Voluntary Action Camden e-Bulletin - 3rd November 2023

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VAC Weekly Newsletter
3rd November 2023

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VAC represents local organisations in conversations with local government and funders, we advise on local issues and we inform, support and train local charities depending on their needs

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Trustees Week

Many voices. Working together. With purpose.
6-10 November 2023

Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK. Thank you for the time, commitment and effort you bring to your charities to help them thrive.

We have compiled a list of some activities taking place during trustee’s week, please see below:

VAC and VCC are hosting a Trustee Training Worksop
Trustee Recruitment Online Workshop: Tuesday, 7th November 18:00 – 19:00
This session is for members of the VAC Camden Trustee Network and Camden CEO’s who are involved in the recruitment of trustees. Join us on Tuesday 7th November from 6pm to 7pm online. (Zoom link TBA after registration).
For more details and to book your place, please visit our website: https://vac.org.uk/event/camden-trustee-network-trustee-recruitment-workshop/

Trustee recruitment fair
VCC still have space for a few organisations to recruit trustees at their online Trustee Recruitment Fair on 22nd November, 6 –7.30pm. Email shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk to book your place.

Festival of Trusteeship
Getting On Board
6-10 November 2023
Getting On Board have lined up a week of thought-provoking, insightful and thoroughly entertaining online events to help you consider, become and be brilliant and effective trustees. They’ve grouped their sessions into four distinct strands which you can explore by following this link: Festival of Trusteeship | Getting on Board

Trustee’s Working with Purpose
NCVO
This year, NCVO are excited to celebrate how trustees work with purpose. In particular, how they use the principles around positive environmental, social, and governance action (ESG) to lead their charities to the future. They are offering free Trustees’ Week webinars on topics to help develop trustees skills including, how decision-makers can lead on climate action, and how to manage your chief executive. To find out more follow this link Trustees’ Week | NCVO.

VAC seeks Treasurer – Join our Board of Trustees

We are seeking a new trustee to take on the exciting role of Treasurer to join our experienced and passionate Board of Trustees. We are looking for someone who will liaise with relevant staff, committee members and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation. Find out more on our website: https://vac.org.uk/vacancies/treasurer-of-board-of-trustees/

VAC Training for Members

VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION TO GDPR for those new to or needing a refresher on GDPR theory: Tuesday 21st November 13:30 -14:40
COMPLYING WITH GDPR – for those with responsibilities for managing GDPR: Tuesday, 28th November 14:00-15:00
CREATING A WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE – Camden CEO Network; Tuesday 30th November 08:30am – 10am

See details and book a place in our Events and Training section

Adult Carers
45% of carers in the UK don’t get enough support, according to this Adult Carer Survey Report from the Carers Trust.

Announcing the closure of The Cares Family charities
The Board of Trustees is deeply sad to share that The Cares Family charities will cease operating immediately, due to insolvency.
“We’re deeply proud of the work of The Cares Family charities, across London, Manchester and Liverpool and hope that the legacy of our work will show in the seeds of connection and community power that we have sown.”

The Cost of Giving Crisis
Results of new research published on 30th of October 2023 by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) – the largest membership body for charities and volunteering organisations in the UK – reveals the alarming extent of the crisis currently facing charities and the voluntary sector. NCVO launches new ‘Cost Of Giving Crisis’ campaign to help support charities delivering vital services this winter. More about the NCVO campaign:
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/meeting-challenges-of-cost-of-giving-crisis/

Tipping Point: The Cost of Living Crisis – report by VCS Emergencies Partnership
You can read the report here.

Benefact Group and Ansvar set to grow to give more to good causes
Specialist insurer Ansvar is part of a family of international financial services businesses that make up the Benefact Group. Charitably owned, it exists to donate all available profits to good causes and recently reached a £200m giving milestone on its journey to achieving its ambition to become the largest corporate donor in the UK.

RSPB launches ‘youth revolution’

Europe’s largest wildlife conservation charity is giving free access to all of its reserves for those aged 16-24 years old as it attempts a “youth revolution” to better engage young people with nature.

The two-year pilot programme will be rolled out across the UK from 6 November, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said in a document sent out to volunteers.

Camden Talks Data event
Taking place on Wednesday, 8th November, from 5.45pm to 7.30pm at Pancras Square Library, 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG.
This event is an opportunity to have an open discussion about how we collect and use data ethically to improve services for Camden residents. You don’t need any special knowledge about data or technology to take part.
Please reserve your spot by clicking the link. If you have any access requirements, additional needs or cannot access the Eventbrite booking link please let us know by emailing: participation@camden.gov.uk

Newsletter Submissions
Please send any information (approximately 50-75 words long) that you would like included in our weekly newsletter to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday for inclusion in the Friday newsletter.

VAC Consultancy Service
Contact us today if you need advice or support to develop any aspect of your established or aspiring Camden voluntary and community sector organisation.
Learn more here

TRUSTEES’ WEEK 2023

Trustees’ Week is an annual celebration of the people who give up their time to lead and govern charities. Trustees’ Week 2023 takes place from 6th to 10th November.

VAC and VCC are hosting a TRUSTEE Worksop as part of the new Camden Trustee Network. Join us at our Trustee Recruitment Workshop for the Camden Trustee Network which we are co-hosting with our partners at Volunteer Centre Camden on Tuesday 7th November, 6-7pm online. (Zoom link TBA).
The session is relevant for Camden CEO’s who are involved in the recruitment of trustees.
For more details and to book your place, please visit our website: https://vac.org.uk/event/camden-trustee-network-trustee-recruitment-workshop/

The Monetary Value of Charity Trustees
The Volunteer Centre Camden’s report calculates the total monetary value of volunteer charity trustees in England and Wales at £33.17billion.
The report has statistics that are relevant for Camden and London:
Monetary value of Trustees in Camden: £145 million
Total value of all Volunteering in Camden: £1.3 billion
Check out the full report here: https://volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/just-published-october-2023-the-monetary-value-of-trustees/

Grants for Good: Exploring local authority grant-making to the VCSE sector
The report by the Directory of Social Change provides the clearest picture to date of the level of local authority grant-making to the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in the UK.
https://www.dsc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grants-for-Good-Local-Authority-Grantmaking-072023.pdf
This research underpins the Grants for Good campaign, which aims to support and increase the use of public sector grants for the VCSE sector in commissioning and more generally. Click here to learn more about the Grants for Good Campaign.

Small Grants, Big Changes – An overview and analysis
Small Grants, Big Changes, a report by the Directory of Social Change (DSC), provides the evidence to support what most people involved in delivering and funding charitable activities believed to be the case – small grants and small grants programmes have a vital role to play in enabling and sustaining critical support for charities and their beneficiaries.
https://www.dsc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Small-Grants-Big-Changes-An-overview-and-analysis.pdf

JRF Report: Destitution in the UK 2023
Destitution has risen sharply over the past three years and is no longer rare in the UK. In the course of 2022 around 1.8M households experienced destitution at some point in the year. This is defined as not being able to afford basic physical needs of being warm, dry, clean and fed. This is around 3.8M people of which around 1M were children. Single people aged 25-44 are most likely to experience destitution, but families and older people are increasingly affected. The report strongly makes the case for designing out destitution in our welfare and immigration systems.
You can read more about this here.

A Tale of Two Sectors – VCSE Sector Barometer
Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University have published findings from the fourth round of the BCSE barometer survey. It shows that there are big differences in how small and large charities are coping with the current situation where costs and demand continues to increase.

For 36% of small and medium charities, and 44% of large charities, finances deteriorated in the last three months.
The largest charities [which make up around 20% of the sector and have over half the financial resources] are increasing their ability to respond to the continuing cost of living crisis through recruiting more staff.
For small charities which make up 80% of the sector, financial pressures remain and the difficulty in recruiting volunteers continues to create problems.

Read more here.

Every week VAC checks various sources for the latest funding opportunities relevant for Camden groups.
You can visit our website for a round up of the latest opportunities added this week: https://vac.org.uk/our-services/fundraising/current-funding-opportunities/

If you need help sourcing or applying for funds, get in touch with our consultancy service, free for all Camden groups!

Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Funding Programme for Specialist Small Charities Opens

We are open for applications from Wednesday, 1 November 2023, 10am. More Details: Please click here for more details.

Cash4Clubs Offers Small Unrestricted Grants to UK’s Community and Voluntary Sports Groups

Flutter UKI are delighted to team up with the UK leading charity Sported for the 2023 edition of Cash4Clubs, offering small grants of 2,000 GBP/Euro to community sports clubs and organisations across the UK and Ireland. Application Deadline: 31 December 2023

Please click here for more details.

The A-Z Funding Guide for Schools 2024 is now available.

We Make Camden Kit
The We Make Camden Kit is a partnership between Camden Citizens, Camden Council, Camden Giving and Camden businesses. Funding is available to support great ideas that will make Camden a better place. Decisions on who receives funding and support are made by a panel of Camden residents from across the borough, with the panel of Camden residents supported by a partnership between Camden Council and Camden Giving. There is no closing date and applications are renewed fortnightly. Find out more here: We Make Camden Kit.

GRANTS FOR THE VCSE Sector 2023/4 from CYP Provider Collaborative
Grants for the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise sector 2023/24 (£5,000 to £50,000 per fund) – Compass Wellbeing
Fund 1: CYPMH Inequalities
Open to applications for projects seeking to tackle inequalities in CYPMH access, experience and outcomes or mental health support.
Applying for grants between £5,000 and £50,000.
Fund 2: CYPMH Early Intervention & Community Support
Open to applications from VCSE organisations offering community support and early intervention schemes to help children and young people reduce the need for hospital admissions.
Applying for grants between £5,000 and £50,000.
Please do contact Jennie for informal discussion at Jennie.Mackeith@camden.gov.uk . The deadline is 4th December.

Easy Fundraising news
57% of shoppers will do most of their Christmas shopping online this year – you can turn that into free unrestricted funding for your organisation. 8,000 online shops give your organisation money when your supporters, volunteers, trustees or staff pick up a Black Friday deal or Christmas gift. Find out how here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/community/

Support for Young People
If your organisation supports young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, consider applying for the Million Hours Fund. Grants of between £30,000 – £100,000 are available.
Deadline: Friday 24th November, 12pm

Joseph Roundtree Foundation
The Storytellers Fund from Joseph Rowntree Foundation will support individuals or organisations to tell stories that help to spread their message and create a better world.
Deadline: Friday 10th November

Human Rights
The London Human Rights Communities Programme offers funding and training opportunities that encourage learning about human rights.

Reaching Communities
The Reaching Communities Fund from the National Lottery Community Fund is for projects that make a positive impact in and across communities.
Deadline: ongoing

Single Homeless Accommodation Programme
The Mayor of London has secured a portion of a national budget of £270m to deliver homes with support for Londoners sleeping rough and young Londoners aged 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. For further details on the sorts of schemes that can be funded please see funding guidance. Providers can contact roughsleepinghomes@london.gov.uk to discuss the programme.

London Mayor Funds Rewilding of London

The Mayor announced further funding to Rewild London to make the capital more resilient to climate change. Local authorities, civil society organisations and community groups that manage land are all invited to apply for funding and further information can be found in the grants guide, available at this link. The deadline for applications is Monday 27 November 2023. Rewild London is managed by Groundwork London on behalf of the GLA and London Wildlife Trust. Any questions about the fund can be emailed to rewildlondon@london.gov.uk.

Camden 4 Community – Funding alerts and news for the VCSE
https://funding.idoxopen4community.co.uk/camdencommunity

More funding news and information on VAC website at
https://vac.org.uk/guides-and-resources/fundraising/funders

VAC UPCOMING TRAINING:
Open to VAC Members only
If you are a voluntary service or group delivering services in Camden and are not a member of VAC, please join here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/membership

Camden Trustee Network: Trustee Recruitment Workshop
Tuesday, November 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – FREE
Join us ONLINE at our Trustee Recruitment Workshop for the Camden Trustee Network which we are co-hosting with our partners at Volunteer Centre Camden on Tuesday 7th November, 6-7pm online. (Zoom link TBA for those who sign up for the event).
This workshop will cover all aspects of trustee recruitment from identifying needs, how to promote the role and tips for onboarding/induction.
https://vac.org.uk/event/camden-trustee-network-trustee-recruitment-workshop/

Virtual Introduction to GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 21st November: 1:30 – 2:30pm – FREE

All organisations and groups that manage, hold or process data are subject to GDPR.

GDPR applies to any personal data you collect, including volunteers and employees and the law requires you to provide a reason as to why your charity / organisation is collecting and storing this information.

This virtual workshop aims to provide you with basic knowledge and understanding of UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance. It is suitable for those completely new to GDPR or for those looking for a short refresher.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/virtual-introduction-to-gdpr/

Managing and Complying with GDPR – Virtual workshop, Tuesday 28th November: 2-3pm – FREE
Are you the person directly responsible for managing GDPR at your organisation and ensuring your compliance with current legislation? Do you advise, induct or provide support to colleagues on the proper collecting and processing of users’ personal data and information? If there is a problem relating to data protection to people turn to you to sort it out?

This online workshop aims to provide you with up to date knowledge and understanding of the UK GDPR and how to ensure compliance.

To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/managing-and-complying-with-gdpr/

Creating a Workforce for the Future – in person event for the Camden CEO Network, Tuesday 30th November 08:30 – 10am
Are we creating enough non-traditional employment pathways into the VCS? Are we replenishing the talent pool? How do we remain a competitive employer?
This event is open to Camden CEOs only. To book follow the link and instructions on the VAC website: https://vac.org.uk/event/ceo-network-creating-a-workforce-for-the-future/. Sign up to the Camden CEO Network here: https://vac.org.uk/get-involved/forums-and-networks/camden-ceo-network/

OTHER EVENTS AND TRAINING:

Voice 4 Change England

#YourVoteYourVoice

Are you interested in a free in-person workshop on political literacy and the changes to voting practice? Supported by the Greater London Authority, Voice4Change England are running an impartial voter campaign, delivering free in-person workshops to raise awareness amongst under-represented and BME communities in London. For more information or to arrange a workshop for your staff and/or beneficiaries, contact us at enquiries@voice4change-england.co.uk or complete our survey.

Castlehaven Community Association
Join Castlehaven for their next Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 29^th of November from 6 – 8 pm. There will be free refreshments as they reflect on their achievements over the last year and make plans for the future.
For more information, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk or call 020 7485 3386.

People’s Museum Somers Town Newsletter
NEED SPACE?
People’s Museum offers FREE space to suitable groups.
Please apply with a description of your group/need and what you can offer in return – resources or in kind offers (run classes/ volunteering)
Small interesting space with Wi-Fi, social justice library and coffee facilities.
Contact us: info@aspaceforus.club

Rethink Advocacy service is currently running a drop in advocacy session at the Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, London, NW5 1LB for people with Learning Disabilities. Please come along on 21^st November at 2pm or 19^th December at 2pm. Please call Sian Phillips 07483 332490 for more information.

Birkbeck University Pathways Workshop
Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:00-13:30 at The Winch, Old Winchester Arms, 21 Winchester Rd, Belsize Park, London NW3 3NR – Want support with deciding what to do next and how to get there? Unsure of what job you’d be good at? Pathways offers free advice and training! FREE lunch and Birkbeck certificate of participation.
Click here to find out more and sign up for the event.

Q4 Community Training
Friday 17 November, 1 – 4 PM at Google UK, 6 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG
Google invites you to join our latest community training day where we bring together local organisations for a networking lunch & sessions co-designed by our community partners.

RSVP here to secure your seat! If you have any questions, please reach out to communityengagementuk@google.com .

Black History Season: Community Health Event on 18th November 2023
In the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt St, NW1 1BD from 12pm-4pm.
Open to everyone; includes a health discussion forum, NHS health checks, physical activities, health support organisations; and family games, children’s activities, free healthy food, entertainment, and other free wellbeing activities focusing particularly on Black Communities in Camden.
Volunteers for this event are needed – Please contact Anita Khalil for more information Anita.Khalil@camden.gov.uk

Real Talk – young people’s debate for 16 to 21-year-olds in Camden
5pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 9 November at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1.
Real Talk is a debate for 16 to 21-year-olds who live or go to school in Camden, or attend a youth centre here. This free early evening event offers a safe space for young people to express their opinions and challenge preconceptions on topics that matter most to them. Young people can find out more and book a free place here.

Camden Council National Youth Work Week Event in Partnership with YCF – 7 November
Camden Council are hosting their National Youth Work Week Event in collaboration with Young Camden Foundation on the 7th of November.
There will be performances from young people, a number of stalls from our organisations and more. Please save the date or email alev@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk if you would like to get involved.
Location: Camden Council Chambers

Camden’s first Data Charter Event
The first Camden Talks Data event is taking place on Wednesday, 8th November, from 5.45pm to 7.30pm at Pancras Square Library, 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG. Refreshments will be available upon arrival. This session will build on previous engagement with residents to develop our Data Charter. You can find out more here: https://www.camden.gov.uk/data-charter
Please reserve your spot by clicking the link provided : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-talks-data-tickets-736628374297?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

NAVCA is hiring an Administration Assistant
We’re pleased to announce that we’re looking for a new person to join the NAVCA team.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, highly organised, with good communication skills, who can work flexibly to carry out a variety of tasks to support the smooth running of NAVCA. This is a varied position, working alongside NAVCA colleagues and providing support to the Resources Team and wider organisation as required.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 20th November.
Please share this job advert with your networks.

Hopscotch Women’s Centre is recruiting
Human Resources and Office Manager – Salary: £28,000-31,000 – 35 hours a week Hybrid: One day a week working remotely Reports to: CEO, working closely with Senior Leadership Team
VAWG/IDVA Complex Needs and Multiple Disadvantage Advocate
Reporting to: Programmes Manager Salary Band: £29,000 – £31,000 per annum full time equivalent Hours: 21 hours per week Location: Camden
For more details go to Work for Homecare — Hopscotch (hopscotchuk.org)

Volunteer Centre Camden
VCC Xmas volunteering roles
Does your organisation have Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s volunteering roles? We’re currently gathering a list for people who are looking for volunteering for Christmas. Got something? Email sheila@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

VCC Trustee recruitment fair
We still have space for a few organisations to recruit trustees at our online Trustee Recruitment Fair on 22nd November, 6 – 7.30pm. Email shafia@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk to book your place.
Want to find out about local trustee roles? Book your free place at our trustee recruitment fair and hear from organisations recruiting trustees in Camden and Islington. Book now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-and-islington-trustee-recruitment-fair-2023-tickets-735623037307

VCS Strategic Lead | Camden Consortium of Community Centres (C4)
Camden Community Centres Consortium (C4) brings together community and voluntary sector partners across Camden. C4 improves the living conditions and mental and physical well-being of people in Camden. They are looking for someone with expert skills in fundraising, and someone experienced operating at a strategic level with extensive knowledge and contacts across the Camden voluntary, statutory and community sectors. Part-time, 2 year contract, £49,000 per year FTE. Deadline 7 November. More info

Local VCS Newsletters:

SHAK
Young Camden Foundation (Funding Newsletter)
Young Camden Foundation (Events and Training Newsletter)
AWN (sign up)
Fitzrovia Community Centre
Coram’s Field Community Newsletter (sign up)
CAWSH newsletter
St Pancras Community Association (sign up)
Castlehaven in Bloom (sign up)
UCL Volunteering Service Newsletter (sign up)
Latin American House
London Irish Centre
North London Cares: Upcoming Clubs
Castlehaven Community Association (sign up)
Heath Hands

If you would like your Camden VCS newsletter added to this list, please email social@vac.org.uk

Looking for a previous newsletter entry? Find it in our archive here

Find presentations, recordings and resources from past forums here

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