Charity Update - 12 January 2021
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Welcome to the latest issue of Fieldfisher's Charity Update.
As you would expect there continues to be a strong Covid-19 theme to this issue, with updated guidance on volunteering, fundraising, holding meetings and avoiding fraud during the pandemic. There are also articles on additional Government funding and Brexit gets a mention, with a new Civil Society Forum to be created as part of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. There's some informative research for charities with pension scheme deficits and we view the research showing a charity sector innovation boom as a positive.
Neil Palmer
9 January 2021
UK Government announces expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme with the view of boosting coronavirus recovery
The expansion of the scheme will help to unlock over £800 million for communities across the UK. The funding raised will enable continued support for good causes, social investments and environmental initiatives.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, HM & Office for Civil Society
8 January 2021
Updates made to the government volunteering guidance due to the latest lockdown
Please find in full the latest changes to the 'Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (Covid-19)' guidance here.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
7 January 2021
The Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising call for fundraising to cease in certain areas
Due to the tighter Covid-19 restrictions, the FR and the CIF advise that any charity fundraising involving contact with members of the public cease where the highest levels of restrictions apply. See the full statement here.
The Fundraising Regulator
6 January 2021
Charity sector innovation boom set to last beyond the pandemic
New research from Pro Bono Economics, the CFG and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising shows that charities expect to continue their rapid shift towards digital working and collaboration in 2021. The report shows they will build on the innovation they have displayed in response to the Covid-19 crisis, even as the pandemic itself begins to retreat.
Charity Finance Group
24 December 2020
A Civil Society Forum is to be created as part of the Brexit Deal
Article 8 of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement states that a forum made up of both UK and EU civil society organisations, as well as NGOs and other relevant groups will meet at least once a year. The Civil Society Forum will conduct a dialogue on the implementation of this Agreement.
UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
23 December 2020
Government announces £7.5 million funding to tackle loneliness during winter
The funding will target sectors that bring people and communities together including the arts, libraries, charities and radio. The £7.5 million will provide relief to those most at risk of loneliness during the pandemic. This announcement follows the £4 million Local Connections Fund which was introduced earlier in December 2020.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Office for Civil Society
22 December 2020
Updates to the Covid-19 Guidance to the charity sector
Updates have been made to the sections about meetings in England and holding AGMs and meetings online or by telephone. The insolvency help section has also been updated. A new section called 'Mergers and collaborative working' has been added to the guidance.
The Charity Commission
17 December 2020
A new survey shows charitable foundations support simplifying financial reporting for small charities
The ACF, Scottish Grantmakers and Philanthropy Ireland have produced a report revealing that 59% of respondents felt they would like to see "simplifications for smaller charities but within one overall SORP".
Association of Charitable Foundations
16 December 2020
Fraud Advisory Panel produce a new guide to help keep charities safe from fraud during the pandemic
The FAP, Cancer Research UK, the Charity Commission, the Charity Finance Group, the National Cyber Security Centre and Small Charities Coalition have all come together to publish a scam protection 'Help Sheet' for charities.
Fraud Advisory Panel
11 December 2020
The Charity Commission Research pension scheme deficits
The Charity Commission has researched charities with pension scheme deficits. Read the summary of findings here.
The Charity Commission