This month’s policy roundup gives you an insight into what ACEVO’s policy and influencing team has been up to over the last month.
By Shareen Patel, policy and influencing officer at ACEVO.
A narrated version of this blog is available at the bottom of the page
Joint manifesto work for upcoming general election
Alongside NCVO, we have kicked off the start of our ‘on-the-road’ sessions for our joint manifesto work in the run-up to the general election and held an event in Sheffield. Thanks to those who came along. We are producing this manifesto for charities to ensure that our sector forms a key part of the vision for a future society.
Our aim is to think bigger than just the sector’s needs and to present a vision of what the sector can do in partnership with a new government. We have five themes. In no particular order, these are: 1) Democracy and civic space: people have a voice and are listened to, 2) Inclusive economies: everyone can benefit from prosperity and opportunities, 3) Stronger communities: people can take action to help others, 4) A good life: everyone can live a fulfilling life where their wellbeing is supported and 5) Action on climate change: charities shaping a sustainable future. You can also read NCVO’s summary of the discussions at the Sheffield event.
As mentioned in last month’s roundup, we’ll be producing a draft document in the Autumn. Please look out for opportunities to provide us with further feedback on this. We’ll also talk about how you can use it as part of your influencing work. Details of the final two events are below:
- Online (Zoom). Wednesday 12 July 11:00 – 13:00. Book now.
- London (in-person). Thursday 13 July 10:30 – 13:45. NCVO, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL. Book now.
Tackling the climate crisis
James Wallace, CEO of River Action will be speaking at our next digital member meeting on the climate crisis. This member-only event is taking place on Thursday 21 September 11:00-12:00. More details to follow but if you have any questions, please email events@acevo.org.uk.
We’ve contacted signatories of ACEVO’s Climate Principles to tell us how they’ve been getting on with addressing the climate crisis since adopting the principles and to hear about the progress made so far, including any challenges faced. If you haven’t signed up already, it’s never too late! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you have any questions on our climate work or on the principles themselves.
CEO of Groundwork, Graham Duxbury, who is a former member of ACEVO’s Climate Crisis Member Working Group has written a great blog on the need to collaborate to combat climate and health inequalities. He’s highlighted that collaboration is essential to ensure we’re delivering solutions that make both people and places more resilient. You can read it here.
DCMS funding for charities
We are continuing our work liaising with DCMS on finalising the details of the £100m funding. We are urging that the funds be distributed equitably and as quickly as possible. As soon as we know more details, we’ll share them with you.
Home Truths 2 – towards a race equity-focused civil society
We will very soon be sharing more details with you and the wider sector about our ambitious programme spanning the next eighteen months, delivered with Voice for Change England and Dr Sanjiv Lingayah to drive forward action towards a race equity-focused civil society. This programme of activity follows on from the Home Truths report issued in 2020 and will ask for involvement from stakeholders across civil society in a range of activity. Home Truths 2 will challenge and support the charity sector on race equity and offer practical support to move further and faster. More details to follow very shortly.
Charities Act 2022
The second tranche of provisions of the Charities Act 2022 came into force on 14 June. The provisions include: a simplification of some of the requirements which should make disposals of interests in land easier and save on costs; provides trustees with wider powers to access the capital of the fund giving trustees greater flexibility in dealing with a charity’s resources; increases the powers of the Charity Commission to direct a charity to stop using a working name if it is too similar to another charity name or is offensive or misleading; and brings an update to the definition of ‘connected persons’ under the Act to remove outdated language.
The third set of provisions are expected to come into effect by the end of 2023. These provisions seek to simplify amending the objects and governing documents of unincorporated charities; close a loop-hole in relation to gifts to merged charities which will remove the requirement for charities to retain shell-charities post-merger to secure certain legacies; enhance the Charity Commission’s powers to appoint and authorise the renumeration of charity trustees; as well as implementing the final changes in relation to charity land.
ACEVO’s partner, Womble Bond Dickinson has provided a member briefing highlighting some of the key elements of the Act. You can find it on our website’s member-only tab.
The policy and influencing team is here to help! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on shareen.patel@acevo.org.uk.
