As a trustee of a small charity, one of your duties is to protect your charity and its assets and resources. Buying insurance is one of the ways that you can help fulfil this responsibility.

This article answers some frequently asked questions about arranging insurance for small charities. The government website also provides helpful guidance.

The following article will cover:

• What should I consider before buying your insurance?
• Do I need to be a registered charity to buy insurance?
• What are our legal obligations for charity insurance?
• Does my charity need Public Liability cover?
• What other covers do I need to consider?
• Why do some insurers ask for risk assessments to be completed?

Click here for the full article.

On 11 May the government published the Procurement Bill. The bill aims to improve regulation of public procurement – the process central and local government go through to source and purchase goods, works or services.

Procurement is one part of a wider commissioning process that many charities engage with to deliver support to people across a range of areas from criminal justice to social care. In 2018/19, charities delivered £15.8 billion worth of public services on behalf of the government – a full quarter of the voluntary sector’s income.

The bill could have tangible implications for charities that currently deliver public services, as well as those that may wish to in the future.

Click here for the full information on the NCVO website.

From NAVCA:

Banking is a fundamental requirement for the voluntary sector, yet a growing number of charities are struggling to find banking services that meet their needs.

Over 1200 voluntary organisations responded to a survey commissioned by the Civil Society Group between March and May 2022. The results have produced a wealth of detailed information about the issues charities are facing. This Briefing is the first in a series that will cover the wide range of issues identified. 

Briefing No.1 explores four key messages that connect all respondents’ experiences:

1. Services that charities need are increasingly unavailable 
2. Services that are available are not suited to the way that charities operate 
3. Charities often encounter poor customer service 
4. Online banking is not designed for or accessible to charities

Click here for the full briefing.

A free two-month online course for mental health organisations who want to jump start their communications strategy.

Media Trust’s Headlining Mental Health programme supports UK mental health organisations to strengthen their strategic communications so they can increase their visibility and reach, challenge stigma and get their voices heard.

The programme includes:

• Three live online training workshops delivered by a specialist trainer, with templates to complete
• Three live online support clinics with industry experts after every session
• Peer networking which will allow you to meet people from organisations across the UK and work together
• A bonus masterclass from Creative Agency Few and Far on free ways to optimise your website

Click here to find out more.

Sent on behalf of Health and Safety Executive:

Employers must make sure there is adequate ventilation in enclosed areas of their workplace.

Watch our video which sets out the key advice for providing adequate fresh air at work.

Our web pages also give advice on improving ventilation in the workplace. The pages include a look at:

• why ventilation is so important
• how to improve ventilation
• how to keep temperatures comfortable in ventilated workplaces

We also have some specific examples of improving ventilation