JGP News

Moves to cut red tape for those working for charities have been unveiled, it has emerged.

Proposals by Phil Hope, minister for the third sector, could result in some 33,000 registered voluntary groups - the equivalent of about a fifth of all charities - dealing with less regulation from the 2009-10 financial year.

Under the plans, the income threshold above which charities must prepare accruals accounts will rise from £100,000 to £250,000.

It was also suggested that some 37,000 third sector bodies may no longer need to have their accounts externally examined should they earn less than £25,000.

And in news that could help organisations to maintain sustainable efficiencies, it was stated the changes will be of particular benefit to leaders at small charities as they will not have to spend the majority of their time filling out forms.

Mr Hope claimed that it is important for voluntary and community groups "to focus as much time as possible on their core purpose which is why I am delighted that these changes will see the administrative burdens of thousands of charities reduced".

Earlier this week, proposals by the Department of Communities and Local Government suggested that local authorities may soon be able to implement byelaws focusing on improving community safety without first being required to get Whitehall approval.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

A fundraising initiative targeting those working for charities is set to get underway once more later this year, it has been revealed.

The scheme, which is operated by Will Aid, will see solicitors draw up wills for their clients. However, instead of charging for their services legal professionals will ask their customers to donate the fee which they would normally charge to charity, ThirdSector.co.uk reports.

Among the network partners in the Will Aid scheme are the charities Help the Aged, Save the Children and Christian Cross, although people are able to make donations to any voluntary group of their choosing.

Shirley Marsland, campaign manager for Will Aid, claimed that for those legacy managers who are looking for a way in which "to turn your supporters” good intentions into reality, Will Aid is a really effective way to encourage people to actually get on and make that will or add a codicil to an existing will".

It was revealed that the previous initiative held in 2006 resulted in over £5 million being raised for charity.

Such news could be of interest to those third sector groups wishing to maintain sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier this week a partnership between Phoenix Community Radio Station 96.7 and Yahoo! was revealed which will see internet search carried out on third sector bodies” websites to help generate revenue.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

The government has announced plans to introduce new legislation targeting those working for local authorities, it has been revealed.

In proposals unveiled by the Department of Communities and Local Government it was revealed that local councils may have the power to create and sanction byelaws - which are aimed at improving community safety - without necessarily having to get approval from Whitehall.

Such news could be of interest to those working for public sector bodies who wish to improve the skills framework of their organisation.

Hazel Blears, communities secretary, said: "For the first time councils could now be able to set, sign and now sanction local laws without central government approval."

She went on to claim that this will make it easier for local authorities to improve the wellbeing of their community, cut down on red tape and confront problems in their area.

Earlier this month it was revealed that the nine new unitary authorities which will be set up next year will have complete control over setting up new parish councils.

More skills framework information.

A new fundraising initiative has been launched for those working for charities and community groups, it has been revealed.

In operating as network partners with Yahoo! subsidiary Whitebox, Phoenix Community Radio Station 96.7 has launched a new internet search engine box which is placed on third sector organisations” websites.

When terms are entered into this box, any revenue that Whitebox receives is shared with charities.

Gareth Morgan, senior leader of Newark-based Everyday Champions Centre which uses the service, said: "With very little effort this provides you with a new way to encourage existing and new supporters to generate income through simply changing their internet habits."

Furthermore, those working for charities are provided marketing support.

It was reported that the service has seen some third sector organisations generate thousands of pounds in extra revenue.

Meanwhile, a number of charities recently told ThirdSector.co.uk that despite the continued impact of the credit crunch, levels of individual voluntary contributions are set to remain consistent.

More about network partners.

A review has been launched aimed at helping improving customer services provided by those working for councils, it has been revealed.

Rolled out by the government, the new team will look to boost the delivery of council services and give advice on the rights of consumers during occasions when they are given a service which is below standard.

Communities secretary Hazel Blears said: "There have been tangible improvements in the standard of council services over the past ten years.

"Yet consumer expectations also continue to rise."

She went on to report that when a council’’s service is below a standard it is important people can expect their problems to be dealt with quickly and fairly.

The news could be of interest to those charities looking to maintain sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that a number of councils and local network partners signed a Multi-Area Agreement to help drive economic prosperity.

More about sustainable efficiencies.