On Friday 13th November, the Office of the Third Sector cancelled a £750,000 grant programme for campaigning research by small charities, after issuing grant letters to 32 organisations. DSC’s director of research and policy Ben Wittenberg takes a look at how this episode highlights the worst hallmarks of statutory funders. Read more. 

A new, simplified constitution for very small charities has been launched by the Charity Commission in partnership with a number of umbrella bodies across the charity sector for charities with an income under £5,000. Read more about the concise, practical framework. Read more.  

At DSC we know you need high quality training that is practical, easily accessible and affordable. That’s why we are pleased to announce the first ever Management Fair in February 2010. This one day fair is designed for chief executives, directors, leaders and managers from across the sector who want to develop their skills and enhance their management knowledge.

There are five workshop session streams running throughout the day: senior and executive leadership, essentials of people management, person development for managers, managing projects and managing resources. Our progressive pricing system means the more you book, the more you save! From only £20 a session. Book online. 

As we look ahead to 2010, the forecast looks very similar to 2009 with competitive funding and a tough economic climate. Instead of dreading the upcoming year, DSC is working to provide you with the best source of funding research and information: www.trustfunding.org.uk, www.governmentfunding.org.uk, www.companygiving.org.uk and www.grantsforindividuals.org.uk.

Our sites offer funding research, analysis and commentary for thousands of trusts, companies, government sources and grants, all for just pennies a day. There is information about sources sympathetic to your cause as well as full application procedures and tips to make your search as successful as possible. Don’t let the funding forecast for 2010 bring you down. Join thousands of subscribers in securing funds from the best-selling funding websites. Find out more.

• “Beware the devil in the detail." In an article published in Professional Fundraising, policy officer Jay Kennedy offers tips on how to access, evaluate and improve grant terms and conditions. Read more [pdf document].
• A sober staff member’s secret… as the holidays approach, Chief Executive Debra Allcock Tyler discusses the pros and cons of staff socialisation where alcohol is served. Read more.
• Focus on outcomes in the face of budget cuts, say funders. At DSC’s recent Funding your Future conference a panel discussion of leading funders discussed their plans and predictions for the funding climate in 2010 and beyond. Read what they had to say as they look to the future. Read more.     

The Many UK charities are eligible for donations of the latest technology from some of the worlds leading companies including Microsoft, Cisco, Symantec and others. To see the full range of donors, available products and how to find out if your organisation is eligible, go to www.ctxchange.org. [Advertorial]

The Employment Law Club is now in its second year and is a unique programme that is specially designed to provide up-to-date information for senior managers, HR professionals or anyone who is responsible for employment matters within their charity. Led by a senior lawyer from Russell-Cooke Solicitors the workshops will cover various topics that are current and meaningful as well as allow members the opportunity to network with others from the sector. In addition to the workshops, members receive monthly legal updates and employment law updates from the Charity Team at Russell-Cooke. Members also receive a FREE consultation with a specialist lawyer.

Keep in the loop with access to the latest expertise, up-to-date and on-the-spot legal advice and a support network of fellow members. Register your annual subscription now from £450 or individual sessions from £100.

The end of the year is almost here and you realise that you have extra budget just waiting to be spent. What’s the problem? If you don’t use it now, you might lose it in 2010. DSC has the solution to help you keep those valuable pounds by 'spending now - redeeming later' on all products and services.

Purchase a DSC Voucher now and you can use it to buy resources, book training or attend conferences throughout 2010. Choose your voucher value, from £10 to £100,000. Find out more details and order vouchers.  

DSC's Management Fair 
Upgrade your leadership and managing experience with DSC’s first ever Management Fair in Feb 2010!
Cartoon by Grizelda

PACE is the independent, informal network for chief executive assistants in the voluntary sector with the goal to provide members an opportunity to share good practice, exchange information, provide support and to meet other chief executive assistants for development days and networking sessions.

The network is free to join and focuses on the specialised aspects of the chief executive assistant role and the partnership they have with the chief executive.  In addition to the network with fellow members, PACE is working to set up a peer mentoring scheme. For more information about PACE and how to joining, email Diane Brown.