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NCVS e-bulletin - Thursday 24 July 2025

Welcome to this edition of the NCVS e-bulletin—your perfect excuse to put the kettle on and skip that email you’ve been putting off!

We’ve had a busy few weeks at NCVS, with plenty going on behind the scenes as we continue to celebrate our 150th year supporting Nottingham’s amazing voluntary and community sector.

We’re still planning more exciting events as part of our anniversary year—keep an eye out!

We’ve also welcomed a new Deputy CEO to the team, and we’re thrilled to introduce them properly. You can read more about their background and what they’ll be bringing to the role below.

In this edition, you’ll find:

  • Have your voice heard in Wave 11 of the VCSE Barometer Survey
  • Register your spot on our free conference—just for our voluntary sector partners
  • A brand new Meet the Expert workshop that is all about partnerships and procurement
  • Lots of events to add to your diary
  • Loads of new funding and training opportunities

...and plenty more.

Happy reading!

News and Updates
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Sector Forward: Nottingham's VCSE conference 2025

Monday 13 October 2025, 9am to 4pm
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham | Free to attend

Sector Forward is our one-day conference to celebrate 150 years of NCVS, and more importantly, to come together as a sector to recharge, connect, and grow.

From inspirational speakers to practical workshops, a buzzing marketplace, prize draws, and goody bags – it’s a day designed by and for Nottingham’s VCSE sector.

Workshop highlight: Making websites work for you
Is your website working as hard as it could be to support your cause - and your fundraising?

In this practical session, expert digital agency Few and Far share the five most impactful website changes any charity can make to better connect with visitors and inspire action.

Drawing on insights from over 250 free website audits in the voluntary sector, they’ll show you how small tweaks can lead to bigger engagement, stronger emotional connection, and yes - even better fundraising results.

You don’t need to be the comms lead or a web expert to benefit, this session is packed with tips you can take back to your team, whatever your role.

Few and Far are the go-to experts for stress-free digital support in the charity world, helping organisations build strong brands, brilliant websites, and better futures. Come away feeling inspired and thinking: 'We can do this'.

Read more

Laura Armitage, NCVS Deputy CEO
Welcome back Laura, NCVS Deputy CEO

Really happy to be stepping back into Nottingham CVS.

I have been working in Nottingham City for over 20 years, and I am so passionate about doing what I can to improve the outcomes for people and organisations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 

I have two children who take up much of my time outside of work and have been volunteering with me since they were born. I try to keep myself fit and healthy mentally and physically by commuting to work by bike, outdoor swimming, and trail running, and I recently completed a sprint triathlon with a friend, as we needed a challenge to keep us motivated... and all of our training involved cake. 

I love to get out walking in the countryside too, and my family has had to learn to love (or tolerate) many adventures out in all weathers. 

I'm really looking forward to moving forward with the Nottingham CVS team into the future and am excited to see what the future holds. 


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Wave 11 of the VCSE Barometer survey is now open

VCSE organisations hold a wealth of data and insights, but many don’t have the time, tools, or support to make the most of them.

The latest VCSE Barometer Survey is exploring how your organisation collects, uses, and shares data - and how you engage with research and researchers.

They want to hear from you about:

  • What kinds of data you collect and use
  • What support or access you might need
  • How confident you feel sharing data or taking part in research

Your responses will help shape future support, training, and tools that are tailored to the real needs of the voluntary and community sector.

Take part here

Helping someone who finds communication difficult? Pegasus makes 999 calls easier

Pegasus is designed for people who may struggle to share their information quickly in an emergency - whether due to a disability, health condition, or other communication difficulty.

By signing up, your details are safely stored on a secure database used by Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and East Midlands Ambulance Service. So if you ever need to call for help, they’ll already have the key information they need, meaning less stress and faster support.

Who is it for?
The scheme is open to anyone who finds it hard to communicate, for any reason. It’s free to join and entirely optional, but could make a big difference when it matters most.

How to register:
You can sign up online via the Nottinghamshire Police website or request an application form by emailing pegasus@notts.police.uk.


Team Talk

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.

Helen Oparinde, Sector Growth Coordinator
What Fundraising Regulator Registration really means for small charities

If you've ever looked at the Code of Fundraising Practice and thought, 'That looks like a lot for our small team…', you're not alone. But it might be more straightforward, and more beneficial, than you think.

In our latest Frequently Asked Friday blog, Helen Oparinde, Sector Growth Coordinator at NCVS, unpacks what Fundraising Regulator registration really means in practice for small charities.

From boosting public trust to unlocking fundraising opportunities, find out why taking that next step could be well worth it.

Read the full article here

Dave Thomas, Volunteering Development Officer
They said they’re interested in volunteering – now what?

You’ve got someone’s attention – amazing! But this moment is fragile. Respond too slowly or too formally, and that spark could fade.

In the second blog of our Volunteer Journey series, Dave Thomas shares practical, no-fuss tips for turning a raised hand into real involvement. From speedy replies to warm welcomes, find out how to keep the energy alive and move things forward.

Get Dave's tips and tricks here

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

More from the NCVS team

NCVS is 150 Years Old!
Newspaper clipping from 2006 Post People feature highlighting long-serving NCVS volunteering champion Dave Thomas
Can you guess the NCVS legend?

Take a look at this 2006 Post People spotlight on one of NCVS’s longest-serving team members - still with us, still making a difference, and still insisting he’s been here from the very beginning. Can you tell who it is? Click the button below and find out.

Guess the face and read the story

Funding News
Mindera UK Foundation: Youth development fund

The deadline for applications is Thursday 31 July 2025, 5pm

Unrestricted grants of up to £1,000 to charities and grassroots organisations that support young adults. This funding is designed to strengthen your organisation’s ongoing work, not just specific projects, so that, together, we can create lasting impact across the East Midlands.

Read more

Winter Support Grant launched to support the city

The deadline for applications is Sunday 14 September 2025, 11.59pm

The Winter Support Grant is in two parts; the minimum grant available is £3,000 and the maximum grant available is £7,000.

Read more

Amazon regional creatives fund

The deadline for applications is Monday 15 September 2025

Grant funding of up to £30,000 for charities with an income less than £5 million and up to £100,000 for consortium applications that are currently running a programme that focuses on upskilling people from underserved communities for careers in creative industries.

Read more

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

More funding news

Volunteering News
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Leaders of Volunteers Network (LoVN) meeting

Tuesday 2 September 2025 from 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

Join our friendly, regular online network for anyone involved in managing or supporting volunteers.

Share ideas, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the sector.

Free to attend - please register to get the Zoom link.

Read more
More volunteering news

Travel Well
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An Active Travel social prescribing project

Active travel social prescribing connects people to walking, cycling, and wheeling activities to improve health and wellbeing, often via referral from healthcare professionals.

The 'Travel Well' project operates in Nottingham neighborhoods, enabling referrals to activities like cycle training, bike repairs, and guided walks. NCVS works with partners, including Nottingham City Council and local organisations, to deliver this support.

Two Care Coordinators help manage referrals and ensure access to these services, promoting active travel as a way to enhance mental and physical health.

Find out more

Practice Development Unit (PDU)
Go to the Practice Development Unit
Free shared learning resources for all

The Practice Development Unit (PDU) offers a unique opportunity for professionals and volunteers from all sectors in Nottingham and beyond, who work with people facing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD), to connect, learn collaboratively and share good practice. SMD is generally understood as a combination of homelessness, substance use, mental ill health, domestic sexual violence and abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system. People’s experiences are often shaped by histories of trauma, poverty, stigma and abuse.

See our information pack to find out more about the free PDU learning offer.

To discover new events, training and resources, sign up for the PDU bulletin.

Any queries, please contact the team at pdu@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Read more about the PDU

Training from NCVS

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 2025/2026. Book now.

NCVS Training & Development Programme 2024-2025

We’ve launched our 2025/26 Training and Development Programme—but that’s not all! As part of our birthday celebrations (you only turn 150 once!), our training is free to attend for the year (Terms and Conditions apply).

Same great training, now free to better support your work! 

Check out our upcoming training below. If you need more information or have any issues with registration, contact us at ncvs@nottinghamcvs.co.uk.

Here’s what’s on offer:

  • Core training – Now free*!
    Expert-led sessions covering essential skills for your organisation. You've said, we've listened, introducing brand new training to support your funding needs.

  • Meet the... Series
    Join us for this new series where sector leaders share insights on the topics that matter most to Nottingham’s voluntary sector.

  • PDU Training
    Supporting those working with people experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) with specialist insights and practical approaches.

  • Social Enterprise Accelerator Programme (with NTU)
    Providing hands-on support for those starting or growing a social enterprise.

Check out upcoming sessions and book your place today!

* Please be aware of our Terms and Conditions and Cancellation Policy.


Coming up:
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Introduction to volunteers and the law

Wednesday 6 August 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

Even though the law doesn’t say much about volunteering, what it does say really matters.

Join Dave Thomas for this useful online session exploring the key legal areas you need to be aware of when working with volunteers - from safeguarding and insurance to risk, benefits, and DBS checks.

Perfect for anyone new to volunteer management or looking to boost their confidence in navigating the legal bits.

Register here
Introduction to health & safety and risk assessments

Tuesday 16 September 2025, 10am to 12 noon
Online via Zoom

New to health and safety? Not sure where to start with risk assessments?

Join us for this clear, practical online session with David Saunders, designed to give you the confidence to spot risks and keep people safe in your organisation.

Perfect for trustees, staff, volunteers, or anyone looking to get to grips with the basics and start completing risk assessments with ease.

Register here

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Meet the trusts and foundations fundraiser: Suzie Rees

Thursday 18 September 2025, 10.30am to 11.30am
Online via Zoom

Looking to boost your charity’s income through trusts and foundations?

Join fundraising consultant Suzie Rees for a friendly, practical session designed especially for small organisations. Suzie will guide you through the steps to build a successful trust fundraising programme, even if you’re short on time or new to the process.

You’ll also hear about her Trust Fundraising in a Box toolkit, packed with templates and guidance to help you get started.

Bring your questions and get ready to unlock new funding opportunities!

Register here
Power in partnership: How VCSE organisations can thrive in a new procurement landscape

Thursday 25 September 2025, 11am to 12.30am
Online via Zoom

Big changes are coming to public sector contracts - and they could open up exciting new opportunities for VCSE organisations like yours.

Join Richard Dickins from Social Value Business for a free, interactive session exploring what the new Procurement Act means for your organisation, and how to position your social impact to attract partnerships with larger businesses.

Whether you're new to public procurement or ready to grow your reach, this session will help you understand the changes and take practical steps towards new collaborations.

Register here
More training and development opportunities

Voluntary Sector Jobs

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.


Kids Club Playworker
Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens

Hours: 3 hours per week
Salary: £13.33 per hour
Closing date: Mon 28 July 2025, 5pm

Email Ellie for more information
Heritage Centre Manager
Canalside Heritage Centre

Hours: 38 hours per week
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Closing date: Thu 31 July 2025, 6pm

More information
More vacancies

Events
Building an LGBTQIA+ friendly Nottingham

Tuesday 30 July 2025, 4pm to 5pm
Live streamed via YouTube

Join City Arts for a free, action-focused online talk exploring how we can build a more inclusive Nottingham – with a focus on safety, visibility, access to services, and culture.

Hosted by journalist and oral historian CJ De Barra, the event brings together a diverse panel of activists, artists, researchers, and community leaders to share lived experiences and bold ideas for change.

Audience questions are welcome via chat (YouTube login needed).

Register your spot now

Nottingham University Hospitals Annual Public Meeting

Wednesday 3 September 2025, 10am to 2pm
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Wollaton Street, NG1 5RH

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is hosting its Annual Public Meeting.

The agenda will include:

  • An update on the Independent Review of their Maternity Services.
  • An interactive, facilitated session to engage you on the development of its new organisational strategy.
  • Presentations on how they are working to provide better outcomes and experiences for their patients.

For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be livestreamed via Microsoft Teams.

Read more

Mencap active community conference

Wednesday 26 November 2025, 10am to 4pm
Notts County Football Club, NG2 3HJ | Free to attend

Discover how the Our Active Community programme is transforming access to physical activity for people with a learning disability. Hear real stories, get practical tools, and connect with others driving change.

Register your spot now

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.

More events

Training from Other Providers
Carbon monoxide awareness in fuel-poor homes training

Tuesday 19 August 2025, 9.30am to 12 noon

National Energy Action (NEA) is offering a free, fully funded webinar for frontline workers that support people with health conditions or disabilities made worse by living in a cold home. 

Carbon monoxide awareness in fuel-poor homes will support advisers providing information and advice to fuel-poor homes, including hard-to-reach and vulnerable groups.

Read more

Training at Harmless

The Academy at Harmless is Harmless' specialist training department. The team delivers a range of CPD-accredited and bespoke training services around self-harm, suicide awareness and prevention, and mental health. We deliver courses UK-wide, including externally accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). For upcoming training, please click the button below.

Read more

Appeals, Campaigns and Opportunities
The Digital Learning Grant is back

The deadlines for applications is Friday 12 September 2025, 5pm

JustGiving and Fundraising Everywhere have again teamed up to offer their free coaching programme designed to boost fundraising professionals’ digital skills and confidence.

Participants improved their skills by up to 136% in 2024, so the 2025 Digital Learning Grant is not to be missed—and there are more places than ever, with 250 spots up for grabs! 

With a carefully curated online learning hub, 1:1 coaching calls, free workshops, and access to online events, learn at your own speed and grow your skills in strategy, innovation, accessibility, and much more.

Read more

Inform innovation across the East Midlands, join the Patient and Public Forum

The deadline to apply is Sunday 10 August 2025

Health Innovation East Midlands (HIEM) is looking for three new members from the Lincoln/Lincolnshire and Nottingham/Nottinghamshire areas to join its East Midlands Senate. This role will suit people with an interest in innovations, including digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-informed healthcare and new services across the NHS. People with experience in partnership working, providing constructive feedback to healthcare organisations, and a passion for diversity and equity are invited to apply. Participation payments are offered, and the Senate meets about four times a year. 

If anyone would like an informal chat or support with completing the form, please email Helen Thompson at helen.thompson@nottingham.ac.uk.

Read more and apply

Your local sexual health services: free, confidential, and here for you

Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is the new service supporting people across the city and county. We offer a wide range of free and confidential clinical, counselling, and health promotion services to support your sexual wellbeing. 

Prefer to test from home? If you’re over 16 and have no symptoms, you can access free online STI testing and treatment via the website—a secure, confidential service available across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 

To book an appointment or find out more, call 0300 1317010 or visit their website.

More appeals, campaigns and opportunities

Free Resources and Reports

General VCSE sector resources

  • The Charity Commission has published its annual public and trustee research, revealing a stark long-term rise in people seeking charitable support amid continued high levels of public trust in charities.

  • Severn Trent Community Fund Annual Review - Read the latest funding news and updates from Severn Trent.

The Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) e-bulletin will be back in a fortnight. The deadline for contributions and comments is Monday 4 August 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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Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS)

Dryden Enterprise Centre
Nottingham Trent University
Dryden Street
Nottingham
NG1 4FQ

Telephone: 0115 934 8400
Email: ncvs@nottinghamcvs.co.uk

https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk

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