Hello Helen

The Civil Society Covenant, launched by the Prime Minister this month, sets out a new approach to working in partnership with the voluntary sector. It’s a significant moment, and we’re keen to hear what you think is needed to make it a success.  

We’re also reviewing NCVO’s strategy, and we want your input to help shape how we support and represent the sector. Read on for ways to get involved, plus updates, reports, and resources relevant to your work. 

👉 Civil Society Covenant launched to reset partnership with government

👉 Help shape the future of NCVO and the charity sector

👉 Transforming lives through compassionate giving: The Hospital Saturday Fund’s 2024 impact report 
👉 Key actions charities can take to ensure they bank sustainably
👉 The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Charities and Volunteering (APPG) 
👉 The State of AI in charities 2025 report is out
👉 Apply for our Leading on Purpose: equipping leaders to drive lasting change programme
👉 How to handle volunteer concerns and complaints: Join our free webinar

👉 Hear from NCVO's Aggie on strengthening engagement on nonprofit boards | Free webinar   

👉 Complete the VCSE Barometer Survey Wave 11 

Civil Society Covenant launched to reset partnership with government

The voluntary sector is vital to the fabric of a fair and equal society. On 17 July, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, recognised the crucial role our sector plays in achieving that by launching the Civil Society Covenant – a new way of working in partnership with civil society organisations, putting people and communities at the heart of decision making. 

This is an important step forward, as the Covenant sets out how civil society and public bodies will better work together in the future. 

Stephanie Peacock, Lisa Nandy and Sarah Elliott at the Civil Society Covenant launch

• Read the full Civil Society Covenant on GOV.UK.
• Learn more about our response to the Covenant and next steps.
  

We need your feedback on the implementation of the Civil Society Covenant

As a key partner in creating the Civil Society Covenant, we want to make sure it works for our members, and that you understand how it works and we can support you in making the most of it. 

Help shape the future of NCVO and the charity sector

This year marks the end of NCVO’s current strategic cycle. We’re launching a strategic review to shape how we support, champion and stand with charities across the country in the years to come. As a valued member of NCVO, we want to hear from you in the process. Here are a few ways you can get involved: 

• Join our Strategic Review Member Forum
• Participate in a focus group
• Contribute to future conversations

We want to hear your voice

We’re kicking things off with two quick surveys: 

• Tell us how you’d like to be involved in the review. 
• Share your views on our current commercial services. 

Transforming lives through compassionate giving: The Hospital Saturday Fund’s 2024 impact report 

In 2024, NCVO Trusted Supplier, The Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) continued to make a meaningful difference across the UK, awarding grants to over 500 organisations and individuals.  HSF’s Impact Report offers a detailed look at how their charitable grants are improving health and wellbeing across the UK, with real stories, data, and outcomes that reflects HSF’s commitment to accessible care and community support. 

In Scotland, £110,000 was awarded to 25 charities at a reception in Glasgow’s City Chambers, supporting services such as chemotherapy treatment, bereavement support, and community healthcare. In England, grants helped fund specialist equipment, physiotherapy, and home adaptations for individuals and families facing health challenges. 

The report also highlights personal stories, including Jessica, who received life-saving care from London’s Air Ambulance after a serious cycling accident, and a young boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy whose physiotherapy was made possible through HSF support. These stories reflect HSF’s long-standing commitment to accessible healthcare and community wellbeing.  With the support of over 105,000 HSF Health Plan policyholders, HSF continues to advance its charitable mission - providing help to those delivering frontline care and supporting those most in need.  

HSF Health Plan offers affordable health cover to individuals and families, helping with everyday healthcare costs such as dental treatment, optical care, specialist consultations, and physiotherapy. 

What makes HSF Health Plan (the trading company of the charity The Hospital Saturday Fund) unique is that it passes on all profits to support its parent charity’s mission. HSF provides vital grants to medically associated charities, hospices, and individuals living with health conditions, helping to improve access to care and support. 

Learn more about HSF Health Plan.

Key actions charities can take to ensure they bank sustainably

Real change is needed if the world is to become a better place, and the finance sector has a role to play in making that change happen. That’s why where you choose to bank is so important, but what are the key steps to consider to ensure your charity banks sustainably?  

The first step is to find out what your finance providers are doing with your money. Organisations, such as Bank Green and My Mother Tree, undertake analysis to help you understand whether your bank invests sustainably or not.   

Calculating your carbon emissions is another key journey for charities to take. In the UK, large companies must report their carbon emissions. However, smaller companies are choosing to do so, as it is essential to report this when bidding for some Government contracts. When organisations look at their ‘Scope 3’ emissions, they’re often shocked to find how much their footprint has increased because of the finance providers they work with.  

Last but not least, measuring your impact also helps understand the impact of your organisation. 

• Watch this video from Unity Trust Bank to learn how you can get started with measuring your impact using the Theory of Change.   
• Access the Unity Impact Toolkit to find out more about the Theory of Change. 
• Read Unity Trust Bank’s 2024 impact report.  

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Charities and Volunteering (APPG) 

APPG meetings are an opportunity to sit down with parliamentarians and voluntary sector colleagues to discuss some of the biggest issues facing our sector.   

In July, the APPG met to discuss the year ahead for the sector. We heard from the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator, who reflected on what lies ahead in light of new data showing rising demand and growing pressure on charities. 

• Find out more. 
• Join the mailing list to make sure you receive an invitation to the next meeting which will focus on the Civil Society Covenant and take place on 14 October. 

The State of AI in charities 2025 report is out

AI is revolutionising processes for millions of people, but having a clear AI strategy is essential. 

In partnership with Phoenix Software, we surveyed charity organisations across the UK to explore the current state of AI in the sector. 

As charities continue to balance the challenges of increased demand and ever-more limited resources, it’s no surprise many are exploring how AI could help ease capacity and make operations more efficient and effective.

This report captures a snapshot in time of how the sector is adapting to this new technology. The results reveal a mix of curiosity and caution – with many organisations grappling with skills shortages and low confidence. As NCVO explores AI, we’re committed to sharing our learnings and challenges so that others can benefit, while also creating the spaces and practical guidance needed to enable charities to share, learn and grow in confidence together.

You can also uncover more on AI from the resources below:

• Read the Charity Digital Skills report 2025. 
• Uncover valuable insights on AI from our event with Microsoft. 
• Check out our free help and guidance.

Leading on Purpose: equipping charity leaders to drive lasting change | Applications now open 

Ready to step into your leadership potential?  

Our Leading on Purpose programme is designed for emerging charity leaders who want to grow their confidence, build stronger teams, and lead with clarity and purpose.  

You’ll come away with:  

• A clear sense of your leadership style, values and strengths  
• A personal development plan and Lumina Spark assessment  
• Strategies to lead change, manage complexity and inspire your team 

Participants from the most recent cohort of the programme

How to handle volunteer concerns and complaints: Join our free webinar

Managing concerns and complaints from volunteers is essential for maintaining trust, safeguarding wellbeing and strengthening your volunteer involvement. 

In our upcoming webinar, we'll explore how to create a safe environment where volunteers feel confident to raise concerns and how to respond appropriately when they do. 

We’ll share practical advice on setting up proportionate procedures and ensuring your processes align with your organisation’s values. You’ll also hear examples of how organisations have successfully handled volunteer complaints to improve practice and culture. 

• Book your free place. 
• Read our free help and guidance to learn how to manage the process of volunteering well.  
• Join our volunteering training courses. 

Hear from NCVO’s Aggie on strengthening engagement on nonprofit boards | Free webinar 

How can you get your trustees more involved? 

Join our governance consultant, Aggie Taylor, for a joint webinar with iBabs. We’ll be sharing practical ways to boost board engagement in a time of growing pressure on charities. 

From improving culture and collaboration to making hybrid meetings more inclusive, you’ll gain tools you can use right away - plus insights into frameworks like the Charity Governance Code and NCVO’s Governance Wheel.

Complete the VCSE Barometer Survey Wave 11 

VCSE organisations are teaming with data and insights - but many lack the time, tools, or support to make the most of it. 

The latest VCSE Barometer Survey (16 July – 6 August) focuses on how your organisation uses, needs, and shares data, and how you work with research and researchers. 

Your answers will help shape future support, training, and tools designed around the real needs of the voluntary sector. 

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