 |
 |
||
Bulletin Contents - 4 August 2008Basics on Contracts of Employment Faith Groups and Sector Support Influencing the Legislative Process |
||
|
||
Community Spaces GrantsCommunity Spaces has opened its doors to the eagerly awaited large and flagship grants. Grants of between £50,000 and £450,000 are now up for grabs for community groups wanting to improve green and open spaces in their neighbourhoods. The launch of the large and flagship grants means that groups are now able to expand their horizons further and apply for bigger pots of money to create and re-vamp green spaces. The larger grants will be distributed on a competitive basis and only four large grants (£50,000 - £100,000) and one flagship grant (£100,001 - £450,000) will be allocated in each English region. There is only one opportunity to apply for a large or flagship grant and deadlines have been set for January 2009. As with small and medium grants, there is a two-stage application process and applicants successful at stage 1 will be allocated a Facilitator to support the development of their project. Community Spaces is looking to fund groups with innovative, practical and sustainable ideas that will benefit areas in need of physical improvement. Possible large and flagship projects may include canal side improvements, cycle path routes, nature reserves, woodlands or city farms. Community Spaces has been open for small and medium (£10,000 - £49,999) since March 2008 and has so far received over 200 applications. Small and medium grants will continue to be available on a rolling basis until 2011. More information about grants from Community Spaces and application packs can be found at: www.community-spaces.org.uk or via the Advice Line 0845 3 671 671. Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire have a number of staff members who are available to help applicants develop their projects at Stage 2. There is a section in the initial application form to request this support which is free of charge. Applicants will then be signposted to the relevant facilitator for further support on issues such as biodiversity and planning. |
||
|
||
VAT on Challenge EventsHM Revenue and Customs has confirmed that the VAT exemption for fundraising activities is likely not to apply when accommodation (for example, for fundraising holidays, challenge events) is involved. See Sandy Adirondack's Legal Update: www.sandy-a.co.uk/managing.htm#vat-challenge or for the full details section 10 (page 32) of the latest Notice 701/1 (pdf, 363KB). |
||
|
||
Basics on Contracts of EmploymentRecently updated by personnel professionals’ body CiPD is a factsheet giving introductory guidance on Contracts of Employment. |
||
|
||
Community Transport PermitsConsultation on two sets of draft Regulations to implement the provisions in the Local Transport Bill on community transport permits, allowing greater flexibility over vehicle size and the payment of drivers of community buses. Closing date 17th October, www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/communitytransportpermits |
||
|
||
Faith Groups and Sector Support'Believing in Local Action', a report commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local Government, shows through seven case studies what can be achieved through faith organisations and local infrastructure organisations (such as Councils for Voluntary Service) working together. It also gives seven actions to help develop more successful partnership working. Published by Church Urban Fund with LIO umbrella body NAVCA, see news item at www.navca.org.uk/news/believing.htm or download full report or summary from www.navca.org.uk/publications/believing/ |
||
|
||
Children's Arts ManifestoAction for Children's Arts, the umbrella body for arts organisations working for and with children, has launched the first 'Manifesto for Children's Arts'. See www.childrensarts.org.uk or download the manifesto (pdf, 76KB) from www.childrensarts.org.uk/images/M_pdfs/manifesto.pdf. (Source: Voluntary Arts Network) |
||
|
||
Influencing the Legislative ProcessHansard Society, the parliamentary democracy organisation, has published a report analysing the influences and elements that come together in making an act of Parliament, including the role of the media, voluntary organisations, professional associations and other outside factors. 'Law in the Making: Influence and Change in the Legislative Process' found that input from such groups and individuals can have an impact on the legislation but it varies. Plaza Publishing news alert at www.charityfinance.co.uk/home/content.php?id=2103 or Hansard Society hansardsociety.org.uk |
||
|
||
Red Nose Grants DeadlineThe next deadline to apply for Red Nose Day Programmes grants over £5,000 is 15th August. During 2005 to 2008, the six programme areas are Young people, Older People, Mental Health, Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Domestic Violence, and Disadvantaged Communities. www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/uk/ (Source: SLCVO Community Toolkit) |
||
|
||
Representative and Participative Local Democracy'Votes and Voices; the complementary nature of representative and participative democracy' brings together nine essays from prominent people in local government, the voluntary sector and academia. Jointly published by third sector umbrella NCVO and the Local Government Association, it recognises the need for both representative and participative forms of democracy locally and that local government and voluntary sector organisations need to be at the forefront of discussions in how this can improve. NCVO news release at www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/press/releases/?id=9900, or download (pdf, 344KB, Acrobat v8) at www.lga.gov.uk/lga/aio/840089 |
||
|
||
Charities on YouTubeVoluntary organisations in the UK, as well as the US, have access to video sharing site YouTube's Non-profit programme, with increased uploading capacity and access to Promoted Videos areas. More details at uk.youtube.com/nonprofits. (From Charity Web Forum list) |
||
|
||
Regional Policy and Partnerships Manager Vacancy£25,875 - £34,735 pa based in Nottingham As the largest distributor of National Lottery funding, it’s up to the Big Lottery Fund to make sure this money has a positive effect on communities across the country. They are currently delivering an average of £2 million each day, putting us in a position to have a real impact on people’s lives across the East Midlands. Your role will be to help us develop and co-ordinate regional policy relating to funding programmes. You’ll carry out research, produce regional intelligence papers, manage resources and liaise with a whole range of partners and stakeholders. You’ll also take a lead on outreach and development planning for our programmes. You will need experience in a policy environment, but you should also have good negotiation skills and a talent for influencing people. The ability to undertake research, give effective presentations and manage a small team will also be essential. For further information and to apply on line, please visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk quoting BIG 08/088. Closing date: Wednesday 20 August 2008. |
||
|
||
|
||
 |
||
