On 1st April 2015, Community Action Norfolk (CAN) was formed through the merger of Norfolk Rural Community Council and West Norfolk Voluntary Community Action, combining their expertise to strengthen support for Norfolk’s voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (the ICB) are currently exploring ways in which they can make sure that as much of the budget as possible is spent on frontline care, so are looking at ways they can improve people’s health and work more efficiently.
AI bots are becoming more advanced, and online attacks on charity events are on the rise. These attacks can be targeted or completely random, and some bots can now bypass common security measures. The biggest dangers are not knowing the risks and not taking action – read our practical, easy-to-follow advice to protect your charity’s online events and ensure AI tools are used securely.
Several Halls in West Norfolk have received letters from the Revenues Department at the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk, with a request that they applications for Small Business Rates Relief to be completed, to replace the Mandatory Charity Relief that they are currently in receipt of. We know that this has caused some concern as the government has made clear its intention to review the current Rates Reliefs. We have spoken to the Non-domestic Rates Team to understand the reason for this.
Recent discussions in Parliament have shed light on the serious impact of bank closures in rural areas. The debate highlighted how these closures hit rural communities much harder than urban ones. MPs stressed the need for a "rural proofing" approach to banking, recognising that towns and villages face unique challenges compared to cities.
Local people to see their high streets revived, community hubs saved, and public services transformed and strengthened through the Plan for Neighbourhoods, announced on 4th March 2025.
Volunteers are the backbone of communities, providing invaluable support to organisations, charities, and local initiatives. Their dedication and generosity help drive positive change, from supporting vulnerable individuals to preserving local heritage and running essential services. Without volunteers, many vital projects would struggle to function, making their contributions essential for fostering strong, connected, and thriving communities.
In February 2025, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) released its final guidance, Employment Practices and Data Protection: Keeping Employment Records. This comprehensive document provides crucial insights into employers’ obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).