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About us

Find out about our services, the way we operate and how we champion voluntary action

Who we are

We’re the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England

Our services

Find out how we can support you, from support for small charities and training to consultancy and corporate relations

Venue hire

Discover our range of rooms available for hire.

Food and drink order form

Complete our quick form to arrange catering for your event

Why your organisation should get involved in The Big Help Out

Reasons and ways to support the nationwide campaign to get more people volunteering

Volunteering round-up: April 2024

The latest volunteering news, resources and dates for your diary

  • Involving volunteers

Governance round-up: April 2024

The latest charity governance news, resources and dates for your diary

  • Governance

The Voluntary Sector Manifesto

A manifesto for the voluntary sector ahead of the 2024 general election

  • Government and politics

Making sense of the local elections and what they mean for charities

  • Government and politics

Practical support bulletin: May 2024

Resources, events and information on the big issues affecting small charities

  • Digital and technology
  • Business planning and strategy
  • Funding and income

The inside track: May 2024

Our latest update on what’s happening in Westminster and how it might impact charities

  • Government and politics

Volunteering round-up: May 2024

The latest volunteering news, resources and dates for your diary

  • Involving volunteers

Governance round-up: May 2024

This month sees the launch of a consultation on the Charity Governance Code and new charity chair research

  • Governance

General election 2024: What charities should be doing

  • Government and politics

Setting the direction of your organisation

Find out what's involved in setting the direction of your charity

  • Business planning and strategy

Gathering knowledge to assess your situation

Use this section to select the right tools to help you understand your landscape and conditions.

  • Business planning and strategy

SWOT

A guide to help your organisation with your SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis

PESTLE

A guide to help organisations consider how the world is changing

Other players

A guide for your organisation to look at the priorities and impact of other organisations in your area of work

Deciding what you will do and how

Find out about how to select the right tools to help you make good decisions

  • Business planning and strategy

Dual bottom line analysis

A guide to help your organisation explore it's activities to assess the extent to which each contributes to value and surplus

Forcefield analysis

Use this tool to help you identify the forces working for and against a particular option

Even over statements

Use this tool to help your organisation explore tradeoffs

What is business planning?

Learn about what business planning is in your organisation's context

  • Business planning and strategy

Volunteers and the law (0.5 day)

This course will help you create a positive and inclusive experience for volunteers. The course will explore best practice in relation to safeguarding, data protection, health and safety, and equality

Project management in the voluntary sector (2 days)

This practical course is specifically tailored to the voluntary sector. It’s designed to give you all the principles and practical tools you need to plan, deliver and evaluate your project successfully.

Designated safeguarding leads in charities (1 day)

This one-day training course provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of safeguarding leads in charities in England.

Charity finance skills (1 day)

We know numbers can be daunting. Whether you are a staff member managing daily operations or a trustee overseeing governance, understanding your charity financial health is key to sustainable impact.

Leading change and transformation (1 day)

The voluntary sector operates in a fast-moving and uncertain environment. This one-day training focuses on leading change in a way that brings staff teams with you.

Boost your personal influence and impact (0.5 day)

Learn practical tools and techniques to increase your capability, confidence and impact when seeking to influence others – both within and outside your organisation

Managing people in the charity sector (2 days)

This course will equip managers in the voluntary sector with the skills and techniques they need to effectively manage paid members of staff

Charity trustee induction and refresher (2 x 0.5 days)

This course will give trustees an overview and understanding of charity governance, regulation and best practice

Outcomes and impact measurement (1 day)

Learn how to create an evaluation plan to better understand and demonstrate the difference your work makes

Leading external engagement (1 day)

This training will teach you how to raise your profile and the profile of your charity. You’ll learn how to improve your external engagement through network-building, collaboration, partnership development and effective communication.