NCVS e-bulletin - Thursday 6 March 2025

Welcome to this edition of the NCVS e-bulletin (it's a big one)—your perfect excuse to put the kettle on and skip that email you've been putting off! On Saturday 8 March, we celebrate International Women's Day; read on, and you'll find an article on a remarkable lady who is quite close to our hearts.

In this e-bulletin, you'll find:

• New training opportunities to upskill your learning
• Training to help your social enterprise win that bid
• Updated services for survivors of domestic abuse
• The volunteer journey
• Lots of reports to sink your teeth into
• Latest job and funding opportunities

And so much more. Happy reading!

Since its earliest reported version in 1909, International Women’s Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our communities, championed social change, and continued to make a difference today. In 2025, we’re marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the incredible women who have shaped Nottingham’s past and are driving change in the present. With this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, we recognise the importance of not just reflecting on progress but pushing forward—championing equality, opportunity, and empowerment for all. At NCVS, we are grateful for the actions of the women who helped shape our organisation into what it is today. As we mark our 150th anniversary, we want to celebrate one remarkable woman whose efforts helped bring us into being—Henrietta Carey.

Thursday 13 March 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

An opportunity for members to come together via Zoom to network, discuss current work, develop wider partnerships, and hear from speakers.

NCVS will be hosting and facilitating a varied agenda, including:

• Hot topic: Collaboration and Partnership
  
  
• New Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) Dashboard and the voluntary sector
  
  
• GoodGym and Older People
  GoodGym is a registered charity with lots of friendly members who like to keep fit and help people. They stop off on their runs, walks, or rides to help people with practical tasks. Goodgym is looking to build partnerships with organisations in Nottingham who may wish to refer older people in need of support.
  
  
• The work of the Nottingham City Adult Safeguarding Board
  
  
• Update on the NCVS Training and Development Programme from April 2025

Please register to ensure you receive the Zoom meeting link. If you have any questions about this event, please contact ncvs@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Gedling Voluntary Action Collaborative, supported by NCVS, invites you to a series of free workshops designed to equip community and voluntary organisations with the skills, resources, and advice needed to thrive.

If you support Gedling Borough residents, join us to network, share expertise, and gain valuable insights. Each session focuses on a key area, so attending as many as you can is encouraged—but you’re welcome to join just one. Refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you!

Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the expertise on offer from the Social Enterprise Accelerator (SEA) project.

The biggest change to procurement legislation since leaving the EU is now live. This not only impacts the processes that contracting authorities must follow but, more importantly, opens up new opportunities for the voluntary sector—both directly and through supply chains.

So, what does this mean for social enterprises already contracted, and are you ready for the changes?

Tender Readiness - Tuesday 11 March 2025
Join NCVS's Chris Hill for his Tender Ready training session, where he’ll walk you through the new registration process on the Central Digital Platform, the one-stop shop for government and contracting opportunities. Never miss out on an opportunity again!

Please note: This session is for established VCSE organisations only. For a quick chat about the training or to register, email Chris at chrish@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

There’s still time to register for the Meet the Buyer training session!
Get the latest updates on the City Council and NHS commissioning strategies, and hear firsthand from sector speakers about what it's really like to be a commissioned service.
Wednesday 12 March 2025, 9.45am to 1.30pm at Nottingham Contemporary, NG1 2GB. Register here

Nottingham City Council’s Sanctuary Scheme helps prevent survivors of domestic violence from becoming homeless by providing free security measures to help them stay safely in their homes.

Recent improvements include:

• Updated referral form – Now more flexible and aligned with wider county versions to encourage more referrals. Support workers can refer survivors via this online form, or by emailing sanctuary@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. Please note, a DASH-RIC must be submitted alongside a referral form and should be emailed to the above address after the referral has been submitted (please see section 4 of the referral form for further details).
  
  
• Sanctuary presentation – Free 45 to 60 minute training for organisations, available in person or online. To book, email
  Shannon.darcy-brommell@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
  
  
• Self-referrals – Survivors can't complete the referral form themselves but can call 0115 876 3300 or email sanctuary@nottinghamcity.gov.uk to have a Housing Solutions team member do it for them.
  
  
• J9 accredited – Housing Solutions at Loxley House is now a J9 Safe Space, ensuring staff are trained to recognise and support survivors.

Welcome to the new Team Talk centre, your one-stop shop for all things tips, tricks, and resources. Here you'll find the latest from the team at NCVS.

There are plenty more blogs, think pieces and helpful resources on our website. 

Wednesday 7 May 2025, 11am onwards
Meet at the Dryden Enterprise Centre

Join us for a stroll through Nottingham’s Arboretum as we celebrate 150 years of sector support!

Mark your calendars for a day filled with fun, fresh air, and the best of what Nottingham has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned wanderer or a first-time explorer, there’s something for everyone on this special bimble.

Don’t miss out – more details coming soon, but for now, just save the date and get ready to take part in this memorable celebration!

The deadline for applications is Friday 14 March 2025, 12 midnight

This funding aims to strengthen genetic condition charities and ensure individuals and families can access the support they need.

Funding Available:

• Core Cost Funding: Up to £5,000 for small front-line charities to improve resilience and long-term sustainability.
  
  
• Project Funding: Up to £20,000 for projects providing direct support to those affected by genetic conditions.

The deadline for applications is Monday 31 March 2025

The Asylum Seeker Dispersal Grant Programme, funded by Central Government, supports asylum seekers placed in Nottingham as part of the Asylum Seeker Dispersal Scheme. Nottingham City Council’s Migration Team utilises this grant to help asylum seekers integrate into local communities, fostering a welcoming and cohesive environment where they feel safe and supported.

It includes two 12-month specialist grants for:

• ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) – £50,000
• Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) – £100,000

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 2 April 2025, 5pm

Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO are thrilled to announce the launch of their yearly Small Charity Week match funding campaign. This seven-day online campaign, running from Monday 23 to Monday 30 June 2025, aims to support small charities across the UK, helping to build the resilience, skills, and profile of the small charity sector while raising vital, unrestricted funding.

We're regularly updating the funding news on our website, so click the button below and find the fund for you!

Wednesday 19 March 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

An online networking meeting for anyone with an interest in managing, supporting or leading volunteers.

Share your experience, give and receive advice, and network with people who understand volunteers and volunteering.

If you have any questions about the LoVN or this meeting, please contact Dave Thomas, Volunteering Development Officer at Nottingham CVS, by emailing davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Green social prescribing is a way of connecting people to nature-based activities and green groups, projects and schemes in their local community for support with health and wellbeing. Often this will be through a referral from a Link Worker based at a GP practice or another primary care professional.

Our scheme in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, called GreenSpace, was one of seven government Green Social Prescribing Test and Learn sites.

While the National Test and Learn may have ended, NCVS continues to embed green social prescribing into health systems to make nature-based/outdoor activities an intervention of choice to support people to improve and maintain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The latest GreenSpace bulletin is available to read

You can view it in your web browser now. If you would like to receive future issues directly to your inbox, please email greenspace@nottinghamcvs.co.uk with a request to be added to the mailing list.

If you wish to share any events or stories happening in your organisation, or relating to green social prescribing or nature-based activities, please get in touch with the GreenSpace team. The deadline for submissions for the next bulletin is Tuesday 25 March 2025.

The Practice Development Unit (PDU) aims to promote and facilitate collaborative learning and the sharing of good practice among professionals and volunteers from all sectors, in Nottingham and neighbouring areas, who work with people experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD). This is understood as a combination of mental ill-health, substance misuse, homelessness, offending and domestic abuse, among other issues.

Contact our PDU Team if you need more information: pdu@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

Join our free online hub www.pdunottingham.org

Follow us on Twitter @NottinghamCVS #PDUNottingham.

Did you know the PDU Online Hub hosts a comprehensive e-learning suite? Check out this fortnight's PDU highlight below.

Thursday 20 March 2025, 1pm to 2.30pm
Online via Microsoft Teams

Join Lisa Murphy (Chartered Forensic Psychologist) and Emma Telling (Assistant Psychologist) from Change Grow Live (CGL) for an insightful session exploring the psychological barriers faced by service users with Severe Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) during ADHD assessments.

Wednesday 26 March 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

An online forum for professionals, volunteers and people with lived experience of severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) who are passionate about employability, skills led recovery and resettlement, or new to this area and curious to learn more.

The theme of the session is TBC.

Our full Training and Development programme is available to view on our website. All courses take place online via Zoom.

We have new sessions and new dates for 2024/2025. Book now.

Wednesday 12 March 2025, 10.30am to 12.30pm

This online training will refresh your knowledge as a trustee, update you on current issues, improve your personal skill set and help you develop your role for the benefit of your organisation.

Cost: £20 per participant

Tuesday 25 March 2025, 10am to 11am

Identify barriers to volunteering and develop ideas to minimise and remove them during this training, to ensure your organisation isn’t missing out on great volunteers.

Cost: £10 per participant

If you are a VCSE organisation in Nottingham City or a VCSE organisation recruiting to a job role which covers the Nottingham City area, you can submit a job advert for our website. Adverts remain on our website until the closing date. We feature new adverts once in the e-bulletin, where possible, depending on the volume of new adverts received.

There are lots more job listings on our website. You can view all the job vacancies available by clicking on the 'More Vacancies' button at the bottom of this section.

Tuesday 11 March 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, NG1 7FH

Come along for an empowering afternoon celebrating International Women’s Day with BIPC Nottingham, in collaboration with Transformative Coach Ella Schwarz.

Explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating the entrepreneurial landscape today with this fantastic panel of female founders!

1pm to 2pm - Panel Discussion
Gain insights from an inspiring panel of businesswomen:

• Tamika Martin (Culture Deluxe Limited)
• Kelly Cookson (Cheer Up Marketing)
• Natalee Onyechee (Skin Solace)

2pm to 3pm - Networking and Refreshments
Continue the conversation over refreshments, with the opportunity to connect with:

• Nottingham Women’s Centre
• The Athena Network
• Jade Koroma (Mum Essentials Limited)

Let’s come together to celebrate and support women in business—because we’re here to thrive, not just survive!

Limited spaces available! Secure your free ticket now via Gigantic Tickets.

Thursday 10 April 2025, 12 noon to 1pm
Online via Zoom

The Ethical Property Foundation (EPF) is the UK's leading property advice charity for the voluntary sector and is delighted to offer this free property webinar to voluntary organisations.

This informative, accessible webinar run by EPF’s experienced surveyors and property advisers will cover the basics of premises management.

The webinar will help you:

• Identify your property needs to make informed decisions that keep your team, volunteers, and beneficiaries safe
• Recognise key risks in property management and learn how to handle them effectively
• Explore ways to cut costs and even generate income from your space
• Gain practical insights into maintaining your property efficiently
• Discover steps to create a more environmentally friendly workplace.
• Understand the essentials of safely managing tenants

Participants will receive an information pack with the opportunity to obtain free follow-up expert advice.

Thursday 11 September 2025
In-person in London or virtually
Cost involved, early-bird discounts available

The Alzheimer's Society Annual Conference 2025 aims to address healthcare inequalities faced by dementia patients and their carers, focusing on ensuring equal treatment regardless of location, deprivation, age, culture, or ethnicity. The conference will involve researchers, policymakers, and community groups.

More event listings on our website

Head over to the dedicated 'External Events and Training' page on our website to view more events and training opportunities from Nottingham's Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector.

If you would like to submit an event to feature on this page, please fill in our online event submission form. Events will be approved for publication on the NCVS website at our discretion, taking into account our aims and mission.

Wednesday 19 and 26 March 2025, 10am to 3pm
Location TBC Beeston, NG9

Transform is committed to transforming the lives of the most vulnerable young people in our communities through their unique training courses and programmes.

They provide full training as part of their flagship 'How to Work with People, Especially Young People' training that is designed to revolutionise your approach through using practical emotional education techniques. Through interactive and experiential learning, you'll gain invaluable insights into the unique perspectives and needs of others and master the art of connecting with young people and navigating everyday life situations with confidence.

This training is available to Transform volunteers and volunteers from other organisations in Nottingham and Broxtowe. Please let the team know if you are attending on behalf of another organisation.

Get Grants training courses directly to your organisation, community, or networks to help meet your fundraising needs. This will give you direct access to their fundraising insights and expertise, giving your team or network practical support to build their fundraising knowledge, skills, and confidence. They can also be commissioned to write new bespoke training materials to meet the specific needs and context of your organisation and community.

If you would like to explore how Get Grants In-House Training could help your organisation, then please email info@getgrants.org.uk to discuss a training package to suit you.

The Youth Power Awards celebrate young people from across Nottinghamshire.

Do you know a young person aged between 7 and 18 years old who has:

• Done something inspirational
• Helped others
• Led by example
• Raised money for charity
• Overcome a challenge
• Turned their life around
• Has an amazing talent
• Anything else worthy of recognition

Nominate them for a Youth Power award, and they could be in with the chance to win:

• Attendance at a red carpet awards ceremony
• iPads
• Gift cards

Are you looking for a new way to refresh your fundraising efforts? Look no further than this very fashionable idea.

SOS Charity Fashion Shows, based in the East Midlands, hosts fashion events that raise money for charities or voluntary groups.

All you need is a suitable venue (ground floor access), willing volunteers, and at least 35 guests.

SOS Charity Fashion Shows will handle the rest, providing high-street fashion (all sizes), a professional compere, and music. You keep all the ticket sales, with the potential to raise more through raffles or bake sales (SOS donates up to £50 in gift cards for raffles).

For example, selling 50 tickets at £10 each could raise £500 for your cause!

The deadline for expressions of interest is Thursday 3 April 2025

The University of Nottingham is inviting organisations to host a summer intern through the Nottingham Internship Scheme (NIS).

• Funding available – The University can contribute towards intern salary costs, with full funding for charities and not-for-profits (four weeks, full-time).
  
  
• Fresh talent – Students and graduates bring new ideas and perspectives to support your organisation.
  
  
• Full recruitment support – The University helps with selection to ensure the right fit.

Interested? Contact Keaton Sharpe at Keaton.sharpe@nottingham.ac.uk to learn more.

Please complete this survey before Sunday 9 March 2025

 ASTOP has created this survey for organisations and groups in the charity and voluntary sector on business rates and solutions to tackle avoidance and evasion practices. Your responses will contribute to a submission to the government as part of the ongoing business rates reform consultation; they will be sharing the results of this survey before the end of March. By participating, you are helping to shape a fairer business rates system that benefits communities, local councils, and ethical businesses alike.

For every response received, ASTOP will donate £10 to a charity. Please feel free to answer what you can. (NB: All the answers you give will remain completely anonymous.)

Charity Tax Group made this statement on the consultation. Alternatively, you can email directly to transformingbusinessrates@hmtreasury.gov.uk during March.

Please complete this survey before Friday 21 March 2025

Fundraising Magazine and Charity Finance want to find out how happy charities are with their CRM packages and what they need to be able to do with their data.

By completing the questionnaire you will be put in the running to win a £100 John Lewis voucher. Do feel free to ask colleagues for input if they are better placed to answer certain questions.

Your information will be reported on an aggregated, non-attributable basis, so please be assured you may answer candidly and in confidence.

Community Matters is in the middle of preparing a research report about charity use of water and sewage and the associated costs of these services. 

This follows the recent Scottish Government ruling on charitable exemptions on rates. Hopefully we can get it discussed in the rest of the UK too. The more opinions gathered, the more informed and louder our voice is.

They hope to be able to share the full report in the near future, and it will form part of some discussions we are having with public sector bodies.

Nottingham-specific resources

• Medication Access Challenges Leave Patients Vulnerable - Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's new pharmacy hot topic report reveals significant difficulties patients face accessing prescribed medications. Contact Shailah Squire at Shailah.squire@hwnn.co.uk for enquiries.

General VCSE sector resources

• Funding and philanthropy in 2025: 5 trends to watch - NPC's Alex Hayes shares five key trends on the funding and philanthropic horizon.
  
  
• Annual Campaigner Survey 2024/2025 - Sheila McKechnie Foundation has released its annual campaigner survey, find out the latest findings and results by clicking the link.
  
  
• Breaking Point: The Mental Health Crisis in Small Organisation Leadership - This report shares the findings from research carried out by Fair Collective in partnership with NCVO, with support from The Talent Fund. The research, which took place between August and October 2024, focused on the mental health of leaders in small organisations across England (those with a majority income under £1 million).

The Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) e-bulletin will be back in a fortnight for a very special takeover edition. The deadline for contributions and comments is Friday 14 March 2025. Email communications@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

Did you know we keep an archive of past NCVS e-bulletins? View the archive here.

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