“ACEVO recommends” is a monthly blog that curates noteworthy resources, content, and events pertinent to sector leaders.
Current challenges in volunteering amidst two decades of decline
The latest report from the VCSE Barometer Survey has been published. It highlights key findings from the topical question set on volunteering, which was featured in the latest wave of the survey, live from 10 April – 1 May 2024.
How will the environmental crises affect people in poverty and experiencing health inequalities in the UK?
Environmental change, and the policies introduced to respond to it, will not affect all people in the same way. This rapid change has the potential to entrench or reduce some of society’s most pressing inequalities, including around income and health. But understanding how to bring about a positive future and support people living in poverty or experiencing health inequalities to deal with the impact of environmental crises first requires an understanding of the impacts, to help you to navigate the issue and your potential response. NPC is hosting an online event on 24 June to launch research into the impacts of environmental change and associated policies on people in poverty, and those experiencing health inequalities, in the UK.
2.5 year facilitation package for cross-sector health partnerships
The Institute for Voluntary Action Research is inviting expressions of interest in the next phase of its Connecting Health Communities programme. This is a 2.5 year facilitation support package for cross-sector partnerships who would like to engage their community in addressing health inequalities. You can find more information on the website. Deadline for expressions of interest is 17:00 on 19 July 2024. IVAR would like to hear from communities, NHS organisations and local authorities who have established partnerships – but need support with designing and implementing improved health outcomes for vulnerable groups.
London Climate Action Week
This year’s London Climate Action Week comes at a pivotal moment, with 2024 seeing elections in the UK and across the world where climate change is on the agenda. This will set the political backdrop for countries to increase their climate ambition in 2025 and finally put the world on track to meet the goals agreed in Paris a decade ago. London Climate Action Week needs to be starting gun for building the diplomatic pathway and financial support needed to make this happen. Explore the full events programme on the website.
Charity Interns relaunches as The Well Placed
Charity Interns was a six-month pilot, set out to demonstrate how commercial skills are transferable to the charity sector. The pilot was a success and it is now a community interest company, The Well Placed. You can read the results of the pilot and case studies from some of those involved on the website. The Well Placed will be offering 20 paid placements a year at charities such as Age UK and the WI to experienced commercial marketers.
A guide on how to train volunteers on data security
Safeguarding sensitive information is paramount for any organisation, especially those that rely on volunteers. Volunteer programs handle a significant amount of personal data, from contact details to sensitive background checks. Ensuring that this data is secure is crucial not only to protect volunteers but also to maintain the organisation’s reputation. In this comprehensive guide, Rosterfy aims to provide a practical approach to training volunteers on data security. The aim is to empower volunteers with advice to safeguard their personal data and to protect your organisation from the potential reputational damage that can result from data security breaches.
Charity Heroes Awards
Entries are now open for the Benefact Group’s first-ever Charity Heroes Awards. The aim of the awards is to celebrate and support the brilliant charities who work tirelessly to make positive change. To enter your charity in one of the seven categories, you need to fill out a form and write 250 words maximum on why you think your charity should win. You can upload supporting documents and any photographs you’d like. Check the website for all the details and to submit your entry.
Charity Governance Code consultation
The Charity Governance Code steering group has launched a public consultation to inform their review and update of the Code. Whether or not you use the Code, they want to hear from you. Your feedback will shape the next version of the Charity Governance Code, help ensure it works for organisations of all sizes, and ultimately support good governance across the sector. The consultation is open until 11 August. Find out more and submit your response.
