Quarterly Update to Members and Subscribers

1st September 2023

It’s hard to believe today is the 1st of September already! Where did the summer go? We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer so far.  Here at VAC we’ve been as busy as ever. Keep on reading to hear about some of our key achievements and future plans coming into Autumn.

Reasons to be optimistic about the future of Camden VCS

In July, VAC held its 33rd AGM. The AGM was our opportunity to inform members about the management of the organisation, but also to celebrate and recognise the progress we have made during an unprecedented period of change and uncertainty. We’re not alone in our experience of this period and wanted our AGM to recognise everyone in the VCS who has continually demonstrated, with limited resources, the important role it plays in keeping people connected and healthy.

Our AGM theme ‘Future of Camden VCS’ was unapologetically optimistic. We know that this is probably the sectors toughest period, but despite the mercurial backdrop, there are new opportunities emerging for sector leaders to help shape the recovery landscape, to start new conversations, and to build new and stronger cross-sector relationships.

Things are looking up

To substantiate the feeling of optimism, we heard from Sam Mercadante, Policy & Insight Manager, NCVO who shared positive news and stats about the national picture for the sector:

“More than half of charities of all sizes expect to be able to meet demand for their support over the next three months.”

“HMRC estimate that around £500m in Gift Aid goes unclaimed each year, and charities can still benefit from business rate reduction, Climate Change Levy exemption, and VAT exemptions”.

Looking to the future Sam emphasised the importance of evidencing our social impact and nurturing key stakeholder relationships especially with an impending political shift.

Camden future funding programme 2024-2031 

Following on from NCVO’s national update, we were joined by John Muir and Jessica Farrand from Camden Council’s Community Partnership Team who set out the vision for a new VCS investment programme. Central to the vision was their commitment to invest in the VCS and ensure a strong, resilient and vibrant sector that responds to resident need and supports the development of resilient, thriving and connected communities across Camden:

“This VCS funding programme will help to achieve We Make Camden. Especially to tackle injustice and inequality; create safe, strong, and open communities where everyone can contribute; and support good health, wellbeing, and connection for everyone so that they can start well, live well, and age well.”

Many of you would have participated in the information sessions and workshops that VAC and Camden Council held in the Spring about the investment programme. For some of you this will be the first time you have applied for VCS funding from the council. As such, we have organised a series of fundraising workshops in partnership with All Ways Network (AWN) – see here for more details of our next event https://vac.org.uk/event/writing-successful-proposals-workshops-sep-6th

 (this is not specifically for the council’s VCS funding programme but will cover all essential aspect of writing a winning application).

Camden is a place where everyone can get involved in driving positive change 

VAC has a long and proud history of representing the voice and heart of the voluntary sector in Camden. We are excited to share our new strategy which sets out how we will work with residents, community groups and VCS organisations to develop and support a vibrant civil society that underpins a high quality of life in Camden.  Our vision is focused on:

• Creating a fairer Camden – providing equitable access to support, funding, participation and knowledge.
• Safeguarding the VCS – leveraging more support to ensure Camden’s VCS is robust, cohesive, and well-resourced.
• Amplifying the voice of the sector – speaking to everyone in the sector and representing the range of diverse views accurately.

Through our Theory of Change lovingly referred to as ‘The Fish’ we will create the conditions for Camden to be a place where everyone can get involved in driving positive change. You can find ‘the Fish’ here – Voluntary-Action-Camden-Strategy-2026.pdf (vac.org.uk)

New Membership Development Officer

We are pleased to introduce you to Vania (vguetova@vac.org.uk ), our new Membership Development Officer, who will be enhancing our membership offer with a particular focus on help the local community sector grow and develop. Vania will be in touch over the coming months to say hello and hear about your organisation and how we might support you to achieve your ambitions.

Launch of new Camden CEO and Trustee Network

Over the last few months we have launched a CEO Network and in partnership with Volunteer Centre Camden a Trustees Network – forums to discuss the big strategic issues facing your organisation; a place to share your leadership experiences with others and seek the advice and support of your peers.

Refreshed Consultancy Offering
Our refreshed consultancy service is providing practical support for voluntary and community groups. We will be launching a new peer-to-peer support group for Camden residents and groups we have been supporting through our consultancy service to turn their ideas into social enterprises and charities.

New Training Programme Launch
We have launched our new community training package for VAC members which will include, child safeguarding, fundraising, GDPR, volunteer management, fire safety and building compliance, and much more! See here for more details https://vac.org.uk/news-and-events/events/

Launch of ‘New Camden Groups’ Network

We know the importance of having someone to talk to when you are just starting out, so whether you have recently registered your organisation; are drafting your Articles of Association; or developing a fundraising strategy you are most welcome to join our New members Support Group. This is a closed group to anyone who we have supported over the past year. By joining the group, you will have the opportunity to:

• Connect – meet other likeminded people who have either just registered their organisation/group, or are in process
• Share – hear from others about their experience, and share yours
• Learn – discover best practice and explore different approaches

Please email vguetova@vac.org.uk today to join the group and receive details of our first event.

We are now recruiting for a new communications officer. You can find out more about the role on our website if you are interested in applying. Until then, please bear with us whilst we manage our communications with reduced capacity.

Newsletter
The usual newsletter format returns next Friday 8th September. We also want to let you know about a slight change to the submission schedule meaning items for the newsletter will need to be sent to social@vac.org.uk by no later than 12pm on Wednesday.

Thanks from all at Team VAC!
Have a great weekend.