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Policy Update

In case you missed it, here’s some crucial information on the Commission’s latest trustee guidance, an opportunity to speak directly with the National Lottery Community Fund about the new Cost of Living Fund, and a survey seeking to understand the full impact of the cost of living crisis. Take a look here.

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Empowering the Voice of the VCS in H&F – Oumayma Tuijri, Sobus 3D Voice Officer

3D Voice aims to empower the voice of  the VCS in Hammersmith & Fulham and as the the 3D Voice officer for Sobus, I’ve been visiting community centers in LBHF to find out how best to support them. I’ve also recently met with start-up organisations which is great, because I can be part of the process in supporting these organisations from the start. However, 3D Voice will continue to source any H&F organisations which feel unheard, or under-represented, aiming to empower the voice of the VCS in Hammersmith & Fulham, so make your voices heard and influence local services! – Email: 3d.voice@sobus.org.uk

 

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New Charity Commission Online Portal – Sue Spiller, Sobus CEO

Make sure you’ve set up your new account with the Charity Commission.

This week, the Charity Commission introduced a new ‘My Charity Commission Account’. This is now the only way for trustees and charity contacts to access the Charity Commission’s online services, so it is important that charity contacts and trustees set up new accounts.  

Your charity’s contact should have received an email from the Charity Commission inviting them to sign up for the new service.  If your charity contact has not received it, we suggest that you Contact the Commission.

Trustees of your charity will require a link from your charity’s registered contact to register for the service. It can also be used by other authorised people (such as your charity’s solicitors and accountants). 

You can log in to My Charity Commission Account here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-services-for-charities

The online services include:

  • updating your charity’s details
  • submitting your charity’s annual returns
  • making changes to your governing document, your charity’s name or your charity’s financial year end

Please note, your charity must submit any remaining annual returns for 2022, and all returns going forwards, via this new service.  The Commission will launch the 2023 annual return in late August 2023 via My Charity Commission Account.

The Charity Commission has published guidance on how to set up an account which you can find here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/setting-up-my-charity-commission-account

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Training on a Budget – Sue Spiller, Sobus CEO

Charity Jobs have recently published a useful article on how small groups might consider creative and affordable ways to ensure training and development is provided for their staff and volunteers.

We’re currently facing a huge cost of living crisis and, according to some sources, also on the brink of another devastating recession, so it’s hardly surprising that VCS organisations are feeling the pinch!

According to the Status of UK fundraising Report, 32% of non-profit organisations saw a decrease in their income in the last twelve months. And when times are tough, the training budget is usually one of the first things to be cut. So how do you manage training your staff on a budget?

Providing learning and development programmes can cost money that small organisations simply don’t have available – after all, funding training for staff means there’s less money for supporting clients.  However, as well as training on new systems, initiatives, policies or services, the loss of one member of staff (or volunteer) can result in a huge loss of skills, knowledge and abilities that we then have to urgently try and provide training to someone to take on that role. Read on

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Overview of Hate Crime & Incidents in H&F – Sharon Tomlin, Sobus Community Organiser

Over time, residents of Hammersmith and Fulham have kindly shared their experiences of being a victim of a variety of either hate crime or hate incident.

What is hate crime or incident?

According to the definition provided by the Metropolitan Police is as follows. “A hate crime is defined as ‘Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.’

A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender.

Not all hate incidents will amount to criminal offences, but it is equally important that these are reported and recorded by the police”

During the listenings, residents have shared the devastating impact of hate crime and incidents from which it is evident the profound and long lasting effects on the community. For some who have shared that they have reported incidences and or crimes had different response from some services, others did not consider it serious enough to be reported.

In terms of reporting and seeking support, residents shared the following:

  • Most residents shared that they reported to the police in the first instance.
  • For all residents were not aware of other agencies to liaise with.
  • Residents reported that they sought support independently from families and friends
  • One resident declined to seek support through fear and intimidation

The advice from the police is always report a hate crime and or hate incidence to the police

Presently, Hammersmith and Fulham Council are keen to meet with organisations, groups – small informal and formal, community leaders to share information on the council`s offer, who to liaise with and involvement of other organisations.

If you are interested in meeting with Hammersmith and Fulham Council`s Community Safety Unit, please contact Jessica Twomey by emailing Jessica.Twomey@lbhf.gov.uk

Some Useful links:

 

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Cost of Living Support Hub

During the cost of living crisis, many more individuals will reach out to charities for vital support. We understand the pressure on services and staff alike, so we’ve put some of our key resources in one place. From funding guides and staff training, to insightful commentary, articles and links, these are resources designed to help you to help others, especially those seeking welfare support. Click here to see.

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Charities Soon Unable to File Annual Returns Through Existing System

‘The regulator’s My Charity Commission Account service is going live on 31 July, it has announced. This means charities will no longer be able to file annual returns through the regulator’s existing digital system from next week…’ Read more here

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The Best Wellbeing Resources for Charities

Kirsty Marrins from Charity Digital shares some free resources for charity professionals to help support their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues. Take a look here.

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Practical Guidance to Help Charities Tackle Common Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions surrounding what charities do and how they are run. This new guide by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) seeks to educate charities on how to tackle common misconceptions. Take a look here.

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The 3rd Step in Building your Fundraising Strategy

In the final blog of the mini-series, Richard Sved shares his tactics for delivering a robust fundraising strategy. Take a look here.

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