In this article, Clare Martin explores how charities can effectively use AI to support their marketing efforts without losing their authentic voice, offering practical tips for small teams to integrate AI strategically, maintain consistency, and lighten their workload. Give it a read here.
We are a local choir rehearsing in the POSK in King Street Hammersmith and always looking for new members. We will be appearing in Hammersmith on 5th July. Find out more
My name is Jemima, and I am the new Coproduction Officer at Sobus. Since joining the team, I have been learning more about the Borough and the local VCS and am excited to get started!
My role is focused on health inequalities – we know that communities are not getting the support and access to health services that they need. A coproduction approach to health inequalities means putting residents and voluntary and community organisations at the heart of the design and delivery of health services. By listening to the voices of residents about their experiences of health services and the barriers they face, health providers can make their services more accessible and inclusive for different cultures and communities. I am working with both the voluntary and community sector and statutory services to support this collaboration and reduce the barriers to accessing health services.
Alongside this work with Sobus, I am also working part-time at Islington Refugee and Migrant Forum, supporting refugee and migrant organisations with fundraising, capacity building, and partnership working.
If you have any questions about my work or would like to get in touch, please email me at Jemima.hill@sobus.org.uk
Members of Parliament have expressed concerns in the House of Commons regarding the commission charged by online fundraising platforms on gift aid. Labour and Conservative MPs highlighted their worries following research by advisory firm Strand Partners, which revealed that charities lost over £7.5 million last year due to the commission these platforms charge for processing gift aid claims on behalf of charities. Read more here.
Until this year, there have been no additional leave provisions for working parents with babies in neonatal care meaning many parents had been forced to use maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, take holiday or unpaid leave, or even quit their jobs or return to work whilst their baby remained in neonatal care.
From 6 April 2025, this changed with the implementation of new statutory entitlements which are expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents. With the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 and accompanying Regulations, the government has introduced a day-one statutory right to neonatal care leave and pay. In this article, associate Julia Nwaneke explains what this means for charities and advises them on next steps. Read on
Volunteers are the backbone of the charity sector, and this Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June) is the perfect time to show your appreciation and do something special to recognise the worthwhile contribution they make to your organisation. Find out how to celebrate your Volunteers next week in this new blog, take a look here.
We’re thrilled to be part of The Big Give’s Champions for Children match funding campaign this year!
From Tuesday 3rd June to Tuesday 17th June, every donation made will be doubled, thanks to match funding from The Childhood Trust and our wonderful supporters.
One donation. Double the impact.
How Does it Work?
Champions for Children supports charities tackling child poverty across London. During the campaign, every pound you give is matched–doubling your impact.
Our target is to raise £6,225 in donations, which will be doubled to £12,500 thanks to pledges from our supporters and The Childhood Trust!
- Donate £10 → We receive £20
- Donate £50 → We receive £100
With your support, we can continue providing life-changing early intervention mentoring to over 340 Little Londoners this year.
How Can You Help?
1. Donate
Every pound you give will be doubled. No matter the size, your donation will go twice as far for the children who need it most.
Donate here: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000002IZpOYAW
2. Share
Help us spread the word! Share our Instagram and LinkedIn posts, stories, and photos to help us reach even more people. Share our donation link with your networks and spread our message!
3. Fundraise
Get creative! Host a bake sale, organise a coffee morning, or take on a two-week challenge such as running. Whatever you do, we’re here to support you.
Learn more about Champions for Children
Thank you
Your support means everything to us–and to the children we work with. We couldn’t do this without you.
Charities are calling on the forthcoming Civil Society Covenant to tackle the “significant breakdown in trust” between the sector and the government. Read more here.
Five things fundraisers should be thinking about right now
There are plenty of fundraising innovations going on right now, but often times rediscovering or reinventing tried and tested techniques can work well too. Here are five things fundraisers should be thinking about right now from Jay Kennedy, DSC’s Director of Policy and Research. Take a look here.
AI & grants fundraising
Ben Wittenberg, Director of Development and Delivery at DSC, looks at the use of AI in funding applications, listing some useful plus points as well as some things to watch out for. Take a look here.
Our big news this month is we have published the new Code of Fundraising Practice (the code). This marks the end of our two year review to update the code and make sure it reflects evolving fundraising practices. The new code is a clearer, more streamlined and modern approach to fundraising regulation while ensuring existing public protections remain in place. You can read our blog from Suzanne McCarthy, Chair of our Standards Committee, on the changes the new code brings and how they promote public protection, accountability and excellence in fundraising.
There will be a six month transition period before the new code comes into effect on 1 November 2025. This will give you time to review your processes and implement any changes. You can find out more below about the steps you can take to start preparing for the new code, and the additional support and guidance available.
The new Code of Fundraising Practice has been published to reflect modern fundraising practices and will come into effect from 1 November 2025. The new code is available in both English and Welsh.
Fundraising organisations should review the new code and support guides on our website and begin preparing to ensure compliance.
sobus
20 Dawes Road, London, SW6 7EN
Telephone 020 7952 1230
Email info@sobus.org.uk
Registered Charity No.1071089
and Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England No.03471416
Sobus is a new Community Development Agency for Hammersmith & Fulham. It has been created through the merger of the Community and Voluntary Sector Association Hammersmith & Fulham (CaVSA) and the Fulham Community Partnership Trust (FCPT). Building on the strengths of both organisations, sobus aims to provide a wider range of support services for local charities, community groups, social enterprises and start up businesses.