Policy Pulse Newsletter June

As June welcomes Small Charity Week, we are excited to share a toolkit designed to empower our members to fully engage in the celebrations.

We have also included the latest guidance from the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator, ensuring you have all the support you need.

Additionally, don’t miss the upcoming Communities 1st Annual Conference, packed with workshops tailored for organisations and their volunteers. You'll have access to a variety of one-on-one advice sessions with experts and funders, giving you the opportunity to gain insights that can truly make a difference.

Join us for a day of learning, sharing, and connecting. We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate together!

Best wishes,

Kelly Wright
Voluntary Sector and Partnership Manager

Small Charity Week is a national celebration of the vital role small charities play across the UK. A toolkit has been developed to raise your profile and connect with supporters

Meet Pioneer Approaches

Pioneer Approaches is a small Hertfordshire-based not-for-profit led by a predominantly neurodivergent team.

Drawing on more than 30 years' experience, the organisation delivers creative support, community groups, training and events with people with learning disabilities, autistic people and other neurodivergent people across Hertfordshire.

The ideas behind Pioneer Approaches come directly from the people involved. Projects, training and events often begin as suggestions and develop through their interests, experiences and creativity.

One example is the annual Rumble Awards, Hertfordshire's Learning Disability Personality of the Year. The awards celebrate achievement, talent and community spirit across the county. People with learning disabilities are involved throughout, from planning and hosting the event to creating and performing original songs, comedy sketches and other entertainment.

Pioneer Approaches also delivers training for organisations across Hertfordshire. Using creativity, humour and real-life experience, sessions explore subjects such as autism, communication and inclusion in practical and memorable ways.

To find out more, visit www.pioneerapproaches.org.uk or email info@pioneerapproaches.org.uk

Join us for the session with Groundwork East to learn about their currently facilitated  funding programmes like Tesco Fruit and Veg, Grassroots Grants, Green Community Grants or One Stop Community Partnership. This session will have a Q&A part where you will have an opportunity to ask  questions about your current or potential funding applications.

Where: Online
When: 18 June 2026
Time: 11am - 12pm

This is members only session.

Please email memberservices@communities1st.org.uk to secure your place.

Hours: flexible hours based on transport needs (Monday to Friday)
Salary: £13.45 per hour

Working for the community as a Community Transport Minibus driver for our Community Transport Scheme, you will provide a valuable service for our elderly and/or disabled members of the public who request transport from door to door. Many of our clients require assistance and therefore drivers need to be physically fit with a caring personality. If you like driving and have a caring nature this role could be for you.

The role is based primarily in Hertsmere, Three Rivers, Watford and Welwyn and Hatfield Districts, although you may be required to work throughout the county of Hertfordshire. On site parking is provided.