Volunteering Vision Newsletter

Welcome to this month's Volunteering Vision!

This newsletter is your space to stay informed, so we have packed it with news, organisational support along with training and events.

If you’re just starting out on your journey with Communities 1st or are one of our valued long-term supporters this is the newsletter for you!

Together we can build a future that inspires the next generation of volunteers.

Julie Yorston
Assistant Manager: Volunteer Centre

Almost a quarter of large charities say their CRM does not meet their needs, according to the 2024 Charity Digital Skills report. Small charities fare no better – 30% say they do not even have a CRM system.
We explore the uses of a charity CRM system and how to invest in the right one for your organisation.

The 2025 Spending Review sets out the government’s spending plans to 2029. We look at what the plans mean for charities.

The voluntary and community sector (VCSE) plays a critical but often unseen role in shaping the health and wellbeing of communities. The smallest grassroots organisations are essential to a thriving system, despite often being unregistered and working below the radar.

Overall average trust in charities has remained consistently high since 2020, with 57% of people having high trust (level with 2024) although the proportion with low trust has slightly increased since last year (up from 9% to 10%). Charities continue to be more highly ranked compared to other organisations, with only doctors outperforming them.

You are invited to attend the next quarterly networking breakfast for existing, new and enquiring member organisations.

Come along and enjoy light refreshments while making connections with other voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations.

Find out about all the membership benefits available, including:

• Funding advice and support
• Help with volunteer recruitment
• Training and workshops
• Share your initiatives and projects
• Discuss local priorities and current trends

Date: Monday, 8 September
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Venue: Apex Room, Trestle Arts Base, Russet Dr, St Albans AL4 0JQ

We look forward to welcoming you!

The Charity Digital Code of Practice helps leaders improve digital sustainability, efficiency, and decision-making. Here you can download the Small and Large Charity versions of the Code of Practice 2025.

Here you’ll find advice and guidance for small-to-medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, sole traders, small charities, groups and clubs. Use their easy self-serve tools to get answers to your questions and generate tailored advice, or read their helpful bitesize guidance and tips.

This one-day course will explore the challenges of recruiting, retaining and managing volunteers. It is ideal for staff who have this responsibility as their role. If you have not already achieved 6 Point Promise accreditation, this is an ideal opportunity to get started!

Herts Voluntary Organisations: £70      Statutory & Non-Herts Organisations: £400

Date: Wednesday, 17 September
Location: Ver House, Park Industrial Estate, Frogmore, AL2 2DR
Time: 10 am to 1 pm: Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers; 2 pm to 5 pm: Volunteer Management

If you know of anyone who wishes to take their first steps towards volunteering, this one-hour Teams session will aim to answer the how, where, when, why, and what of volunteering. The session will cover an understanding of volunteering and its roles, volunteering with benefits, researching volunteering roles, and identifying skills.

This online session is for anybody who is looking to embark on their volunteering journey.

Date: Tuesday, 23 September 
Location: Online
Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Every organisation that handles private data is required to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This training course will clearly outline your legal obligations, explain how to adhere to these laws, and guide you on how to manage client data safely and confidently.

Where: Online
When: Thursday, 16 October 
Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Member fee £25
Non-member fee £40

On Wednesday, 23 September, Communities 1st are hosting a Hertsmere volunteer fair at Aberford Community Centre. This event will be the perfect chance to explore volunteering opportunities in Hertsmere.

The fair will be a great opportunity for groups to meet with people who currently volunteer as well as people who are thinking about volunteering. This event will also allow groups to network with one another and share their experiences and expertise.

If your organisation would like to have a stall at the event, you can book one below.

Tickets are now officially available for the annual Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM) Conference which will be taking place on Wednesday, 15 October and Thursday, 16 October 2025.