VOLUNTARY
VOICE
Issue 04 - 2015 www.flvc.org.uk
FLVC Flintshire Local Voluntary Council Cyngor Gwirfoddol Lleol Sir y Fflint
Charity No 1062644 Company Limited byIssue Guarantee No 3301204 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 1
NOTES FROM ANN Welcome to the latest edition of Voluntary Voice.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Third Sector
zzOur Third Sector Doctor Programme (in partnership with AVOW) in undergoing independent evaluation of its support of Third Sector Groups experiencing difficulties
It seems every opportunity for reflection on Third Sector work begins with the impact of funding cuts – Voluntary and Community Groups being asked to do more with less. This page is, I am afraid, no different. All of the County Voluntary Councils in Wales are currently consulting with WCVA and Welsh Government to shape the future of the Third Sector Infrastructure Agreement, in light of the current financial climate.
zzWe are working with BCU Health Board on
Throughout November and December, Flintshire County Council have convened a number of Public Engagement Events to seek the views of local people about how we can work together to meet the financial challenges we now face ‘This is our Moment’.
Sector expertise in the delivery of the Single Point of Access programme for North Wales
improving cross-county efficiency of the Health and Social Care Facilitator role
zzWe have facilitated workshops and training to support Flintshire County Councils review of Core funded Third Sector Service and the Community Asset Transfer process
zzWe continue to promote the impact of Third
zzWe have developed a partnership with Flintshire’s Youth Services for engaging young people in volunteering to help them to build their skills for future employment/ training
As Statutory Partners look towards Alternative Models of Service Delivery and transfers of assets Please keep in touch and let us know if you have and services to the local community, we continue an announcement, event or celebration to be to stress how important it is for the capacity of included within this publication or our e-bulletin. the Third Sector to be built, not reduced. I do believe that the current financial climate has raised awareness and appreciation of the Regards effectiveness of the Third Sector, but we do need to continue shouting about the things that we do well and the things that we do best. Better co-ordination of service provision and funding agreements between all Public Service partners is a priority for our Compact and Local Service Board Partners (soon to become the Public Service Board) to ensure best value and highest quality of service.
Chief Officer 01352 744028 ann.woods@flvc.org.uk
Many thanks to everyone who supported our Annual General Meeting in September. A celebration of work done, whilst always keeping an eye on what we can do better. At our last Board meetings we welcomed three new Trustees – Tim Byram, Ole Constantine and Jane Styles - and also introduced our new Chair, Marjorie Thomson and Vice Chair, Paul Hinchliffe.
2 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
Collaboration with our statutory partners and neighbouring CVCs continues to good effect:
Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 3
FUNDING
FUNDING
LOTTERY FUNDING
AWARDS FOR ALL WALES
PEOPLE AND PLACES
HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND
The Heritage Lottery Fund supports projects that have a strong heritage focus. They must also make a difference for heritage, people and communities.
Awards For All provides voluntary and community groups with a quick and easy way to get small National Lottery grants of between £500 and £5,000 for projects which aim to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need.
People and Places will fund capital and revenue projects that encourage co-ordinated action by people who want to make their communities better places to live. It will support local and regional projects throughout Wales that focus on:
The programme encourages a wide range of community, health, educational and environmental projects.
zzrevitalising communities, zzimproving community relationships, or
Historic places of worship are often at the heart of our communities. Grants from £10,000– £250,000 can fund urgent structural repairs and help to make them better places for everyone to visit.
Applications are made on-line by downloading an application form.
zzenhancing local environments, community services and buildings.
SHARING HERITAGE
Full guidance notes including related documents together with a link to the application form is available at :
To learn more about People and Places and how to apply go to www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ prog_people_places
Provides grants of £3,000– £10,000 for small-scale heritage projects. This is the Heritage Lottery Fund’s smallest grant programme, and is suitable for groups who have never applied before, as well as more experienced organisations. The application form is straightforward and will be assessed in eight weeks.
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/ programmes/wales/awards-for-all-wales
www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_people_ places
SPORT WALES COMMUNITY CHEST £1500 is available towards community sport projects in any 12 month period to increase participation and improve standards. This grant is open to groups such as sports clubs and associations, youth clubs and community groups. Full details of activities and projects that cannot be funded are available on the website www.sportwales/communitychest
GRANTS FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP (WALES)
OUR HERITAGE An open programme for any type of project related to national, regional or local heritage in the UK. You can apply at any time for a grant of more than £10,000 and up to £100,000, and your application will be assessed in eight weeks.
HERITAGE GRANTS An open programme for any type of project related to the national, regional or local heritage in the UK. You can apply for a grant of more than £100,000. The application process is in two rounds.
YOUNG ROOTS Grants of £10,000-£50,000 to help young people aged 11 to 25 to explore their heritage, from green spaces, museums, and historic sites to language, local memories and youth culture.
FIRST WORLD WAR: THEN AND NOW Explore the heritage of the First World War with grants of £3,000–£10,000. This programme has a short application form, and is suitable for everyone, including first-time applicants. To learn more about the Heritage Lottery Fund and how to apply for funding go to www.hlf.org.uk
Please note that the way to apply to Sport Wales will change as of 26th October, you will be able to register to access the Sport Wales grant portal, where you can apply online for Community Chest, Development Grants, Elite Cymru and National Governing Body (less than £50k) grants.
HEROES RETURN 2 This lottery grant provides funding to help World War II veterans take part in commemorative visits. Funding is available for veterans, their spouses and carers, to revisit the places where they served and remember the sacrifice made by their fallen friends and comrades. The programme closes at the end of 2015. For more information about Heroes Return 2 visit : www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/heroesreturn or ring the Heroes Return application helpline on 0845 0000 121 or email general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk 4 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
ARTS COUNCIL IN WALES The Arts Council in Wales distributes funds on behalf of the Lottery to arts related projects. Their funding offers opportunities for arts organisations and individuals in Wales to apply for funding towards a clearly defined arts-related project. Small Grants Small grants provide funding of £250 to £5,000 and support small scale or pilot arts projects.
Or they can contribute towards the costs of a larger project supported by several funding partners. Large Grants If you’re making your first application, then you must apply at small grant level. The large grants provide funding of £5,001 to £30,000 and support larger scale arts projects. Or can contribute towards the costs of a very large project supported by several funding partners. Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 5
EVENTS & TRAINING
EVENTS & TRAINING
CHRISTMAS EVENT - NEVER ENDING STORY This interactive event is for people with memory problems and their carers, and is followed by a Christmas dinner, mince pies and a glass of sherry. Join us and experience an interactive session that will take you on a journey of imagination and reminiscence whilst getting you into the Christmas spirit : At : The Windmill, Buckley, CH7 3HB On : 15th December 2015 – 10am-1pm
confused regarding ‘what is to come, or people wondering what is expected of them’. This avoids people becoming over stimulated by multiple noise or movement and generally sets the scene for the story to unfold.
The sessions inspire the imagination over a range of themes with the use of resources. The use of imagination takes people into anywhere ‘connecting with the person in their world’ with ‘Never Ending Story’ is a creative story telling the aim of ‘keeping memories alive’. The beauty project using elements of reminiscence, music, of these sessions is they can be as interactive as movement, visual arts and craft in a multi- people want, they can listen, verbally contribute disciplinary context for people with dementia to the stories or physically enact stories allowing and their carers. The project aims to engage, for each participant to creatively express at their communicate and create a sense of identity in an own level and with leaving each person having imaginative and socially inclusive environment. the social ownership on the creations. The facilitator creates the environment prior to people attending, with the aim of keeping a relaxed atmosphere, to avoid people becoming
To book a place contact Donna on 07794 204 242 or Rebecca on 01244 540915
NORTH EAST WALES TRUSTEES’ NETWORK (NEWTS) The North East Wales Trustees’ Network (NEWTs) was launched on Wednesday 4th November. The event was hosted by the Third Sector Doctor (TSD) Project, a joint venture between FLVC and AVOW, funded by the Big Lottery. 45 people from over 15 organisations joined us at Theatr Clwyd.
charity that he has benefitted from.
Tricia Jones, a young trustee , explained her journey as a Trustee, starting out as a committee member at 16, becoming Chair of Funky Dragon The vision for the network is to promote peer to (The Children and Young People’s Assembly for peer support from both established Trustees and Wales) at 18, and having to manage the difficult newcomers, from any third sector organisation in situation of losing all its core funding from Welsh the NE Wales region. Kate Harcus (TSD) led general Government, leading to redundancies of people discussions about being a trustee; governance; more than twice her age. PQASSO; due diligence; organisational health checks; business planning and a brief look at Both personal experiences were well received the fall of Kid’s Company, looking at lessons and were a great instigator of conversation! to be learnt. Val Connelly (AVOW) provided Colin summed this up by saying, “We can become an overview of Trustee recruitment, selection greater than the sum of our parts”, which was a and induction, including an insight to Investors sentiment shared by others in the room. in Volunteers (IiV), a quality standard for the 2016 will see a variety of information sessions management for volunteers. and workshops designed for Trustees on a wide Colin Holstein of NEWCIS in Mold, shared his subject base including: The Essential Trustee; personal experience of being a service user, Governance; IT options and solutions; Business becoming a volunteer Trustee and also Company Planning and Trustee Recruitment. The next Secretary. He highlighted the personal benefits networking event will be in held in June 2016. of gaining invaluable experience that he just If you would like further information or to be wouldn’t have the chance to in the private sector added to the mailing list, please contact whilst providing ongoing excellent support to a 6 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
COURSES ORGANISED BY FLVC 2015 30th November 2015 First Aid for Adults 14th December 2015 CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
2016 14th January 2016
Professionals Protect - Additional Needs
1st February 2016
First Aid for Adults
8th February 2016
CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
11th February 2016
All Wales Basic Safeguarding Awareness Training
For further information or to book on to any of these courses please email Jane Hewson, Communications Officer - FLVC on: jane.hewson@flvc.org.uk
NORTH WALES DEAF ASSOCIATION / FLINTSHIRE LOCAL VOLUNTARY COUNCIL Free Half Day Deaf Awareness and Communication Training Date :
Tuesday January 19th 2016
Time :
Choose from Morning or Afternoon:9 30 to 12 30 or 1 30 pm to 4 30 pm
Venue :
FLVC, Corlan Centre, Unit 3, Mold Business Park, Wrexham Road, Mold CH7 1XP
Cost :
Places free but £10 charge for non-attendance (replacement delegate acceptable)
Ensure your organisations are accessible to anyone with a hearing loss. Enjoyable, practical & effective learning experience Open to Voluntary Organisations in Flintshire - 2 places per session per organisation To book your place please email info@deafassociation.co.uk or tel 01492 530013 Training provided by North Wales Deaf Association, 77 Conway Road, Colwyn Bay. Conwy LL29 7LN
tsd@avow.org
Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 7
VOLUNTEERING
DRU YOGA SNOWDONIA AWAY DAY
VOLUNTEERING
STEP UP STEP OUT VOLUNTEERS
On 18th October, probably one of the wettest days so far this season, 19 friends of FLVC and NEWCIS set off for a walking & yoga retreat day to the DRU YOGA Training Centre in the Nant Ffrancon Valley, Snowdonia. The Centre is also home to the World Peace Flame and we learnt about its work across the world to promote peace in war-torn countries. All attendees practice yoga weekly, (either at the NEWCIS yoga session for carers on Wednesdays, the Step Up Step Out yoga session on a Friday or at one of the Community Yoga sessions at Parkfields Community Centre) and are all well aware of the benefits of regular practice to their own well-being . The day included workshops with one of the senior tutors at the centre, Nanna Coppens from the Netherlands, and a walk along the Nant Ffrancon Valley which is surrounded by breath-taking mountain scenery. The group got pretty wet on their morning walk but it certainly didn’t dampen their spirits. The yoga & relaxation sessions focussed on back care exercises to maintain spinal health as well as breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and induce a state of calm. The group were also treated to the most amazing vegetarian lunch which renewed their strength for more yoga and walking in the afternoon. Everyone had such a fantastic time that they plan to make it an annual event! “We had a really inspiring day, chock-a-block with activities which raised my spirits. We all loved every moment and shared something we won’t forget. The centre was amazing and the setting was lovely” Angela
On Tuesday 9th November volunteers on the Step Up Step Out Volunteering Course spent a day helping out at Mostyn Kitchen Garden. They volunteered for a morning collecting windfall apples in their orchard. The apples are then used for produce for the Mostyn Kitchen Garden Social Enterprise. The group also helped to clear several beds and retrieve veg that had ‘bolted’ and salvaged the membrane to be used again. In return for their hard work, Phil Handley, the Project Manager, treated the group to a tour of the estate. Step Up Step Out supports individuals with experience of mental health issues to volunteer within their local community. If you are aware of a Flintshire resident who would benefit from this support, please telephone Jill Blandford on 01352 744001. Photos courtesy of Project Photographer - Graham Davies
“A wonderful day with good friends and fine food. The Dru Yoga sessions with Nanna were brilliant and the walks amongst the foothills of the Snowdonia countryside made you feel at one with nature” - Sue For more information about: Step Up Step Out : jill.blandford@flvc.org.uk The World Peace Flame: http://www. worldpeaceflame.org/en/history-world-peace-flame The Dru Yoga training Centre: https://druyoga.com/ 8 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 9
HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING DEWIS CYMRU IS NOW LIVE IN NORTH WALES The Dewis Cymru website is now live across North Wales with citizens and professionals across the region having access to the functionality of the website. This functionality will include the content pages, which have been written to provide information and advice on national themes, along with a Directory of Services that is being populated with resource information from across the North Wales region.
Over the coming months more information on the resources available to people in North Wales will be added and during 2016, resources from other parts of Wales will also be added to the Directory. Whilst Dewis Cymru is initially concentrating on information and advice for adults, content and resource information for children and families will be added during 2016.
You can find the Welsh version of the website on The content is themed under a range of headings, www.Dewis.Cymru and the English version via which were developed in consultation with www.Dewis.Wales citizens. These are : For more information on the Dewis Cymru zzbeing well website, including previous newsletters, please go to: zzbeing at home zzbeing social zzbeing safe zzmanaging your money zzchildren and families
www.ssiacymru.org.uk/informationportals
TRAINING AVAILABLE - MAKING THE MOST OF THE THIRD SECTOR The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 provides a single Act for Wales that brings together local authorities’ duties and functions in relation to improving the well-being of people who need care and support. It provides the statutory framework to deliver the Welsh Government’s commitment to integrate social services to support of all ages, and support people as part of families and communities.
zzMaking the Most of Third Sector: maximising well-being and support within communities. Participants to bring along real cases to explore what the Third Sector can offer. Learning to use and explore the Dewis/SPoA Directory is also a feature of this course. zzMaking the Connections to Third Sector Services . This can be used to raise awareness and develop an understanding of how to connect to the Third Sector across the wider workforce including primary care, direct care, housing officer, sheltered housing wardens etc. Would your team/colleagues benefit from this interactive training provision?
As part of the Single Point of Access programme for North Wales, FLVC have developed training modules (ranging from ½ hour to a full day). This is to support statutory and independent sector partners to raise awareness of the work of the Third Sector, and to encourage practitioners and commissioners to make greater connections Contact Ann Woods at FLVC: Tel: 01352 744028 for more details. with voluntary and community groups. Courses include: zzIntroduction to Third Sector – short session for awareness raising 10 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
ann.woods@flvc.org.uk
FOR INFO
FLVC Annual General Meeting & Celebration of Volunteering Over 70 people attended FLVC’s 18th Annual General Meeting in September at Coleg Cambria. This year’s event included a Celebration of Volunteering, recognising the millions of hours that Flintshire residents give to helping others each year. After light refreshments, entertainment (provided by Joel Anthony) and a chance to mingle, the evenings events were opened by Cllr. Ray Hughes, Chair of Flintshire County Council (FCC). He thanked FLVC for the invitation and stated the importance of the Third Sector in public life as we face the challenges of austerity measures and increased pressures on public services. He noted how FCC continue to support Voluntary and Community Organisations wherever possible, valuing their unique role in engaging with local communities and responding to need.
of Volunteering, Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Robert Gilston: John Maples:
Ffrith & Llanfynydd Community Association Hope Mountain Riding for the Disabled Association
Hawarden Singers Roy Davies:
River Dee Community Church Chair of the Board of Trustees. Michael Dixon, Andy Davies: CAIS Recovery Coaching reflected on his three years in office and Chief James Haydn: Clwyd Alyn Housing Officer Ann Woods gave a presentation of the Association work that FLVC is involved in to support, promote Rose-Marie Dennan: Buzz Café & Monday Mix and develop the Voluntary and Community Club Sector within the county and further afield. Darren Cook: RainbowBiz Limited Home-Start Flintshire Details were given regarding some of FLVC’s Beverley Payne: project work including Rhian Angharad Davies: Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint zzSingle Point of Access – co-ordination of Thank you to everyone who supported the event. public services Grateful thanks go to our retiring Chair, Michael zzSupport for Flintshire’s Community Asset Dixon and our new Chair Marjorie Thomson and Transfer process a very warm welcome to three new Trustees Ole zzWorking to support Flintshire County Constantine, Jane Styles and Tim Byram. Council’s co-production models zzThird Sector Doctor Project – governance support for organisations zzStep Up Step Out – supported volunteering project Chris Ablett then introduced presentations illustrating the work of Mold-Do-it and the Inspirational Traveller Girls. The Annual Report and Accounts were presented and accepted, and as part of FLVC’ Celebration
Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 11
FOR INFO
DATES FOR DIARY
VOLUNTEER ORGANISER’S NETWORK MEETING
RESILIENCE PROJECT
zz Are you involved with a Third Sector organisation based in Flintshire? zz Would you like to meet representatives from other organisations to share learning/ good practice?
Next event: Friday 15th January 2016 9.30am to 12 Noon CORLAN in Mold Please contact Jane Hewson at FLVC to confirm your attendance and to note any dietary requirements. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. Tel 01352 744030
jane.hewson@flvc.org.uk
FLVC’s Volunteer Centre welcome Ann, Vicky, Rhian and Lisa from the Youth Services Resilience Team
FLVC and Flintshire Youth Services are delighted to announce the launch of their RESILIENCE project. Through key workers trained in youth work approaches, and opportunities for informal education and volunteering, the project aims to help young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to build their confidence and resilience. The project is supported by Flintshire Integrated Youth Provision. re|sili|ence NOUN 1. the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity: synonyms: flexibility • pliability • suppleness • plasticity • elasticity • springiness • spring • give • durability • ability to last • strength • sturdiness • toughness • strength of character • strength • toughness • hardiness • adaptability • buoyancy • flexibility • ability to bounce back • bouncebackability 2. the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness:
12 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
Where: The team will have an office base at Corlan, FLVC’s Offices in Mold, but will work at locations throughout the county Who: This is a partnership between Flintshire Youth Services and Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC). Why: To provide support for young people aged 16-25 to access employment, education and training. How: Working with young people through Youth Work approaches, access to informal learning (OCN Level 2 Accredited Qualification in Volunteering and Community Engagement) and Volunteering
ALL WALES BASIC SAFEGUARDING AWARENESS TRAINING Thursday 11th February 2016 9.30am to 4pm CORLAN in Mold This is a Safeguarding Awareness Training Programme (developed by WCVA, the Care Council for Wales and Welsh local authorities) that can be used for those working with children, young people or adults. FLVC are an approved Centre for Delivery of the new Care Council’s ‘All Wales Basic Safeguarding Awareness Training’. Targetted at new members of staff, trustees and volunteers within an organisation who are required to do basic Safeguarding Training as part of their role – can also be used as a refresher for people who have previously received training. zz Understand your own role in relation to safeguarding adults, children and young people from harm, abuse and neglect zz Understand how we can protect individuals from harm, abuse and neglect
For more information please contact : Mick Holt Senior Youth Worker on 07786 126898 mick.holt@flintshire.gov.uk or Matt Weedall, FLVC Volunteering Development Officer on 01352 744000 matt.weedall@flvc.org.uk
This is a full day course - £20 charge per participant to contribute to cost of Printing Resources and refreshments (includes a light lunch). Please contact Jane Hewson at FLVC to confirm your attendance and to note any dietary requirements. Spaces are limited so booking is essential. Tel 01352 744030 jane.hewson@flvc.org.uk
Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 13
MONEY MATTERS
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY REGENERATION THROUGH DIGITAL INCLUSION Digital Communities Wales and BT Wales warmly invite you to a Conference on ‘Community Regeneration through Digital Inclusion’. Date: Thursday 25 February 2016, 10am – 4.00pm
This will be an unmissable event for those involved in supporting people to get online: regional and national third sector organisations, local government staff, housing associations, libraries, JCP, those involved in the Welsh Government’s Tackling Poverty programmes - Communities First, Families First and LIFT – and many more.
Venue: Catrin Finch Conference Centre, Glyndwr University, Wrexham Places can be booked now at Cost : Free - but reservations are required in advance. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Non attendance on the day will incur a charge equivalent to the cost of catering and delegate materials. Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty will address the event which is organised by Digital Communities Wales and BT Wales.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/communityregeneration-through-digital-inclusionadfywio-cymunedol-trwy-gynhwysiantdigidol-tickets-19203766984 Further information telephone: 029 2080 7133 / 029 2080 7127 or email: events@wales.coop
The Conference aims to broaden and deepen digital inclusion skills within Wales; provide a forum for knowledge exchange, sharing best practice and networking within the digital inclusion sector; encourage innovation; and provide opportunities to learn from and build partnerships with the private sector.
FORMER FLVC STAFF MEMBER WINS NATIONAL PRIDE OF BRITAIN AWARD FLVC were proud to see one of our ex staff members, Pete Fuller, awarded for his bravery.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (WALES) ACT 2015 Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 became Law on 25 November 2015. The act is the first of 2 bills which will deliver local government reform in Wales. It enables preparations to be made for a programme of local government mergers and reform, and includes provisions to facilitate the voluntary merger of 2 or more principal local authorities by April 2018.
mergers and revised framework to bring back bigger county councils broadly similar to pre1996 arrangements. The up-front costs of the merger would be between £97m and £246m, but the Welsh government said it expected that will have paid for itself within two to three years. The figures that stand out are annual projected savings of £60 to £90m a year; a reduction in “backroom posts” of between 1,400 and 1,900; The second Draft Local Government (Wales) Bill and a cut in the number of the existing 1,200 is now in consultation stage until 15th Feb 2016 plus councillors - on a basic salary of £13,300 a as the Welsh Government seek views on the year - to between 700 and 900.
AUTUMN STATEMENT UPDATES zz The so-called “Tampon Tax”, VAT levied on the sale of tampons at 5pc, cannot be repealed because of EU rules. However, the £15m raised by it a year will be handed over to women’s charities. zz The NHS budget for England and Wales will rise to £120bn by 2020, from £101bn. zz Per the Spending Review the Welsh Government’s revenue budget will rise from £12,916m in 2015-16 to £13,285m in 2019-20
WELSH DRAFT BUDGET Flintshire’s settlement for 2016/17 is to fall but less than expected at £185m, a fall of 1.5% (3.5%).
CHARITY COMMISSION ‘Trustees must take responsibility for fundraising’, says revised CC guidance. The Commission has launched a public consultation on its revised guidance for trustees and is now available on GOV.UK. The consultation will close on 11 February 2016
Charity trustees oversee charities and are ultimately responsible for how they run, normally giving their time as volunteers. There are 940,000 trustee positions in England and Wales that oversee the 164,000 registered charities.
RISES TO THE AUTO-ENROLMENT MINIMUM RATES PUSHED BACK TO APRIL. The next two phases of minimum contribution rate increases, due to take effect in October will now be aligned to the tax year and will occur in April. Previously, the minimum employer contribution rate was set to rise to 2% in October
2017 (5% minimum overall) and then rise to 3% (overall 8%) by October 2018. However, the new rules mean the rate first rise will be introduced in April 2018.
Pete attended the prestigious televised ceremony in London, hosted by Carol Vorderman, and was rewarded for his courage in intercepting an attack in January of this year. 14 Voluntary Voice | Issue 04 - 2015
Issue 04 - 2015 | Voluntary Voice 15
Quality printing for everyone
Merry Christmas!
The Printroom would like to thank all of you for your custom and support throughout 2015. We have made great progress in being able to offer new products this year. As always, we try to respond to our customers’ requests so keep watching this space for new additions to our range in 2016. As you will know, we do not receive grant funding – our facility depends entirely on the number of customers who use us so a very big ‘Thank You’ to those of you who have already used us and we hope to welcome many new customers in 2016. The Printroom will be closed over the Christmas period from 23rd December 2015 until 4th January 2016, so we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Supporting Promoting Developing For more information and quotes, please contact us on 01352 744031 or email theprintroom@flvc.org.uk
AND FINALLY…
FLVC staff got together for the Wear It Pink Day to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign. Through a cake sale, jewellery sale, office pink sweepstakes and by wearing pink in the office - we raised a total of £190 !