January Policy Update

Here’s a roundup of policy news from around the sector, including some information on Labour’s engagement with the charity sector, the VCSE Barometer Survey and the Fundraising Regulator’s changes in price. 

Kier Starmer’s commitment to the charity sector 

On Monday 22 January, charity sector professionals and Labour Party ministers came together for the Pro Bono Economics Summit. The Summit saw Labour Shadow Ministers, including Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Shadow Minister for Arts, Heritage and Civil Society, Lilian Greenwood, sit down with sector leaders to discuss challenges faced in the charity sector. 

The Summit was also an opportunity for Sir Kier Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, to outline his mission for civil society. In his speech, Starmer gave the sector his word that if Labour wins the next election a stronger connection would be built with the sector. 

The speech was welcomed by charity leaders; however, most agree that the sector needs actions, not words, and that we will be waiting to see the genuine partnership that he describes. 

Find out more and read Jay Kennedy’s reflections on Starmer’s speech here. 

Help create a clear picture of the current state of the sector 

Nottingham Trent University and Pro Bono Economics’ quarterly VCSE Barometer Survey has opened and is waiting to be filled in by sector leaders. The survey, which is now entering its second year, charts current challenges and issues affecting voluntary and community sector groups and organisations. This survey is crucial and has contributed to major campaigns on behalf of the sector, the latest findings will be shared with national, regional and local policy and decision-makers. 

Designed to be a quick and easy ‘temperature check’ of the current state of the sector, the survey provides a snapshot of financial health, workforce, volunteering and other key sector issues. This quarter’s special focus is on the impacts of operating within the current local authority landscape.  

Complete the survey by the 7th of February here. 

The Fundraising Regulator is increasing its levy 

For the first time since they were founded, the Fundraising Regulator is to increase the yearly levy it asks charities to pay to fund its work. The increase will help them to continue providing a proportionate self-regulation of the sector that promotes public trust in charitable fundraising.  

They have explained the new proposal and their reasons for increasing the price. Take a look at the proposed changes and tell them your thoughts here.