JGP News

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.

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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.

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Talent management initiatives need to be used more effectively, it has been reported.

In the Building the Talented Organisation study it was revealed that about three-quarters (73 per cent) of respondents think that the firm in which they work for has an appropriate talent strategy in place.

Of these however some 55 per cent state that this has not been reflected in decisions made by frontline leaders.

Meanwhile, the majority of those questioned admit to feeling that their employer’’s talent management strategy is not fully embedded into the overall way in which the organisation operates.

Such news could be of interest to leaders and human resources (HR) departments operating within the third sector.

Nick Warren, head of talent consulting for Hewitt HR, said: "Amid a challenging economic environment we have seen a renewed interest in talent management, as companies seek to secure competitive advantage."

However, he went on to point out that the need for HR departments to work hard on their implementation procedures as "talent strategies are simply not filtering down to line managers".

Earlier this month it was revealed that Young Lives is offering guidance on HR issues - such as training and recruitment - to smaller voluntary groups and charities which operate with children.

More about talent management.

Those working for charities are being invited to make their views heard on proposals in regards to payroll giving, it has been revealed.

In a review by the Institute of Fundraising, it was claimed that the government should establish a single, non-departmental public body in which to improve the current payroll system.

Mark Astarita, chair of the institute’’s policy advisory board, stated the report is "one of the most thoughtful, practical and undoubtedly useful pieces of work that I”ve ever had the pleasure to see in the area of general policy around fundraising".

Groups operating within the third sector who wish to respond to the institute’’s review are reminded that the consultation period ends on September 5th.

The Institute of Fundraising report also revealed a general dissatisfaction among charities and voluntary groups with the overall service offered by numerous payroll giving agencies.

Such news might be of interest to those charities wishing to maintain sustainable efficiencies.

Earlier in August, third sector groups were called upon to respond to a consultation by HM Revenue & Customs which mean they are privy to simpler rules and fewer calculations in regards to VAT.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

Those operating for voluntary bodies in Wales could be set for a boost, it has been reported.

Following the receiving of a £115,000 grant by the Welsh Assembly government, the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) is now set to recruit a manager who will aim to improve awareness of the institution and increase fundraising.

Graham Benfield, chief executive of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, said: "We are delighted that the FRSB has received this grant and look forward to working with it to enhance its work with organisations in Wales to build confidence and trust in fundraising."

Meanwhile, Jon Scourse, chief executive of the FRSB, stated that having someone with a local knowledge is a cost-effective way in which to encourage fundraising membership and forge links with network partners.

At present it was claimed that there are 30 members of the FRSB in Wales.

In other news, Remember a Charity recently revealed plans to help third sector organisations to increase their legacy fundraising.

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