Community Action Network
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Judge says the grievance was managed ‘poorly’ as it took months to start the process and was ‘woefully inadequate’, finding that the complaint was “swept under the rug” during an informal process to protect the senior team member “from the consequences of her conduct towards a younger member of staff”. Employers should ensure the status of a complaint is clarified at the outset and that internal grievance processes are followed fully and promptly.
Explores a recent tribunal ruling that highlights the risk of employers ignoring the health concerns of their staff.
New guidance from CIPD aims to provide practical advice and recommend actions on building an effective working relationship with trade unions and members.
Has been launched on the way holiday pay and entitlement is calculated for temporary, part-year and zero-hours workers, open to 9 March 2023. People Management explores the aims of the consultation and asks experts for their views
What upcoming legislation do you need to know about?
A survey by National Lottery Community Fund has found almost half (49%) of British people intend to volunteer in 2023, an increase of 3% on the year prior. Young people aged 18-24 were most likely to say they would volunteer (69%). Meanwhile, food banks were the most likely to receive help, with 42% of respondents intending to support one through volunteering.
There are no significant legal updates this week.
This recent inquiry by the Charity Commission praises a trustee who stood up for the charity she was recently appointed to and became aware of misconduct and mismanagement, Civil Society have a short summary of the case.
The inquiry is quite a good reminder that what can be seen as OK practice in business (which may even be illegal!) is not acceptable in charities. Case where there were purchases of gifts, payment of high expenses, signing blank cheques, use of charity funds for trustee/employee private costs such as property repairs, and mismanagement of conflict of interests because of family connections.
As a result the CEO and a couple of trustees have been disqualified from being a trustee or senior employee for between 10-15 years. Although perhaps extreme bad/illegal behaviour this is a good reminder about how trustees must act!
Short useful blog listing three principles:
The Charity Commission is consulting on draft guidance for charities about their use of social media, closing at 5pm on 14 March 2023. The Commission reports that their casework suggests that some trustees have limited oversight of their charities’ use of social media compared to other aspects of their communication and engagement strategy. The aim of this guidance is to help trustees improve this understanding, and to encourage charities to adopt a policy on social media as a way to set their charity’s approach. Read some concerns expressed by sector leaders.
The Ethical Property Foundation has launched a free guide for anyone in the charity sector planning to acquire and manage property. The manual contains 12 easy-to-read sections that range from tips on basic mistakes to avoid to a jargon buster for commercial property. It aims to enable charities to “engage with both property and property professionals with knowledge and confidence”.
Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm.
This fairly easy Lottery grant programme has announced that groups can apply to help communities celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King, The Eurovision Song Contest and the 75th anniversary of Windrush.
Youth-focused organisations working in communities in the South and South West of England are invited to apply for grant funding from the Sovereign #iwill Fund. Sovereign Housing Association has grants of up to £10k available for projects that focus on youth social action – applications open Monday 6 February and close at midnight on Friday 24 February.
Freshen up your fundraising toolkit with Charity Digital’s winter fundraising ideas.
Read this article about it and some reactions.
If you are looking for a simple and effective fundraising activity, thousands of third sector and voluntary organisations recommend easyfundraising. Through easyfundraising 7,000 online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Just Eat, Trainline and Sainsbury’s will donate to your organisation when your volunteers, staff and supporters shop with them. It means everyday online spending turns into a continuous income stream your organisation can put to good use. Take the experience and knowledge of other organisations to make 2023 your best fundraising year yet. Sign up to easyfundraising to get started.
Charity Digital showcases a few of the best charity websites for users and supporters. We can always learn from others!
Boost your writing skills with this list of the best language editing tools and general writing tools, from Grammarly and Typely to Hemingway and Wordy.
Recent national survey on charity bank accounts was depressing reading but also reflects what we hear locally, that banks don’t offer a good service! Better Business Finance have opened a business bank account finder can help you understand the options that are available. You can choose charity from the filter list on the left hand side of the screen.
You can find all the people, staff and human resources related content from previous Know Your Stuff newsletters here. Read more
You can find all the legal content from previous Know Your Stuff newsletters here. Read more
You can find all the charity related content from previous Know Your Stuff newsletters here. Read more
You can find all the income related content from previous Know Your Stuff newsletters here. Read more
Any additional updates from previous Know Your Stuff newsletters can be found here. Read more