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 29^th 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 7^th 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 5^th 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.