You searched for
''

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

Training

We offer a range of training courses designed to help you do what you do best

eLearning: Roles and duties of trustees

This flexible, interactive course will help you understand your duties as a trustee and support you to run your charity effectively so you can make a bigger difference

Leading on purpose

A practical four-month programme for emerging charity leaders who are on their way to leading organisations

Our vision for charity leaders

Learn about the mindset, knowledge and connections that emerging leaders need to guide the sector into the 2030s

Support for small charities and voluntary organisations

We know small charities make a big impact with limited resource - that's why we're here to help

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

Comparing video conferencing software

Use this page to help you work out if you need to change video calling software. You might decide to use different software and tools for different things.

  • Digital and technology

Understanding systems and tools for sharing eLearning

More information on eLearning resources, tools and systems

  • Digital and technology

Delivering successful online surveys and choosing the right survey platform

Use this page to learn about getting good survey response rates, get tips on survey design and compare different survey platforms.

  • Digital and technology

Choosing new software or digital tools

Advice on how to choose digital tools for your voluntary organisation

  • Digital and technology

Using our plan for choosing new software or tools

Use this page to understand why you should plan software selection and how you should approach it.

  • Digital and technology

Setting out your new software project

Use this page to learn about the first steps you should take before you begin to think about new software. They help you set out what you already know.

  • Digital and technology

Working out what the software or tool needs to do

Use this page to help you prioritise the things that matter most to your organisation and the people who'll use the new technology.

  • Digital and technology

Getting ideas and support when choosing software

How to compare and consider different digital tools and software

  • Digital and technology

Comparing software and making decisions

Use this page to understand how to create a comparison grid (or assessment framework) and make decisions around digital tools

  • Digital and technology

Reflection and learning about software or tools

How to test and learn to make sure you're using the right tools in the right way

  • Digital and technology

Successful funding applications (0.5 day)

Learn Practical tips to ensure you are successful in your funding bid applications.

Tools and methods for measuring outcomes (1 day)

Get an introduction to data collection methods and practical guidance for evaluating your work

Mentoring and coaching skills (0.5 days)

This course provides an introduction to the key differences between mentoring and coaching. You’ll learn how to use both skills effectively to develop and support staff, volunteers and clients

Recruiting volunteers (0.5 day)

This course will develop your skills and help you use a marketing approach to recruit volunteers

Authentic leadership (1 day)

This practical one-day course for aspiring and existing charity leaders will strengthen your understanding of authentic leadership, so you can lead with integrity and impact

Safeguarding essentials for trustees (0.5 day)

This introductory course explains the key trustee responsibilities for safeguarding, following guidance from the Charity Commission

Managing conflict and ending volunteering well (0.5 day)

This course will help you to manage conflict and problem solve with your volunteers, and navigate the process of ending volunteering well.

Introduction to EDI in charities (2 x 0.5 days)

This course introduces the key principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and how to apply them to your organisation

Building a sustainable and resilient fundraising strategy (1 day)

Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical application, you'll learn how to build a fundraising function that is not only effective today but sustainable and resilient for years to come.

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