Issue 656 | 21 January 2021
#HeartOfTheCommunity:
News from us, our members and our partners
Want to write with us?
Thank you to the many of you who responded to this request - I am slowly getting back to you all to plan the many issues you want to tackle.

In the meantime if there is anyone else out there who wishes to join the voices of the NAVCA community by writing a blog or being interviewed by one of our lovely team and having it published on our website - use the link below. Topics we are looking for include: anything linked to the voluntary sector.

Experiences and learning from the VCSEP
In December 2020, we conducted a survey of local infrastructure organisations who are partners in the VCSEP (Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership), asking them to reflect on the experiences and outcomes of their participation at what would be the mid-point of its delivery.

The survey was carried out anonymously, with NAVCA members and other VCS EP participants being asked for their views on programme tools such as the pulse check survey and unmet need platform, their experiences working with each other as Liaison Leads and Local Infrastructure Organisations and for feedback on ways in which the VCSEP could continue to build, enhance or course correct as the model develops over the rest of its current funded period in 2021.

The Apprentice: my first week
We are excited to announce our first blog series of 2021. Here we are introducing Rachel Hobbs who has just started as the Business Admin Apprentice at one of our members - Voluntary Action Swindon. Rachel has kindly agreed to write a regular blog for us throughout her apprenticeship to describe her first steps into the world of the voluntary sector and specifically local infrastructure. Thanks Rachel!

LOCKDOWN 3 – What does it mean for our VCSE sector in Suffolk?
Hannah Reid, Director of Innovation and Business Development at Community Action Suffolk has written a blog on the impact of this latest lockdown on the voluntary sector in Suffolk.

The blog addresses the surge in demand for volunteers, the need for fundraising during these tough times, the increase in service demand at a time when service delivery is much harder, and coping with constant changes in guidance.

New Year resolutions for the local VCSE sector
Click here to read the latest blog from Helen Oparinde, Development Officer in Voluntary Action LeicesterShire's Voluntary Sector Support team.

Her blog looks forward to 2021 and considers what New Year resolutions we may want to consider.
Romford MP expresses gratitude for ‘extraordinary’ work of Havering Volunteer Centre
Romford MP, Andrew Rosindell, has publicly thanked the Havering Volunteer Centre for their 'extraordinary' work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Early Day Motion (EDM) submitted by Mr Rosindell called on the House of Commons to express “its thanks for the efforts of the Havering Volunteer Centre who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Adur Voluntary Action appoints a new CEO
Here's a big NAVCA family welcome to a new CEO in the community.

Adur Voluntary Action’s new CEO, Emilie Fellingham is a driven and passionate advocate of the community and voluntary sector. She comes to them with a wealth of community development experience gained over the past 11 years.

Prior to her new role, Emilie oversaw the Member Pioneer, community activist scheme on behalf of the Co-op, leading the programme of 114 pioneers to listen, tackle issues and build solutions across London and the South East. As a campaign events manager she designed experiences, workshops and led talks to inspire social action in areas including combating loneliness, community-owned renewable energy schemes, LGBTQI+, fairtrade, and reservation of wildlife to name but a few. 

Voluntary sector news
Charity sector calls for emergency support package
Civil society leaders (including ourselves) are once again calling on the government to develop an emergency support package for the not-for-profit, charity and social enterprise sector.

Ahead of the government’s Budget statement in March, charity leaders are urging Rishi Sunak to urgently work with them to develop a package of financial support for #NeverMoreNeeded non-profit organisations.

The government’s £750m package of support announced in March 2020 was welcomed by charity leaders, but was not enough to ensure they and other not-for-profit organisations could continue to deliver essential services to those people who rely on them.

As well as asking for an emergency support package, the representation also reiterates the sector’s Five Point Plan which sets out specific measures as to how the government can support civil society in the medium and longer-term.

Looking at the road ahead after a turbulent year
Sarah Vibert, Director of Public Policy and Volunteering at NCVO, has written a blog to introduce NCVO's The Road Ahead report - which is their annual analysis of the changing environment for anyone working in the voluntary sector.

The report identifies and explains forces and trends that are shaping the sector and are likely to have an impact on organisations in the future.

You can read her blog here and the report is here.
#KeepTheLifeline: urging the Government to keep the £20 UC uplift
Lucy Bannister - the Policy and Campaigns Manager at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation - has written a blog urging the government to keep the £20 UC uplift.

In it she states that the pandemic has shown us that life is full of things we can't plan for, so we all need a social security system we can rely on.

Resources and guidance
Fundraising Regulator’s annual event 2021

The Fundraising Regulator’s annual event will be held at 10am on 8 February 2021.

This event is an opportunity to hear from their Chair and Chief Executive about their impact over the past year and learn about their plans for the future. There will also be a chance to ask their board questions about their work.

Women’s Voices 2021 – International Women’s Day

If your charity supports women, girls or those who identify as female, and is looking to reach new audiences, develop a campaign or raise awareness about your cause, then you may wish to apply for a place at Media Trust’s Women’s Voices, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Join them virtually on Monday 8 March 2021 from 10am – 3pm for a day of creative brainstorming and advice with your own dedicated team of media and creative industry experts.

VCSEs: A guide to working with government
The Cabinet Office and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have been working together to "unlock the barriers" that have prevented VCSEs entering the public sector market in the past.

They have created a guide aimed at bringing more charities and social enterprises into public sector supply chains.

Funding opportunities
Our funding section is brought to you by Community Matters Yorkshire.
The Trust was set up to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds. It is committed to helping artists and institutions that depart from the routine and signal new, distinct and imaginative sets of possibilities. Deadline: 25/01/2021

The Woodward Charitable Trust is a grant-making trust. The Trust primarily funds charitable organisations in the UK. Woodward favours charities which make good use of volunteers and encourage past and current users to participate. Deadline: 28/01/2021

The Golsoncott Foundation aims to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education of the public in the arts generally and in particular the fine arts and music. This includes providing access to the arts for young people and developing new audiences. Deadline: 31/01/2021

AB Charitable Trust supports charities that defend human rights and promote respect for vulnerable individuals whatever their circumstances. The Trust is particularly interested in charities that work with marginalised and excluded people in society, with a focus on: migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, prisoners and penal reform human rights, particularly access to justice. Deadline: 31/01/2021

The Radcliffe Trust continues the charitable bequest of Dr John Radcliffe to support Music and Heritage and Crafts. Deadline: 31/01/2021

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change. They support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. They focus on places where they’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through their network of retail stores, nationally and internationally. Deadline: 31/01/2021

Ford are committed to supporting the communities they work and live in. Thats why they created the Ford Britain Trust in April 1975 to help fund the education and advancement of their neighbours. Deadline: 31/01/2021

The Anchor Foundation supports Christian charities concerned with social inclusion, particularly through ministries of healing and the arts. Deadline: 31/01/2021

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is a registered charity, working since 1976 to promote the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings for the benefit of communities across the UK. They do this by providing advice, information and financial assistance in the form of early project grants and loans for projects undertaken by charities and not-for-private profit organisations. Deadline: 31/01/2021

Schools, colleges and home school groups based in the UK and Ireland can apply for a school grant of up to £600 for projects, events and activities that promote a greater interest in physics and engineering in young people. Deadline: 01/02/2021

Standard Life Foundation is an independent charitable foundation. Their mission is to contribute towards strategic change which improves financial well-being in the UK. They want everyone to have a decent standard of living and have more control over their finances. Deadline: 04/02/2021

The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust funds registered charities operating in the UK in the fields of the advancement of the arts, health and medical welfare and environmental protection or improvement. The majority of the Trust’s grants are single grants over a one-year period. Occasionally longer-term grants (usually up to 3 years) are agreed by the Trustees when deemed to have particular merit. Deadline: 10/02/2021

The Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, run by the Museums Association, funds projects which develop collections to achieve social impact. Museums, galleries and heritage organisations from across the UK can apply for a grant of between £20,000 and £120,000 for a project lasting up to three years.

The Percy Bilton Charity is a grant-making trust and company limited by guarantee and was founded in 1962. Grants are made to organisations and individuals in need throughout the UK. Organisations assisting disadvantaged youth, people with disabilities and older people may apply for grants towards capital expenditure. Social workers may apply on the behalf of individuals who have a disability or mental health problem, or who are over 65, for grants to purchase basic furniture, equipment and clothing.
Tech for Good Build 2021
Comic Relief with Paul Hamlyn Foundation have launched the next round of their joint UK Tech for Good funding programme this month. This is the final round of funding in their 3-year Tech for Good partnership.

The Tech for Good programme was developed in response to the need for charities to use technology to explore different approaches to delivering better services.

Deadline for applications is 12 February 2021. Click here for more details.
Health and social care
Vaccine passports and COVID status apps
As the UK and other national governments begin to roll out mass vaccination programmes against COVID-19, a new and pressing challenge has arisen – how should the government adopt vaccine passports and COVID-19 status apps, that could give citizens different rights and freedoms?

The Ada Lovelace Institute has launched an evidence review, including a series of expert panels, an open call for evidence and a deliberative expert body, chaired by Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, which will establish recommendations and open questions about the practical and ethical issues around digital vaccine passports and health status apps.

Covid vaccine: 72% of black people unlikely to have jab, UK survey finds
Advisers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) have raised fresh concerns over COVID vaccine uptake among black, Asian and minority ethnic communities as research showed up to 72% of black people said they were unlikely to have the jab. Read the story in full here.

For those wopndering why, historical issues of unethical healthcare research, and structural and institutional racism and discrimination, are being cited as key reasons for lower levels of trust in the vaccination programme. For more details and understanding on this topic please read this Huffington Post article.
COVID-19 vaccines rolled out to people aged 70 years and over from today
People aged 70 and over and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 are being invited to get their vaccinations this week as the NHS begins roll out of the vaccines to the next two priority groups.

The NHS has so far been working to vaccinate the first three priority cohorts recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which are care home residents and staff, and those aged 80 and over and frontline health and care staff.

Vaccinating these groups remains the priority, but vaccination sites which have enough supply and capacity for vaccinating further people are allowed to offer vaccinations to the next two cohorts – those aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable people.

One in four UK young people have felt 'unable to cope' in pandemic
Young people are in danger of giving up on their futures and on themselves, with a quarter saying they feel unable to cope with life, one of the UK’s leading charities has said.

The Prince’s Trust's long-running annual survey of young people’s happiness and confidence returned the worst findings in its 12-year history.

“The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on young people’s mental health and wellbeing,” said Jonathan Townsend, the Trust’s UK Chief Executive. “Many believe they are missing out on being young, and sadly we know that the impact of the pandemic on their employment prospects and overall wellbeing could continue far into their futures.”

Tech corner
Managing comms in times of change
renewable energy
Sophie Hobson, the Head of Communications at School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), has written a blog for Charity Comms looking at how to manage your communications strategy and activity during a period of turbulence and constant change.

Tech and digital research
Catalyst is conducting research to understand how charities research tech improvements for their organisations.

Tech improvements might include your website, social media, donations, training, even just working remotely. If you have explored options to change your provisions digitally they would love to speak to you!

Safeguarding
Warnings issued around fraudulent vaccinations
The NHS has teamed up with law enforcement and security agencies to warn the public not to fall victim to a con trying to exploit the coronavirus vaccine campaign.

England’s top GP has joined the head of Action Fraud, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in issuing joint advice reminding people that the vaccine is only available for free on the NHS, and health service staff will never ask for payment to get it.

The warning comes amid a number of reports of criminals attempting, and in some cases succeeding, to steal cash or personal details from people keen to get the vaccine.

Jobs across the NAVCA family
You can advertise your job vacancies, services, events and contracts on the NAVCA Noticeboard (it's free if you're a member, and very reasonably priced if you aren't) and through our Twitter page!

Just send details including a weblink to Lucy Straker.

NAVCA is supporting the #ShowTheSalary campaign. Show The Salary has been born out of frustration at the lack of action being taken to address pay gaps and inequity in the charity sector. One very basic enabler of these pay gaps is job roles being published without transparent salaries. There is ample evidence that this is a discriminatory practice. Please ensure any advert you do send through shows the pay scale, To find out more about the #ShowTheSalary campaign - and add your organisation's commitment to click here.
Do you follow?
Here at NAVCA we love a bit of Twitter! In fact in some instances it is the best way to get in touch with our team.

So I am sure, if you are on Twitter, you are already following @NAVCA, right?

Good. Now make sure you are following the rest of us - we are a nice bunch, I promise.

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