New Member of Staff at
WNVCA
Sue Gardner has joined us to cover Michelle Johnson’s Maternity
Leave. She will be responsible for the Finance and Administration team.
She will also be your link for any information you may wish us to
distribute through our paper and email newsletters. Sue can be contacted
on (01553) 760568 or
sue@westnorfolkvca.org.
Charity Commission updates risk guidance
The Charity Commission has
issued updated guidance setting out the risks charities face in carrying
out fundraising activities.
Charities and Fundraising
outlines the governance, financial, legal, operational and reputational
risks trustees should be aware of and advises them to compile written
risk-management plans.
The guidance, which was last updated in April 2008 and has been
rewritten, also explains how the self-regulation of fundraising fits
with the commission’s regulation of charity law. It provides information
on self-regulatory bodies such as the
Institute
of Fundraising and the
Fundraising
Standards Board as well as codes of fundraising practice.
Rosie Chapman, executive director of policy and effectiveness at the
commission, said: "Fundraising is a key source of income for many
charities. To ensure continued donations and public trust and confidence
in their work, it is important that trustees are aware of both their
legal responsibilities and good practice when carrying out fundraising
activities."
For the Charity Commission website, go to: www.charitycommission.gov.uk
Norfolk Unite
Norfolk Unite is an online directory and funding information site
for the VCS in Norfolk. The directory allows you to find possible
partners, referrals or support by location, service users or service
type. The funding page lists funding opportunities and gives
organisations the opportunity to advertise for funding application
partners. Organisations signed up to the Directory receive funding news
specific to them, as well as putting them on the radar for people using
the Directory to find a specific service or type of organisation.
The directory can be found here:
http://www.norfolkunites.org.uk/directory/member/.
Emergency Budget: Small
businesses and charities
On the changes to corporation tax, the fiscal support for small and
medium sized businesses that make up the construction and craft
industries was a sole bright spark. Not only are these organisations
vital in their local economies, but they have the knowledge and skills
to maintain and repair the historic buildings that make up the
distinctive quality of place we enjoy in our cities, towns and villages.
Similarly supporting job creation, a three year scheme will exempt new
businesses in targeted areas from a proportion of National Insurance
Contributions payments, for each of the first ten employees hired in
their first year of business.
Buried on page 52, the Government announces it will continue to explore
with voluntary sector representatives ways to improve the Gift Aid
system and encourage charitable giving. It will replace the current
rules on substantial charity donors, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and
Customs will consult informally on draft clauses in the summer, with a
view to publishing final legislation in the autumn. A possible
VAT exemption for charities working in
partnership will be put out for formal consultation in the autumn.
Voluntary Sector
Training
Voluntary Sector Training is pleased to be able to offer the
Lantra Level 3 Award in Volunteer Management which is suitable for
anyone who manages volunteers either in a voluntary or paid capacity.
For more information telephone 01371 876747 or look at website:
www.voluntarysectortraining.org.uk
Community Network Group
Meeting
The next Community Network Group Meeting will be held at James
Bradfield Primary School, Stoke Ferry on Thursday 29th July
from 4-6pm. This meeting is open to anyone working in a voluntary or
community group who would like to meet other like minded people, share
news and concerns in an informal setting. No need to book, just turn up
and the event is free of charge. For more information contact either
Jackie Squires, Rural Partnership Officer on 01553 616657 or Maxine
Fiander, Development Manager on 01553 760568.
Vetting
and Barring Scheme (VBS) halted for review
Registration with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS),
which aims to protect children and vulnerable adults by preventing those
who pose a known risk from working with them, has been halted by the
Coalition Government. In a statement, the Home Office said the scheme
had been stopped “to allow the Government to remodel the scheme back to
proportionate, common sense levels”. Voluntary registration with the VBS
for new employees and job-movers working or volunteering with children
and vulnerable adults was due to start on 26 July. This registration has
now been stopped. For more information go to
www.direct.gov.uk
Raising
Participation and the New Realism
With support from Aimhigher Norfolk this
one day Conference on Wednesday 7th July 9am – 4pm will
highlight the challenges and opportunities that exist as we work
together to improve learning and training for Norfolk’s young people in
the new political and economic era.
Presenters will include: Lisa Christensen, Director of Children’s
Services, Norfolk County Council. There will be a focus on Norfolk’s
developing approach to 14-19 Strategy. Workshop sessions will include
topics such as: Personal Tutoring; the online Prospectus and Common
Application Process; Foundation Learning and Apprenticeships.
Cost: Free to Norfolk
employers and representatives of all Norfolk schools, colleges and
learning providers. Refreshments, lunch and conference pack will be
available. Otherwise £140 per delegate.
Booking:
Please email Marion Nobbs marion.nobbs@norfolk.gov.uk
to reserve your place. Further details including joining
instructions and workshop choices will be provided for delegates prior
to the Conference
The King's Lynn
Festival Chorus - Monday 19th July
The King's Lynn Festival Chorus [KLFC] are currently preparing for
our Summer concert, with the English Chamber Orchestra, at this year's
King's Lynn Festival. This will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 19th July at
the Corn Exchange.
Note for your diary
WNVCA AGM and
Conference
This years AGM and conference will be held at the Professional
Development Centre in King’s Lynn on Tuesday 5th October.
Your invitation will be sent to you soon. The conference will have a
funding theme this year, so make sure you book your place early.