In case you missed it is a monthly round-up of what we have been up to at ACEVO. Communications officer Heloisa Righetto shares links to recently published content, newly launched events and services available to members.
A narrated version of the blog is available at the bottom of the page
Support for you
Together with NCVO and with support from Starfish Search, we are launching a working group chaired by Becky Hewitt, former CEO of Changing Faces, which will address some of the barriers and stigma about flexible working as well as sharing examples of good practice across the sector and signposting resources. It will include up to 10 people from across the sector who have diverse experiences and views to share. The group will report its findings later this year. Check the website for more information.
If your organisation is looking to identify new revenue-generating activities from trading, it’s important to get the legal issues right from the outset. ACEVO’s partner Hempsons is offering members a free tailor-made one-to-one session to plan your legal route map to income diversification. There are a limited number of slots available between 15 November and 10 December 2021, and they’ll be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Book now.
Latest resources
ACEVO’s internal climate emergency committee has created an environmental policy template for you to adapt and shape an approach to climate and environmental action in your organisation. I hope this policy will be a helpful resource for anyone looking to take their first steps in this space or wanting to formalise what you already do.
The UK has lifted most lockdown restrictions, but we know that doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. Although the prime minister has said that caution is absolutely vital, the onus is now on employers to assess risk, put appropriate measures in place and develop policies around issues such as vaccination and face coverings. James Tamm, director of legal services at Ellis Whittam, has written a briefing for ACEVO members with some key factors for civil society CEOs to consider.
Announced new events
A new report from Common Vision draws from the work of faith groups during the pandemic to illustrate a concept of social confidence. It frames the challenges we face in rebuilding our communities’ social, economic, and emotional health and the opportunities to capitalise on the heightened awareness of the importance of strong, connected communities that can draw on social infrastructure and institutional support. Join Caroline Macfarland, director of Common Vision, on 5 October to discuss the findings of the report, what they teach us about the systemic ‘fault lines’ in our society, and how faith-based organisations can provide a focal point for ambition, energy and resources to address root causes and underlying issues.
ACEVO and the Association of Chair’s Dynamic Duo workshop is back on 13 January. The full-day training session, sponsored by Sarasin & Partners, is aimed at charity CEOs and chairs and explores how to balance the roles and bring out the best in each other by looking at the CEO/chair relationship from both perspectives. The day (complete with healthy breaks and lots of opportunities for engagement) will be led by Jenny Berry, director of leadership and governance at ACEVO, and Ros Oakley, chief executive of the Association of Chairs. It will also feature a guest chair and a guest CEO to share their experiences. Chairs and chief executives are both welcome, and we particularly recommend you attend as a pair. It’s an excellent opportunity to take stock of and review how you are working together. For more details, pricing and to book your place, please check the website.
News from ACEVO
We are delighted that Alan Lally-Francis will be joining ACEVO as our new head of influencing in October. Alan is currently head of policy and advocacy at Results UK, and has 14 years’ experience of policy and advocacy roles in parliament, government and international NGOs. As ACEVO’s head of influencing, Alan will help to shape the agenda on issues that matter to our members, and ensure their voices are heard by those who have the power to effect change.
We are also really pleased that Becca Bunce and Zara Todd have joined us for the next three months in a job-share as interim head of influencing. Becca is the former policy and public affairs manager at the Small Charities Coalition, while Zara’s background is in campaigns and policy with a specialism in equality and inclusion.
