Leigh Brimicombe

I’m beyond excited to announce this amazing partnership for #SmallCharityWeek 2025. 🎉

As finances continue to be stretched, partnering with the @biggive.bsky.social
and Globals Make Some Noise will get much-need unrestricted funding flowing into small charities.

www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-ins...

Labour forces devastating jobs tax on charities with heartless eight-word reason Voluntary organisations fear National Insurance hike will force them to cut services, but minister says Government will plough on regardless

More coverage today on the impact of employer national insurance hikes on charities, and the knock on affect it will have for communities across the country.

www.express.co.uk/news/politic...

I grew up in Glastonbury until I moved to uni. Over 20 years later the impact that the festival, and its organisers, have on both local and national level never ceases to amaze me.

Their contribution to arts, culture, music, community and charity can’t be understated.

Our estimate on the cost of employer national insurance contribution increases has made its way to the commons floor.

While increases won’t come into force until next year, charities are already having to make big decisions to prepare. Ultimately that means less services for communities in need.

Charities will not be exempt from employer National Insurance hike, Chancellor confirms The rise in employer NI contributions are expected to cost the sector £1.4bn per year

In a letter to NCVO and @acevo.bsky.social, Rachel Reeves confirmed the government's decision to provide exemptions to public sector employers only and not to charities

After the budget, more than 7,300 charities signed our letter with @acevo.bsky.social to the Chancellor.

Today, we received a reply. Our full statement in response, and the letter, is available online now 👇🏻

www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-ins...

Government 'won't agree on everything' with the charity sector but wants to work with it, minister says Stephanie Peacock, the Minister for Civil Society, hopes the government's forthcoming civil society covenant will enable the charity sector to be an equal partner in delivering a decade of renewal

It’s vital that we take this opportunity reset the relationship with government & build a constructive framework for how we work together.

No, we won’t always agree, but it’s crucial the voluntary sector has a seat at the table when policy is developed.

www.thirdsector.co.uk/government-w...

Mismanagement of Captain Tom Foundation 'does not reflect the hard work of thousands of charities', leaders say The circumstances of the case are 'very unique', charity leaders say

The circumstances of the case are 'very unique', charity leaders say

Charity campaigning is often criticised, but the Charity Commission has consistently reaffirmed its legitimacy. At our pre-election hustings, all major political parties agreed. The PM has also defended the right to campaign.

In many instances it’s the only way a charity can achieve its missions.

We launched the 2024 Civil Society Almanac today.

Some really interesting trends and changes to how our sector is funded. It’s fair to say things aren’t settling. Small charities continue to be hardest hit, and government funding has declined.

Check it out and let me know your big takeaways!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Last year we raised the alarm on the ‘cost of giving crisis’ affecting the sector. Costs continue to climb, and this story is further proof that the crisis is far from over.

Some charities can survive challenges like these, thousands can’t. And it will be already hard-hit communities that suffer.

If like me you work in charity comms and campaigning, check out this fab starter pack as a great way to start getting connected! Thanks @freyabarnes.bsky.social for pulling together!👇🏻

More than three-quarters of leading charities state they offer flexible working, research suggests The findings come from Third Sector’s first Charity Employer Index, which ranks 50 leading charities on their publicly available workplace benefits and policies

The Civil Society Almanac, launching this week, shows almost 40% of sector staff work remotely or hybrid. That’s higher than both public and private sectors.

www.thirdsector.co.uk/three-quarte...

When you take a pic of your dog and realise you’ve somehow made her look like the girl with the pearl earring

I agree, feeling so much more positive here. Perhaps it’s time for me to do some test and learn! It’s definitely encouraging to see so much of the sector coming over 💪🏻

I agree. I’m hearing from a lot of our partners that they’re focussing on already established / “professional” channels. What I love about here is the chance to have more reactive opportunities for telling the important stories of the sector.

So interesting! Still so early that it feels like leaving some of your friends in the pub and going somewhere else because you don’t like the landlord. Am hoping all our friends come too to make it easier!

In all the excitement of BlueSky, am wondering if any other charity / comms people out there are struggling with idea of giving up an active and large X following?

It’s a real challenge to add another channel, especially when resources and teams are already stretched.

All thoughts welcome!

Btw, if you haven’t already - you can sign up to see hear the headlines from the Alamanc. Launch event is next Weds morning…. Not one to miss!

booking.ncvo.org.uk/event/sessio...

UK’s first charity donation vending machines installed

NCVO’s UK Civil Society Almanac launches next week, and the data shows that public donations are falling.

Great to see innovations, like this vending machine, being trialled to help create new ways for public to give.

Can’t wait to see the results!

www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/uk-s-fi...

Amazing, thanks so much for this @howardlake.bsky.social! Really getting the sense of how much more supportive and engaged Bluesky is already! Love it!

Amazing, so glad we’ve been able to connect! Let’s keep in touch!

Want to change the way civil society works with UK government?

Now’s your chance! We need as many people as possible to join one of our many online workshops.

Share your views as we work with others across the sector to develop the Civil Society Covenant.

www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-ins...

This was such a brilliant first resource for me, thanks so much! I’m really enjoying scoping out the platform, it’s great to see so much of the sector is here and enjoying it!

Amazing, thanks Rob!

I knew I should have bought this when I saw it at Tate! Looks 👌🏻

Was a pleasure talking to @civilsociety.bsky.social this week about the work we’ve been doing to support charities affected by changes to employer NICs in the budget. Check out the full story 👇🏻

Great to meet you! And congrats on the new role! I have fond memories of working with Hearing Dogs (many years ago!) when I was part of comms for gov on fire and rescue, what a great org!

Thanks for sharing! A brilliant way to get started, really appreciate it! Hopefully numbers will continue to grow 🌱