The UK Social Enterprise Awards celebrate organisations that transform lives and communities. This event unites businesses that put people and the planet first, reflecting on their achievements over the past year.

The Awards are the highlight of the social enterprise calendar, showcasing stories of impact and innovation.

This year, the ceremony will be on 26 November at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London – a top arts venue dedicated to nurturing creativity and emerging talent.

Visit website: UK Social Enterprise Awards

Provided by GOV.UK

If you operate a Charitable Company, a Company Limited by Guarantee, or a Community Interest Company, these changes may affect you. Please refer to the information below from GOV.UK,

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act received royal assent on 26 October 2023.   

The act introduces the biggest changes to Companies House since corporate registrations were established in 1844. We’ll have the power to play a far more significant role in tackling economic crime, supporting economic growth, and making sure the UK is one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.  

Over time, the measures will lead to improved transparency and more accurate and trusted information on our registers. This will drive confidence in the UK economy, increasing the value of the register for businesses and citizens across the UK and beyond. 

The measures include: 

• introducing identity verification for all new and existing registered company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and those who file on behalf of companies  
• broadening our powers to become a more active gatekeeper over company creation and more reliable data 
• more reliable and accurate financial information on the register, which reflects the latest advancements in digital technology and enables better business decisions 
• providing Companies House with more effective enforcement powers, and increasing our ability to share relevant information with partners 
• enhancing the protection of personal information to protect individuals from fraud and other harms 

This act builds on the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act, which introduced the Register of Overseas Entities in August 2022. Together, both acts are a major step forward in tackling economic crime and improving corporate transparency.  

Changes at a glance – Changes to UK company law Companies House changes

At the Charity Times Annual Conference 2025, Charity Commission Chief Executive David Holdsworth gave a speech titled “Shine your light”.

He spoke about the challenges charities face, such as funding issues and maintaining public trust. He encouraged charities to be open, honest, and strong in their leadership, and to keep making a positive difference in their communities.

Read more: ‘Shine your light’: responding to challenges facing the charity sector – GOV.UK

After some delay, the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act) finally came into force in February 2025. The Act represents a fundamental shift in how public sector contracts are procured and managed. Charities are advised to dust off their procurement manuals (or perhaps create them for the first time!) and prepare for a new era in public sector contracting.

This article provides a snapshot to help charities navigate this new landscape.

Read more: Interesting Insight – Article about The Procurement Act 2023

Preventing Charity Fraud week is 25 November – 29 November. The aim is to raise awareness and how to tackling fraud and cybercrime by raising awareness and sharing good practice. 

The Preventing Charity Fraud website includes resources to help you understand the risks and get the tools to better protect your charity from fraud and cybercrime.

https://preventcharityfraud.org.uk/awareness-week/

The Charity Commission have published guidance that explains the importance of having a social media policy. Use the checklist to help you develop a policy, or to check your existing one.

Click here for the guidance.

From 4-8 November, Trustees’ Week shines a light on the dedication and leadership of trustees across the UK who help charities thrive. This week honours their commitment and expertise, which are vital to guiding organisations and making a lasting the community.

Join in celebrating these achievements!

Trustees’ Week also provides a chance to connect, share experiences, and learn about becoming a trustee.  Whether you’re an existing trustee or interested in becoming one, Trustees’ Week offers events, training sessions, and guidance to help you develop your skills and deepen your understanding of the role.

Find out more and click the link below:

Trustees Week – Showcasing the work of charity trustees

Why not Test your knowledge as a trustee – Take the Trustee Quiz

Deadline 23rd November 2024

The Windrush Day Grant Scheme is part of the Government’s effort to build stronger communities where people of different religions, cultures, and views are respected and celebrated. It is based on shared values like tolerance, freedom, and equal opportunities for everyone.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is offering up to £500,000 in grant funding to support a new cohort of impactful and ambitious projects across England and Northern Ireland.

There are two tiers of funding available:
Tier 1: smaller projects, of a value between £5,000 and £24,999
Tier 2: larger projects, of a value between £25,000 and £50,000

Click here for further information.

The government announced on September 10th a new nationwide training program for neighbourhood policing, developed by the College of Policing. This program aims to enhance the skills of police officers to better address local community issues more effectively.

The government has also pledged more community support officers and special constables patrolling streets and town centres.

Click link to read more: Government kick-starts plan to restore neighbourhood policing – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Don’t Miss Out: Enter the Benefact Group’s £1,000 Charity Draw!

The fifth £1,000 draw of the year is just around the corner! Make sure to get your nominations in by midnight on Sunday, 22nd September to give your favourite charity a chance to win.

50 winning charities will be announced on the Benefact Group’s website on Friday, 27th September. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to support a cause close to your heart!

Click link to find out more: Our next £1,000 draw is fast approaching… (campaigner.com)