‘No deal’ European Social Fund technical notice
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has issued a technical notice on the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the government’s ‘no deal’ EU exit preparations.
After March 2019 if there’s no deal, UK organisations would be unable to access EU funding for ESF projects. This notice outlines that ESF projects that would have been funded by the EU under the 2014-2020 programme period will be guaranteed, and that projects will continue to be signed after EU Exit until programme closure.
European Social Fund – what next?
The NCVO/ERSA European Social Fund working group is gathering evidence to inform our response to the government’s forthcoming UK Shared Prosperity Fund consultation. To ensure we make a strong case for replacing ESF funding post-Brexit, we need case studies, data and research that highlight how positively impact:
- the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged groups
- the economic agenda, eg by reducing strain on Jobcentre Plus and other services
- the employability of those furthest from employment opportunities,
or demonstrate:
- multi-agency and/or multi-sector partnerships
- programmes that effectively foster innovation
- the value of either long-term and short-term funding.
If you’re able help, please contact me by 17.00 on 17 October.
Council spending analysis
A new report from the National Policy Institute has broken down the geographic spread of council spending. The report puts the reduction in council spending into context and analyses some of the consequences of austerity. It is useful for understanding the changing environment in which the voluntary sector is operating, particularly in regards to increased demand. The report highlights a shift away from preventive spending towards crisis spending, and shows that 97% of the reduction in spending has occurred in the most deprived fifth of local areas.
Free webinar: Fundraising Code of Practice changes
The Fundraising Regulator are updating the Fundraising Code of Practice to make it easier to use. Gerald Oppenheim and Stephen Service from the Fundraising Regulator will take part in an NCVO webinar at 15.00 on 26 September to talk through the proposed changes. Register for the webinar here.
Income diversification toolkit for NCVO members
On our Knowhow website, we have published a three-step DIY process to explore realistic options in diversifying your organisation’s income and creating an action plan to get there. Presented in a downloadable and editable Word doc (sign-in to access), you can work through this on your own, but we find it works well as team process to make the most of ideas and foresee issues.
Society lotteries
NCVO has responded to the government consultation on society lotteries reform. We have expressed support for proposals to increase the maximum amount lotteries can raise, provided they are accompanied by increased transparency and regulation. For a breakdown of the debate around society lotteries, and a summary of NCVO’s position, read Elizabeth Chamberlain’s blog post.
Follow the Money
Leading ethical bank Charity Bank has launched a campaign to encourage charities, businesses and individuals to move some of their savings or reserves to an ethical provider.
The campaign, launched a decade after the global financial crisis, will see 38 of the charities and social enterprises supported by Charity Bank loans open their doors to showcase how money saved with an ethical provider can have a positive impact on society. Find out more on the Follow the Money website.
Social investment in the North
Good Finance and VONNE are holding a one-day event in Newcastle for organisations to learn about and meet social investors. The event, Good Finance Live is being held on 27 September, and you can register for free here.
Joint Charity Commission-HMRC portal scrapped
Plans to create a joint registration portal for charities, shared between HMRC and the Charity Commission, have been shelved. The portal, which was announced in 2013 and delayed several times, will no longer be taken forward. This means charities will continue to have to register with HMRC and the Charity Commission separately.
Update from Funding Central
Tampon Tax Community Fund
The Tampon Tax Community Fund was opened for applications on 17 September. The fund is being delivered locally across the UK through a partnership between the UK Community Foundations and its local community members.
The Fund aims to support women and girls who are most marginalised to overcome barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their potential. The programme will invest in a wide variety of projects that meet one or more of the following objectives:
- Building skills and confidence
- Improving health
- Building social networks
Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 are being made available with applications accepted up to 26 October 2018.
Find out more about this fund including eligibility criteria on Funding Central.
Digital Inclusion fund
The Government’s New Digital Inclusion Fund has opened for applications
Charities and not for profit organisations supporting or aiming to support older and / or disabled people living in England with essential digital skills can apply now for a grant of between £50,000 and £200,000
The fund is being administered by Citizens Online with funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Citizens Online are ‘digital inclusion experts, who have worked in over 50 communities across the UK since 2000.’
Applications will be accepted until midday 1 October 2018 so if this if for you you’ll need to be quick. We’ve got full details on Funding Central
To find out more about these funds; to search for thousands of other local, regional, national and European funding opportunities and to receive our weekly funding updates visit Funding Central.
Training and events
Enterprisingly charitable – 11 October, London
This course will take a practical look at all the elements that need to be considered when starting up an enterprise within the context of a charity.
Writing successful bids – 12 October, Manchester
This course will teach you the key tactics to make your bid stand out.
NCVO/BWB Trustee Conference 2018: Good governance, great organisations – 5 November, London
Join us as we explore the key principles of good governance and how to embed them across your organisation.
Financial intelligence for trustees – 30 November, London
This course will help you to review and assess financial information, improving your ability to monitor resources, articulate impact and make better decisions.
James was a Trainee Policy Officer at NCVO until February 2019. His primary area of work is funding and finance, including providing secretariat support for the Charity Tax Commission. He also works on safeguarding EU funding post-Brexit. 
