News Articles
How BIPC and SEA are helping social enterprises grow in Nottingham
In this case study spotlight, we share how a growing partnership between the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) and our Social Enterprise Access (SEA) program is helping local social entrepreneurs go further and faster. With access to expert tools like market research and IP advice through Nottingham’s library network, SEA participants are turning ideas into action — and building stronger, more…
Can councils sell off allotments - and what does this mean for our plans?
In this Frequently Asked Friday blog, Helen Oparinde, our Sector Growth Coordinator, addresses a timely concern raised by community groups and wellbeing projects. With headlines suggesting councils could now sell off allotments, Helen explores what’s actually changed (spoiler: not as much as you might think!) and what groups should know before pressing pause on their allotment plans. The…
150 years of changing charity: Then and now
In 1875, Nottingham’s newly founded Nottingham Society for Organising Charity (NSOC) had a bold goal: to bring order to local giving, prevent fraud, and support the 'deserving poor'.150 years on, we’ve come a long way, but the heart of our work remains the same: helping people through collective effort, compassion, and community. From 'deserving poor' to empowered communitiesSome of the…
Does it matter if our charity doesn’t submit our accounts on time?
In this Frequently Asked Friday blog, Helen Oparinde, our Sector Growth Coordinator, tackles a question that comes up more often than you'd think. She explains why missing your charity’s accounting deadlines can have bigger consequences than expected – from official warnings to funding knockbacks – and shares what trustees can do to stay on top of their financial responsibilities without getting…
I want to fundraise – do I need to start a charity?
In this Frequently Asked Friday blog, Helen Oparinde, our Sector Growth Coordinator, explores a common question we hear from passionate changemakers. She explains why setting up a charity isn’t always the best route – and what your options are if you want to start fundraising the right way, without getting lost in legal complexity.The questionI want to fundraise for a charity; should I set up my…
What Fundraising Regulator Registration really means for small charities
What does registering with the Fundraising Regulator really mean for small charities?In this Frequently Asked Friday blog, Helen Oparinde, our Sector Growth Coordinator, breaks down what registration looks like in practice and why it might be more achievable (and beneficial) than you think.The question:I’m thinking about registering with the Fundraising Regulator to make sure we’re doing things…
Who recognises this NCVS legend in the Post People spotlight from 2006?
It’s amazing what you find when you’re tidying up. When the wife of one of our longest-standing team members came across this newspaper clipping from 2006, we knew we had to share it. But the real question is… do you know who it is? 'You feel you have made a difference.'That’s what Dave Thomas, one of our longest-serving team members, told the Post People news paper back in 2006 – and it…
What the 2025 Spending Review means for charities and communities
Helen Oparinde, Sector Growth Coordinator, breaks down what the latest government spending plans mean for the voluntary sector.Government spending is split into two main categories: Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) and Annually Managed Expenditure (AME). The spending review focuses on departmental budgets - including day-to-day spending (resource DEL) and investment in infrastructure (…
What to do if you have concerns about a charity
‘I’m worried that a charity might not be operating as it should - what should I do?’ It’s a question no one wants to ask, but sometimes we must. Whether you're a member of the public, a volunteer, or a staff member, Helen Oparinde, NCVS Sector Growth Coordinator, guides you through the process, including the latest guidance (released today, Monday 6 June), to support you through what can be a…
Celebrating volunteers, one brilliant conversation at a time
NCVS Volunteering Development Officer, Dave Thomas has had a busy Volunteers' Week and has sent this detailed report:Last week’s Volunteers Week was, again, a very busy and very positive week for us at NCVS. We hosted an online Leaders of Volunteers Network, the first face-to-face training in about five years, and I went to talk to students at a volunteering event where I was invited by the…
