“It was encouraging to have the opportunity to share these issues directly with government and to see a clear willingness to listen, engage and act."
Leigh Brimicombe, Chief Influencing Officer
“At the roundtable, we reflected the real challenges our members are facing – from rising costs and increased demand, to the impact of community tensions and reduced capacity for volunteering."
“The voluntary sector is under significant strain, and the knock-on impacts of the US-Iran war are adding further pressure at a time when many charities are already stretched to their limits."
Leigh Brimicombe, Chief Influencing Officer
As this issue returns to the spotlight, our position remains clear. While it is vital that the public has confidence in charities and that abuse of the sector is addressed robustly, any new regulatory powers must be proportionate, evidence-based and developed in close consultation with the sector.
We were proud to support this joint letter, alongside colleagues across civil society, raising concerns about proposed changes to the Charity Commission for England and Wales powers.
Three white women smile and stand in the Spring sunshine for a photo in front of the green tiles of Grapevine's 15th century building in Spon End in Coventry. A window with iron bars on the outside is also seen. The women are (left to right) Grapevine deputy CEO Mel Smith, NCVO CEO Kate Lee and Grapevine CEO Clare Wightman.
Wonderful to welcome Kate Lee, new @ncvo.bsky.social CEO, to our Spon End offices last week. Our CEO Clare Wightman and deputy CEO Mel Smith enjoyed taking Kate on a whistlestop tour through Grapevine's work and talking about the future of sector representation at NCVO. Thank you for visiting Kate!
📢The #VolunteersWeek shop has launched!
The shop offers a range of branded items designed to help organisations show appreciation and celebrate the impact of volunteers in their communities.
Explore the collection and begin your preparations for June today: bit.ly/Volunteers-W...
Talking about mergers is like “talking about the menopause in mixed company”, said Kate Lee, chief executive of @ncvo.bsky.social, at the beginning of this year.
“Everyone knows they can, but it still feels slightly uncomfortable.”
“The drop in giving is a worrying sign for the sector. At a time when demand for charitable support is rising, a decline on this scale could present serious challenges for many organisations if the trend continues.”
Kate Lee, CEO
Curious about the next chapter for civil society? This week our CEO, Kate Lee OBE, spoke on the Time for Impact Podcast about her vision for both NCVO, and the charity sector at large.
🎙️ Listen to the podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/6jGH...
"Together, we share a commitment to resetting the relationship between government and civil society, and I have no doubt that this group will help turn that commitment into real change."
Kate Lee, CEO
“The government should work closely with the new Civil Society Council and sector leaders to ensure any measures cannot be misused to limit or silence civil society more broadly."
Kate Lee, CEO
“Volunteering is, by definition, freely given. Tying it to
settlement undermines its spirit, distorts its purpose and risks damaging public trust."
Three-quarters of charities oppose the government’s plans to link volunteering to settlement in the UK, according to a new survey by @ncvo.bsky.social
Government plans to link volunteering with immigration status have raised concerns across the charity sector.
We’re adding our voice to that of @ncvo.bsky.social, who are calling for a different approach.
Learn more: thewea.info/45PRNGr
“We must ensure civil society is protected. By reaffirming our shared values and creating a space for positive, inclusive action, this campaign can help ensure charities are able to continue to meet the needs of the people and communities that rely on them.”
Kate Lee, CEO
“Charities do, and always will, bring something vital to the impact economy: a moral compass rooted in public benefit; the ability to reach the hardest-to-reach communities and causes; and data, passion, knowledge, and experience built up since Victorian times.”
Kate Lee, CEO
The VCSE Barometer Survey is live!
In May 2024, 4 in 10 VCSE organisations reported that they did not have enough volunteers to meet their core objectives.
Wave 13 of the survey explores recruitment, retention and the growing pressures on volunteering.
Share your experience now - ow.ly/zpjK50Y3BYq
Still time to apply for the #SmallCharityWeek 2026 match funding campaign ⏰
Last year, 97% of charities boosted digital fundraising confidence, despite 90% starting with little or no experience.
Find out more and apply 👉 biggive.org/small-charity-week/
"The announcement of the Local Government Partnerships Fund is a significant and welcome step in embedding the principles of the Civil Society Covenant into everyday practice for charities."
Kate Lee, CEO
"Let’s not only be talking about this because of the financial pressures on our organisations. Let’s be genuinely looking at whether we can improve impact for beneficiaries.”
Kate Lee, CEO
“The next step is for the covenant’s structures to be set up as a priority, so government can begin engaging meaningfully with civil society on its implementation.”
Kate Lee, CEO
This article by By Dr. Natasha Hirst highlights that despite rising hostility and limited resources, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) remains essential to the charity sector’s values and effectiveness.
Read the full article here - dileaders.com/blog/protect...
"The commitment from the prime minister to build a council that works directly with Number 10 recognises the strength and skills of voluntary organisations in helping solve challenges which are preventing communities from thriving."
Kate Lee, CEO
"Using the findings from this report, we need to ensure the sector, its partners and friends, come together to support organisations that are simply trying to deliver their vital work."
Kate Lee, CEO
The charity sector has navigated a period of significant difficulty in recent months – feeling increasingly unsafe and under threat amid rising societal tensions.
Read our full report - Challenges Facing Charities in Divided Times:
ncvo.org.uk/news-and-ins...
“Despite years of commitments, this data shows little meaningful progress. Competitive tendering, characterised by burdensome processes and short-term underfunded contracts, creates significant barriers for charities."
- Rebecca Young NCVO Policy and Public Affairs Lead
Last week's #Budget2025 set out plans for tax, spending and public services, with important steps for families and children, but charities continue to face significant financial and operational pressure.
Read our full analysis: www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-ins...
Charities barely feature in yesterday’s #AutumnBudget, despite their essential role in communities and the economy. With rising demand and costs, the sector needs investment, fair funding and better policy support. Read our response from yesterday below - further analysis will follow later today.
Line graph showing child poverty rates from 2022/23 to 2029/30, comparing default rates and rates if the two-child cap is removed.
Ending the two-child benefit cap in today's budget is huge, wonderful news for the 500,000 children lifted out of poverty and the 1 million who will face less deep poverty. But the other 4.1m children in poverty deserve the same. This was the right start: now do the rest.