Charities Should Pick Up The House Of Lords’ Baton
Huffington Post UK (Blog), Unattributed, 31/03/2017
provides a huge opportunity for the charity and voluntary and community sector (VCS). Thankfully this appears to have been recognised by the national sector bodies, including NCVO, NAVCA and ACEVO; and, from what I have observed, by charities – large and small, local and national. The report contains some sound analysis of charities’ role and contribution to societal well-being.
Commission charging proposals must be accompanied by governance changes, NCVO warns
ThirdSector (Web), Unattributed, 30/03/2017
has long-term implications for our sector’s sustainability, not only financially but also – and more importantly – in relation to public trust and confidence.” Some charity umbrella bodies, including Acevo, the Charity Finance Group and the local infrastructure body Navca have said they are opposed to the notion of the regulator charging charities, but the NCVO has remained neutral.
Lords criticise innovation and advocacy restrictions on charities
Charity Times (Web), Main, Unattributed, 27/03/2017
turning point in the way charities behave and the implications for communications and PR staff working in the sector are significant,” said the group’s co-chair Simon Francis. ACEVO chief executive Vicky Browning described the report as “comprehensive and progressive”. She backed the Lords’ recommendations for “a robust defence of the role of charities in campaigning and a call for better
Charities could lose a third of staff if they can’t get to grips with digital
HR Director (Web), Main, Unattributed, 28/03/2017
work more efficiently, to reaching our audiences in creative and engaging ways. Charities that invest in their digital strategy are going to be those that survive the turbulent times ahead.” Vicky Browning, Chief Executive of the charity and social leaders’ network, ACEVO, concluded: “Technology is forcing all kinds of organisations to rethink the way they operate. The charity sector is
Peers’ report says they have ‘grave concerns’with charging charities for regulation
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 26/03/2017
The regulator should also consider introducing time-limited charity structures in the model governing documents it produces, enabling organisations to dissolve once they have delivered their objectives. Sector responses Vicky Browning, chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo, said: “This is a comprehensive and progressive report that addresses itself to many issues the charity and social enterprise sector
Lords report: Charities react to the recommendations
Civil Society (Web), Main, Unattributed, 26/03/2017
as a trustee.” Acevo: ‘The report offers real change’ Acevo said it was committed to improving governance and leadership and working in partnership with others to do so. Vicky Browning, chief executive, said: “This is a comprehensive and progressive report which addresses itself to many issues the charity and social enterprise sector has been raising for some time.
Half of UK charities don’t have a digital strategy, finds report
UK Fundraising (Web), Main, Unattributed, 24/03/2017
boards. It is of concern that almost three quarters of respondents rate their trustees’ digital skills as low or having room for improvement.” Also commenting on the findings, Vicky Browning, CEO of ACEVO said: “Charity and social enterprise leaders have a crucial role in identifying and capitalising on the opportunities digital technologies present because only strong
The potential of digital technology in charities outlined in new report
Charity Digital News (Web), Main, Unattributed, 26/03/2017
given the right culture of support for charitable risk-taking.” Home-Start Slough suggested that more could be done to co-ordinate the development and promotion of software for the charity sector. ACEVO added that there was a role for infrastructure bodies in the sector to do more to co-ordinate the technology and tools available to the sector. Conclusions The
Lords call for a more diverse Charity Commission board
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 26/03/2017
Council for Voluntary Organisations, which called for a greater role for parliament in how the board is appointed and an independent chair with cross-party support, and the chief executives body Acevo, which said the appointments process was “opaque and undemocratic”. A Charity Commission spokesman said the regulator was committed to continuing to improving diversity throughout the commission, and said
Charging would ‘change charities’ relationship with the Charity Commission’
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 26/03/2017
commission charging scheme would be judged, including reassurances that the money would not be used to replace existing funding and there would be appropriate accountability. The charity leaders body Acevo and the Charity Finance Group welcomed the committee’s comments, and Andrew O’Brien, head of policy and engagement at the CFG, warned that rushing into charging could lead to long-term
Aberystwyth Students’ Union wins Award
Ceredigion Herald, Main, p. 20, Unattributed, 24/03/2017
better nearly every day! “I’m most proud of our recent NUS awards, particularly NUS Wales HE Students’ Union of the Year. In December I was also awarded one of 4 ACEVO Fellowships and as a new CEO that means a lot to me!” “In addition, AberSU has also received a ‘Student Opportunities Award ‘jointly with Bangor University Students’ Union,
Charity staff raise fears over lack of digital awareness
Charity Times (Web), Main, Unattributed, 23/03/2017
their trustees’ digital skills as low or having room for improvement and two thirds fear they will lose out on fundraising opportunities as a result,” she added. ACEVO chief executive Vicky Browning said that digital improvements are important organisation wide. “Digital shouldn’t be confined to fundraising or communications departments: it’s fundamental to service delivery, finance, HR and, ultimately, governance –
The right skills and investment is critical in today’s digital world
FEnews.co.uk (Web), Main, Unattributed, 23/03/2017
efficiently, to reaching our audiences in creative and engaging ways. Charities that invest in their digital strategy are going to be those that survive the turbulent times ahead.” Vicky Browning, Chief Executive of the charity and social leaders’ network, ACEVO, concluded: “Technology is forcing all kinds of organisations to rethink the way they operate. The charity sector
Skills gap and lack of funding biggest barriers to adopting digital for UK charities
Charity Digital News (Web), Main, Unattributed, 23/03/2017
our guidance ‘Making digital work – 12 questions for trustees to consider’ is an excellent tool to help steer that discussion and help trustees tackle this important issue.” Vicky Browning, Chief Executive of the charity and social leaders’ network, ACEVO , concluded: “Technology is forcing all kinds of organisations to rethink the way they operate. The charity sector
Sector welcomes Supreme Court ruling in animal charity legacy case
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 15/03/2017
common, so it is important for charities to reduce the likelihood of a legal battle by encouraging supporters who want to leave legacies to seek professional advice when writing wills.” Vicky Browning, chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo, said the ruling was “especially vital” for the voluntary sector. “It is important that when people write their wills
Supreme Court backs charities in landmark legacy case
Charity Times (Web), Main, Unattributed, 15/03/2017
and that if you choose to record those wishes in a will, they will be listened to.” The wider charity sector has also backed the judgment with ACEVO chief executive Vicky Browning calling it a “vital ruling for the charity sector”. She added: “The people who leave legacies to charities are often some of our most dedicated supporters, and we
Charity pay study 2017: Who are the highest earners?
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 17/03/2017
£60,000, paying just two more than this amount. On average, the top 100 charities employed 58 staff earning more than £60,000. A challenge for the sector Vicky Browning, chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo, says that the study shows the diverse range of charities operating in the sector. “When you go through the top
March charity compliance update
AccountingWEBUK (Web), Main, Unattributed, 16/03/2017
lives and supporting communities. The analysis, carried out by four major charity organisations, aims to highlight the huge role that charities play in our everyday lives. ACEVO Chief Executive Vicky Browning said: “Charities measure their success by the good they do, not the profits they make. As organisations driven by values, it’s vital we operate to high standards
The future trends worth watching
CharityComms (Web), Main, Unattributed, 17/03/2017
compounded by a more general decline in trust in institutions. Qualitative research in 2016 by the Understanding Charities Group showed the trust issue is ‘real and cannot be ignored’. Vicky Browning, chief executive of ACEVO, said: There was a sense of nostalgia for ‘the good old days’, when charity was felt to be simpler, more local and
Academy CEO pay: Salaries soar, but who comes out on top?
Schools Week (Web), Main, Unattributed, 17/03/2017
Craig Tunstall, executive headteacher of the Gipsy Hill federation of eight local-authority maintained primaries in south London, was paid more than £330,000 in 2015. Concerns over trustees’ salary setting Vicky Browning, from the charity chief executive leader membership body ACEVO, said any “insistence on lower pay at any cost” would result in migration to the private sector. “This would
Acevo will see change of direction, says new chief executive
Civil Society (Web), Main, Unattributed, 15/03/2017
, Civil Society Media’s title for charity trustees and senior leaders, she said Acevo’s trustees had recruited her because they wanted “something a bit different” from Acevo’s previous chief executive, Sir Stephen Bubb. Bubb has stepped back to lead Acevo’s new Charity Futures Programme – a research programme into governance and leadership. “When I was interviewed, there was
At large: Browning welcomes a prodigal
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 16/03/2017
body Acevo, she tweeted enthusiastically that Sir Stuart Etherington, head of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, had just rejoined. Observers will recall that relations between him and her predecessor, Sir Stephen Bubb, were not always sweetness and light. Browning also emailed Acevo’s 1,200 members saying she’d like them to get in touch, and was inundated with replies, leaving her
Learning Disability
They Work For You (Web), Main, Unattributed, 16/03/2017
Her Majesty ‘s Government what progress has been made since February 2016 to protect and promote the rights of people with learning difficulties, in the light of the report by Sir Stephen Bubb Time for Change: The Challenge Ahead. The Transforming Care programme is making progress in moving people out of inpatient settings. Local Transforming Care Partnerships reduced the
Charity sector reaction to the Spring Budget divided
Civil Society (Web), Main, Unattributed, 08/03/2017
a stronger society.” But Bradshaw said the “silence wasn’t all negative” because there were “no further increases in Insurance Premium Tax” announced. Acevo – ‘government doesn’t understand charities’ Vicky Browning, chief executive of Acevo, said the announcements of new funding for domestic violence was a positive step but that overall the Budget was “disappointing”. “The government does
Voluntary sector figures disappointed by ‘total washout’ Budget
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 08/03/2017
Commission, the costs and burdens are going up while the recognition is going down. “Every charity pound spent on bureaucracy is one that can’t be spent on helping someone.” Vicky Browning, chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo, said: “We’re a bit disappointed. When Theresa May spoke to the Charity Commission in January, she spoke about creating an
Charity sector leaders criticise a disappointing and neglectful Spring Budget
Charity Times (Web), Main, Unattributed, 08/03/2017
violence. But in spite of these windfalls, charity leaders have criticised the Budget’s lack of focus on the sector, with ACEVO describing it as “disappointing and neglectful”. AVECO chief executive Vicky Browning said: “The government does not seem to fully understand the depth and breadth of the skill and expertise which exist in civil society organisations. Skill which can help
Mark Flannagan: The charity sector lacks political capital
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 13/03/2017
be in the headlines. That would be a massive mistake. It is our job to keep people talking about our benefit to society. That is why the recent initiative by Acevo, the Institute of Fundraising, the Charities Aid Foundation and CharityComms to highlight the benefits of charity to society is superb. But we do have to ask if it
Time to invest in leadership
Third Sector, Main, p. 39, Unattributed, 02/03/2017
way through the training minefield. “Barclays has a learning and development department,” says Ghosh. “We’d like to develop a facility that does that in the sector.” The chief executives body Acevo is also moving away from long courses. Jenny Berry, director of leadership and governance, says it is reviewing its offer, but adds: “Courses will definitely be shorter, more affordable
CONTENTS
Third Sector, Main, p. 3, Unattributed, 02/03/2017
34 Focus on: leadership and development Is the sector spending enough on developing its leaders? John Plummer reports 39 MISCELLANY Third Sector At Large spots a thaw in relations between Acevo and the NCVO, Martin Sime is self-deprecating in North of the Border, Andrew Purkis uses his Soap Box to argue that a new chair of the Charity Commission should
MANAGEMENT
Third Sector, Main, p. 8, Unattributed, 02/03/2017
report warned. Social Landscape 2017, published by the Charities Aid Foundation, was based on research carried out last autumn with almost 500 UK charity chief executives by the leaders body Acevo. Asked how FUNDRAISERS: THENEW Third Sector starts search for best new talent in fundraising PFUFD rviau Charities are invited to put forward their best new GENERATION fundraising talent for
COMMUNICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS
Third Sector, Main, p. 8, Unattributed, 02/03/2017
was launched to coincide with a series of programmes and articles being run across the BBC about charities and the role they play. Produced by the charity chief executives body Acevo, the Institute of Fundraising, the communications body CharityComms and the Charities Aid Foundation, it looked at the contribution made by charities.
All quiet on the Westinster front
Third Sector, Main, p. 34, Stephen Cook, 02/03/2017
potential of the voluntary sector, even though her interest is perceived by some as mainly pragmatic, locally based and focused on particular interests such as anti-slavery and some women’s issues. Vicky Browning, chief executive of the chief executives body Acevo, says: “People 1 talk to say it really feels as if, under May, there’s a very different attitude to and
TOP 100 CHARITY SALARIES
Third Sector, Main, p. 24, Andy Hillier, 02/03/2017
Rescue Committee had the fewest employees earning more than £60,000, paying just two more than this amount. On average, the top 100 charities employed 58 staff earning more than £60,000. Vicky Browning, chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo, says that the study shows the diverse range of continues overleaf The average amount paid to the highest earner working
Browning welcomes a prodigal, and is Shawcross a tiger or a bear?
Third Sector, Main, p. 10, Unattributed, 02/03/2017
body Acevo, she tweeted enthusiastically that Sir Stuart Etherington, head of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, had just rejoined. Observers will recall that relations between him and her predecessor, Sir Stephen Bubb, were not always sweetness and light. Browning also emailed Acevo’s 1,200 members saying she’d like them to get in touch, and was inundated with replies, leaving her
Shaun Spiers
Third Sector, Main, p. 17, Unattributed, 02/03/2017
executive. He has been interim chief since March last year. The former interim chief executive of the charity leaders body Acevo has left to start his own social tech organisation. Asheem Singh had been with the charity since 2013. Geoffrey Dennis has joined the animal charity Spana as chief executive. He previously held the same post at the Royal National
Charity sector leaders criticise adisappointing and neglectfula? Spring Budget
Charity Times (Web), Main, Unattributed, 08/03/2017
violence. But in spite of these windfalls, charity leaders have criticised the Budget’s lack of focus on the sector, with ACEVO describing it as “disappointing and neglectful”. AVECO chief executive Vicky Browning said: “The government does not seem to fully understand the depth and breadth of the skill and expertise which exist in civil society organisations. Skill which can help
Budget – Civil Society 08 Mar 17 Kirsty Weakley
There were just three mentions of ‘charity’ in the official Budget document, but sector leaders are divided on whether this is good or bad news for the sector. Today’s Budget announcement contained very little in the way of specific announcements for the sector. Some sector figures have said that they are disappointed and that there was not more support for the sector in today’s announcements, but others said that stability was welcome
Budget – Third Sector 08 Mar 17
Voluntary sector figures disappointed by ‘total washout’ Budget. But others are relieved at finding little in today’s speech that will negatively affect voluntary sector organisations
Poll finds majority oppose levy to fund the Charity Commission
ThirdSector (Web), Main, Unattributed, 07/03/2017
to pay an annual fee to the commission in the same way that charitable companies pay an annual fee to Companies House.” Commenting on the results of the survey, Vicky Browning, chief executive of Acevo, said it was clear that most in the sector were “less than convinced” by the idea of charities contributing towards the costs of the
Small charities fear they won’t survive
Third Force News (Web), Main, Unattributed, 01/03/2017
said they had or would be reducing front-line services. Ten per cent of respondents said they had plans to merge with another organisation over the coming year. Vicky Browning, chief executive of Acevo, said: “The Social Landscape report provides evidence that charities are facing a perfect storm of rising demand and decreasing funds in a time of
Turning the tide
Charity Finance, Main, p. 12, Unattributed, 01/03/2017
are felt to have become too corporate – advertising spend and CEO pay were used as examples of this – and are not transparent about how donations are spent,” wrote Vicky Browning, then chief executive of CharityComms and now leader of Acevo, in the summer of last year. “Almost everyone could cite an experience of aggressive fundraising techniques, and there
Heads up
Charity Finance, Main, p. 45, Unattributed, 01/03/2017
want to use this column to talk about cost recovery and overheads. It was back in 1999 when Julia Unwin published her wonderful report Who Pays for Core Costs (Acevo). In this report she identifies three clear statements: • There are overheads and we should be transparent about these; • Funding these effectively is important to guarantee the future
The role of reporting
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the public sector, charities are not required to provide enhanced disclosure. However, following the publication of separate pieces of guidance by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (Acevo), there are some charities that have at least partially risen to this challenge, for example through explaining the key roles and responsibilities
Weekly Watch: 2 March 2017
Ethical Corporation Online (Web), Main, Unattributed, 01/03/2017
Landscape Report , reveals that rising demand and an increasingly tough financial environment may be pushing some organisations to breaking point. The research, carried out with charity leaders network ACEVO, reveals that charity leaders’ biggest challenges this year are achieving financial sustainability, meeting demand for services and cuts in public and government funding. Despite increasing demand for charities’
