Advice & Information
The DCA information bulletins have been revamped and are now be sent out on a monthly basis. This information and other non time sensitive information will be included on these webpages to form a general resource which will be regularly updated.
If you do not currently receive our bulletin and would like to, please contact Fred Wild, 01305 216407, email: fred.wild@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk ;
or if you have any relevant items you wish included contact Susi Calder, email: susi.calder@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk.
DCA E-bulletin October 2010
Welcome to the Bumper October 2010 edition of the DCA E-bulletin. A lot to fit in this month as there is a lot going on. A round-up of the impact of Coalition Government Policies on the voluntary and community sector will form a separate e-bulletin.
News
Sustainable Procurement Strategy consultation (DCC)
The Procurement Strategy is now accessible online http://bit.ly/9kfNHF
Deadline for responses is 3rd January 2011
A Stronger Civil Society – policy and consultation
As mentioned in the previous e-bulletin, there is a new policy document and consultation from Government:
• Building a Stronger Civil Society: http://bit.ly/d26pfp
• Supporting a Stronger Civil Society: http://bit.ly/af8Nu6
The deadline for this is 6th January 2011, except for question 9 where responses should be received by 25th November 2010
Charity Commission priorities after the cuts consultation
The Charity Commission (for England and Wales) has launched a public consultation on its future role and focus, to take into account the impact of its reduced funding announced last week. http://bit.ly/c4YXD9
Small grants to help people get around. Deadline 26th Nov http://www.dorsetforyou.com/accessgrants
All companies must enrol staff in a pension
The government has decided that all employers, no matter how small, will have to enrol their staff in a new national pension scheme, unless they offer a comparable pension scheme to their staff already.
http://bit.ly/cw7xvc
NCVO Workforce Development team has rounded up key web links around the implementation, from 1st October, of the Equality Act 2010,
http://bit.ly/blp117
An online Equality Act Starter Kit has been created by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, with nine "bite-size" learning modules that set out the essential points of the legislation,
http://bit.ly/aZUO9C Each downloadable module should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
People Management magazine outlines why employers should welcome the Equality Act, contrary to how the popular press has portrayed it, and separates "myth from reality" on key issues,
http://bit.ly/9Rtu6x
Community Payback – free labour for voluntary and community groups
From Dorset Probation Trust:
Dorset Probation Trust’s Community Payback Team are keen to develop partnerships with voluntary organisations in the community who would be able to offer supervised individual placements to offenders who have been sentenced to Unpaid Work in the Dorset Community.
Our offenders have a wide range of skills and by taking suitable workers we would hope to not only help reduce your running costs, but also to add value to your organisation. From experience we have found that offenders on individual placements are keen, reliable, punctual and regularly carry on working at their placement even after their sentence is completed.
Organisations would need to provide a minimum of one days supervised work per week, in areas such as conservation, retail, horticulture and painting and decorating. Dorset Probation Trust would provide ongoing and comprehensive support to any organisation which is interested in offering individual placements to offenders, including a full assessment to ensure any individual is suitable for the placement and type of work.
If your organisation wants to find out more about the work we do, or if you have work suitable for offenders, please contact Gordon MacPherson, Individual Placement Supervisor, on 01929 557653 or gordon.macpherson@dorset.probation.gsi.gov.uk.
Flexible working requests extended
The right to request flexible working is to be extended to parents of all children aged under 18 from next April, the government has announced.
http://bit.ly/cyu1ks
Red tape purge – email address to send comments to
In the September e-bulletin we mentioned the Red Tape taskforce. The email address to send comments to is red.tape.taskforce@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk
Look out for...
Review of Vetting and Barring Scheme
The terms of reference for the review of the Vetting and Barring scheme has been agreed by government. It will consider the fundamental principles and objectives behind the scheme, including:
• evaluating the scope of the scheme's coverage.
• the most appropriate function, role and structures of any relevant safeguarding bodies and appropriate governance arrangements.
• recommending what, if any, scheme is needed now, taking into account how to raise awareness and understanding of risk and responsibility for safeguarding in society more generally.
http://bit.ly/dhJWY5
NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) is researching new financial products and services which could be offered by the Big Society Bank when it launches in April next year. As such, it is inviting proposals for funding to design and trial a range of financial approaches - proposals will need to be simple, quick, and replicable. Submissions by 5th November, see press release at http://bit.ly/asYFrx
The Payments Council, the body which aims to "ensure that UK payment systems and services meet the needs of users, payment service providers and the wider economy", has issued its first newsletter following the proposal to abolish cheques. The 'focus' article (page 2) is on "Charities, clubs and societies" and worth a read by anyone concerned about this issue.
http://bit.ly/aDF342
Resources
From AVECO:
The introduction of Personal Budgets in the fields of health and social care not only offer a unique opportunity for service users to take greater control over their lives but hands the third sector a key role, as they will have the potential to offer a wider choice of services
There are huge challenges and opportunities that will accompany the widespread implementation of individual budgets and in response the Income Generation Workstream, lead by ACEVO, has produced 5 guides covering some of the key areas your organisations will need to familiarise yourselves with. They are:
• An introduction to Personal Budgets
• How to cost appropriately with Personal Budgets
• Personalisation: Exploring the legal implications
• Personalisation: A new approach to marketing
• Developing a person-centered workforce
Code of Good Governance updated
The Code of Good Governance has been updated and is now in much clearer language
Summary: http://bit.ly/bnbx04
Full: http://bit.ly/9290XB
New campaign resources online from NCVO:
• Voicing your right to know http://bit.ly/ahQWrn
• Ensuring beneficiary voice in campaigning http://bit.ly/d9ZWiC
• Inspiring supporter action http://bit.ly/aAa2Pd
Developing & using outcomes monitoring tools
'Assessing Change: Developing and using outcomes monitoring tools' is a "practical handbook to help you identify and develop ways to collect information on the outcomes of your work, that is, to track the difference your work is making. It takes you through the process of deciding whether to design your own monitoring tools or to use one of the many tools that are already available." http://bit.ly/9i3HYq
Cyprus Well – online network for literature
Cyprus Well, the literature development agency for the South West, has launched its new online community network at www.cypruswell.com.
Training
FREE Informal 1-1 advice clinics for Social Enterprises
3rd Nov Bournemouth,
12th Jan Poole
For more information and to make your appointment contact Marie White:
E: marie.white@co-active.org.uk
T: 0845 519 5759
http://bit.ly/aGCqge
Dealing with emotional health – 13th Nov
A training day for those who work with young people
Sat 13th Nov
Bournemouth
[See flier]
Events
DCA is holding an event on 16th November to discuss the impact of the Big Society & Comprehensive Spending Review on Voluntary & Community Groups in Dorset: http://bit.ly/9hIYi9
Very limited number of spaces left for representatives of Voluntary & Community groups only.
24th Nov Community Shares event
A one day in depth exploration of the possibility of raising capital investment from YOUR community.
24th November, Devon
http://bit.ly/aivwm8
27th Nov DCA Annual General Meeting
DCA’s AGM and a chance to hear from Government Minister, Oliver Letwin
http://bit.ly/d3cV86
Funding
Access our Funding pages here. They are continually updated during the month.
Representation
See the reports, diary of meetings and events from our Voice Project and all the Forums on the weblink www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/voice
DCA E-bulletin Comprehensive Spending Review
Important information for Voluntary and Community Groups and Rural Communities
This e-bulletin is a special edition to update you on the main areas of the Comprehensive Spending Review that will affect voluntary and community groups and rural communities. DCA will be producing a more considered reaction to the announcements shortly. The full Comprehensive Spending Review document can be found at: http://bit.ly/aAcKOZ
DCA is holding an event on 16th November to discuss the impact of the Big Society & Comprehensive Spending Review on Voluntary & Community Groups in Dorset: http://bit.ly/9hIYi9
Also, DCA’s AGM on 27th November 2010 will provide you with an opportunity to hear from Government Minister, Oliver Letwin. More information to follow.
This e-bulletin is divided into 3 sections:
• Voluntary and Community Groups interests
Voluntary and Community Groups interests
• Cuts of over 28% to local authorities over 4 years (7.1% year on year) – this could impact on grants awarded to voluntary and community groups;
• Councils to have more flexibility in setting their budgets as ring-fencing of all local government revenue grants will end from 2011-12, except simplified schools grants and a new public health grant;
• £470 million for capacity building for the Voluntary and Community Sector over 4 years, to include:
o National Citizen Service pilots;
o Short-term Transition fund of £100 million for voluntary and community groups most affected in the short term by public spending reductions;
o Big society initiatives such as Community Organisers;
• Government want to work with voluntary and community groups on:
o Reducing offending;
o Developing innovative equity investment opportunities in public services;
o New and innovative ideas to address the social and economic challenges facing the UK
• Protection to community Post Offices
• DEFRA budget cuts of 29%
• Reduction of arms length bodies that DEFRA funds from 92 to 39
• Rural Development Programme for England cuts of £66 million
• Localism Bill planned to reform the planning system with a presumption in favour of sustainable development;
• Regional Growth Fund of £1.4 billion over three years, will support projects with significant potential for private sector economic growth and employment, supporting in particular those areas and communities that are currently too dependent on the public sector.
Alongside these announcements is a new policy document and consultation from Government:
• Building a Stronger Civil Society: http://bit.ly/d26pfp
• Supporting a Stronger Civil Society: http://bit.ly/af8Nu6
The deadline for this is 6th January 2011, except for question 9 where responses should be received by 25th November 2010
DCA E-Bulletin September 2010
News
The Charity Commission has published its third annual report setting out lessons from its Compliance work.
http://bit.ly/9SuG3q
According to the report, some charity trustees are still making too many basic mistakes in managing their charities.
Dorset Community Action has a number of ways to help trustees ensure that they put procedures in place to prevent basic mistakes. Our training programme covers many of the areas of concern. Follow this link to DCA training programme
The Charity Commission report also reveals that, while the number of serious incidents reported to the regulator has risen, many trustees may still be failing to let the regulator know where serious problems have occurred in their charities.
DCA is also able to assist organisations that find themselves with serious problems by providing advice and support. If your organisation needs this help and support it should contact us Details via this link
Government produces “Structural Reform Plans”
Each Government department is producing a Structural Reform Plan. Draft plans are already available from some departments but these will not be finalised until the Spending Review is completed.
Pdf’s of the published plans are here: http://bit.ly/cvfbMy
A shorter than usual consultation (open for six weeks) has started on a new version of The Compact, which seeks to govern relationships between the public and voluntary sectors. The draft has been produced by Compact Voice, which represents the voluntary sector on the Compact, to reflect the approach of the new coalition government and in advance of October's Comprehensive Spending Review. The new version has 37 key principles compared with 95 previously.
Responses by 29th October.
http://bit.ly/awlY30
First Director for Arts & Health South West
Arts & Health South West, the regional information, support and advocacy organisation for those working to enhance people’s health and wellbeing through the use of creativity and the arts, is delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Coulter as its first Director. Alex officially takes up her new post from September 2010. www.ahsw.org.uk
What you need to know
Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts is leading a new cutting red-tape taskforce to flush out burdens on the voluntary sector.
The Cabinet Office says “The Government is committed to making it easier to run charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises. Reducing bureaucratic burdens will free-up time and resources for these organisations to make a difference in their communities and help mobilise the Big Society. “
“Apart from making its own recommendations, the taskforce will also work with other initiatives, such as Lord Young's Health and Safety review, to help ensure that cuts to red tape are made in ways that are properly joined up and will consider or feed into related work, including:
HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs review of bureaucracy associated with Gift Aid; and Home Office work on the criminal records and vetting and barring regime.”
The taskforce will report to Ministers in early 2011.
Equalities Act 2010 in force from 1st October
Most of the provisions of the Equalities Act 2010 come into force from 1st October.
The Government Equalities Office has published more guides to the legislation, some of which are specifically aimed at voluntary sector organisations
http://bit.ly/aq92ic.
Fundraising licensing to stay with local authorities
Third Sector magazine reports that implementation of part 3 of the Charities Act 2006, which would make the Charity Commission the lead regulator of public charitable collections in England and Wales, has been postponed indefinitely. Charities minister Nick Hurd has said it will not be discussed until next year. Until part 3 is brought in local authorities have full licensing responsibility.
http://bit.ly/b6mz2A
Resources
Guide to organising a street party/fete
The government has published 'Your guide to organising a street party or fete', a couple of pages plus a straightforward form for a "Road closure for residential or neighbourhood street parties" which can be submitted to your local council. This is part of government efforts to reduce the inconsistent paperwork which can surround the process.
http://bit.ly/adSeYF
Trusteeship 2010: An update for Charity Trustees
New Philanthropy Capital has published 'Trusteeship 2010: An update for charity trustees'. This builds on 'Board matters', a review of charity trusteeship produced in May 2009 but can be read on its own for a review of developments since then and useful resources for trustees. Registration required to download from http://bit.ly/ai6jQW
Involving children & young people in formal meetings
This guide aims to help those who want to more effectively include children and young people in their adult-led meetings.
It provides practical examples of what helps during meetings and gives detailed advice on planning for those meetings, on supporting children and young people and on making the most of their energy and imagination.
http://bit.ly/cDugAX
Social media guide for small voluntary and community groups
“Social Media is brilliant – if used well. Transform your organisation by getting it right. In this no nonsense guide you will be shown just how to go about using the power and potential of social media in a way that is right just for you. Find out how this exciting and innovative technology can help you to reshape your organisation and the way you work.”
http://bit.ly/cElILW
Training
Starting in Social Enterprise – A Practical Approach
This workshop is suitable for:
Newly started social enterprises
Voluntary organisations and charities wishing to consider developing a social enterprise
Social enterprises in their first year of trading
The workshop is designed to help your organisation develop good management processes as you identify trading opportunities either for the first time or as an additional activity to current delivery.
http://bit.ly/a1Ptb3
Events
DCA Event
The Big Society and the Comprehensive Spending Review – what’s the impact?
What will be the impact on the voluntary and community sector in Dorset?
How can the sector avoid the pitfalls?
What opportunities can we exploit?
JOIN US AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
Talks
• What does the Big Society agenda mean for your organisation?
o Georgie Constable (SW Forum)
• How will the Comprehensive Spending Review reshape service provision in Dorset,
o Sam Fox-Adams (Partnerships and Communities, DCC)
Followed by a PANEL DISCUSSION, with representatives from
• Dorset Community Action
• South West Forum
• Dorset County Council, and
• County public service commissioning representatives.
Followed by a brilliant lunch!
More information and booking details to follow
A meeting for carers/families or those who are living with a Learning Disability from the BME communities, as well as professionals.
Change of date - now 1st November 2010
For further information - Follow this Link
Funding
Access our Funding pages here. They are continually updated during the month.
Representation
See the reports, diary of meetings and events from our Voice Project and all the Forums on the weblink www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/voice
DCA E-Bulletin July 2010
News
HM Treasury Spending Challenge
The government want everyone’s help in getting more for less and are looking for ideas from the public to help them make public sector cuts and reduce waste.
http://spendingchallenge.hm-treasury.gov.uk/
Deadline for consultation on Dorset’s top priorities
The public consultation on the draft revised version of Shaping our future, the sustainable community strategy for Dorset 2010 - 2020, closes on Friday 6 August 2010.
The draft strategy and feedback form can be found at http://www.dorsetforyou.com/communitystrategyrevision
Music charges – temporary reprieve for small charities
New music charges have been delayed which is good news as the potential cost to small charities is up to £20 million per year
http://bit.ly/dq8kfY
Social Change Awards celebrates the passionate individuals and effective organisations committed to making a positive impact on society.
Nominations are now open and close in early September
http://bit.ly/bAJCFR
What you need to know
Cutswatch, a new website set up to provide guidance and support to voluntary sector organisations through public spending cuts. The site aims to provide up-to-date news, case studies, guides and information on how to positively deal with spending cuts, along with links to useful events and services.
http://www.cutswatch.org.uk
This website asks people to suggest and rate ways to restore civil liberties, what unnecessary laws should be repealed and where should regulations be cut.
http://yourfreedom.hmg.gov.uk/
From Community Matters:
“Community organisations should ensure that their financial planning takes into account all the recent budget announcements that might affect them. As well as the VAT increase to 20%, which comes in effect from 4th January 2011, look out this autumn for plans to replace the current rules governing substantial donors. In slightly more cheerful news, you might be able to benefit from reduced employer's NI contributions.
Royal Mail service is currently VAT exempt, but from 31st Jan 2011 the exemption will only apply to public postal services. All other services outside of the licence duty, such as Parcelforce will attract the standard rate of VAT –which will be 20%. Review your postal arrangements to minimise the impact where possible.
In the autumn HMRC will be consulting with the charity sector to determine a way to utilise VAT exemption in relation to shared services which currently attract VAT. “
National Survey of Charities and Social Enterprises
The Office for Civil Society (OCS) has announced that The National Survey of Charities and Social Enterprises (previously titled National Survey of Third Sector Organisations) will be conducted again this year.
http://bit.ly/debxOP
Resources
Involving local councillors in community campaigns
Local Action: The Handy Guide for communities working with councillors. Published by bassac and Urban Forum
http://bit.ly/9XTNOQ
NCVO have launched a toolkit to help groups make sure their legal form and structure is the right one for them
http://www.getlegal.org.uk/
The Health and Safety Executive have produced a clear, simple leaflet on assessing risk. Aimed at workplaces but is also suitable for anyone who needs to assess risks
http://bit.ly/NVcQm
Lasa has launched a new version of its rightsnet website, the UK's number one source of the most up to date, high quality welfare benefits and tax credits information online. In addition, rightsnet will now also offer breaking news about community care, debt, employment and housing law, sourced direct from government and leading charities specialising in these areas. Best of all, this new part of the site is free - you don’t need to subscribe.
www.rightsnet.org.uk
Training
Understanding and Using an Outcomes Focus
Getting Your ICT Hardware right
Village and Community Halls – Trusted & Valued
Skilling Up – Roles and Responsibilities of Representatives
Community Support for Patients with Anxiety and Depression
The sessions are aimed at all NHS, Social Care and Voluntary Sector staff involved with patients after strokes and other long term conditions. It is likely to be of interest to a wide range of staff so early booking is recommended
The Primary Mental Health Team have kindly agreed to facilitate training sessions to enable staff working with patients with long term physical conditions such as strokes, to learn more about services in their area
Attending one of these sessions will give you confidence in the following:
• Who the Primary Care Mental Health Teams are
• What they offer patients with anxiety, depression or adjustments reactions
• When and how to refer to the team
There will also be chance to ask questions and build links with staff in the team to improve joint working in the future.
Friday 6th August 2010 10:00 - 12:00 - Day Hospital, Blandford Community Hospital, Milldown Road, Blandford
To register your interest for this training, please contact Sue Varley directly - sue.varley@bp.nhs.uk or 01202 541514
Events
An event which is a great opportunity to learn more about tendering for work from the public sector
15th September – Bovington Tank Museum
If you are a medium-sized voluntary/community group or a social enterprise working in Dorset and you’re interested in tendering for work from the Public Sector, then this could be a valuable use of your time. You could learn what you need to know about commissioning and meet key people making decisions about where funding goes.
Dorset County Council in liaison with Business Link are hosting a 'Meet the Buyer' event. The event will be at the Bovington Tank Museum on 15 September 2010.
As well as presentations on a number of relevant topics, there will be representatives in attendance from a number of local organisations including Dorset Community Action, DCC, the councils of Bournemouth and Poole and the PCT. Commissioning Managers from Adult & Community Services will also be available to discuss potential opportunities as a consequence of the 'Transforming Social Care' agenda.
Enjoy an informal free of charge networking lunch, meet support organisations and public sector agencies in the Partner Zone. To book please telephone 0845 0707 747 or email events@businesslinksw.co.uk
A meeting for carers/families or those who are living with a Learning Disability from the BME communties, as well as professionals.
9th November in Exeter
For further information - Follow this Link
FREE informal one-to-one advice clinics for social enterprises in Dorset
If you run a social enterprise or established community organisation and need good advice to develop your ideas further, here is an opportunity for a one-to-one chat with one of coactive’s qualified advisors.
8th September – Dorchester
The advisors are social enterprise specialists and will provide no-obligation, practical advice on how to grow your organisation to the next stage.
Appointments can be booked for one hour between 10am and 4pm.
For more information and to make your appointment contact Marie White:
E: marie.white@co-active.org.uk
T: 0845 519 5759
Access our Funding pages here. They are continually updated during the month.
See the reports, diary of meetings and events from our Voice Project and all the Forums on the weblink www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/voice
How the Budget affects the Voluntary and Community Sector
The Emergency Budget was on 22nd June. This, undoubtedly, will have effects on the voluntary sector.
Find out what the Emergency Budget means for those working in or with the voluntary and community sector, NVCO have produced an “at-a-glance” summary. http://tinyurl.com/DCAbudget
DCA news now even easier to get
It’s now even easier to get DCA news.
Follow us on twitter
find us on facebook
or visit our blog
Statistics show that around half of women and over a third of men use the internet as a source of information on health, and with seventy percent of us having online access it is becoming more important than ever to ensure accurate information is available quickly.
To make certain local needs are being met, NHS Dorset is giving people the opportunity to complete a survey giving feedback on their current website.
Questions cover areas such as ease of use, how people find health information online and which other NHS websites are visited. All responses will help NHS Dorset better understand how local people use the web and influence future development of online activities.
The survey is available online if you have access to the internet via the following link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HVN2ML5 or on request by calling 01305 368900. Copies will also be distributed via existing local health network groups.
Responses are welcomed up until Thursday 1st July 2010.
If you would like to talk to someone about the survey please contact Darren Girling from the Communications Team on 01305 368900
From Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt , Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport:
“I want to ensure that, in making the transition to the new Lottery shares, the levels of grant available to the voluntary and community sector are protected, so I propose to make the change in two stages:
On 1 April 2011, to increase the share apportionment for arts, heritage and sport to 18% each of the Lottery and reduce the Big Lottery Fund to 46%.
Then on 1 April 2012, to increase the shares for arts, heritage and sport to 20% each of the Lottery and to reduce the apportionment share for the Big Lottery Fund to 40%.”
http://tinyurl.com/DCAlotteryshare
From the HM Treasury website:
“On Tuesday 22nd June, the Budget announced an online event inviting public sector workers to submit their suggestions for reducing spending. Following this, members of the public will be asked to submit their ideas online. This is the Spending Challenge.
The Spending Challenge is designed to get the best ideas from people who work on the frontline of public services on how we can deliver more for less. The website is open until July 8th, after which the process will be opened up to the wider public.
Ministers are asking all public sector workers to share their most innovative yet practical ideas for delivering services to citizens while saving money in the process.
If you are a public sector worker and would like to be involved, visit the Spending Challenge website to submit your ideas. “
The Government have released the timetable for the whole Spending Review:
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/spending_review_framework_080610.pdf
Vetting and barring scheme on hold
Despite what you may have read or heard in the media, the vetting and barring (VBS) scheme has not been scrapped – some aspects of it have been put on hold while it is reviewed.
The VBS was set up to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.
The new Government has decided to “review the criminal records and vetting and barring regime and scale it back to common sense levels”. Compulsory registration with the Independent Safeguarding Authority is not, at least for the moment, going ahead in November. All registrations – both voluntary from 26 July and compulsory from November – are on hold.
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) newsletter of 15 June 2010, available by registering for newsletters on the ISA's website at www.isa.homeoffice.gov.uk, explains how to apply for CRB checks during the review period. Up to date information about CRB checks is available from the CRB at www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk. The VBS contact centre is at 0300 123 1111 and the CRB customer services centre at 0870 9090 811.
Much of the vetting and barring scheme is still in place including:
• CRB checks. All CRB checks for work with children or vulnerable adults are enhanced. Standard CRB checks are no longer available for work with children or vulnerable adults, but remain available where checks are required for other types of work or licences;
• Where a criminal record check is required for certain types of work with children or vulnerable adults, for example under the Care Standards Act 2000, it continues to be required;
• It is an offence for a barred individual to seek or undertake a regulated activity, whether paid or unpaid, with children or vulnerable adults, or for an employer or organisation knowingly to allow a barred person to engage in a regulated activity, or to engage in a controlled activity without adequate supervision.
More information is on the ISA website and a summary of the guidance from the ISA can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/DCAISAguidance
Updated official financial guidance for charities
Four sets of financial guidance for charities in England and Wales, and their advisers, have been updated by the Charity Commission. The guides are
• Charities and Risk Management (CC26), updated to include current thinking in models for assessing risk.
• Financial Difficulties and Insolvency (CC12), updated but no new policy.
• Charities and reserves (CC19), new format with additional guidance for trustees.
• Internal Financial Controls (CC8), complete revision including new developments such as electronic banking arrangements.
All can be found online via the news item at http://tinyurl.com/DCACCfinancialguidance with pdf versions also available.
Update to “Tax exemptions for charities”
There has been an update to HM Revenue and Customs 'Tax exemptions for charities' guidance, with revised statutory references for the tax exemptions relating to charitable trusts and charitable companies.
http://tinyurl.com/DCAHMRCtax
Reporting trustee’s expenses in annual accounts
The Charity Commission have produced some guidance on reporting trustee’s expenses in annual accounts.
Trust and confidence in charities depends on their good governance and accountability. Sound internal controls underpin good governance and accountability is demonstrated through transparent financial reporting.
http://tinyurl.com/DCACCtrustee
Volunteer lawyers with LawWorks for Community Groups have written a range of legal information fact sheets, covering:
• Employment Law
• Corporate Structure and Charity Law
• Intellectual Property
• Data Protection.
www.lawworks.org.uk/?id=Usefulinformation
Looking at the skills of staff, management committee and volunteers is an important part of organisational development. It is also something that many organisations in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector feel they need support with.
Ladder4learning have prepared a useful briefing sheet which is available here: http://tinyurl.com/33eofrz
A new article from the American nonprofit software review site Idealware is 'A Few Good Tools for Online Data Backup'. US based examples, but which generally can be used internationally, and the issues are common: http://www.idealware.org/online_data_backup
New website on planning advice for communities
Planning Aid England, the charity which provides independent and professional planning advice to communities and individuals, has a new website at http://www.rtpi.org.uk/planningaid/ It gives information on what help is available, a guide to the planning system and a variety of resources.
Charity Builder “Getting your HR right”
Village and Community Halls – Counting the Cost
Skilling Up – Local Democracy and Partnerships
Public consultation on Dorset’s top priorities
From Dorset County Council:
“As you know we are in the public consultation phase of our revision to Shaping our future, the Dorset sustainable community strategy. Open house events are being held so that local residents can have their say on priorities in Dorset over the next 10 years:
• Wednesday 30 June, Corn Exchange, Dorchester, 1pm to 5pm
• Friday 2 July, Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne, 9am to 1pm.
We are still confirming suitable locations and dates in Wareham, Christchurch and Weymouth if they are required.”
If you are a medium-sized voluntary/community group or a social enterprise working in Dorset and you’re interested in tendering for work from the Public Sector, then this could be a valuable use of your time. You could learn what you need to know about commissioning and meet key people making decisions about where funding goes.
Dorset County Council in liaison with Business Link are hosting two 'Meet the Buyer' events over the coming months. The first event is being held at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Wednesday 7 July 2010, details of which, including how to register, is contained in the linked flyer. The second event will be at the Bovington Tank Museum on 15 September 2010.
As well as presentations on a number of relevant topics, there will be representatives in attendance from a number of local organisations including Dorset Community Action, DCC, the councils of Bournemouth and Poole and the PCT. Commissioning Managers from Adult & Community Services will also be available to discuss potential opportunities as a consequence of the 'Transforming Social Care' agenda.
A must-see Gurkha exhibition is coming to a town near you http://bit.ly/cyHUlx
9th July
A meeting for carers/families or those who are living with a Learning Disability from the BME communties, as well as professionals.
9th November in Exeter. Link to Flyer
Funding
Access our Funding pages here. They are continually updated during the month.
Representation
See the reports, diary of meetings and events from our Voice Project and all the Forums on the weblink www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/voice
Extra DCA E-bulletin No. 2 June 2010
This e-bulletin contains a single item about an important upcoming event.
Meet the buyer – Competing successfully for public sector contracts
If you are a medium-sized voluntary/community group or a social enterprise working in Dorset and you’re interested in tendering for work from the Public Sector, then this could be a valuable use of your time. You could learn what you need to know about commissioning and meet key people making decisions about where funding goes.
Dorset County Council in liaison with Business Link are hosting two 'Meet the Buyer' events over the coming months. The first event is being held at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Wednesday 7 July 2010, details of which, including how to register, is contained in the attached flyer. Follow this link. The second event will be at the Bovington Tank Museum on 15 September 2010.
As well as presentations on a number of relevant topics, there will be representatives in attendance from a number of local organisations including Dorset Community Action, DCC, the councils of Bournemouth and Poole and the PCT. Commissioning Managers from Adult & Community Services will also be available to discuss potential opportunities as a consequence of the 'Transforming Social Care' agenda.
Extra DCA E-bulletin June 2010
This e-bulletin contains a single press release from The Charity Commission which we are passing on urgently as requested. Follow this link : Commission warns of bogus telephone calls
In this issue:
News
What you need to know
Resources
Training
Events
News
Eric Pickles MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government as part of the UK’s new Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition Government.
Conservative MP Nick Hurd has been given the charities and the voluntary sector portfolio in the new administration as Minister for Civil Society.
Jeremy Hunt MP has been appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, The Conservative MP was previously the Tory Shadow Secretary for Culture.
Funding opportunity – Grassroots Grants
Does your community group need some extra cash to keep it going?
Are you involved with a voluntary group which wants to help people locally, but can’t find the funding?
Grassroots Grants is a grants scheme for voluntary and community groups which are tackling need and disadvantage in the community. Groups can apply for between £250—£5,000 to continue their work or set up a project.
To be eligible a group must have:—
• Income of less than £30,000 per year
• A constitution or set of rules
• A set of accounts for at least one year
There are a number of other rules, which are set out within the guidelines on their website www.cfbdp.org or if you are not sure if your group might be eligible, please speak to your DCA funding advisor—Chris Carman 01305 216413.
Mapping of sports clubs & community clubs with BME membership
Sporting Equals is working to establish the number and distribution of clubs with mainly black and minority ethnic (BME) membership via a questionnaire and supplementary consultation. In addition, they are attempting to identify the specific BME makeup of each of these clubs.
Sporting Equals has suggested that a BME club consists of 50% BME members, and/or 50% BME volunteers/coaches/management.
If you are involved in a club with a mainly black and minority ethnic membership please contact Helen Jones (helen.jones@kkp.co.uk ) or Shaheen Bi at Sporting Equals (shbi@sportingequals.org.uk) and they will send you a questionnaire.
The information collated will only be used for the purposes of the assessment and will be not be used for any commercial purpose.
The results of the research will be used to produce BME State of the Sector report outlining the regional demographics and detailing the findings for each region set against community sports clubs. The report will involve a comprehensive mapping exercise identifying the geographic distribution of BME clubs delivering sport and physical activity across England. It will help inform the sector and assist Sporting Equals and partners with future planning.
Funding Advice Service Evaluation
This is a reminder to those of you who have used DCA’s Funding Advice Service in the last year that we are carrying out an evaluation of the service. You should have received a survey form which needs to be returned to DCA by 4th June 2010.
For more information on the Funding Advice Service please see our Funding pages or contact Chris Carman 01305 216413
Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK. The Week plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, while inspiring others to get involved too.
To highlight this contribution, there is a burst of activity during 1-7 June when a host of organisations from the public, private and charity sectors will hold parties and award ceremonies to thank their volunteers and highlight their contribution to local groups and the wider community, while individuals are encouraged to use the Week to find out more about volunteering.
Everyone is invited to join this national celebration of volunteering, it's up to you to decide exactly how you join in.
If you are inspired by volunteering and would like to get involved in this national celebration there are lots of resources on the volunteer week website, to help you do just that!
http://www.volunteersweek.org.uk/Celebrating+volunteering
What you need to know
“Fit and proper” test for tax relief for charities
New procedures and forms to apply for recognition as a charity for tax purposes have been published on HM Revenue and Customs website, http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/tax/recognition.htm These are needed for an organisation to take advantage of tax reliefs and make tax repayment claims (if not already registered with HMRC). The guidance on the new 'fit and proper persons' test for those acting on behalf of the charity are not directly linked from that page, but are at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/guidance-notes/chapter2/fp-persons-test.htm
This new measure is designed to ensure that tax relief is not given to bogus charities and the power to carry out the test is available every time a charity hires a new trustee or senior manager. Since the new rules provide no definition of ‘fit and proper’, charities cannot be absolutely sure if they will qualify for tax relief.
HMRC are promising to strike a balance between protecting against fraud and not creating undue administration for charities. A spokesperson for HMRC has said that existing charities need do nothing unless they appoint a new person to submit tax returns or to claim repayments of tax on behalf of the charity.
The Equality Act 2010 was passed in April. The main provisions are expected to become law in October. It will replace all existing equality legislation.
The Act prohibits discrimination in the workplace and in the provision of goods, liabilities and services, replacing separate laws on discrimination around disability, gender, race etc. Regulations to be brought in later include a ban on age discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities, services and public functions (for 2012) and private and voluntary sector gender pay transparency regulations, in 2013 if required.
Does your group restrict who can benefit from its work? You might be affected.
From Sandy Adirondack: Legal Update:
“Charities will continue to be able to restrict benefits to people who share a protected characteristic, if this is in line with their charitable instrument. But under a new provision, they will be able to do this only if it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim (in other words, it can be objectively justified) or is intended to prevent or compensate for a disadvantage. "Charitable instrument" is generally interpreted as the governing document (constitution) or the terms of a restricted donation.
Current equality legislation allows charity governing documents to limit their beneficiaries to particular groups, except when defined by colour, without having to justify this restriction. The Charity Law Association is concerned about the potential implications of the new Equality Act provision, as it could put charities at risk of a claim if they cannot justify restricting services to people with a particular protected characteristic.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission's guidance, expected in June, is expected to look at this issue, and the Charity Commission has said it will issue supplementary guidance.”
More information is available at: http://www.sandy-a.co.uk/employment.htm#equality-act
From 1st October 2010, the adult minimum wage rate starts at age 21 rather than 22 and there is a new minimum wage for apprentices. The adult rate will be £5.93 per hour, with £4.92 per hour for 18 to 20 year olds and
£3.64 per hour for 16 to 17 year olds.
From Sandy Adirondack: Legal Update
“The Additional Paternity Leave Regulations 2010 give a new right to additional paternity leave (birth) in relation to babies expected on or after 3 April 2011. To be eligible the person must be the child's father or the husband/civil partner of the mother, must have or expect to have the main responsibility (apart from any responsibility of the mother) for bringing up the child, and must have been entitled to ordinary paternity leave from the employer (see below). The term 'fathers' as used below therefore refers to anyone eligible for the new leave and pay, regardless of their gender or whether they are actually the father.
Where a couple who are married or civil partners are adopting and one of them is entitled to statutory adoption leave, the other will be entitled to additional paternity leave (adoption) if they were entitled to ordinary paternity leave.”
More information at: http://www.sandy-a.co.uk/employment.htm#matpatpay
Small enough to be accessible, but full of useful info. Each booklet in the Future Focus series takes a complex issue and breaks it down into easily accessible chunks of information. It also has tips and suggestions that organisations can build into their planning. The series aims to help organisations to be more sustainable and more effective.
1. What will our funding be like in five years' time?
2. What will our volunteers be like in five years' time?
3. How will we use new technologies in five years' time?
4. How is local democracy changing?
5. How are social attitudes changing?
6. What will the UK population be like in 5 years' time?
7. What will campaigning be like in five years' time?
8. What will membership be like in five years' time?
The publications are available to download for free from http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/products-services/publications/future-focus-series
A series of podcasts that explore how non profit and charity chairs are helping their organisations and fellow board members deal with times of crisis and change. Unique insights for chairs as well as non profit and charity trustees. http://www.knowhownonprofit.org/leadership/governance/in-the-chair
10 Tactics for Turning Information Into Action
10 tactics provides original and artful ways for rights advocates to capture attention and communicate a cause.
http://www.informationactivism.org/
Dealing with difficult people in the workplace
Difficult people come in every variety and no workplace is without them.
Ladder4learning have prepared a useful briefing sheet which is available here: http://tinyurl.com/y48zvv2
Training
Managing risk, strategic planning, what Trustees need to know as their charity grows
Looking at levels of engagement, identifying expectations and planning for improved participation in partnership working
For Further Training Opportunities
Events
Improving Partnership Work in the Criminal Justice System
An Open Space Event with the support of
Clinks, Bournemouth CVS, Poole CVS, Dorset Community Action
and Dorset Probation Trust
Tuesday 8th June 2010
The Hub, Verwood
Registration at 09.30 for 10.00 start; finish at 3.00; lunch provided
This is an opportunity for partners to get together and start talking about joint working to improve outcomes for offenders, their families, and the wider community in Dorset.
This free event will be run using the Open Space process. Open Space is a way of organising a meeting so that there is maximum participation, energy and focus. Participants will be invited to create the agenda for the day by proposing topics that matter to them. Discussion groups will then form around each topic with participants free to move from group to group as their interest dictates. After the meeting the recommendations that have emerged will be circulated so that partners can immediately start to move ideas forward into action. We think that this event will be both enjoyable and productive and is not to be missed!
The event will be relevant to you if you are working in Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole within the following:
• A VCS organisation that works with offenders and their families or with victims;
• A local infrastructure organisation that supports the VCS, or a Volunteer Centre;
• A statutory agency that works with offenders and their families such as Dorset Probation Trust, HM Prisons, Youth Offending Team, Integrated Offender Management, Dorset Police, Courts Service, PCT, Children’s Services etc;
• A Community Safety Partnership or Criminal Justice Board.
The day will be led by Annette Zera, a very experienced Open Space facilitator. Please note that we are asking everyone who books a place to commit to staying for the whole day. Final confirmation and additional material for the day will be sent to participants a week before the event.
Places are limited, so please contact Laura Thompson, Clinks South West VCS Development Officer:
laura.thompson@clinks.org
‘Meet the Buyer’ events that will give voluntary and community sector organisations a chance to meet the people who commission services from the county council, find out about the commissioning process and the kinds of contracts that will be coming up in the future.
7th July – The Exchange, Sturminster Newton
15th September – Tank Museum, Bovington
More information will be coming your way soon
Equality Act explained - 24th June (Portland)
Equality South West course: What do employers need to do to prepare for the Equality Act 2010?
How does the Act affect organisations in the public, private and community sector?
What are the priorities in your area?
http://www.equalitysouthwest.org.uk/events/june-2010.html
Migrant Workers in the South West: Regional Action Plan Launch Event – 29th June (Taunton)
To launch the Regional Migrant Workers Action Plan and explore how best to implement the long-term objectives and to disseminate the findings of the Equality South West Migrant Workers Project. This event is for Public and Voluntary Agencies that work with or for migrant workers, or may do so in the future. The draft programme for the event can be found here: MW Programme
This event will be held at Somerset College of Arts and Technology, to book a place, complete and return the booking form; Booking Form
South West Regional Forum on Ageing Launch Conference – 15th June (Taunton)
This launch conference is for older people-led organisations and regional and local agencies who plan and deliver services. This is your opportunity to engage with and influence the work of the Forum by sharing your priorities and speaking to and hearing from key regional agencies.
For more information see the following documents :
Access our Funding pages here. They are continually updated during the month.
See the reports, diary of meetings and events from our Voice Project and all the Forums on the weblink www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/voice
In this issue:
News
What you need to know
Training
Events
News
We can all use this as an opportunity to think about what else our organisations could or should be doing to protect employees, volunteers, service users, and members of the public our organisations come into contact with.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_184594
From the NVCO website:
“Plans to remove the charity exemption from music licensing fees have been put on hold because there isn't enough time to change the law before the general election.
The change, which NCVO has been fighting, would allow licensing authority Phonographic Performance Limited to charge charities and community groups to play recorded music and radio stations in charity shops and at events.
It could cost the sector an estimated £20 million, politicians have warned.”
http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/news/ncvo/music-licensing-fee-change-put-hold
From the Wessex Charity Awards website:
The Wessex Charity Awards have been created by PAS Charity Recruitment to celebrate the outstanding work carried out by the staff and volunteers of charities in the Wessex Region.
The Wessex Charity Awards is a new initiative to honour the work undertaken by the charity sector in the Wessex region. We are inviting people to nominate the charity or individual, who they believe deserve recognition for outstanding work over the last 12 months.
Nominations are invited from charities based in the Wessex Region. A total of five Awards will be presented during the evening:
• Charity of the Year
• Chief Executive of the Year
• Fundraising Team of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Trustee Board of the Year
Individuals working within a charity, and also the general public, may make nominations
http://www.wessexcharityawards.co.uk/
A new online calendar aims to boost the fundraising potential of events by avoiding clashes with other high profile occasions. Due to launch on 12 May, Calendar Check will be devoted to national and local charity events, and allows visitors to search for competing events and upload their own for free.
Events can be searched by date range, charity and type both nationally and by region, and the site will also include an online directory of services and product suppliers which will be regionalised to tie in with particular events.
www.calendarcheck.co.uk
What You Need To Know
The Charity Commission has issued revised guidance for charities to ensure they are able to retain the essential quality of independence and use their voice effectively at election times. This guidance is for between the announcement of an election and the election itself.
http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Charity_requirements_guidance/Your_charitys_activities/Campaigning/elect.aspx
Gift aid – claiming time limits
The time limits for claiming gift aid have changed from 1st April 2010.
The rules are different for charitable trusts and all other charities as well as Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs).
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/gift_aid/reclaim.htm#7
Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults – the Vetting and Barring Scheme
Excerpts from the ISA website:
On 12 October 2009, increased safeguards called the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) were introduced to help protect children and vulnerable adults from harm by preventing those deemed to be ‘unsuitable’ from working with them.
To help implement the VBS a new public body called the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been created. The ISA is responsible for making decisions over who should be barred from working with vulnerable people and for maintaining two new barred lists (covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland) for the children and vulnerable adults’ sectors.
How employees and employers are affected
Obtaining ISA-registration is the employee’s responsibility. It is not a difficult or time consuming process and there is a one-off cost of £64 in England and Wales. In England and Wales, ISA-registration for unpaid volunteers is free.
There is a single registration form to complete, covering working with children and with vulnerable adults. Once successfully ISA-registered, an individual is registered for life in most cases and does not need to reapply.
Has the VBS started yet?
Yes, from October 2009 you must not knowingly employ in regulated activity, or use as a volunteer, a barred person.
What happens next?
From July 2010 all new employees and volunteers, and those moving jobs who want to work with children or vulnerable adults frequently or intensively can register with the ISA.
In general, from November 2010, all new employees and volunteers who want to work with children and vulnerable adults frequently or intensively in a wide variety of settings must be ISA-registered before they can start work. From then it will be illegal to employ people who are not ISA-registered.
From April 2011 people who are already working in regulated activity may apply for ISA registration.
This will happen in phases up to July 2015 and employers will tell people when they should join.
Working with the CRB
The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is responsible for processing applications for ISA-registration in England and Wales and for maintaining a list of those people from England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are registered with the Scheme. ISA registration will not replace the CRB disclosure process, but represents an extra level of safeguarding.
For more information on registering and how this will affect you and your organisation:
http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/
LawWorks Community Groups project
Initial Electronic Advice is a free, automatic web-based system which provides brief legal information in response to straightforward legal queries. It is designed to assist not for profit organisations and individuals who cannot afford to pay for solicitors privately.
LawWorks is an independent charity and is the working name of the Solicitor’s Pro Bono Group. The charity exists to encourage and support solicitors to carry out pro bono work (for free), and runs several projects to encourage solicitors to do this, and to provide free legal support to individuals, communities and small voluntary organisations who are unable to afford or access legal advice.
The main areas they cover are: advertising, banking, building and construction, charity, clinical negligence, commercial, company, competition, construction, consumer, consumer credit, contract, corporate, crime, debt, education, employment, energy, environment, EU, family, health and safety, housing, immigration, insolvency, insurance, intellectual property, IT, landlord and tenant, mental health, mortgages, data protection, finance, insurance, pensions, personal injury, planning, property, public law, small claims, tax, telecoms, trust, welfare, wills and probate.
You can see more information on the charity itself on its website – www.lawworks.org.uk
Training
Basic Finance for Charities and Voluntary Organisations
Events
From the Fossil festival website: 'Dead... and Alive!' will celebrate the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. Lyme Regis is one of the best places along the Jurassic Coast to explore modern biodiversity and the conservation of rare habitats, the history of life on our planet and the links between biodiversity and geodiversity. They must necessarily all be woven together if we are to fully understand our natural heritage.
The Fossil Festival is a fascinating fusion of science and art. We think fossils are the bee’s knees (although fossilised bee’s knees would be very wee indeed), but if you have yet to get the bug, you won’t leave the Festival without it.
http://www.fossilfestival.com/home
This conference is for you if:
• You work in the Health, Social Care or Arts sector and would like to learn more about partnership projects and network.
• You are committed to providing Dorset resident’s with the best care possible.
• You have no prior knowledge of ‘Arts, Health and Wellbeing’ practice but would like the opportunity to learn more OR You have been involved in ‘Arts, Health and Wellbeing’ projects and would like to help generate more in Dorset.
For more information click here
Dorset Strategic Partnership Annual Conference
Official notice is still to be given but the Dorset Strategic Partnership Annual Conference will take place on:
Monday 18th October 2010 - from approximately 9:30am – 1:30pm. More information as we hear it!
Funding
Access our Funding pages here. They are continually updated during the month.
Representation
See the reports, diary of meetings and events from our Voice Project and all the Forums on the weblink www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/voice
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