New on-Demand training – Cyber security for small charities

This training uses resources and training developed and supplied with consent from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Association for Voluntary Community Action (NAVCA)

Who is this training for?

For individuals linked to community and voluntary groups and small charities

What will you learn?

A briefing for charities and community groups covering what your group should be aware of and where to find support and resources to keep everyone’s information safe.

How long is the training video?

16 mins

The Support Cambridgeshire On-Demand Training portal updates your knowledge base around charity and community sector know-how. It is free to access whenever every you want. Fill in the form, press send, and you be sent the link to browse at your leisure, don’t forget to save the link so you can return it as many times as you want!

Interested to learn? This click HERE

How do you want to access healthcare online

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough want to better support local people by giving them greater digital or online access to healthcare information, options, and services.

We are at the early stages of creating a digital/ online solution that is accessible and easy to use. Something that would offer you personalised support to get the healthcare you need, when you need it.

You will still be able to access care through traditional means (in person and over the phone) and we are keen that any digital solution helps enhance your health service experience.

Please help us understand what works well for you now and what would improve your experience. Your feedback will help shape how we improve digital access to healthcare in the future.

Share your views at https://www.healthwatchcambridgeshire.co.uk/form/improving-digital-access-to-heal  by Friday 13 December 2024.

GET Group update. October 2024.

By Jigna Vyas Gosal, CCVS Development Officer

Get Group Logo. text reads: Guidance, Emplyment, and Training (GET) A collective of organisations who support the community with advice and guidance around education and training.

What is GET?

GET stands for Guidance, Employment and Training and was formed in 1989 with a mission to provide an ‘umbrella’ Infrastructure Group for the adult skills not-for-profit sector of Cambridgeshire.

Over the years membership has grown significantly, becoming more fluid and diverse. It includes voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations (VCSE), statutory bodies, private sector providers and individuals.

The original organisation that delivered GET has closed and the work has been taken over by the Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS).

The GET Group meet 4 times a year. Speakers are invited to attend and share relevant organisational updates and information, we often have funding updates to share and update on as well.

A “lack of funding” is a consistent problem across the sector (57% of respondents classified lack of funding as a big issue, State of the Sector Survey 2024.) Recent news has focused on the increase in the number of people out of work due to ill health (Guardian article 2/10/2024). The return to employment and/or education after periods of time for whatever reason can be challenging. This is where the voluntary sector can step in. Supporting individuals on the path to formal employment or education via an informal approach be it via a voluntary role or community group participation. For example, the Work Well project (with the Cambridge and District Citizens Advice Bureaux – CAB and The Abbey people) is working with the GET Group, the voluntary sector, and health (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Systems – CPIS) and statutory services (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – CPCA) to directly tackle these issues collaboratively.

Get Conference 2025

We are excited to announce the return of the GET Group conference on Wednesday 5th March 2025, taking place online. We will be discussing how the voluntary sector can work with organisations offering guidance, education and training . We will also look at how we might put on some supporting training in that same week.

In the past GET ran an in-person celebration event where learners were able to tell their story. As we are now a truly county wide organisation we want to continue this idea but enable people from across Cambridgeshire to contribute. This means we want you to break out your phones and make short videos (a maximum of 2 minutes) that introduce your organisation, and that gets your learners to tell their stories. You can do more than one if you have a number of learner stories but we do suggest you keep them short. We will then arrange for you to submit the videos to us along with a permission form so that we can share these on the GET website and across social media. We will look to show some of these at the event on the 5th March but we will highlight them across that week. We are looking forward to celebrating our groups and organisations’ adult learners, so if you have an adult learner with a story to share and celebrate, please do get in touch with Jigna: jigna@cambridgecvs.org.uk

Click here for more information about the GET Group Network.

We hope to see you at the next meeting.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough + Voluntary Sector Network – Update Bulletin – October 2024

The October edition of the Voluntary Sector News is here. Please get in touch with Sandie Smith or Debbie Drew if you would like to know more about any of our work. Please pass this on to colleagues who may be interested.

Governance Month 2024 – Strengthen your non-profit!

Join us this Governance Month as we focus on empowering effective non-profit management. Support Cambridgeshire is committed to providing practical insights and resources to help trustees and staff navigate the challenges and opportunities unique to the sector.

Throughout the month, we’ll offer a range of events and workshops covering essential topics like:

  • Trusteeship: Understanding your role, responsibilities, and best practices.
  • Policy Development: Creating clear guidelines and frameworks for your organisation.
  • Strategic Vision: Setting goals, planning for the future, and measuring success.

We’ll also be sharing information about outstanding events hosted by other organisations specialising in these areas. It’s a chance to connect with peers, learn from experts, and strengthen your non-profit’s governance.

Events and Links to Booking Forms

  1. Working with Your Chair: How to Create a Positive Relationship
    • Date: Nov 13, 1:00 pm – 2:40 pm
    • Format: Online
    • Description: This online event will explore critical stages and dimensions of the CEO-Chair relationship, providing tools to help you navigate and strengthen this partnership.
    • Book Here

 

  1. Essential Skills for Trustees
    • Part 1: Wednesday, November 6th, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
    • Part 2: Thursday, November 14th, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
    • Format: Online
    • Description: This two-part workshop offers essential tools for trustees to perform their role safely and effectively.
    • Book Here

 

  1. Understanding Our Business Models to Build Sustainability with Impact
    • Date: Nov 21, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
    • Format: Online
    • Description: This workshop will explore how to align your organisation’s income-generating activities with its mission and build long-term sustainability.
    • Book Here

Whether you’re a CEO, trustee, or senior leader – Governance Month offers something for everyone. Join us for these valuable sessions and discover how to strengthen your non-profit’s governance and enhance its impact.

Amplifying the voices of lived experience in Cambridgeshire

Resolve Poverty is working with Cambridgeshire County Council and the Poverty Strategy Commission to meaningfully engage with local people who are living in, or are at risk of living in poverty.
The Cambridgeshire Poverty Strategy Commission is a new, independent initiative to explore how the local system serves those experiencing the consequences of poverty, and how improvements can be made to this system. Initially facilitated by Cambridgeshire County Council, the Commission will draw on the experiences of its commissioners, as well as evidence gathered from people with lived experience of poverty.
Resolve Poverty are facilitating the lived experience elements of this effort, by hosting workshops over the next month in communities across Cambridgeshire. They are looking to engage with a diverse range of people across Cambridgeshire, to listen to their experiences, priorities and ideas for influencing the anti-poverty policies and strategies that are likely to affect them and others. Participants will be compensated for their time, as well as the VCFSE sector organisations that refer them.
If you can help to recruit participants, or you are interested in sharing your own experiences, then please contact Dan Oliver on daniel@resolvepoverty.org.

Support Fenland Project Launches at Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech

Over forty individuals from voluntary organisations across the Fenland district attended the official launch of the Support Fenland project recently. The event which was held at the Queen Mary Centre in Wisbech was an opportunity for those from the voluntary sector to hear more about the project, meet the team and find out how they could be involved. During part of the event attendees were encouraged to discuss several topics including identifying the strengths of the Fenland area and how together with the help of the Support Fenland team, their organisations could find solutions to overcoming some of the challenges that also exist. 

Support Fenland is a five-year project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund to help communities and charities across the whole of the Fenland District and is being delivered by the Support Cambridgeshire partnership (The Hunts Forum of Voluntary Organisations and Cambridge Centre of Voluntary Services also known as Hunts Forum and CCVS). Kathryn Shepherdson, Deputy CEO at Hunts Forum said “It is important that we hear first-hand the voice of those organisations based in the Fens for us to channel the support to those groups that need it. Their feedback is invaluable to us, and we look forward to working with communities and groups to ensure they flourish. Comments that we received following the event have been extremely positive, referring to the project a small group representative said, ‘If this had been about when I started up it would have been so useful.’ We want to ensure that no group or person with a good idea to help their community has to work in isolation and they are given access to support, guidance and advice when needed. 

Support Fenland offers a range of free services including training, how to identify funding sources, making successful grant applications, structuring a non- profit group, writing polices and governance, providing networking opportunities, mentoring and much more.  

Leading the project are Marija Lysak, Fenland Development Officer and Didem (Dee) Ucuncu, Fenland Communities Officer who both bring a wealth of experience from the private, charity and volunteer sectors. If you would like to know more about how Support Fenland can help you, please contact them on Fenland@supportcambridgeshire.org.uk 

Voluntary Sector Network Meeting – 11th September 2024

Sandie welcomed everyone and then shared the Action Log.

All actions are complete but the opportunity to hold a ReSpect workshop for those who are interested is still available from Sharon– please could you let Debbie or Sharon Allen know if you would be interested.

EDI Workshops

Danny Karystinos shared a presentation with the group around EDI and recruitment and talked about the changes that can be made to really be inclusive and not just a “Tick Box”. Danny said that the Voluntary Sector could come along to sessions arranged BUT was happy to put one on specifically for the VSN. These would need to be in October as Danny’s post is ending in November.

ACTION – to share slides post meeting (Debbie)

ACTION – to arrange with Danny some workshop dates (Debbie)

Healthier Futures Fund Feedback- Andrea

Andrea shared slides with the group outlining the information from the Healthier Futures Fund and the Feedback from the survey.

There had been a lot of interest from the Voluntary Sector and 21 projects being funded. This was 3 years of funding of between £50- £300k.

They received 29 responses to the survey which aimed to find out people’s experience of applying and barrier to application. Andrea thanked the sector for their patience in the constantly evolving process and said that the ICB had learnt lessons from this.

A couple of the things highlighted were the difficulty in smaller organisations applying (ie the grant value was not a good fit for small groups and they don’t have capacity to complete the application process)

The Real Living Wage and the need for accreditation has been discussed at the VSN Steering group. For small organisations this could have been a barrier event

though the sector aspires to paying well. The use of accredited contractors felt restrictive too.

Andrea will be taking the survey feedback to the Aligning Support Steering Group on the 23rd so would like any other feedback before then.

ACTION to share slides post meeting and for any other feedback to Andrea before 23rd.

Workforce Pro Bono- Andrea

Previously we have discussed at the VSN with Laura Porro the possibility of ICB staff doing a day of volunteering at a voluntary sector organisation. It was felt that this may be difficult and actually cause more work. Many of the staff at ICB have skills that could be used pro bono such as coaches, comms, finance, legal etc and it would be good to have a guide to what was on offer and match with organisations needing the support.

Andrea is awaiting sign off from the committee to proceed as this does have a cost implication to ICB .

Workforce mentoring- Andrea/ Sharon

The aim is to bring systems closer together and ICB are setting up a pilot mentoring scheme where the Voluntary Sector can be mentors for ICB staff.

Andrea shared some slides showing what the process would be and what the expectations are.

Andrea asked for any suggestions to add to the reading list/resources that would give the mentees a greater understanding of the VCSE sector and working with communities.

Sandie has she will compile a pack and a suggestion to include the Vital Signs report: https://www.cambscf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Vital-Signs-2024.pdf

The scheme is now open for expressions of interest with a view to starting some of the relationship matching from October. The link to the expression of interest form is here: https://forms.office.com/e/ZaBZkDCgpa

ACTION To compile a pack of supporting information-Sandie

ACTION To share slides post meeting- Debbie

Director Update- Sandie

All the details for the Strategy Review are now live on Support Cambs Website. Members are asked to look at the supporting documents and then respond to the survey. Anyone in your organisation can fill this in.

VSN strategy review survey

This review will be being shared with the ICB members too and any other partners. Andrea will share through the internal newsletter too.

Two listening events have been set up. The first is for the voluntary sector 24th September and the second is 9th Oct and open to all.

ACTION to send the VSN an email with all the strategy details included- Debbie

Learning Disability Partnership- the steering group have discussed the disbanding of this and have asked if there has been an impact assessment done.

Although the service offer in theory will be offered the separation of the service could have an impact on the service user or carers.

It was agreed that a letter will be written to the ICB and CCC expressing concern.

ACTION– Sandie to draft a letter for approval and then to send to appropriate people.

Assura Grants- round 2 of this is happening but as yet we do not have specific dates. We have 20K left over from the first round and we are looking at ways to top this up. The next round will be focussing on Integrated Neighbourhoods who did not receive in the first round- not all IN will be able to be covered.

Reps feedback

Sharon talked about the Just R recruitment portal (previous details shared with group) so far ARHC are the only voluntary sector organisation signed up to this. There are no costs to this and the ICB are looking to see how then can increase the looks to non NHS posts.

Contact Sharon or Mel Payne at ICB for more details

ACTION Sandie will add to the next newsletter.

Sharon mentioned the Culture and Leadership Compact and the Leadership programme.

Some of the VSN attended the Above Difference training and there are now plans to set up a leadership alumni.

Sharon also asked if organisations did staff surveys were they willing to share the questions they asked and outcomes for some ongoing work that is happening.

AOB

Robert Colbert alerted the group to a reduction in funding for Alzheimer’s Peterborough which has meant a reduction in days the resource centre can be open and the loss of Ade Gardeners post- Robert will be feeding back VSN info to Peterborough.

Many different offers of training are coming through from ICB- if you or team members attends any it would be great if they could give us feedback and let us know what they have signed up to (if it wasn’t organised through Debbie).

The Next Health and Wellbeing Network meeting has invited the Community Pharmacist and the NHS BA to talked about what’s happening in their areas.

Debbie is in the process of organising the next showcase event – this is going to be 20th November- if you are interested in being a showcasing organisation please let Debbie know – attendance at these is big and covers all areas including ICB, CCC and district council staff.

A reminder that there will be a second session on the New Models of care is happening on 17th September at 3pm online.

Just to be aware NAVCA along with Sandie and Andrea have been doing a piece of work. They are looking for images and may approach VSN members so this is a genuine request.

Thank you

As many of you are aware PCVS have a new CEO Kirsteen McVeigh. The Voluntary Sector Network would like to thank Gill Benedkiz for her amazing input and engagement with this group whilst they have been awaiting Kirsteen’s arrival.

Cambs Digi Fest!

Please join Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership for this year’s Cambs Digi Fest where everyone comes together to explore topics linked to digital inclusion, learn new skills and celebrate brilliant work! 

Bright comic style background with arrows. Text: Cambs Digi Fest 2024. Join us for a series of events that will highlight digital issues and technology and celebrate the great work in digital inclusion across the county. ‘Join us’ appears in a big comic flash. We see 4 logos: Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership, Connecting Cambridgeshire, Cambridge city Council Community Grants and CCVS.

 

Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership is a network run by Cambridge CVS, with the aim to bring people and organisations in Cambridgeshire together to build relationships and share best practice, in order to improve digital skills and inclusion for residents.

The Partnership been very busy behind the scenes with Connecting Cambridgeshire to bring you 5 fabulous events with some amazing speakers!

⭐ Empowering Families: A Conversation on Digital Inclusion for Households with Children.
Tuesday 8th October 10am to 11:30am.

This event will explore on a national and local level, why there is a need for A Minimum Digital Living Standard for Households with Children and what needs to happen to ensure it is met.

This is for anyone interested in finding out more about the Good Things Foundation and University of Liverpool report ‘A Minimum Digital Living Standards for Households with Children’ and how it applies to communities in Cambridgeshire.

Guest speakers:

Charity, The Red Hen Project

Simeon Yates, Professor of Digital Culture in the Department of Communications and Media at the University of Liverpool and Joint Director of the Digital Media and Society Research Institute.

Dr. Emma Stone, Director of Evidence and Engagement at Good Things Foundation – the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity.

Find out more about the speakers and book 

⭐ Building Healthier Communities: A Conversation on the Role of Digital Inclusion.
Tuesday 15th October 1pm to 2:30pm.

This event will explore recent research into the impact of digital inclusion and exclusion on physical and mental health in Cambridgeshire and recommendations for change.

It is for anyone interested in recent research that explores the impact of digital inclusion and exclusion on physical and mental health in Cambridgeshire.

Guest speakers:

Karen Igho, Project Manager at Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will share findings on the impact of digital inclusion on health and care services.

Dr. Joyce F Coker from Cambridge Public Health at Cambridge University will share preliminary results from their digital asset study that spans East of England, North West London, West Midlands, North East and North Cumbria.

Dr. Alison Tingle, Research Fellow at Hertfordshire University will discuss the third and final briefing from a research project exploring digital technologies in adult social care to support social wellbeing for community dwelling older adults (DiTSoW).

Find out more about the speakers and book

⭐ Digital skills training: Accessibility and Social Media.
Tuesday 5th November 1:30 to 2:30pm.

This webinar will include presentation and discussion and will be delivered by Passion4Social.

Passion4Social is a social enterprise dedicated to promoting digital accessibility and inclusion. Its primary focus is on ensuring that digital content and technologies are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

The organisation offers a range of services to achieve this goal, such as brand storytelling, web and app development, graphic design, content creation, social media campaigns and accessibility services.

It is for any charity or voluntary group that would like to develop their social media platforms and make them more accessible.

Find out more and book

⭐ Digital skills training: Saving Time with Generative AI – Insights for Small Charities.
Tuesday 12th November 1:30 to 2:30pm.

This live online training aims to showcase how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can save time for small charities and community groups. Participants will gain hands-on examples and clear guidelines to confidently incorporate these technologies into their daily operations.

This webinar will include presentation, demonstrations and discussion and will be delivered by Flóra Raffai.

Flóra Raffai is the Founder of Rapport Coaching, specialising in coaching, training, and consulting with small organisations.

Find out more and book

⭐ Digital Inclusion Network – an in-person celebration!

More details soon, but this will be on Wednesday 4 December at Meadows Community Centre – so please hold the date.

Hope to see you at Cambs Digi Fest!

Thank you to funders Cambridge City Council Community Grants. 

Cambridge City Council Community Grants

Want to know more about Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership?

If you’d like to sign up to their newsletter please visit: Subscribe to CDP Network : AideMail

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridgeshire-digital-partnership

Twitter / X : (1) Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership (@CambsDigi) / X (twitter.com)

New on -Demand Training – Introduction to engaging with business

Get Synergised, one of Support Cambridgeshire’s collaborators has developed a new free training course that anyone can access. This course aims to refresh knowledge and allow you to feel confident in the subject area.

Introduction to engaging with businesses

WHO THIS TRAINING FOR?

Those looking to engage with businesses to develop connections

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Five insights that you probably wish you knew about cultivating partnerships with businesses to help diversify income and resources for greater sustainability.

HOW LONG IS THE TRAINING VIDEO?

11.39 mins

 

The Support Cambridgeshire On-Demand Training portal updates your knowledge base around charity and community sector know-how. It is free to access whenever every you want. Fill in the form, press send, and you be sent the link to browse at your leisure, don’t forget to save the link so you can return it as many times as you want!

Interested to learn? This click HERE

Help us improve our website