Take part in a collaborative opportunity for VCFSE organisations The development of Wirral's new Crisis and Resilience Fund is reaching an important milestone, and local Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations now have an opportunity to help shape how part of this significant investment will be delivered. Following co-production between Wirral Council, Wirral CVS and partners across the borough, proposals for the Crisis and Resilience Fund are

Exploring some of the unsung heroes of volunteer organisations Volunteering is often celebrated through the visible contributions of frontline volunteers who give their time delivering services, raising funds or supporting communities directly. Yet, behind every successful VCFSE organisation sits a group of individuals whose influence is less visible but equally vital. These are trustees and committee members who are the backbone of volunteering, and they provide the governan

Here's what charities need to know. From 6 April 2026, major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) come into force which is one of the most significant updates to employee sickness rights in years. Whether you’re an employer, trustee, or employee, these changes are set to reshape how sick pay works across the UK. So, what’s actually changing? One of the biggest shifts is the removal of the Lower Earnings Limit. This means SSP will now be available to all employees, regardless o

A short summary of funding opportunities that have come to our attention this week. The National Lottery Community Fund Voluntary and community organisations, statutory bodies, charities and partnerships can apply for grants of £500,000 to £5 million, spread over 2 to 10 years, to support projects that bring diverse communities together. The National Lottery Community Fund’s UK Fund is open to applications from organisations seeking to scale up proven work that tackles inequa

On 15th April, volunteer managers from across Wirral’s VCFSE sector came together at New Hope CIC in Egremont for the latest Volunteer Managers Forum. The session brought together a diverse group of organisations, including some new faces, and created a space for shared learning, reflection and collaboration. Reflections on 2025 & 2026 Jen delivered a presentation to the group on the impact of the Volunteering team since they started in June 2025. The priorities set for the y

A short summary of funding opportunities that have come to our attention this week. Wirral CVS’ Shout About Volunteering Micro Grants Wirral CVS is offering a limited number of “Shout About Volunteering” micro grants to help organisations across Wirral celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026 and recognise the contribution of volunteers within their communities. Successful applicants will receive a £150 contribution towards a Volunteers’ Week event or volunteer gift, alongside a party

Shout about Volunteering! Wirral CVS will help you do it! To mark Volunteers' Week, we’re offering a limited number of Volunteers’ Week Shout Out packs for organisations across Wirral. Successful applicants will receive: £150 contribution towards a Volunteers’ Week event or gift for your volunteers. A party pack with printed Volunteers’ Week materials - including thank you cards, cake toppers and banners. A chance to showcase and celebrate your volunteers across Wirral. Wheth

A look into the Charity Commission's guidance on the Online Safety Act Charities and Social Media guidance from the Charity Commission has been thoroughly updated in response to the recent introduction of the Online Safety Act 2023. This new legislation aims to enhance the safety and security of online interactions, particularly focusing on the responsibilities of organizations and individuals in maintaining a safe digital environment. As a result, it is crucial for charities

A reflection on Wirral's biggest volunteer celebration event Back in September 2025, when we started conversations with Volunteer Managers about how we could celebrate volunteers, we made a group decision that whatever we did it needed to be fun, inclusive and show every volunteer that they were valued and appreciated. Reflecting back on FestiVol, which was held on 28th February 2026, we’d like to think we achieved all three, and based the feedback we’ve received – volunteers

On Thursday, representatives from the VCFSE sector met with Wirral Council officers who will be delivering the next round of the Crises and Resilience Fund . The session provided an opportunity to outline key elements of the new fund and to gather sector feedback to help shape an informed funding plan for the next three years. The Crises and Resilience Fund is designed to support households experiencing financial hardship, while also helping residents build longer‑term financ

Does your charity need a property? - free webinar for charities The Ethical Property Foundation (EPF) is pleased to continue their 2026 webinar series. Do charities need property? As the UK’s leading property advice charity for the voluntary sector, they offer this free webinar to help charities and voluntary organisations make informed decisions about property. This practical and reflective session will support you to think carefully about the role property plays in your w

A short summary of funding opportunities that have came to our attention this week. Wirral CVS Funding Opportunities Step Up Resilience Fund The Step Up Resilience Fund is designed to support VCFSE organisations to strengthen their resilience, sustainability and capacity , rather than to fund new service delivery. This fund recognises the vital role that existing community organisations play in improving health and wellbeing across Wirral. To be eligible, organisations must

Wirral CVS is pleased to offer three funding opportunities designed to support Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across Wirral. Together, these funds aim to strengthen organisational resilience, support grassroots activity, and enable arts and culture organisations to thrive while contributing to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities. Whether your organisation is looking to strengthen its internal capacity, deliver

Charities occasionally face situations where they feel a moral obligation to make a payment or waive a right to property, even though there is no legal requirement to do so. These are known as ex gratia payments. For instance Adjusting a legacy where a will does not reflect the donor’s final wishes or making a payment to resolve a situation where fairness or compassion is at stake. From 27 November 2025, new powers under the Charities Act 2022 will make the process simpler f

Andy Churchill receiving his award The team from Wirral CVS attended the VSNW Conference and AGM 2025, which was titled "From Uncertainty to Strength: Building Capacity & Resilience in Our Sector" on the 27th November and had a wonderful time. Voluntary Sector North West is a key infrastructure organisation that supports and advocates for charities, community groups and social enterprises across the North West. Debra Alcock Tyler, CEO of Directory of Social Change and Greater

Updated guidance to help charities stay compliant and maintain public trust A new Code of Fundraising Practice came into effect on 1 November, introducing important updates that modernise fundraising standards and help charities ensure their fundraising activity remains compliant, transparent and ethical. These changes are designed to reflect the evolving ways that charities engage supporters and to provide clearer guidance in an increasingly digital fundraising environment.

A refreshed and practical approach to strengthening governance across the charity sector The Charity Governance Code was introduced several years ago alongside a practical toolkit designed to support trustees in strengthening the way their charities are governed. It quickly became an invaluable resource, providing clear guidance on what good governance looks like and how it can be achieved in practice. However, for some trustee boards, the structure of the original Code could

A short summary of funding opportunities that have came to our attention this week. VOLA's Community Grants Programme Voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations can apply for grants of between £20,000 and £40,000 through VOLA’s new Community Grants Programme. The funding aims to support 18- to 21-year-olds in the Liverpool City Region who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Funded by the UK Government under the Youth Guarantee T

Would you like to design a bespoke Safeguarding Adults training course for volunteers while gaining a nationally recognised qualification in training and facilitation? Wirral CVS is offering 10 fully funded places on the Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) . This opportunity is open to staff from Wirral-based Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations who support and train volunteers. About the Programme This initiative forms part of W

Important guidance for CICs and charitable businesses on upcoming Companies House identity checks If you are a Director of a Community Interest Company (CIC) or another type of charitable business, it is important to be aware of new legal requirements coming into force from 18th November 2025. From this date, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors. This change is part of wider reforms introduced by Companies House to improve corporate