a Winter reset and an excuse to slow down and top up your wellbeing tank, why not join Ruth from ‘At Natures Pace’ to explore the Towpath Trail at a different kind of pace.
View a poster here and Find out more and book here
Reserves – What They Are and How to Calculate Them
Tuesday 8 July, online. Reserves are a critical element when building small charity resilience. However, they are often, for very valid reasons, miscalculated.
The session will look at Why we hold reserves, how to calculate reserves, what a good reserves policy looks like and how to report on reserves.
Introduction to Engaging with Businesses: Five Things I Wish I’d Known
Tuesday 17 June, online. A basic introduction to engaging and connecting with your local business community.
This session is aimed at small charities and voluntary groups, whether they are at the beginning of their journey in engaging with businesses or wish to develop stronger contacts.
How to use Canva for Social Media
Monday 9 June, online. Canva is the great free-to-use online graphic design tool which you can use to create great graphics as well as presentations and videos amongst other things.
This is an introductory session about Canva with a few tips about using it for social media.
GDPR and Data Security
Tues 13 May, 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.
Where Are Your Next Generation of Volunteers
Tues 29 April, online. Volunteer numbers have been falling since 2020. Considerable changes have occurred in how the public wants to volunteer. There has also been a rise in younger people wanting to give back to their communities, contribute to their environment, and make a difference in their neighbourhoods.
It is important for any group to start thinking about how it can adapt and remove the barriers so that younger people can get involved in volunteering. This session will offer you some practical ways to make volunteering for your organisation more appealing to younger people.
Management Accounts for Small Organisations
Tues 4 March, online. What do management accounts look like and why should you do them? The session will look at:
- why we do them
- how to do them
- when to do them
- what we do with them
Legal Issues Around Managing Volunteers in England and Wales
Tues 18 February, online. This session introduces the key legal issues around managing volunteers. It will signpost participants to the headline information, policies and procedures which your organisation will need to be aware of, and what needs to be put in place to help you deliver your legal responsibilities to volunteers and those they support.
This is not intended to replace advice from a legal professional.
Pension Roadshow
Various dates in February/March 2025. The Pension Roadshow from Adult Learning links in the national 50+ MOT offer and other wellbeing, health related support for older workers.
Click here to view a flyer for more information
Village Halls Week 2025
Village Halls Week will take place on 17-23 March 2025. This week is an opportunity to spotlight the efforts of volunteers who keep these important venues open for the benefit of local residents, groups, and rural businesses.
In England alone, it is estimated that over 80,000 people regularly volunteer their time with village halls, from those on management committees who oversee the day-to-day use of the building and its finances, to those who organise events and group activities for the benefit of the local community.
Village hall groups can register their interest in the campaign here, which will enable them to receive news and updates as well as resources to help them get involved.
Listen Up! Rethinking Mental Health & Hearing in the North
Wednesday 12 March 2025, online and in-person (Newcastle). Event co-organised by the NIHR North East & North Cumbria Applied Research Collaboration and the Sustainability & Resilience Institute. Join us for an important event exploring what we know, and what should be done, about the connections between mental health and hearing. Mental health issues and hearing loss affect millions in England and around the world, with research showing that individuals with hearing loss are twice as likely to experience depression and other mental health issues.
In the North, where historically industrial areas have experienced higher rates of hearing loss, this connection highlights how environmental and socioeconomic factors drive health inequalities across regions. We’ll explore the latest findings on these issues, their impact on living and ageing well, and strategies to improve health and economic outcomes in areas most affected by these challenges.
Online booking
In-person booking
Bid Writing Workshop
Monday 24 February 2025, online. In this friendly 90-minute session, you will have the chance to:
- Get an introduction to what Bid Writing is all about
- Explore what Grant Applications Look like
- Consider the importance of Needs and Outcomes
- Pick up lots of Top Tips to improve your Bid Writing
- Build your confidence and be inspired!
Get Grants free Bid Writing Workshop
Monday 24 February 2025, online. Whether you have a wealth of experience in fundraising or are new to applying for grants this Bid Writing Workshop will help you explore how to identify grant funding opportunities whilst providing advice on writing successful applications and thinking about the common mistakes made by applicants.
VCFSE News and Information
[NEW] Commission alerts large charities to upcoming failure to prevent fraud offence
The Charity Commission has sent a regulatory alert to charities that could be affected by upcoming changes in legislation around fraud prevention.
A new offence of failure to prevent fraud will come into force on 1 September to ensure large organisations are held to account if they profit from fraud.
It forms part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and will affect large, incorporated charities that meet at least two criteria: over 250 employees; over £36m in income; and over £18m in total assets.
[NEW] Fundraising Regulator criticises charities that have not paid increased levy
The Fundraising Regulator has criticised charities that have not paid its recently increased voluntary levy and plans to report them to the Charity Commission.
In an article published on its website last week, the Fundraising Regulator said around 3% of eligible charities had either refused or not responded to its requests to pay the annual fee, which increased for the first time in eight years last September.
It also confirmed that the levy would increase with inflation for the first time next year after previously announced rises are introduced this September.
[NEW] Directory of Social Change – EEDI Language Guidance
The Directory of Social Change’s Wellbeing, Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working group has put together an inclusive language resource as part of their commitment to anti-discrimination and building a stronger, more inclusive charity sector.
DSC’s language guidance looks at language that we may consider avoiding, language that we may consider using instead, explanations behind why DSC has made these suggestions and examples of the suggested language in context.
Sector reacts as Wes Streeting vows to ‘break the culture’ of charities lobbying government
Charity sector organisations have responded after health secretary Wes Streeting was filmed saying in a meeting that he was “trying to break the culture of the voluntary sector and the way that it lobbies government”.
In a meeting on 30 January, Streeting said: “I do have to say to our voluntary sector partners, your thing is important […] but it’s not the only important thing.”
He said the charity Royal Osteoporosis Society was the “worst offender” for lobbying, saying it had “attacked” the government by claiming that its delivery of bone density scanners was a distraction from its fracture liaison services rollout.
Penrith and Appleby Library Events
See the flyers below for details of forthcoming events at Penrith and Appleby libraries.
Appleby Reading Group
Buggy walk wellbeing group
Climate-Champions workshops
Environmental reading group
Feb half term library workshops poster Wordsworth Trust
Surveys, Research, Feedback and Reports
[NEW] Charity leaders report increased fundraising optimism and data concerns
Charity leaders have expressed increased optimism about fundraising this year but shared concerns about their supporters’ data, in response to a new survey.
More than three-quarters of charity leaders said they maintained or increased their fundraising income in 2024, according to the annual Charity Pulse report from fundraising platform Enthuse.
It was an increase from the just over half of leaders who said the same about 2023 in last year’s report.
[NEW] How should charity boards be different?
The Association of Chairs (AoC) is launching a consultation today on how the sector could change, develop and improve charity boards and the nature of trusteeship. How do chairs and trustees and CEOs want charity boards to be different in 5 or 10 years’ time?
Topics include:
- How do we make trustees more representative of UK society as a whole?
- How do we help trustees find the time, or afford, to be trustees?
- How do we develop more of a learning and training culture among trustees?
- How can we make the support and support services for trustees more comprehensive and powerful?
The consultation runs until the end of April. The AoC hope the responses will provide some clarity on how to approach an agreed set of plans and priorities. The final output will be a strategy, collectively held and implemented, by AoC and others – as well as chairs and trustees across the UK.
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.
