A problem that inevitably arises for charities of all types is conflict of interest. In this article we will look at being aware of it, how to avoid it, and how to resolve it when it happens.
We often feature articles about the inspiring initiatives happening in response to Covid-19. Except they don’t just happen – they’re the result of innovative, often spontaneous efforts by local individuals who see a need in their community. Mattishall Volunteer Hub (MVH) began life in the very first week of the lockdown in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and is still going strong.
The village hall, church and pub are three archetypal hubs of rural communities. Many communities across Norfolk have just one pub remaining, whilst some have lost even that. A familiar story in recent years is that of saving the village pub, an effort requiring skillful organisation, focused fundraising and commitment from those involved.
A new report warns of a difficult winter ahead for fuel poor households across the UK in the coming winter, as a potent combination of higher energy use resulting from staying at home for longer is mixed with reductions in income. It is estimated that 25,000 households across Norfolk experience some level of fuel poverty. CAN is committed to tackling these issues and supports a range of initiatives across the county.
The newly formed West Norfolk VCSE Hub provides an excellent mechanism for sharing best practice and opportunities for joined-up thinking. It was established to support discussions about key issues for the voluntary sector and public services in West Norfolk, the aim being to help other sectors work with VCSE organisations to ensure that the people of West Norfolk get the best support and services possible.
At CAN we believe in fair outcomes for all Norfolk residents and we support services that meet the economic, health, and social needs of individuals in their communities. We are asking for your help in raising awareness of ThinkingFuel, our collective heating oil buying scheme that helps combat fuel poverty.
Our CANConnect initiative works with partner agencies across the North Norfolk district of Norfolk and Waveney CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) to help connect people with activities in their locality, as well as providing individuals with one-to-one support in identifying and achieving their personal goals. CANConnect also provides support for the community itself, helping organisations and people make the places where we live stronger, friendlier, and more resilient.
CAN has always maintained that it is important to share collected experience, wisdom and skills, and collaborate where possible. It is equally important to be able to present all that expertise to key funders and decision-makers in the public sector, and regionally and, ultimately, at national level.
Recently the team at the Charity Commission presented an online webinar answering a range of questions specifically for local infrastructure organisations and the charitable groups they work with. The webinar is still available to watch online – links are at the end of this article.
At CAN we have been conducting research to assess the impact of COVID-19 on VCSE operations and service delivery. You can read about this here. We are featuring here regular examples of how groups and organisations have adapted their particular services. This week we’re focussing on Norfolk Community Action Network.