GDPR was at the top of organisations‘ ‘to do’ list when the legislation came into force in May 2018, but unfortunately it has slipped down the ladder of priorities somewhat since then. Sobus would urge organisations to make sure you keep on top of this and make sure you are regularly reviewing and updating your policy and practice. If you’re still in a GDPR muddle – don’t panic! GDPR requirements seem rather daunting, but in reality, particularly for small organisations, it shouldn’t be as overwhelming as it appears. Remember – you didn’t have to have everything in place by 25th May, but you should have in place a clear plan on how your organisation will work towards being GDPR compliant. Click here to continue…
As many of you will already know, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are now established in Hammersmith & Fulham. So, what are PCNs? PCNs are described by as one of the building blocks of the NHS Long Term Plan. They bring GP practices together so that they can deliver some of their functions “at scale”. Most PCNs are arranged on a geographical basis, and in Hammersmith & Fulham 5 PCNs have been established. Part of the remit of PCNs is to deliver social prescribing through link workers. As the name suggests, Link Workers will “link” patients with local community based services which may be best placed to meet their needs. Each PCN will employ a link worker, plus additional link workers have been funded by Macmillan Cancer Care and employed by the H&F GP Federation. On the plus side – this should result in increased awareness and signposting to local community services. However, the obvious drawback is the capacity in local services to respond to what could be a significant increase in demand. Sobus will be asking groups to update the information that we hold about their services on our database, including some information on space or capacity in your services, so that we can help Link Workers ensure they have access to a really good source of information. If you would like to update your information now rather than waiting until we contact you, please contact info@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk. The attached link provides some further information on PCNs and social prescribing. Click here
Please note that due to the need for committee members to adhere to guidance regarding political impartiality in the pre-election period ahead of the general election on 12 December, a number of public meetings have been cancelled, including: LBHF Health & Wellbeing Board on 6th November Health, Inclusion and Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee on 11th November 2019 Further information on purdah is available through the following link: http://www.local.gov.uk/purdah-short-guide-publicity-during-pre-election-period
As the clocks go back and autumn sets in, the season of AGMs is almost upon us! Many local groups and organisations hold their Annual General Meetings between October-December, where they present their most recent financial accounts, celebrate their achievements and look ahead to what they hope to do in the future. It is often the time when Trustees are formally nominated, accountants are appointed and where some of the formal processes involved in running our organisations are undertaken. Importantly, AGMs also provide a fantastic opportunity to thank staff, trustees, volunteers and service users for their commitment, hard work and support. As we all know, volunteers and volunteering are the lifeblood of many local groups and organisations – some of whom are run entirely by unpaid volunteers, and others are dependent on a small volunteer army of committed and dedicated people, often local residents, without whom their services simply couldn’t operate. Volunteer roles span everything, from running organisations (as Trustees or Board Members) and providing back-office support, through to front line services in our offices and out in the community. How we recruit, support, retain and reward our volunteers is often a tricky business – for organisations of all sizes. The Hammersmith & Fulham Volunteer Centre (www.hfvc.org.uk) is there to help local organisations and match people who are looking for volunteering opportunities with local groups looking for help. NextDoor and Comoodle (see below) can also be a way to find volunteers and for individuals to volunteer to offer their skills. However, retaining the goodwill and continued support from volunteers needs to be considered, particularly if your services are dependent on them. The ways in which we can show volunteers our appreciation is of course endless – from a simple group or individual thank you message, a more public statement of thanks at your AGM and in your annual report, to a Christmas party or annual celebration, or even levering in some freebies from a corporate sponsor – we reap what we sow by showing our volunteers how much we appreciate and value their efforts. We would love to hear your ideas on how we could individually and jointly celebrate and acknowledge local volunteers. We would like to remind you that volunteer groups can also be nominated for a Queens Award for Volunteering. The deadline each year is in September for awards the following year and further information is available from: www.qavs.culture.gov.uk Finally – we’d love to help to promote your autumn events and meetings – please email info@b29ab5c8692d7e7444b83a9dfaae2a38-18455.sites.k-hosting.co.uk to have them included in our events calendar and in our next newsletter.
Priya Warner shares tips for navigating the Code of Fundraising Practice online ahead of her session at Fundraising Now. Do you know that the Code of Fundraising Practice sets the standards that apply to fundraising carried out by all charitable institutions and third party fundraisers in the UK? The code has had its first major redraft in almost a decade to improve its style, presentation, clarity and accessibility. The revised code came into effect on 1 October 2019 alongside a new easier-to-use-and-navigate website version. Click here for some top tips to bear in mind when using the code online.
Dear friends and neighbours, Please see below for upcoming opportunities taking place in the local area. LOL-Lab 2019 – Apply now Are you keen to get involved in an experiment in funny? If so, why not apply for LOL-Lab 2019? A free programme for local residents to try their hand at stand-up comedy, training alongside Imperial College researchers. Over four free training sessions led by a professional comedy trainer and Lol Labbers from 2018, you will learn how to produce and deliver your very own stand-up with fellow residents and researchers from Imperial College London! At the end of the training, everyone taking part has the chance to show off their new skills at a comedy showcase event at the Queen’s Tavern, White City and raise money for a local cause. “Comedy is a medium for breaking down barriers and getting people talking to one another about things they share in common.” Lol Lab participant 2018. The process of devising a stand-up routine allows you to work on communication skills, build confidence in public speaking and learn about science in an informal setting, as well as being an excellent and innovative way of improving the connections between the public and researchers in the local area. No experience or smart jokes required – you bring the energy and we’ll bring the training! Training sessions: Wednesday 27th November, 18.00 – 20.00 Wednesday 4th December, 18.00 – 20.00 Monday 9th December, 18.00 – 20.00 Wednesday 11th December, 18.00 – 20.00 Finale – Friday 13th December – 20.00 Location: The Invention Rooms, White City. Interested? Sign up here. Please note, places are limited at the deadline is Wednesday 6th November. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Keisha on k.khyne-sam@imperial.ac.uk. Agent of Change Autumn Networking Event – Register today Are you female living or working in the North of Hammersmith and Fulham? Are you passionate about making or supporting positive change locally? If so, we would love for you to join us on Wednesday 13th November at The Invention Rooms, White City from 18.00 – 20.30. Agents of Change is a unique, community based, quarterly network and leadership programme for women who live and work in the North of Hammersmith and Fulham. Supported by a consortium of local organisations which include Imperial College London, Hammersmith United Charities, LBHF and The Lyric. Agents of Change recognises the fundamental role of female leadership in communities and is working to build a long-term local network, which supports women to fulfil their potential in a wide variety of roles. In addition to the network, we run a free 6-month community leadership programme, designed by local women, for women. At our autumn networking event, you’ll hear from inspirational leaders, meet and connect with local women from across the north of LBHF and find out how you can support or connect with female change makers in the local area. To find out more about Agents of Change, please visit: https://www.agentsofchange-whitecity.co.uk/ and to register for the event please click here. Maker Challenge – Apply for January 2020 Do you know someone aged 14 – 18 who likes making? Applications for our Maker Challenge programme are now open! Over 12 weeks, local young people aged 14-18 will prototype, design and make with access to cutting-edge equipment in our state-of-the-art workshop. We’ll teach a crash-course in 3D printing, laser-cutting, woodworking, electronics, programming and working with materials. At the end of the programme, everyone will present their creation and prizes will be awarded to the most creative designs. Dates: Every Tuesday or Thursday evening (4.30pm-7.30pm) from January 11th-April 4th. This includes 4 weekend sessions (11/01, 12/01 or 18/01, 15/02, 04/04); no sessions take place during half-term. Location: Makerspace, The Invention Rooms, White City. Application deadline: Sunday 15th December 2019 To apply please click here. if you have any questions, or would like to discuss your application, please contact Rebecca on r.sweeney@imperial.ac.uk.
The experience of being European in the UK is changing: and so, therefore, is the role of the third sector in attending to the needs of our communities. But are we adapting adequately to the changing needs of our population? Do we understand the potential implications of current changes on the groups we serve? Join New Europeans and the Brexit Civil Society Alliance on November 19th from 4.30 – 7pm at City Hall for a discussion of key issues for Europeans – and therefore, for the third sector. We will be touching on the EU Settlement Scheme; hate crime and discrimination; and representation and community cohesion. We will also be launching the results of New Europeans’ research on the preparedness of the sector to support clients accessing the Settlement Scheme (the survey is still open until November 6th – please participate here). We are particularly interested in inviting organisations to who do not already work in the immigration, migrant integration or advice sectors. We want to share and explore how these issues affect the third sector as a whole. The event is free but registration is required. Book your place here.