The National Council for Voluntary Organisations - championing the remarkable role of charities and volunteershttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mlkt6ywzik2dThe VCSE Barometer Survey is live (29 Apr – 20 May) Wave 14 explores relationships between VCSE organisations and government. Share your experience: https://nbsntu.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_djwa5F2nY0pQqMu?Source=NCVOX11 May 2026 08:11 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlkt6ywzik2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mkk5k2hzys2n"It was brilliant to bring together such a diverse group of civil society leaders for the first meeting of the Civil Society Council at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister." Kate Lee, CEO [contains quote post or other embedded content]28 Apr 2026 08:18 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkk5k2hzys2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mjoi6whipk2m“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Apr 2026 08:14 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjoi6whipk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mjm5iv4qzc2aWe 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. [contains quote post or other embedded content]16 Apr 2026 09:57 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjm5iv4qzc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mhdv6a4rj225📢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: https://bit.ly/Volunteers-Week-Shop18 Mar 2026 16:17 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhdv6a4rj225https://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mh63nut7k22b“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]16 Mar 2026 08:57 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh63nut7k22bhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mgwymzeu622wCurious 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: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jGHo2U1aloM4IsfNJE28b?si=kxEa0ilORdOTqMjIHie4qw&nd=1&dlsi=a507fec23e03497e13 Mar 2026 13:14 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgwymzeu622whttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mgu2nzydac2r"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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 Mar 2026 09:12 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgu2nzydac2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mgrm4kgwts2a“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]11 Mar 2026 09:47 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgrm4kgwts2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3meilswrh2c2m“Volunteering is, by definition, freely given. Tying it to settlement undermines its spirit, distorts its purpose and risks damaging public trust." [contains quote post or other embedded content]10 Feb 2026 08:57 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3meilswrh2c2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3me3z6gd73s2o“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]05 Feb 2026 08:51 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3me3z6gd73s2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mdzjxi2xfc2y“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]04 Feb 2026 09:14 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdzjxi2xfc2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mdkgryq6hk2bThe 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/zpjK50Y3BYq29 Jan 2026 09:07 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdkgryq6hk2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3md3dftgosk2u"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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]23 Jan 2026 08:57 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3md3dftgosk2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mc7zgrk3422d"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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 Jan 2026 12:16 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mc7zgrk3422dhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3mbvsgac5gk2r“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]08 Jan 2026 10:44 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbvsgac5gk2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3ma6citz2hc2aThis 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 - https://dileaders.com/blog/protecting-edi-work-in-the-charity-sector/17 Dec 2025 09:03 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3ma6citz2hc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3m7zvft5k2s2b"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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]15 Dec 2025 14:58 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7zvft5k2s2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3m7rpqblmqs2z"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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 Dec 2025 08:55 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7rpqblmqs2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3m7phnwljec25The 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: https://ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/charities-facing-mission-limiting-hostility-fear-and-intimidation/ [contains quote post or other embedded content]11 Dec 2025 11:25 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7phnwljec25https://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3m6ylosgyuk2y“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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]02 Dec 2025 09:06 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3m6ylosgyuk2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3m6w3xwc6ck27Last 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: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/what-the-autumn-2025-budget-means-for-your-charity/01 Dec 2025 09:20 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3m6w3xwc6ck27https://bsky.app/profile/ncvo.bsky.social/post/3m6lzjbmtlk2fCharities 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.27 Nov 2025 09:09 +0000at://did:plc:rxkiipspp5pqf3wwqnokqmxp/app.bsky.feed.post/3m6lzjbmtlk2f