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A Word from Sue Spiller, Sobus CEO

Whilst offices and workplaces have opened up again many of us are now working both in the office and from home.  “Hybrid working” is becoming the norm for lots of organisations and businesses, but we need to make sure that we are managing this approach carefully so as to avoid any complications that may arise.

Ideally, organisations should have a clear flexible working policy in place, which includes home working options.  This kind of policy can help you set expectations for staff, such as when they should be logged on, how they will handle communication, and how they will log their time. Having these rules defined can help employees feel prepared and connected to the team. 

If you would like help developing or updating your flexible working policy, please contact us for information and support.

Lastly, October is Black History Month, and we are delighted that a number of local events and activities are planned to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people both in the UK and throughout the world.  You can find details of these at https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/arts-and-parks/events/race-equality-and-black-history-cultural-events

We have some truly outstanding and inspirational BAME organisations, community leaders and individuals in Hammersmith & Fulham and we need to share and celebrate their stories! 

As always, Sobus is here to provide organisations with the advice and support they need – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

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Black History Month in H&F, By Sharon Tomlin, Sobus Community Organiser

Historically during the month of October, Black History Month – residents, the local authority, community groups, voluntary organisations and community leaders have celebrated aspects of the lives of people from ethnically marginalised communities, particularly from the African and Asian diasporas who have contributed to the borough.

This year sees a strong focus in the borough on creating change and addressing inequalities in areas of local life by working across all sectors that aim to create transformational change and reform paths of accountability.

At Sobus, we aim to capture and celebrate the efforts of organisations with diverse and inclusive approaches that leads to transformational changes for residents and statutory, voluntary and community organisations in the borough.

In honour of the contributions made by local residents we highlight some of the stories that are usually left out of the mainstream narrative.

Read on for an overview of some of our local contributors and events!

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New Elections Bill – Impact on Charities & Issue-based Campaigners

The Bill aims to amend and supplement existing law applying to organisations that engage in issue-based campaigning and advocacy work. Bates Wells have written about the key changes, click here to read the article.

The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), Bond, Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI), National Council of Voluntary organisations (NCVO), Small Charities Coalition (SCC) and Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) are working together to look at some of the potential impact of the new Elections Bill. Complete the survey here.

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NCVO Almanac 2021: The Latest Findings on the Voluntary Sector & Volunteering

NCVO research and insight manager, Anya Martin, looks at the key findings of the Almanac 2021 and what they show about the UK’s voluntary sector. Click here to read more.

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The Coronavirus Outbreak and Charitable Giving – CAF Research

Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) increased the frequency of their UK charity surveys from March 2020. These surveys help charities, donors, government and everyone interested in the work of charity to understand the impact of the crisis on the sector and giving. Read the latest results here.

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Charity Pension Rules changing

Charity Finance Group (CFG) are urging charities to act soon to avoid the potential pitfalls of new pensions rules. The new regulations, which are expected to come into force in 2022, will significantly change how charities and other employers fund their defined benefit pension schemes. Click here to find out more.

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Charity Commission Allows Electronic Signatures on Balance Sheets, Trustees’ Annual Reports & Independent Examiner’s Reports

Charity Commission allows electronic signatures on balance sheets, trustees’ annual reports and independent examiner’s reports

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‘Soft Opt-in’ to Contact People Could be Extended to Charities Under Government Proposals

Third Sector have reported that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has launched a consultation on plans to reform some of the key elements of the General Data Protection Regulation, such as its data processing principles, its data rights for citizens, and its mechanisms for supervision and enforcement. Read the article here.

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Text Donations Soared to Record High Last Year

Donations to charity by text message rose by almost two-thirds last year to a record high of almost £66m, according to new figures. Find out more here.

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Risk Assessment During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

This latest update from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) aims to help organisations to assess the risks and continue to reduce COVID-19 transmission. It includes links to information on vaccination, as well as on testing and tracking and tracing. Click here to read the full update.

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