Useful information – w/c 16/02/26
February 16, 2026
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: 16/02/26 – 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 and news? Check out Focus on Funding here
[NEW] Learn CPR in 15 minutes for free with BHF RevivR
RevivR is the British Heart Foundation’s free, interactive, online CPR training course. In just 15 minutes, you can learn how to save a life and receive your very own CPR certificate.
It couldn’t be simpler – you just need your mobile phone or tablet and a cushion to practice on.
Multicultural Cumbria Tea and Talk Welcome Space
Tuesdays in February & March, Whitehaven. Multicultural Cumbria would like to invite community groups to bring their participants and join a free Tea and Talk Welcome Space.
The members of Multicultural Cumbria will welcome you with a cuppa and cake! If your group would like to join one of the Tea and Talks (first Tuesday of every month, 12:30pm-14:30pm), please email hannah@multiculturalcumbria.org.uk
You can view a Tea & Talk flyer here and another flyer containing themes of the sessions over the coming months
Donor Journey Mastery Masterclass
Monday 16th February, online. This MASTERCLASS is designed for individuals in fundraising and/or communication teams in charitable organisations across all areas.
Whether you’re just starting to explore donor journeys or refining existing plans, the session is accessible, relevant, and easy to apply regardless of the size of your organisation.
Making the most of M365 apps – tips and tricks
Tuesday 17th February, online. This three-hour session shows you how to master 365 apps.
The first section will cover an overview of the apps available. It will explore web vs desktop applications, the joys of Copilot, the best way to use Microsoft Forms, and the secrets of Sway. The second section is dedicated to Teams, exploring meeting and channel management, file storage, whiteboards and polls, and so much more.
Free webinar – How to raise a concern with the Charity Commission
Tuesday 17th February, online. If you have concerns about the operation or governance of a charity, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Join NCVO and the Charity Commission for practical guidance on when, how and why to raise concerns with the regulator.
You’ll gain clear guidance to help you act with confidence and make informed decisions – whether you’re dealing with a current issue or simply want to be better prepared. Ideal for trustees, senior leaders, charity employees, and charity finance professionals.
Cyber Essentials Training: Mastering the Five Key Controls for Digital Security
Tuesday 24th February, online. This three-hour workshop offers an accessible introduction to Cyber Essentials, a government-backed framework designed to help organisations protect themselves from the most common cyber threats.
Over two engaging sessions, we’ll break down the scheme’s five critical controls and run a live hack, including reconnaissance and initial access, where you will play a lead role in the operation. By the end of the training, you’ll be equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen your organisation’s digital defenses.
The future of social media for arts marketing
Tuesday 24th February, online. Join HdK for this free online session. What does the future of social media look like for arts and cultural organisations?
With digital solutions and social media platforms continuing to evolve, it’s important for arts organisations to continue to adapt. This panel will bring together thought leaders from across the culture sector to discuss:
- Social media platforms
- Evolving audience behaviour
- Key trend predictions
Throughout the session, questions from attendees are welcomed and we will close with a dedicated Q&A.
Find out more and register here
Use data to grow your impact
25th February, online. Marketing analytics expert, Dr Simon (Seongsoo) Jang, Associate Professor at Cardiff University, will cover the importance of intuitive- and data-driven decision-making, practical tips for maximising impact, real-life examples of successful marketing and analytics campaigns, and so much more.
Jang will introduce four core marketing principles that will revolutionise your charity’s approach to data. By the end of the hour-long session, you’ll be able to integrate the principles directly into your charity.
Contract Training for Charities – Managing Contracts with Confidence
26th February 2026, online. For a charity entering into a contract with any other party, there are a number of key factors to consider.
In this half-day session Ed Rimmell, partner at VWV, will share his expertise on managing charity contracts effectively to ensure risks are mitigated, all parties fully understand what has been agreed and what to do if a dispute arises. Ed will also guide you through some common and important contract clauses which are often poorly understood.
Harmless Conference
Friday 27th February, online & in-person (Nottingham). The national centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention conference – The Uncomfortable Truth: Confronting Barriers to Connection in Self Harm and Suicide Prevention.
Aims & Objectives: This CPD-accredited event brings together experts, leading academics and professionals from across the sector for a powerful day of evidence-based insights, practical solutions and shared experiences, with a strategic focus on:
- Collaborative Partnership
- Service-User Representation
- Effective Practice
- Driving Change
- Overcoming Stigma & Discrimination
Listening to the Land
Monthly sessions, March to November, Barrow. Playful Nature offers nature connection, music, singing, drumming, campfires, mindfulness and more…
The ‘Listening to the Land’ project offers an exciting opportunity to explore how tuning into nature can inspire creativity, and support wellbeing. This project is aimed at adults (18+) living in Furness and South Lakes.
Click on the thumbnail image to view a leaflet, or visit the Playful Nature website for more information
Creating Impact Reports Masterclass
Wednesday 4th March, online. Boost your confidence and fundraising with a practical session on creating clear, engaging impact reports.
During this 1-hour session, this Masterclass will look at:
- Why impact reports matter – and how they support income generation.
- What to include (and what to leave out!) for a more engaging report.
- How to create reports that work for multiple audiences.
- Ways to combine data and real-life stories for maximum emotional impact.
- Free and simple tools to make your report look professional.
[NEW] How to master strategic planning
4th and 11th March, online. This course, in two three-hour sessions, inspires charities to embrace long-term planning.
The course will allow you to think strategically, understand the importance of charity governance, develop an in-depth strategic plan, understand the tensions that arise between operational and strategic priorities, keep your strategic plan on track, and so much more.
Find out more about How to master strategic planning and book here
[NEW] Excel: Beginner or Advanced
Excel is an incredibly useful tool to help you store, analyse and present your data. Even with basic skills there’s a lot you can do to help with your organisation’s monitoring and evaluation practice – but how do you get started?
➡️ Beginner: 10th March, online. More information here
➡️ Advanced: 23rd March, online. More information here
VCSE National Summit
11th March, online. A free national training and inspiration day for VCSEs across the UK – Join a unique, nationwide webinar designed to help VCSEs – charities, social enterprises, schools, clubs and local initiatives strengthen their role in today’s social value and procurement landscape. The event caters organisation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This free event will equip you with practical ideas and confidence to engage with councils, public sector commissioners and corporate supporters, become a trusted social value partner, and access new opportunities for funding, other resources and commercial partnerships. You’ll gain insight into public sector procurement and social value requirements, learn how to raise resources more effectively, and explore how digital tools can support your mission.
By registering, you’ll join organisations across the UK who are stepping forward as vital social impact partners, improving lives, communities and the environment—together.
Exercise Impassible
11th March 2026, This Table Top Exercise is a training opportunity being led by Counter Terrorism Police North West – there is an opportunity for Voluntary Organisations to participate. All expressions of interest should be directed in the first instance to Alison Love alison.love@cumbria.gov.uk from the Cumbria LRF team who is collating responses prior to submission.
This exercise will explore the Local, Regional and UK’s readiness to respond to a Maritime Terrorism incident on Lake Windermere. It aims to improve multi-agency coordination, strengthen Local Resilience Forum (LRF) capabilities, and support the development of inland maritime contingency plans in line with JESIP and developing MMER Joint Operating Procedures (JOPS).
Growing reliance on inland waterways for recreation, logistics, business and infrastructure makes them potential targets for hostile acts. Lake Windermere’s geographic location, coupled with a high volume of international tourism makes it a potential target for such an act.
AI for charities: Practical applications, risks and opportunities
Thursday 12th March, online. Artificial intelligence is moving fast and charities are already feeling the impact. From automating routine tasks to improving fundraising, communications and service delivery, AI offers huge potential, but also raises important questions around data, ethics and governance.
Join Rathbones for a practical session designed for charity leaders and trustees where we’ll explore real-world examples, risks to be aware of, and the steps organisations can take to adopt AI confidently and responsibly.
Village Halls Week 2026
16th-22nd March. The campaign aims to highlight the importance of village halls to the health and wellbeing of rural communities across England, Wales and Scotland.
You can register for campaign updates here
Get Grants Showcase: Get Jobs
Monday 23rd March, online. Get Jobs is a FREE Jobs board for the Charity Sector, launched in 2025 by Get Grants. The idea behind Get Jobs is to help sector organisations who struggle to recruit due to often prohibitive costs of advertising vacancies.
Whether you are a Fundraiser, CEO or Marketing expert, Get Jobs brings you the latest opportunities in the third sector. Search through the listings to find your perfect job.
Recruiters can find out more at this free Showcase event
Where Are Your Next Generation of Volunteers
Tuesday 24th March, 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.
[NEW] How to master email marketing
Wednesday 25th 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.
[NEW] Developing a Fundraising Strategy
Tuesday 31st March and Wednesday 1st April, online.
This popular two day course will walk you through Lime Green Consulting’s tried-and-tested framework for developing a fundraising strategy, enabling you to evaluate and prioritise the most valuable fundraising activities for your organisation and make the best use of your limited resources.
Emergency First Aid at Work
Thursday 9th April, Barrow. Where a workplace first aid risk assessment identifies a need for an Emergency First Aider in the Workplace, this one-day qualification meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982.
- The learner will attain knowledge to deal with a range of workplace first aid situations
- Meets employer’s legal obligations
- Compliant with Resuscitation Council (UK) Guidelines
- 3 year qualification
More information is available in this leaflet. Please contact rachael@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk to book.
Award in Safeguarding for Work, Education and Life Level 1
From Monday 13th April, for 10 weeks, in Kendal. This level 1 course aims to give you an improved knowledge of the meaning of safeguarding in the workplace, education and in life in general. You will learn about different forms of abuse and learn ways that you can recognise if abuse may be taking place. You will find out about the safeguarding issues caused by modern technology and learn about discrimination and victimisation. Finally you will learn what to do if your have safeguarding concerns and the importance of disclosing information to professionals.
This is an ideal introductory course for anyone working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults or who would like to improve their understanding of safeguarding in general.
Find out more and book here – if you experience any issues trying to sign up, please email helen.edmonds@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Reserves: What They Are and How to Calculate Them
Thursday 21st April, 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.
Suicide Prevention Conference
Thursday 23rd April, Rheged, Penrith. This year’s theme, “Take action. Prevent suicide.”, focuses on the practical steps we can all take to save lives and support those affected by suicide across Cumbria.
This full-day event brings together inspirational speakers, interactive workshops, and hands-on training to equip individuals, organisations, and community groups with the skills and confidence to help create a Suicide Safer Cumbria.
Whether you work in a school, a workplace, health or public services, the third or faith sectors, a sports club, or are attending as an individual – join us in our mission.
How to Make Your Social Media More Engaging
Thurs 30th April, online. Do you get the most engagement from your Facebook, Instagram or X (Twitter) posts? Why do some posts get more clicks than others?
How to increase engagement.
Impact Reporting for Charities
Tuesday 16th June, online. Funders want proof of the difference your organisation makes. They want to understand your charity’s impact across services and locations, and what the benefit is of the services they have agreed to fund.
Amongst other things this session looks at ‘what is impact and how do you measure it’, ‘what does impact look like’ and how do you engage with your stakeholders to maximise impact.
[NEW] Caution urged as charity marketing ‘soft opt-in’ rules come into force
Caution has been urged as new “soft opt-in” rules, which will allow charities to make greater use of e-marketing when engaging with supporters, come into force this month.
Members of the public previously had to consent to their details being used by charities for direct marketing when their data was collected.
In contrast, commercial businesses have been able to use “soft opt-in” rules to send electronic marketing communications to a person without their consent if their details were collected during the sale of a product or service.
Read more about the soft opt-in changes here
[NEW] Campaign launched to combat ‘chilling effect’ of hostile narratives on civil society
A campaign aimed at combatting social hostility and division and its “chilling effect” on civil society has been launched by major sector organisations.
Developed by organisations including NCVO and Hope Not Hate, A Million Acts of Hope aims to highlight everyday acts of kindness, such as volunteering, community food growing and children’s sports coaching.
More than 30 other sector organisations – including Save the Children UK, the Wildlife Trusts and Crisis – have signed up to the campaign, which will culminate in a week of action from 13 to 20 May this year.
Read more about the campaign here
[NEW] NSPCC Learning: Children and Young People Mental Health and Social Media
Childline has launched a campaign to help children and young people look after their mental health when using social media. The ‘Race to a Milli’ campaign video shows TikTok stars compete to achieve one million ‘likes’ whilst tackling issues such as peer pressure, hateful comments and rage bait.
The campaign provides talking points for professionals to use with young people in their schools, clubs and organisations.
Find out more about the campaign here
[NEW] Protect those working alone: HSE resources
Lone workers can be at greater risk of harm as they may not have anyone to help or support them if things go wrong. Employers have a legal duty to protect those working alone. The responsibilities include:
- carrying out thorough risk assessments specific to lone working situations
- providing adequate training on managing hazards and emergency procedures
- establishing effective supervision, monitoring and communication systems
- regularly reviewing safety measures to ensure they remain effective
The Health and Safety Executive website offers guidance for employers on effectively managing risks, as well as a video on lone working that sets out the key advice.
Visit their lone working webpages for detailed guidance, case studies, and practical tools to protect those working alone.
[NEW] Boomerang guide to community outreach
Boomerang have produced a new article: ‘Where purpose meets people: a practical guide to nonprofit community outreach‘ . The aricle walks through essential strategies for effective nonprofit community outreach, woven together with practical tips for engaging diverse communities in inclusive, authentic ways.
Effective nonprofit community outreach goes beyond sharing updates or hosting the occasional event. It requires active involvement through partnerships, two-way communication, and intentional actions that reflect the community’s needs, values, and priorities.
When nonprofits prioritize outreach, they gain valuable feedback, grow fundraising support, and build a network of advocates who champion their cause.
[NEW] Public attitudes split on charities’ AI use, survey finds
Public attitudes are split on whether charities should be using artificial intelligence (AI), according to a new survey.
Some 27% of people surveyed by CharityTracker said they felt negatively about charities using AI, with 36% feeling positively and 37% unsure.
The survey of 3,000 UK adults conducted in December found that people were less positive about charities using AI to decide who receives support, with 38% finding it “unacceptable” against 33% who judged it to be “acceptable”.
Read more about the survey here
[NEW] Wider impact economy valued at £428bn by think tank
Research by think tank New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) has estimated that the wider “impact economy” contributes £428bn to the UK economy every year, which amounts to 15% of GDP.
Charities generate nearly £50bn of this, NPC’s report says, with an additional £13bn coming from housing associations and £5bn from community interest companies (CICs).
The bulk of the impact economy’s contribution (£323bn) comes from impact-led businesses that are not CICs, the report says.
[NEW] 51% jump in charities filings their accounts late as sector suffers from funding shortfall
The number of charities filing their accounts late surged 51% to 17,773 in 2023/24* from 11,778 the year before, a sign of the financial stress facing the sector, says chartered accountants and business advisors Lubbock Fine.
Falling donations and Government funding cuts are creating more uncertainty over the financial position of many charities.
In addition, that reduction in funding has put a strain on the finances of charities, forcing them to cut their spending and jobs, including within their finance and accounts departments. This reduced manpower, as well as the complexity of charity accounting regulations, means they are struggling to meet deadlines or delaying the filing of accounts.
[NEW] New safeguards needed for fundraisers paid by commission, think tank warns
New safeguards may be needed to protect fundraisers due to the recent deregulation of commission-based pay, a fundraising think tank has warned.
Last year, the Fundraising Regulator revised its code of practice for charities not to pay by commission in most cases with a broader direction to “give appropriate consideration” to which payment methods they choose.
Published earlier this month, Rogare’s report argues that the new guidance means many ethical arguments against paying fundraisers by commission are now “flawed”.
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.
