Resources

Canva template - Volunteering Doesn't Happen By Accident

Our Canva template provides images for blogs, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Please use these and adapt them, add your logo, tag us on socials, use your own branding. We are looking forward to seeing what you do!

Social media copy - Volunteering Doesn't Happen By Accident

Use this social media copy to share your perspective on your important role in local volunteering infrastructure. Download the images to use alongside this copy, and feel free to adapt it to suit your local context.

Toolkit - Volunteering Doesn't Happen By Accident

This document is designed to support partners to come together to assess how well their local volunteer system works collaboratively and consistently to make volunteering a positive, accessible choice for all, and to create an environment where volunteers are truly valued. Designed as a practical workshop tool, this will help partners to reflect on their collective impact, identify strengths and gaps, and agree priority actions. Where a workshop isn’t possible, LIOs and VCs can also use it as a straightforward self-assessment.

Guide - Volunteering Doesn't Happen By Accident

Volunteering doesn’t happen by accident, and this guide is designed to help build understanding and strengthening of the foundations for local action by demonstrating best practice in three core areas: Promoting volunteering; Reducing barriers; and Volunteering policy and practice. We’ve created this guide to enable conversations that identify where efforts are most needed, so that local communities are supported by strong volunteering infrastructure. Use the guide alongside the toolkit.

Managing your charity's reputational risk - guide for NAVCA members

This guide will help you manage your charity's reputation and the practical steps you can take to minimise the risks. It has been produced for NAVCA members by Access Insurance.

Connecting communities, enabling common ground

Across England, many communities are feeling the effects of disconnection and isolation. Economic insecurity, the loss of shared spaces, polarisation online, and ongoing inequalities have created conditions in which hate is flourishing and extreme politics are taking hold. Local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) are seeing this first-hand: an increase in hate incidents, growing anxiety among staff and volunteers, and communities struggling to feel safe and connected. At a moment when cohesion feels fragile, the role of LIOs has never been more urgent. Our latest report explores how we can start to tackle this issue.

Volunteering Network: Developing a Local Vision for Volunteering (NAVCA member meeting notes)

At the most recent meeting of the NAVCA volunteering network, we heard from NAVCA member Becky Isaac from Birmingham VSC, about how they implemented a local Vision for Volunteering in Birmingham. You can also find out more information about upcoming meetings, and the proposed policy on asylum seekers and volunteering.

The value and importance of neighbourhoods - report by NAVCA

Across public services, regeneration and local democracy, “neighbourhoods” are becoming more prominent. From Integrated Neighbourhood Teams in health, to regeneration plans and new local governance models, the neighbourhood is being positioned as the place where services are delivered, and decisions are made closer to where people live. Our report explores the value and importance of neighbourhoods, and the role of local infrastructure.

community, communities, VCSE, VCS

Advice on antisemitism training and strategy

The Jewish Leadership Council has produced this guide to finding the right organisation to deliver training around anti-Jewish racism to your organisation, including what training is appropriate for different team members, and where you might source this training.

Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group statement

The Greater Manchester Asylum Hotels Group is a group of people who have come to the UK to seek safety and have spent time living in asylum hotels while we are waiting for a decision on their asylum claims. Their statement addresses some common myths about asylum seekers, and may be useful in challenging misinformation and discrimination. 

eedi, edi, anti-racism, immigration

10 Areas of Action for Community Cohesion in Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester VCSFE Leadership Group met to raise their concerns around significantly growing community tensions around race, religion, sexuality, gender and other identities, often based in fear and hate, and highlighted the need for more coordinated action across the city region. They produced this document of 10 areas for action, which you can download here.

edi, eedi, anti-racism, far right

Update Local Government Reorganisation - November 2025

Consultations on proposals for local government reorganisation in East Sussex, Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and West Sussex were released on 19 November. Local infrastructure is listed as a statutory consultee in all the consultations. This briefing explores how to respond to the consultation - the closing date is 11 January 2026.

consultation devolution

Local Government Finance Settlement Part 1 - November 2025

Published on 20 November 2025, MHCLG has released the outcome of the Fair Funding Review 2.0 and announced the first part of a new multi-year Settlement for local government to 31 March 2029.

finance Mayoral Strategic Authorities IMD consolidation budgets

Budget 2025 - Members' Briefing

This much trailed Budget on 26 November 2026 contained some welcome positive announcements on policy changes and introduction of new funding, but also some that will be challenging for the VCSE sector and society as a whole, particularly in relation to tax. This brief covers the announcements relevant to local infrastructure and the VCSE sector.

budget finance 2025 local government Mayor Mayoral Strategic Authorities

Birmingham VSC - Implementing the Vision for Volunteering

Slide deck from the November Volunteering Network meeting, 'Implementing the Vision for Volunteering', which provide an overview of the work Birmingham VSC have done around this.

Volunteering, Vision for Volunteering

Different roles, one ecosystem - infographic

This infographic delves into what the different parts of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector do. NAVCA members are free to download and use these infographics on your social media, website, and with local stakeholders such as statutory authorities and health systems.

Size of the sector - infographic

This infographic shows the size and composition of the VCSE sector. NAVCA members are free to download and use these infographics on your social media, website, and with local stakeholders such as statutory authorities and health systems.

Explaining what the V, C and SE mean - infographic

This infographic explains concisely the difference between the V, C and SE in VCSE (voluntary, community and social enterprise) sector. NAVCA members are free to download and use these infographics on your social media, website, and with local stakeholders such as statutory authorities and health systems.

Pride in Place Strategy - NAVCA member briefing

MHCLG published the Pride in Place Strategy on 25 September 2025. The strategy brings together a large number of very diverse strands of work around regeneration, community participation and democracy, health and wellbeing, and cohesion, with some new investment. The Pride in Place programme will extend to another 169 places. Much of the strategy is re-announcements or consolidation of previous funding or policy pledges, but by bringing these different strands into one place, there is more of a coherent approach to what government is trying to achieve overall. There are also some new announcements and clarity on implementation of others. Read this NAVCA briefing to find out more.

policy

Analytics - Barking Owl

Notes from a Barking Owl meeting on analytics. We covered social media, websites and CRMs, and shared our top tips for effective analytics and reporting.

Civil Society Covenant PowerPoint template for NAVCA members

This PowerPoint accompanies the Civil Society Covenant toolkit for NAVCA members, and is adaptable for you to add your logo and your local context.

civil society, charity, local infrastructure, policy, research, dcms, lcsi

Civil Society Covenant toolkit for NAVCA members

This toolkit for NAVCA members will help you make the most of the Civil Society Covenant and the opportunities for developing relationships with stakeholders. The toolkit includes template letters to stakeholders such as local authorities and the VCSE sector, as well as a PowerPoint to use in meetings. We explore the connections between the Covenant and DCMS's research on local civil society infrastructure, to help you strengthen your case for local infrastructure.

policy, research

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams - notes from NAVCA member meeting on 30/09/25

Notes from a NAVCA member meeting about Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, how we can work with local authorities to amplify the role of the VCSE sector, what NAVCA can do, and specific examples from NAVCA members.

Local Government Update - 1 October 2025

The latest policy briefing from NAVCA, covering local government policy updates and funding announcements from MHCLG.

policy, politics, funding

The extreme far-right in prison | Nigel Bromage and Graham Finochio

An episode of one of Clinks' members' podcasts - a conversation with two men convicted of offences related to being involved with far-right extremism, including Nigel Bromage who went on to found Exit Hate, an organisation to support people who seek to leave the far-right movement.

Having Challenging Conversations - 'Watch a voter change their mind about transgender discrimination'

This video from the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Leadership LAB shows a real “deep canvassing” conversation tackling myths about transgender people. Backed by research published in Science, the approach demonstrates how meaningful, one-to-one conversations can reduce prejudice and shift perspectives.

eedi, edi, voting, challenging conversations, courageous conversations

Myth Busting Migration Facts

This resource, shared by a NAVCA member from the North East Migration Partnership, offers some facts and ideas for conversations around migration myths, on issues such as employment, housing, and benefits.

racism, race, ethnicity, immigration, migration, migrants, far right, right wing, reform, protest, edi, eedi

VCSE Barometer Survey Results - Data in Practice

Over the past decade, VCSE organisations have increasingly recognised the value of the data they hold - not just as a record of activity, but as a strategic asset that can inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and demonstrate impact. In the latest wave, the VCSE Barometer builds on these insights by exploring how organisations collect, use, and share data and evidence, and the extent to which they have the skills and resources to do so effectively. The findings reveal a sector that values data and evidence, but where capacity shapes what is possible. Many organisations feel confident in their skills, yet lack the time, resources, and external support needed to embed data and evidence into everyday practice.

Understanding contractual liability & insurance

This guide by Access Insurance will help you protect your organisation from uninsurable risks hidden in everyday agreements. This paper sets out what contractual liability means, where the key risks lie, and what practical steps finance directors can take to protect their organisation.

insurance, safety

Community Action Bradford and District Banking Facility - Holding Agreement

This service is designed for unincorporated small community groups where they receive a one-off small grant to deliver a time-limited UK based specific project eg Community Chest, Town Council grants. CAB&D operates a completely separate account for this purpose and your funds will not be held in the operational account of our organisation.

holding funds, holding, held, held funds

MDCVS Held Funds Agreement

Maldon and District CVS, as part of its infrastructure support for local charities and for community action, may from time to time agree to hold funds for groups that are unable to hold funds independently. To facilitate this and to outline the clear parameters for the management and spending of any funds held the trustees have created clear definitions and require a written agreement to be in place with the third party the funds are being held for.

NAVCA Trustee Recruitment Pack 2025

We are looking for new trustees! We are looking for up to two people from within the NAVCA membership with an understanding of VCS infrastructure and an interest in strengthening communities and the voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations that serve them. If you want to help steer NAVCA’s strategic direction, this is an opportunity to contribute to decision-making whilst gaining professional development, experience of sector leadership, charity governance and insight into how small organisations operate. Find out more here.

Changes in Ministerial Responsibilities – September 2025

The first two weeks of September brought significant changes in government. We have produced a short document that shows the relevant changes in ministerial appointments directly relevant to local infrastructure.

What to do if a cyber attack happens PNG

This document contains the four steps you need to follow in the event of a cyber attack. PNG version for sharing on social media.

cyber security

Risks and Costs of a Cyber Attack PNG

This document contains useful information about the risks and costs of a cyber attack, and this will be useful to share with smaller community groups and charities. PNG version for sharing on social media.

Keeping Your Organisation Safe Online PNG

This document contains a checklist for what to consider when keeping your organisation safe online. PNG version for sharing on social media.

cyber security

Introduction to NAVCA Cyber Security Resources PNG

This resource pack has been created by NAVCA to follow on from our Train the Trainer scheme in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre. Find out more about the resource collection here. PNG version for sharing on social media.

Cyber Security Defence Checklist PNG

This document contains a useful checklist to refer to when protecting your organisation from a cyber attack. PNG version for sharing on social media.

Cyber Essentials PNG

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks. It is an independently verified self-assessment tool. Find out more about it here. PNG version for sharing on social media.

cyber security

Charity Digital information sheet PNG

Charity Digital offer a wide range of support which reflects the diverse uses for digital technology in the charity sector today. Find out more here. PNG version for sharing on social media.

Artificial Intelligence - Benefits and Risks PNG

It’s extremely important to consider cyber security risks when using AI. As the technology is advancing at such a rapid rate, it can be difficult to regulate. This document explains some of the risks and considerations. PNG version for sharing on social media.

What to do if a cyber attack happens

This document contains the four steps you need to follow in the event of a cyber attack.

cyber security

Risks and Costs of a Cyber Attack

This document contains useful information about the risks and costs of a cyber attack, and this will be useful to share with smaller community groups and charities.

Keeping Your Organisation Safe Online

This document contains a checklist for what to consider when keeping your organisation safe online.

cyber security

Introduction to NAVCA Cyber Security Resources

This resource pack has been created by NAVCA to follow on from our Train the Trainer scheme in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre. Find out more about the resource collection here.

Cyber Security Defence Checklist

This document contains a useful checklist to refer to when protecting your organisation from a cyber attack.

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks. It is an independently verified self-assessment tool. Find out more about it here.

cyber security

Charity Digital information sheet

Charity Digital offer a wide range of support which reflects the diverse uses for digital technology in the charity sector today. Find out more here.

Artificial Intelligence - Benefits and Risks

It’s extremely important to consider cyber security risks when using AI. As the technology is advancing at such a rapid rate, it can be difficult to regulate. This document explains some of the risks and considerations.

Podcasts and videos - Barking Owl

Notes from the August 2025 Barking Owl meeting, where we discussed podcast and video production, things to keep in mind when recording audio or filming video, how to maximise content effectiveness.

Neighbourhood Governance - NAVCA member experience - August 2025

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill includes a requirement for forming unitary authorities to establish neighbourhood level governance structures. MHCLG are currently drafting the regulations that will inform how these will be set up and run. We have spoken to many members over the summer who currently work with various neighbourhood boards, community partnerships, area committees etc., and compiled your experiences for MHCLG, identifying some key pointers like the value of coterminous boundaries with health systems, membership and decision-making extending beyond elected councillors and the need for funding. The first section summarises the key learning, the subsequent sections provide detail on different systems in anonymised areas, with a couple of exceptions where it makes sense to name them.

Public Procurement Consultation - NAVCA response

A further consultation on provisions of the Procurement Act that apply to SMEs and the VCSE sector were consulted on over the summer. The consultation was effectively a technical consultation, with limited opportunity to respond beyond the questions themselves. NAVCA has submitted a response which picks up some of the broader issues of procurement in relation to VCSE organisations emphasising what else needs to change beyond the proposals currently made.

Talking about what we do - Barking Owl

The meeting focused on addressing challenges local infrastructure organisations face in communicating their work and missions to stakeholders. We discussed strategies for improving communication, while exploring challenges around terminology and explaining our roles to various audiences. The group agreed on the importance of creating resources like a jargon buster.

e-Learning Programmes

Good Finance provides e-Learning programmes like Social Investment Unpicked – a cohort-led, CPD-accredited course designed to help you feel confident in talking about social investment to others. They also offer bitesize modules on Due Diligence and Legal Structures for anyone looking to dive deeper into those areas – and their implications for taking on social investment. In addition, Investment Committees of the Future is designed to help more people with lived experience feel more confident around applying for decision making positions within social investment.

e-learning, learning and development, social investment knowledge, online resources, free online learning

The Outcomes Matrix

A great starting point to plan, measure and communicate your social impact in terms of outcomes. The tool includes outcomes and measures for nine outcome areas and for lenses for considering the service users of your organisation or project. Work your way through four steps to then download your own unique Outcomes Matrix!

social impact, social impact measurement, measuring social impact, communicating social impact, social value, impact measurement, impact investing

The Investor Directory

Search more than 120+ social investors and funds in the UK and filter by social issue, amount, type and location to find the investor most aligned with your organisation (or an organisation your supporting). This directory enables quick, easy connections to the investors you can talk to about providing the finance you need to grow and scale your social impact.

social investment, social investors, finance, lenders, funding, online directory

The ‘Is It Right For Us’ Tool

Explore whether social investment is a viable option for your organisation – or a social enterprise or charity you’re supporting - via this quick and easy diagnostic tool. You’ll need to provide some basic information, including legal structure, location, annual income and how much finance you’d be looking to borrow to get the answers and next steps you need in a matter of minutes.

social investment, social impact, finance, funding, online tool, free tools

NAVCA Member Policy Update Video (30 July 2025)

In our latest policy update video, Maddy Desforges, CEO, summarises the key policy developments and announcements from the past month. We chat about the Civil Society Covenant, the 10 Year Health Plan and more.

Local government reorganisation - July 2025 update

On 24 July, Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, wrote to councils in the 21 areas subject to local government reorganisation. We have summarised the update for members in this short policy briefing.

lgr, local government reorganisation, local authorities, councils

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – Summary

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill sets out the legislation needed to create Strategic Authorities in England and put in place local government reorganisation. In this document, we summarise the Bill for NAVCA members.

LCSI Research Member Briefing #1

DCMS commissioned research into local civil society infrastructure to look at the evidence base, identify the positive impacts of effective local infrastructure and the negative effects of its absence, and approaches to strengthening it.

local civil society infrastructure research DCMS

Engaging with a Reform UK Local Authority

Areas with Reform Led Councils - Briefing #1 July 2025: an overview of the initial experience members have had with Reform UK led councils, including pointers on building relationships, supporting the VCSE sector and immediate actions to take.

local authority council Reform UK councillors

NAVCA summary of 10 Year Health Plan (4 July 2025)

The Plan sets out a reform agenda to address the NHS’s ongoing crisis, rebuild public trust, and secure sustainability. It proposes a ‘radical reimagining’ of the NHS, retaining its founding principles but fundamentally transforming how care is delivered. This summary document by NAVCA outlines the key details for the voluntary sector, including changes to Healthwatch and ICSs.

Understanding the Racist Riots of 2024 and what should be done

Summary Report of a series of webinars on ‘Responding to the Racist Riots’. By the Race Equality Foundation, Muslim Charities Forum, Alliance for Racial Justice, and NAVCA. The new report outlines six clear and actionable policy solutions to address the root causes of the 2024 racist riots and build long-term community resilience.

Canva - Barking Owl

We discussed Canva, shared our tips and tricks for using the platform, including brand guidelines, templates, visual effects and more. We also discussed video editing tools.

AI

MHCLG feedback on interim LGR Plans - 6 June 2025

HM Government received interim proposals from all 21 council areas subject to local government reorganisation and MHCLG has now provided written feedback to each of them. This short briefing from NAVCA summarises the feedback.

LGR, policy, local government, councils, local authority

Understanding cyber insurance

A short guide to common cyber risks, charity vulnerabilities, the associated recovery costs and what cyber insurance covers.

Inclusive Volunteering Guide

We asked volunteer involving organisations for what they find most difficult when it comes to making sure everyone can access volunteering opportunities, and all volunteers are supported and celebrated. In this guide, we share the experience and expertise of NAVCA members in inclusive volunteering, so that you can be inspired to make your own volunteering practice more inclusive.

volunteering, accessibility, applications, eedi

Social media - Barking Owl

These notes from the May Barking Owl meeting cover our conversation around social media platforms, including X/Twitter, Bluesky, TikTok and more. We talked about what we're finding difficult and shared ideas about the different platforms and ways of reaching our members.

instagram, facebook, whatsapp, communications, comms

Volunteering and Multilingual Communities - top tips by the Association of Translation Companies

Engage your local multicultural community and increase volunteer diversity through multilingual support with these top tips by the Association of Translation Companies.

language, inclusive, volunteers

NAVCA Annual Conference 2025 - Workshop Notes

This document is a summary of the workshops from the NAVCA Annual Conference 2025.

How can local infrastructure organisations diversify their income streams?

With more local infrastructure organisations looking to broaden their commercial income generation, join Hannah Reid from NAVCA member Community Action Suffolk at this workshop to explore different ideas for services and products.

How do we engage most effectively with devolved authorities?

How can we make the most of the new powers and responsibilities of elected mayors, whilst continuing to work with existing local authorities and partners? With government committed to further devolution, this workshop will explore existing good practice and potential challenges.

How can we reframe conversations and build confidence in networking?

Does the idea of networking make your stomach sink? Learn some ways to feel confident building relationships in face to face networking situations and practice doing it in this warm, relaxed session led by experienced leadership coach Jennifer McCanna.

How can you use AI tools as your communication assistant?

Join AI trainer Caroline Broadway to explore practical ways the voluntary sector can use emerging AI tools, from writing meeting notes to funder reporting. As well as the benefits, this session will cover the ethics, risks and limitations.

Learning from research: What is the power of local infrastructure?

In the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence of interest in research on local infrastructure. So, what are we learning? How do the findings inform our own practice and the attitudes and expectations of the wider VCSE sector, partners and stakeholders? Join Dr Rob Macmillan from Sheffield Hallam University to explore this topic.

How can we use AI ethically and effectively to support the voluntary sector?

Join AI trainer Caroline Broadway to explore practical ways the voluntary sector can use emerging AI tools, from writing meeting notes to funder reporting. As well as the benefits, this session will cover the ethics, risks and limitations.

How can we strengthen diverse VCSE-ICB partnerships in the shift to communities?

Join Mark Hubbard, VCSE Lead at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, to learn about evolving health partnerships. Mark will explore how VCSE partnerships are nurtured within the ICB, in the context of the shift from hospital-based care to community-led approaches, and from treatment to prevention.

Cumbria's experience of local government reorganisation

Set of PowerPoint slides explaining the response of Cumbria CVS to local government reorganisation in Cumbria. It covers the different stages, timeline and key learning from the experience.

local government reorganisation two tier councils Cumbria district county council

Previous Experience of Local Government Reorganisation in Two Tier Council Areas

Briefing document on previous experience of LIOs navigating the change from district and county councils to unitary authorities. The document offers guidance on the process, what to expect and issues to look out for.

local government reorganisation devolution two tier council district council county council

Impact reporting - Barking Owl

These notes from the April Barking Owl meeting cover different aspects of communicating impact, including some useful tools for reporting on numbers, as well as tips for sharing stories from our local communities

crm, data, impact, plinth, social value

Partnership Unit Introduction

This letter from No.10 outlines new plans for the Partnerships Unit, which has been set up to support partnership working across sectors, cultivating partnerships that are built on a foundation of collaboration and trust. They can assist your engagement with departments across Government and use the convening power of Downing Street to help cut through silos and reach across sectors. You can reach the team at partnerships@no10.gov.uk.

Making the case for comms - Barking Owl

The Barking Owl is the NAVCA network for communications workers. This meeting discussed making the case for comms and getting the right level of priority for comms in your organisation. We talked about representation of communications at senior management level, staffing for comms, budget, website and internal comms. This document shares the experiences of comms workers at local infrastructure organisations, and will give you some ideas to bring back to your colleagues.

Preparing for an Uncertain Future: Notes

Notes from member meeting 31.03.2025 led by Cranfield Trust to explore organisational resilience in the face of lost funding. Included notes on input from Jules Sebelin, CEO of Nottingham CVS exploring how they recovered from a complete loss of large local authority grant in 2016. Lists pointers from discussion to accompany slides.

organisational resilience leadership planning forecasting income culture change

Preparing for an Uncertain Future: Slides

Slides used by Amanda Tincknell of Cranfield Trust to help LIOs understand and develop organisational resilience in the face of changing or lost funding. Provides overview of strategic planning, mission, leadership, cashflow forecasting and fundraising pipeline and emphasises need for culture change.

building organisational resilience strategic planning leadership cashflow forecasting fundraising pipeline costs culture change

Pathways to Work - Member Briefing March 2025

The Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, was published by the Department for Work and Pensions on 18 March and updated following the Spring Statement on 28 March 2025. It outlines the government's proposals to reform the benefits system with the aim of reducing economic inactivity and supporting individuals with health conditions or disabilities in accessing employment opportunities. This briefing is by NAVCA for members and outlines the most relevant points for local infrastructure organisations.

Devolution Priority Areas – Notes of NAVCA and ACRE Members’ Meeting 19 March 2025 and Guidance on Consultation Responses

The documents notes member discussion on the implications of proposed government devolution and local government reorganisation in England, particularly for the VCS and rural communities. Participants shared experiences and concerns, highlighting the importance of early engagement, partnerships, and ensuring a range of voices including rural are heard in the process. The document contains guidance on how to respond to the current MHCLG consultations on the six devolution priority areas.

devolution local government local authorities local government reorganisation strategic authorities devolution priority areas

Inclusive Volunteering: A Guide for Organisations

This guide by NAVCA member Voluntary Action Stoke on Trent explores what inclusive volunteering is, why it's important, and how you can carry this out in practice.

NAVCA Anti-Racist Group and Climate Network Session Write Up

A write up of the NAVCA Anti-Racist Group and Climate Network combined session on 4th March 2025, where the group discussed the intersectionality between climate and racial justice, and what we need to consider when tackling both of these issues.

Anti-Racist, Climate, EEDI

DCMS Volunteering Research - Think Piece by NAVCA

On 3 February 2025, DCMS released three research papers conducted by a consortium led by Basis Social, alongside London Economics and New Philanthropy Capital, as part of the Volunteering Research Managed Service which explored Digital Tools that Support Volunteering, Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in volunteering and Compared national enabling environments for volunteering. This briefing summarises the key points that NAVCA believes are most relevant to local infrastructure organisations and offers our perspective on how local infrastructure can support positive change in volunteering.

Partnership and mergers in LIOs - research by NAVCA

The English Devolution White Paper and the related changes to local authorities and move to strategic authorities will impact on many, perhaps all, NAVCA members. LIOs will need to navigate a changing landscape in which decision making powers will be distributed in new ways and services are delivered on new footprints. This paper explores how NAVCA some members have already developed partnerships and collaborations to increase their impact and respond to a changing external environment.

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation – At a Glance

This policy briefing for NAVCA members covers the key headlines from recent devolution announcements, the current timeline for devolution changes, and how NAVCA is supporting you.

Quality Framework - Community Action Suffolk

NAVCA member Community Action Suffol offer a Quality Framework for the sector consisting of a Healthcheck (free to sector, self-serve), Healthcheck + (as normal HC but with support and templates, small fee to sector orgs), and full Quality Standard endorsed by Suffolk County Council (again with cost).

Awareness Days and Months - Barking Owl

These notes are from the February meeting of Barking Owl, where we discussed Awareness Days, Weeks and Months, and how to plan comms campaigns around them.

Full Criteria for the VCQA (Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation)

Interested in pursuing accreditation for your volunteer services? The full criteria provided here is intended to give as much information as possible to inform your decision - the nature and level of evidence required, and a feel for how you might demonstrate what you do. This is not the full application guidance. We include the headline outcomes for each Function and an extract of the guidance around types of activities and evidence that might be relevant. Contact us at quality@navca.org.uk for a chat about the VCQA.

VCQA, quality, accreditation, quality accreditation, volunteer centre, volunteer services

English Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation – Update for NAVCA Members

Since the publication of the Devolution White Paper in December 2024, there have been rapid developments in both proposals to create new strategic authorities and the reorganisation of the remaining 21 two tier council areas. This briefing covers the first phase of the priority devolution programme and the restructuring of districts and counties. It provides a short summary of recent announcements and links to further information.

Getting on Board: How to diversify your charity’s board

This helpful guide one of the legacy documents from Getting on Board, provides an invaluable resource to support charities who wish to diversify their board. Supported by case studies, it sets out the case for focusing on board diversity and then sets out a stepped approach for charities to follow. Members will find the guide helpful in whole, or in smaller bite sized chunks to support activities (e.g training or small charities network meetings) that are aimed at supporting charities to strengthen and diversify their governance.

Getting on Board: How to recruit trustees for your charity

This helpful guide from 2019 and updated in 2023, one of the legacy documents from Getting on Board, is aimed at enabling charities to take a more considered approach to recruiting trustees. It makes the case for using a planned, open recruitment programme and provides a step by step guide for doing so. Members may find the guide helpful in whole, or in smaller bite sized chunks to support activities (e.g training or small charities network meetings) that are aimed at supporting charities to strengthen and diversify their governance

Getting on Board: How to become a charity trustee

This helpful guide from 2019, one of the legacy documents from Getting on Board, is aimed at people considering being a trustee and seeks to demystify the role. It provides a helpful step by step guide that members could use in full or break up into smaller bite size chunks. It also provides sections to address key concerns that potential trustees might have; for instance around liability. There are lots of great quotes from trustees and statistics to help bring the guide and members’ support for potential trustees to life.

#BeMorePlymouth - A Shared Narrative

This is an initiative by NAVCA member Plymouth Octopus. Storymaking is participatory and this narrative is an invitation to join a conversation. Working with our Learning Partners, the POP team has invested time reflecting on questions we care deeply about.