Over the past few months, the Charity Commission has introduced a number of key changes to the legislation. 

The most recent changes took effect from 7^th March and include:

1. Changes to the way that charities can make changes to their governing documents.
2. The provisions required for selling, leasing and disposing of land.
3. Changes to the way that funds are handled when part of a charity merger.

Not every charity will be affected by these changes, but as trustees, its important to stay informed about any legislative changes and to understand the potential impact on your charity.

We appreciate that these changes are complex but to help you understand we’ve provided links for further information, and as always our team at DCA is available to offer advice and support, so don’t hesitate to contact us in the usual ways. 

Charities Act 2022: information about the changes being introduced - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Charities Act 2022 - the third phase is here! | Bates Wells

Over the past year, the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a major theme for national discussion and debate, including within the charity sector.   

The Charity Commission have recently published a useful blog.

Whether you are a trustee already using AI, are planning to do so or don’t yet know how it might be useful, it is important that you are aware of the opportunities and risks involved. The key consideration is that AI should be used responsibly in a way that furthers your charity’s purposes.  

With a general election likely to take place this year, it is important to be aware of the rules around charities, campaigning and political activity. 

ACEVO and NCVO have put together some useful guidance around charity campaigning law, electoral law and more. You can read the full guidance here. 

Lloyds Bank Foundation have also produced a useful guide for small charities, which you can read here.

The latest date that a general election can take place is 28 January 2025.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13th to 19th May, on the theme of "Movement: Moving more for our mental health".

Look out for more information coming on our social media pages in the coming weeks. 

Join the Mental Health Foundation on Thursday 16th May during Mental Health Awareness Week and help turn the world green for good mental health!

Organise a 'Wear it Green Day' in your school, workplace or community and help to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health.

By going green, you can support vital research and delivering programmes for different communities.

There are resources available to run your event, whether you’re holding a quiz at work, baking some treats for your family or holding a scavenger hunt at your school.

Statement of Licensing Policy

Have your say on the review of our Statement of Licensing Policy, which we must legally update at least every five years.

Consultation on our Statement of Licensing Policy

Closing Date: 3rd May

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A Long Term Plan for Spennymoor

We want to hear your views about Spennymoor to help develop a new long term plan for the town and how we can best use government funding.

Consultation on a long term plan for Spennymoor

Closing Date: 31st May

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Community Water Fluoridation Expansion in the North East of England

The Government are consulting on a proposal to request the relevant water companies to enter into new fluoridation arrangements, and to vary existing agreements, in order to expand community water fluoridation schemes across the north east of England. This is because of significant and long-standing inequalities in the region and is part of the government's plan to improve dental health.

Gov.uk: community water fluoridation expansion in the north east of England

Closing Date: 17 June 2024

Charity Digital are in the final few weeks of collecting reponses  for the Charity Digital Skills Survey.

This initiative serves as a critical tool for identifying the digital needs, strengths, and aspirations of charities.

By participating, you’ll be contributing valuable insights that directly influence the support and resources developed for the sector.

Closing Date: 26th April

Millfield House Foundation is a small grant maker with a proud history of investing in activity to address the root causes of poverty and inequity in the North East.

With poverty and inequity on the increase and an annual grant budget of just £220,000 they want to make every penny count. They take a relational approach to grant-making and give their funded ‘Strategic Partners’ the space and time to work on these complex issues, and that won’t change.

However, as trustees embark on their five-yearly Strategic Review they would value the input from others in the region (and outside) on the following:

• What are the root causes of poverty and inequity in our region in 2024?
• Where are the gaps in current regional policy activity and what are the opportunities for policy change in those areas?
• Are there organisations / networks with potential for impact that we should be supporting?

Closing Date: 3rd May

Since 2022, the Civil Society Group and partners have been working to improve bank account services for charities and voluntary organisations across the UK. 

This survey will help them understand the challenges the sector is facing so that they can advocate on your behalf to the respective charity regulators, government, and the banking sector. 

The survey is for anyone with responsibility for managing a voluntary organisation's banking activities. To complete it, you will need to be very familiar with the day-to-day management of your organisation's bank account(s).

Closing Date: 15th May