Sector Issues & News
Sector Issues & News
London 2012 Torch Relay Nominations
With one year to go until the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK, London 2012 has launched the search for 8,000 Torchbearers to take part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. They will be individuals whose personal stories will inspire millions of people as the 70-day Relay travels the length and breadth of the UK. Click here to find out how to nominate someone.
Continue reading "London 2012 Torch Relay Nominations "
Posted by ELN on 07 June 11
Top Downloads
MiNet Recession Report
On 25th May, MiNet launched its mapping research into the impact of the economic downturn on BAME education services. Download a free copy of the report here.
MiNet Update:
To find out more about REAPs Annual Conference and FREE HLF Workshops please download information here.
Continue reading "Top Downloads"
Posted by ELN on 06 June 11
Big Squeeze Campaign
LVSC have recently launched their third 'Big Squeeze' survey to study the impact of the recession and public spending cuts on the capital's voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and the Londoners they serve.
Continue reading "Big Squeeze Campaign"
Posted by ELN on 24 May 11
LVSC Survey to map the impact of cuts in London
London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC) and its partners have launched a third ‘Big Squeeze’ survey to study the impact of the recession and public spending cuts on the capital’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and the Londoners they serve.
Continue reading "LVSC Survey to map the impact of cuts in London"
Posted by ELN on 19 April 11
Genesis Community Small Grants Programme
Small grants of up to £2000 are availlable for community projects in areas where Genesis Housing Association residents live in London, Greater London, Essex and hertfordshire.
Continue reading "Genesis Community Small Grants Programme"
Posted by ELN on 19 April 11
Disability Law Service Launch Employment Drop-in Service
DLS has recently launched a new drop-in service every Monday and Wednesday afternoon 2.00pm - 5.00pm. This provides an opportunity to meet with advisors who will asses if you are eligible to recieve free legal advice and support.
Continue reading "Disability Law Service Launch Employment Drop-in Service "
Posted by ELN on 12 April 11
Health and Belief Grant Programme
A collaboration between London Catalyst, the Church Urban Fund and the Wakefield and Tetley Trust, the Health and Belief Grant Programme aims to encourage and develop social action projects involving faith groups and health partners that are seeking to tackle health inequalities and the effects of poverty. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31st May 2011.
Click here to for more information.
Posted by ELN on 06 April 11
National End of Life Care Programme Publications
End of Life Care have produced various guidance documents to promote best practice for end of life services. Please see below for a list of the publications.
Continue reading "National End of Life Care Programme Publications"
Posted by ELN on 15 March 11
ELOP: Become a Stakeholder Member of the National LGB&T Partnership
The National LGB&T Partnership is an England-wide group of LGB&T voluntary and community organisations who are committed to reducing health inequalities and challenging homophobia and transphobia within public services. The partnership is currently establishing a National Stakeholder Group and is seeking members.
Continue reading "ELOP: Become a Stakeholder Member of the National LGB&T Partnership"
Posted by ELN on 14 February 11
High Court judge quashes cuts in services for London's most needy
To find out more read the full article.
Posted by ELN on 08 February 11
London 2012 Ticket Sale Dates Announced
The London 2012 Organising Committee have confirmed that tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games will go on sale on Tuesday 15 March 2011, and Paralympic Games tickets will go on sale on Friday 9 September 2011.
Posted by ELN on 20 January 11
Deaf Achieve Project
The Deaf Achieve Project is designed to support deaf people living in London and Essex to:
• Improve confidence
• Develop skills
• Help individuals to become volunteers
• Get involved in community groups
• Support individuals and groups
For more information contact Natalie Creevy on Natalie.creevy@royaldeaf.org.uk
Posted by ELN on 13 January 11
Women's Resource Centre to Compile Briefing on Disability
Women's Resource Centre are keen to get in touch with disability women’s organisations or disabled people’s organisations that have experience in working around women’s issues or running projects/groups for disabled women.
WRC is currently planning a new briefing that will argue the case for women-only services and think it is vital to include the views of service users.
If you are interested in contributing or finding out more please contact Helen at Helen@wrc.org.uk
Posted by ELN on 07 January 11
Localism Bill Published
A bill containing a raft of measures intended to hand power back at a local level was published on the 13th December.
Continue reading "Localism Bill Published"
Posted by ELN on 06 January 11
London Empowerment Partnership Publish Jargon Buster
London Empowerment Partnership have published the latest version of its jargon buster which now includes changes in terminology brought about by the election of a new coalition government in May 2010. While much of the new agenda is yet to be enacted, this tool is designed to keep you as up to date as possible with changing words and terminology.
Continue reading "London Empowerment Partnership Publish Jargon Buster"
Posted by ELN on 06 January 11
Giving Green Paper
A green paper has been released outlining the Government's ambitions for a 'Big Society'. It focuses on social action and aims to start a national debate on how to create a culture shift around giving (of money, assets, time skills, knowledge etc) that involves the whole of society.
According to the Government, culture change must be a bottom-up process that empowers communities and reduces barriers to giving - and provides charities and social enterprises with the support they need to scale up successful projects and take on new responsibilities. The paper also looks to inspire businesses to play an enthusiastic and valuable role in the Big Society.
Continue reading "Giving Green Paper"
Posted by ELN on 05 January 11
The training centres will interview 16,000 applicants for the London Ambassadors Programme
Ten volunteer centres in London will recruit and train 8,000 volunteers as part of a £7m scheme to help tourists find their way around the city during the 2012 Olympic Games.
The centres, not yet appointed, will interview about 16,000 applicants for the London Ambassadors programme, which is being run by the London Development Agency and Greater London Volunteering.
The teams of volunteers will be based in central London and at major train stations and airports. They will give directions, answer questions and provide information about local restaurants and entertainment.
Kerry Tweed, chief executive of Greater London Volunteering, said the scheme had received start-up funding from the LDA but a commercial partner was also being sought. She said the scheme would cost about £7m to run.
She said GLV and the LDA had not yet chosen which 10 centres would be responsible for interviewing, selecting and training.
Posted by ELN on 16 November 10
Bassac and the Development Trusts Association to merge in April next year
By David Ainsworth, Third Sector Online, 12 November 2010
The two community organisations receive 'overwhelming' mandates from members at extraordinary general meetings Bassac and the Development Trusts Association will merge after members of both the local umbrella bodies voted in favour of the move.
Bassac, a membership body for community organisations, and the DTA, a network of community practitioners, both held extraordinary general meetings last Thursday and said they received overwhelming mandates to create a new organisation.
Continue reading "Bassac and the Development Trusts Association to merge in April next year"
Posted by ELN on 15 November 10
Big Society Local Action Trials: New Funding
NESTA (The National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) will be piloting programmes to test out "community organising" for the Big Society agenda in England. Neighbourhood Challenge wants to demonstrate how community organisers, when equipped with the right skills, and small amounts of money, can come up with innovative responses to local priorities, particularly in areas with low levels of social capital.
Continue reading "Big Society Local Action Trials: New Funding"
Posted by ELN on 03 November 10
LVSC Latest Updates
To view LVSC's latest updates please click here
Posted by ELN on 03 November 10
Office for Civil Society Consultation paper
The Office for Civil Society consultation paper is seeking the sectors views on its role in ensuring that civil society has the advice, support and influence its needs to help build the Big Society.
The Government wishes to consult individuals and organisations about proposals for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of support and advice for frontline civil society groups, over 12 weeks from 14 October 2010.
Continue reading "Office for Civil Society Consultation paper"
Posted by ELN on 02 November 10
Over 240,000 apply to become Games Makers with the London 2012 volunteering programme
London 2012 today reports that over 240,000 people have applied to the London 2012 Games Maker volunteer programme.
Applications for the London 2012 volunteering programme have now closed and people from all backgrounds and communities and from across the UK have applied for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
Posted by ELN on 02 November 10
LINX News
LINX news from NAVCA read here
Posted by ELN on 02 November 10
Big Lottery Fund Announces £75 Million Fund for Community Buildings
The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) has announced that it will be investing an additional £75 million specifically for rural and urban community-use buildings through its Reaching Communities Programme for England.
From early December, voluntary and community organisations and town and parish councils will be able to submit outline proposals for capital grants of between £100,000 and £500,000 towards projects with a total value of no more than £750,000.
Continue reading "Big Lottery Fund Announces £75 Million Fund for Community Buildings"
Posted by ELN on 02 November 10
Comprehensive Spending Review
Around £470m support for the Civic Society organisations sector, including a £100m fund to help charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises make the transition to a tougher funding environment, to work with us to build a big society, and make the most of the opportunities it will bring.
To download a copy of the Spending Review please click here
Posted by ELN on 20 October 10
Value Volunteer Management Campaign Stage 2 launch!
Volunteering England’s Value Volunteer Management Campaign Stage has now been launched !
The first stage of the Campaign focused on raising awareness of the value and importance of volunteer management. Over 250 organisations have signed the Value Volunteer Management Endorsement so far, and many have cascaded the Campaign to their members and networks, providing a total readership of more than 130,000 individuals.
Stage 2 is a practical call to action, asking organisations to assess and champion how they currently value volunteer management, as well as to consider further ways of valuing the profession.
Continue reading "Value Volunteer Management Campaign Stage 2 launch!"
Posted by ELN on 20 October 10
London Councils Consulting on the future role and scope of the grants scheme
London Councils is undertaking an extensive consultation exercise to establish the best way of using its grant resources for the benefit of boroughs, voluntary groups and people living in the capital.
The consultation deadline is Wednesday 10th November 2010.
Continue reading "London Councils Consulting on the future role and scope of the grants scheme "
Posted by ELN on 28 September 10
BNRRN’s briefing paper on the Olympics 2012
The BNRRN’s briefing paper on the Olympics 2012, provides information about the main organisations involved; how voluntary groups/individuals can participate in the event; interesting publications to read about the Games; and the key issues.
To download the paper please click here
Posted by ELN on 18 August 10
Radar’s Leadership and Empowerment Programmes for People Living with Disabilities
The Royal Association for Disability Rights (RADAR) is a national network of disability organisations and disabled people. They represent members by taking opinions and concerns to policy-makers and legislators in Westminster and Whitehall, and launching their own campaigns to promote equality for all disabled people.
Posted by ELN on 18 August 10
LDA ESF Jobs Plus: Opportunity Live!
Jobs Plus is now live on www.competefor.com! You will need to register your organisation with CompeteFor to view and apply for the opportunity.
Please note that Jobs Plus will support residents of Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, Sutton, Wandsworth and Kingston upon Thames.
Continue reading "LDA ESF Jobs Plus: Opportunity Live!"
Posted by ELN on 17 August 10
Free Eco-audits of Third Sector Organisations and London – based Organisations
The City Bridge Trust is undertaking a programme of free eco-audits of third sector organisations and London – based organisations (including HQs and regional offices) are invited to apply. The Trust will cover the cost of an eco-audit provided by approved environmental consultants who will undertake a survey of energy use, waste, travel patterns, purchasing practice and associated policies. Organisations must be willing to spread the resulting impact amongst their stakeholders.
Continue reading "Free Eco-audits of Third Sector Organisations and London – based Organisations "
Posted by ELN on 06 August 10
Office for Civil Society cuts £11m from Capacitybuilders, v and the Commission for the Compact
By Kaye Wiggins and John Plummer, Third Sector Online, 29 July 2010
Ministers Francis Maude and Nick Hurd also write to sector asking for cost-saving ideas
The Office for Civil Society will cut £11m from its 2010/11 budget by reducing its funding for Capacitybuilders, the Commission for the Compact and the youth volunteering charity v. The reduction brings the budget down from £147.9m to £136.9m, a drop of 7.4 per cent.
In a statement released today, the OCS confirmed it will cut £5m from v’s match funding budget and £1.95m from its annual grant, which had been set at £39m for the current financial year.
The OCS will also cut its funding to Capacitybuilder by £1.3m and to the Commission for the Compact by £400,000.
Posted by ELN on 30 July 10
National Citizen Service – Applications to Run the Programme
National Citizen Service is a flagship initiative supporting the Government’s vision for building the Big Society. NCS will act as a gateway to the Big Society for many young people, by supporting them to develop the skills and attitudes they need to get more engaged with their communities and become active and responsible citizens.
Posted by ELN on 28 July 10
Communitybuilders and the Social Enterprise Investment Fund are put on hold
Communitybuilders and the Social Enterprise Investment Fund, the grant and loan funds for developing social enterprise, will not pay out any more money until further notice while a government review is carried out.
Continue reading "Communitybuilders and the Social Enterprise Investment Fund are put on hold"
Posted by ELN on 28 July 10
London Ambassador for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games
Become a London Ambassador for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games. Register Now
Posted by ELN on 27 July 10
London Councils Grants Committee update [14 July]
The New London Councils’ Grants Committee has 20 new members. The committee is dominated by Labour, with 18 seats. The new chair of the committee is Mayor Sir Steve Bullock (Lewisham). There are 3 vice chairs Cllr Helal Abbas (Labour, Tower Hamets), Cllr Stephen Carr (Conservative, Bromley) and Cllr Penny Shelton (Liberal Democrat, Kingston upon Thames.
The Grants Committee discussed the ‘Review of the future role and scope of the London Boroughs Grants Scheme’ at some length and want a report in November and decisions to be made on the future of the scheme by December.
Continue reading "London Councils Grants Committee update [14 July]"
Posted by ELN on 23 July 10
In Our Name Launch of Almanac Questionnaire
Kairos in Soho (KiS) and the In Our Name project partners, London Friend, PACE and the Metro Centre, are excited to announce the launch of the The In Our Name Almanac Questionnaire.
The questionnaire is for not-for-profit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) groups, organisations and projects based in and/or serving Greater London. The information produced from the questionnaire will form the basis of the 2010 London LGBT Voluntary and Community Sector Almanac - a new comprehensive annual print publication about the London LGBT voluntary and community sector (VCS).
Continue reading "In Our Name Launch of Almanac Questionnaire"
Posted by ELN on 23 July 10
City Parochial Foundation and Trust for London join forces
These related grantmakers have fully amalgamated, with effect from 30 June. The new organisation will be known as Trust for London.
Continue reading "City Parochial Foundation and Trust for London join forces"
Posted by ELN on 02 July 10
A different kind of investment – What does your organisation stand to gain?
Volunteering England today launched the Value Volunteer Management Campaign to increase awareness of the value and importance of investing in volunteer management. Many key organisations have already shown support, including the BBC, Microsoft, Barnardo’s, RSPB, National Trust and PDSA.
Continue reading "A different kind of investment – What does your organisation stand to gain?"
Posted by ELN on 24 June 10
New Support Resource for People Managing Volunteers
Volunteering England’s new Volunteer Management Portal acts as a gateway to the world of volunteer management with links to over a thousand resources across England.
Continue reading "New Support Resource for People Managing Volunteers"
Posted by ELN on 24 June 10
KnowHow NonProfit presents In the Chair
KnowHow NonProfit presents In the Chair – a series of governance podcasts exploring how nonprofit and charity chairs are helping their organisations and fellow board members deal with times of crisis and change.
Continue reading "KnowHow NonProfit presents In the Chair"
Posted by ELN on 26 May 10
Mycommunityspace Website Launch
Mycommunityspace have launched an exciting new website full of practical help and advice on key issues like leases, health and safety, volunteers, employing staff, maintenance and running costs for community and voluntary sector organisations.
Continue reading "Mycommunityspace Website Launch "
Posted by ELN on 14 May 10
Jobcentre Plus Agrees To Encourage Jobseekers To Volunteer
By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 6 April 2010
Agreement with Volunteering England will lead to an action plan to promote volunteering among claimants. Staff at job centres will be asked to encourage unemployed people to volunteer under a new agreement between Jobcentre Plus and Volunteering England.
Continue reading "Jobcentre Plus Agrees To Encourage Jobseekers To Volunteer"
Posted by ELN on 08 April 10
Capacitybuilders Volunteer Management Programme – Strand C
Capacitybuilders is offering volunteer managers across England the opportunity to apply for a skills development bursary up to £1950. Each bursary will fully fund an approved skills development package, delivered regionally by experienced training providers and aligned to the national occupational standards in volunteer management.
Continue reading "Capacitybuilders Volunteer Management Programme – Strand C"
Posted by ELN on 08 April 10
Political parties tell NAVCA how they will support voluntary and community action
NAVCA asked the three main political parties to outline how they would support voluntary and community action if they win the election. Their responses have been published in NAVCA's policy bulletin Circulation.
Continue reading "Political parties tell NAVCA how they will support voluntary and community action"
Posted by ELN on 07 April 10
The Government Funding Guide
The new Government Funding Guide (RRP £35) details the best approach to statutory funding practice based on DSC’s vast experience and research findings. We can give you a greater understanding of government culture, passing on our experience so you can approach statutory funders from the best possible advantage.
Continue reading "The Government Funding Guide"
Posted by ELN on 31 March 10
GuideStar UK website will still be free, says new owner the Directory of Social Change
By John Plummer, Third Sector Online, 3 March 2010
Transfer deal with GuideStar International covered by confidentiality clause
The Directory of Social Change pledged yesterday to keep the GuideStar UK website free to users after announcing it had taken control of the site from GuideStar International.
Posted by ELN on 05 March 10
The Wave of Friendship Volunteer Exchange Programme
The Wave of Friendship is a volunteer exchange programme which has been launched to promote and support the exchange of volunteers between Scotland and London by the provision of grants of up to £500 to cover travel, accommodation and other expenses. The programme will provide grants to 200 volunteers over the four-year period of the scheme, with each successful applicant receiving up to £500 to cover their costs.
For further information about the programme and applying click here or visit their website
Posted by ELN on 03 March 10
Sport Relief Brings Community Cash to London
For the first time ever, Capital Community Foundation in partnership with other community foundations in London are distributing a £62,500 Community Cash fund raised through Sport Relief to communities across the city.
Continue reading "Sport Relief Brings Community Cash to London "
Posted by ELN on 17 February 10
Big Squeeze Phase 2
Welcome to Phase 2 of The Big Squeeze survey – an opportunity for all Voluntary and Community groups working in London to register the impact of the recession on their work and the people they serve.
Continue reading "Big Squeeze Phase 2"
Posted by ELN on 10 February 10
London 2012 Opportunities For Voluntary And Community Sector Organisations
Continue reading "London 2012 Opportunities For Voluntary And Community Sector Organisations "
Posted by ELN on 09 February 10
Conservative Draft Manifesto - 'Mending Our Broken Society' Chapter
The Conservatives have published their draft manifesto chapter on 'Mending Our Broken Society'. It contained a section setting out how they would use the state to stimulate social action, build social capital, and bind people together through sport.
Continue reading "Conservative Draft Manifesto - 'Mending Our Broken Society' Chapter"
Posted by ELN on 09 February 10
Capacitybuilders – Improving Support
Capacitybuilders recently conducted a second survey looking at the impact of the economic downturn on third sector infrastructure organisations. The report findings provide valuable information on the challenges faced by local third sector support providers as well as the resilience being shown during what continue to be difficult economic circumstances for the Third Sector.
Continue reading "Capacitybuilders – Improving Support"
Posted by ELN on 20 January 10
Changing Places Small Grants Fund ( Max £1,000) Launched
The Changing Places (formerly Local Environment Programme) has now launched its small grants fund. It is open to groups in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Greenwich and Hackney not just those near the Olympic Park.
See: http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/volunteering/changing-places/create-your-own-project.php
Posted by ELN on 07 January 10
Rolande Anderson to head Office of the Third Sector
Career civil servant is appointed director general and replaces Campbell Robb
Rolande Anderson has been appointed Campbell Robb's successor as director general of the Office of the Third Sector.
Continue reading "Rolande Anderson to head Office of the Third Sector"
Posted by ELN on 17 December 09
Free help for Compact breaches and difficulties with public bodies
The Compact is an agreement between the Government and the voluntary and community sector to improve the way we work together. The Compact advocacy programme helps organisations who have experienced either Compact breaches or public law wrongs. They can offer you free advice if your organisation is experiencing issues with a public body.
Continue reading "Free help for Compact breaches and difficulties with public bodies"
Posted by ELN on 25 September 09
City of London Corporation offers free business advice for charities
By Kaye Wiggins, Third Sector Online, 8 September 2009
Business health checks and recession recovery services available
Two new projects will provide London-based charities with free advice and business support to help them through the recession.
The City of London Corporation has invested £105,000 in the projects, which it hopes will help small and medium-sized organisations, charities and businesses survive the economic downturn and plan for growth.
Continue reading "City of London Corporation offers free business advice for charities"
Posted by ELN on 18 September 09
The Value of Outcomes
This article has been edited from two articles that appeared in NAVCA’s Circulation, 407 – February/March 2009, under the title: Infrastructure bodies and outcomes policy. The articles were written by Natalie Thompson, Voluntary Action Sheffield, and Anastasia Mihailidou and Tim Wilson, from Charities Evaluation Services.
Continue reading "The Value of Outcomes"
Posted by ELN on 21 April 09
The Property Law Club
Are you responsible for your charity’s property?
Specially designed to provide up-to-date information for those responsible for managing their property and all the legal requirements relating to acquiring, owning, occupying and disposing of property The Directory of Social Change has launched a new service called the Property Law Club.
Continue reading "The Property Law Club"
Posted by ELN on 21 April 09
Real Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises
This document is Real Help for Communities - the government's offer of support to the 3rd sector:
Continue reading "Real Help for Communities: Volunteers, Charities and Social Enterprises"
Posted by ELN on 25 March 09
The Big Squeeze
The Big Squeeze – Looking for your views on the impact of the recession – .. More
London's lead voluntary and community organisation calls for views from across London's communities about the impact of the recession on the communities they serve, the demand on the services they provide to them and how they are dealing with this.
Continue reading "The Big Squeeze"
Posted by ELN on 04 February 09
Collaborative working and ICT - FREE hard copies
Two publications produced jointly by the Collaborative Working Unit and the ICT Hub, previously only available online, are now available as free hard copies:
Continue reading "Collaborative working and ICT - FREE hard copies"
Posted by ELN on 19 November 08