Here is summary of VCSE sector news (from May) that we think will be of interest to your organisation.

A post by NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action) on 2^nd May 2024 highlights how the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector has an important role to drive change. This relies on effective support structures which bring community organisations together, build capacity, foster partnerships, and provide leadership.  It says that together we need to focus on holistic delivery, co-design of services and support, working with communities, strategy development and improving clarity of outcomes.

Small Charity Week

To help celebrate the work of your charity and get the most out of Small Charity Week, from 24^th to 28^th June, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has launched a campaign resource pack which includes templates and graphics. Throughout June 2024 they are offering free NCVO membership for small charities with an annual turnover of £50,000 or less.  Click here to explore NCVO’s Small Charity Week website.  The second Norfolk Small Charities Showcase will be held on Saturday 22^nd June 2024 in Norwich with promotional stalls and workshops. Find out more here.

No rural community left behind

Action With Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have launched ‘No Rural Community Left Behind’. It outlines 32 policy recommendations for the next government. It is hoped that this will trigger a debate about what it means to represent rural communities in 2024.  ACRE claims that for too long governments have overlooked the challenges facing rural residents, including diminishing public services, inadequate infrastructure, and housing which has become increasingly unaffordable, resulting in hidden poverty and ageing communities.  CAN, as Norfolk’s ACRE Network Member, will be sharing this with prospective parliamentary candidates in Norfolk.

National Living Wage

The National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) was increased to £11.44 per hour on 1^st April 2024.  The Low Pay Commission (LPC) are currently consulting on the impacts of this change, as well as a further potential increase in April 2025 to a National Living Wage rate between £11.61 and £12.18 (estimated to be £11.89).  The commission wants to understand whether these rises are affordable for organisations and how they affect operations and staffing.  Full details of the LPC’s consultation can be seen here.

Jobs and salaries

According to the CharityJob Salary Report 2024 the average charity sector salary increased by 4% last year. However, despite positive salary trends, nearly 6 in 10 respondents are likely to move jobs within the next year. This is primarily for better pay.  The report reveals a changing recruitment market, with more active candidates and fewer available jobs.

Telecoms changes

The network which landline phone calls have traditionally been delivered over – the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – is, according to Ofcom, becoming harder and more expensive to maintain and needs to be replaced.  BT has decided to retire its PSTN by December 2025. Other providers using BT’s network will follow the same timescale and other companies with their own networks following suit.  Telecoms providers are also investing in new systems – for example, upgrading old copper-based broadband lines to full-fibre. This change will impact organisations of all types who rely on a landline service.

In case you missed it

The Charity Commission has shared early findings from its annual sector survey. This reveals that 42% of trustees surveyed said their charity experienced poor service from their banks in the last 12 months. This is an issue that ACRE, CAN and others are championing at both local and national level.

Follow us on social media for more VCSE sector news updates. We also run a series of workshops and training events to support your charity. Have a look at what’s coming up here.