Beacon for Rare Diseases is looking for at least two new Trustees to help shape their future and strengthen their support for individuals and families affected by rare conditions. Find out more here.
In this article, Carla Whalen from Russell-Cooke explores how the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill could significantly reshape UK employment law, urging charities to assess how the wide-ranging reforms, from zero-hours contracts to unfair dismissal, may affect their workforce. Give it a read here.
The Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) is an independent membership body that aims to support, represent and champion people in volunteer management in the UK regardless of field, discipline or sector.
We run a variety of events throughout the year which we thought may be of interest to you and your team, as well as other volunteer organisations that you work with.
Innovating Volunteer Recruitment – From Challenges to Solutions: Thursday 24 July 2025 | Online
*Last chance to book*
Explore what works in volunteer recruitment — and how to make it work for you.
In the first part of this session, you will discover some practical recruitment strategies, understand the current challenges when recruiting volunteers, and learn from a successful project where volunteer numbers were doubled.
The second part of the session will involve an interactive workshop where we’ll flip the traditional recruitment model and explore how to make your organization become truly “the volunteers” organisation, by putting volunteers at the heart of the experience.
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers – Peer Learning for Inclusive Volunteer Management: Thursday 18 September 2025 | Online
What would it look like if inclusion wasn’t just a value, but something we practiced, and built together?
To mark National Inclusion Week we have invited some guest speakers to share insights on creating and developing peer learning opportunities that drive meaningful inclusion in workplaces and communities.
This session will explore how we can bring people together, share best practices, and drive real change including:
- Creating inclusive volunteering spaces: a culture of inclusion and psychological safety
- Addressing microaggressions and unconscious bias in volunteer teams
- The role of peer learning in fostering connection
- Managing diverse volunteer teams effectively.
AVM Conference 2025: Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 October 2025 | Online
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now officially available for the annual Association of Volunteer Managers Conference.
The role of volunteer managers is ever evolving, and this year’s conference will provide you with the opportunity to delve into key aspects of our profession, providing you with the opportunity to gain insights from leading voices and learn about best practices alongside peers from across the sector.
Each day of this online event will feature:
- An informative keynote
- A selection of interactive workshops
- An insightful panel discussion.
You are invited to an online introductory webinar on Martyn’s Law – a practical walk through the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
Happening at 2pm on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
London Resilience is working alongside Community Security Trust and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to host this webinar. This workshop is open to anyone across the community, faith, public and business sectors.
Registered charities working to improve the lives of disadvantaged Londoners can now apply for funding through the London Catalyst Main Grants Programme. This programme supports projects that will enhance community health and wellbeing, particularly those tackling poverty and social isolation. Grants of up to £10,000 per year are available, with the possibility of multi-year funding for up to three years. Projects must primarily benefit adults aged 18 and above living within the M25. Previously supported projects have included mental health services, enhanced healthcare access, and well-being initiatives for disadvantaged communities. Organisations with an annual income of less than £500,000 are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is 15th September 2025. Funding to Support Vulnerable and Disadvantaged People (London)
A long-awaited agreement between the UK government and civil society organisations was launched on 16th July by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, at an event in London. Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO at DSC, attended the launch event. Read more.
Charitable organisations and care homes for the elderly can apply for grants of up to £250 for activities which provide musical entertainment and related activities for the elderly. Some of the charities that have received grants in the past include the Theatre Chipping Norton to help fund high-calibre music recitals in six Care Homes in the area and Sue Ryder Care, Lancashire, to fund access to music therapy workshops at Birchley Hall near Wigan and St Helen’s. The grants are made available through the charity Concertina, and the next closing date for applications is the 3ist October 2025. Music Grants for Older People (England & Wales)
Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, and in exceptional circumstances Community Interest Companies can apply for grants for projects that support offenders and ex-offenders as well as into work and helping specific less popular groups within the criminal justice sector. The funding is being made available through the Weavers’ Company who are looking specifically to support projects helping offenders find work as well as projects that support marginalised groups. A secondary priority is given to projects aiding disadvantaged young people, including immigrants, in realising their potential and engaging in society. The Weavers’ Company has two funding streams: a Small Grants Programme offering up to £5,000, and a Main Grants Programme with no maximum limit. Funding covers both project and core costs. Applicants must demonstrate efforts to secure other funding and future sustainability. The next application deadline is the 13th November 2025. Funding to Support Disadvantaged Young People and Offenders (UK)
As organisations are getting underway with preparing for the new Code of Fundraising Practice (the code) to come into effect on 1 November 2025, this month we have published three new guides for fundraisers in three key areas. These cover fundraising events, and fundraising through social media and online gaming. You can read our blog from our Head of Policy, Paul Winyard, for more details on what each guide covers.
With the Data (Use and Access) Act recently receiving Royal Assent, we’ve published information on what charities should be aware of at this stage before the relevant part of the Act comes into force allowing ‘soft opt-in’ for charities. This includes how charities can start preparing for the new rules for charity direct marketing coming into effect.
We have published information, supported by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), on what charities should know about the new rules for charity direct marketing in the Data (Use and Access) Act.
“When you have a small team, every moment, new idea and piece of content that is created must count. Thankfully, you don’t need a massive budget or team to create meaningful, strategic content and communications…” Read more from the Charity Comms article here.
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.