In case you missed it, this month’s policy roundup aims to give you a taste of what the policy and influencing team has been up to since December 2023.
By Shareen Patel, policy and influencing officer at ACEVO.
A narrated version of this blog is available at the bottom of the page
Labour summit
On Monday 22 January, key individuals from the Labour Party and the charity and voluntary sector came together at the Labour and Civil Society Summit. The event explored the value of civil society in the successful delivery of Labour’s ‘Five Missions’ and achieving a better Britain for all. Encouraging words were heard from the Labour front bench and throughout the Summit. It was evident that they have listened to those advocating for the sector. The desire of the Labour leader to re-set the relationship between civil society and the Labour party in the instance of a future Labour government was particularly welcomed. Read our blog highlighting the key takeaways from the Summit.
We’re continuing to engage with Labour and follow up on many of the commitments made at the Summit. We’re developing policy proposals to support and enable civil society to play its role in Starmer’s vision for a ‘Society of Service’ and ‘decade of renewal’. In efforts to champion the role of civil society across government, we’re also engaging with other policymakers across the spectrum.
Election preparation: campaigning
Join us on 27 February to hear from the Assistant Director of Policy at the Charity Commission, who will deliver a policy and regulation-focused session discussing campaigning, including the use of social media in the run-up to the election. You will hear about the expectations that are being placed upon charity leaders and charities regarding campaigning and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with your peers on this important topic. Book your place now!
We are collaborating with NCVO on some practical guidance for campaigning in the lead up to an election that will be issued shortly. Alongside our articulation of the need for any new government to uphold the right of civil society to campaign, this forms part of our support to our members to help you campaign with confidence in the lead up to an election and beyond.
Chancellor’s spring budget
Jointly, as part of the Civil Society Group (CSG), we have submitted to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget coming up next month. We have set out four main policy asks on behalf of the charity and voluntary sector. These are: 1) Introduce an ‘Essentials Guarantee’, 2) Enable public bodies to ensure that grants and contracts meet the true costs of delivering public services, 3) Extend funding for Levelling Up funds, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to 2030 to match the Levelling Up missions’ timetable and 4) Streamlining and reviewing the charity tax system. If implemented, the proposals would support and protect the immediate and longer-term financial health of the sector and would ensure the UK’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities would not be left stranded by gaps in vital service provision. Read the full submission.
Climate crisis
Listen to the latest episode of our podcast, Leadership Worth Sharing, with the CEO of Waterwise, Nicci Russell. In the episode, alongside other topics, Nicci talks about leading a campaigning organisation and getting involved with ACEVO’s climate member working group. You can listen to this and all previous episodes (or read the transcript) on ACEVO’s website and all major podcast platforms.
£25.5m VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme
Applications are now open for capital grants under the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme. The first capital grant round will close on Thursday 29 February with the second round opening in mid-April and the third round in early July. Eligible organisations can apply for an independent energy assessment to understand what improvements could be made to their building and capital grants to install physical energy efficiency measures. Check the website for further details, including eligibility criteria and application timelines.
On the horizon
Further provisions of the Charities Act 2022 are due to come into force early this year. These include making changes to governing documents, selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land, and charity mergers. The Act will also enable the Commission to authorise a trustee to receive or retain a payment for work completed for the charity where the Commission decides it would be inequitable for a trustee not to be paid. Once the provisions are implemented, we will publish them on the ACEVO Community.
The policy and influencing team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at shareen.patel@acevo.org.uk.
