JGP News

Those working in the third sector need to approach the use of social networking websites with caution.

Such is the assertion of Robin Fisk, senior charity technology specialist for ASI Europe, who states that the increasing popularity of websites such as YouTube and Facebook is seeing the reputation of charities increasingly being placed in the hands of supporters who do not work for them.

In an article for ThirdSector.co.uk, Mr Fisk adds that staff members may increasingly be setting up blogs and profiles on social networking which are available for everyone to see.

Consequently, he states that charities need to take steps to ensure they track what is being said about them online to help manage both organisational and personal reputations.

"Reputation management, which has become a recognised practice in itself, will therefore need to become a part of all charities” communications strategies as social networking becomes as natural as picking up the phone," he states, in news that could interest those looking to improve talent management.

Last month, Damian Radcliffe, manager for English regions at Ofcom, claimed it is more important than ever for charities to ensure they have a strong online presence.

More talent management information.

Although charities are likely to experience difficulties as the financial crisis rumbles on, reports of en-masse difficulties for those working within the third sector may find that could be exaggerated.

In a report published by Professor John Mohan from the University of Southampton and Karl Wilding, head of research for the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, it was suggested the impact that the economic downturn will have on charities will depend as much on individual organisations” internal management and resources as it will on factors beyond their control.

Meanwhile, those looking to improve sustainable efficiencies may be interested to hear the pair’’s claims that charities have traditionally be well-equipped to manage through economic times, while local community-based organisations could actually see a rise in donations.

"Charities should beware of crying wolf. Inevitably, some types of organisation will suffer more than others, but predictions of widespread gloom may be exaggerated," Professor Mohan claims.

However, Danny Davis - insolvency specialist at Mishcon de Reya - recently stated in a ThirdSector.co.uk article that those charities struggling to manage through the downturn should be prepared to make some tough decisions.

More about sustainable efficiencies.

Those working in the third sector could be set to receive a boost with regards to their political campaigning work.

In news that could be of interest to those looking to improve their skills framework, the Cabinet Office will offer grants worth a total of £750,000 to small charities and community groups working with vulnerable people to help promote their campaigning efforts, ThirdSector.co.uk reports.

Up to 30 organisations will be able to receive grants - which will be offered over a two-year period and administered by Capacitybuilders - reveals Liam Byrne, cabinet office minister.

Although he claims that third sector groups have never had a stronger voice, the grant will help small organisations develop innovative ways to help vulnerable people make their views heard.

Speaking on Radio 4′’s Today programme, Mr Byrne asserts: "We are calling for ideas from those organisations representing people who don”t get heard in mainstream political debate - smaller charities working perhaps with people with learning disabilities or with disaffected young people."

Earlier this month, Jude Habib - director of media production and training company Sound Delivery - told ThirdSector.co.uk that it is a personal touch which can make a charity campaign a success.

More skills framework information.

Many employers are concerned about their staff’’s skills.

In research carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Nord Anglia more than half of organisations - which could include those operating in the third sector - are worried about employees” capacity to use IT.

Some 40 per cent of employers, meanwhile, are worried about their numeracy and literacy skill.

Andrew Fitzmaurice, chief executive of Nord Anglia, states: "Basic skills such as reading, writing and doing simple maths remain a real concern for employers."

Mr Fitzmaurice adds that the "wake-up call" from the 2006 Leitch review remains "as relevant as ever", in news that could interest those organisations looking to improve their skills framework.

However, the CBI and Nord Anglia point out that it is crucial for the country to have highly-skilled workers not only to help rebuild national infrastructure but also to drive forward with a low-carbon economy.

Last month, Claire McCartney, learning and development adviser for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, claimed that talent management "is still a priority" for chief executives, although they are currently spending less money on such an area.

More skills framework information.

The appointment of a new quality and compliance officer at the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) could help to drive street fundraisers” standards, it has been suggested.

Commenting on the news, Nick Henry has been hired to maintain and improve standards among those working in the third sector who raise funds on a face-to-face basis, the PFRA claims such fundraisers will be monitored using both covert and overt tactics.

Mick Aldridge, chief executive of the PFRA, tells ThirdSector.co.uk: "He may be watching from behind his newspaper, but there will also be more overt monitoring, where he”ll tell fundraisers he is going to observe their activity."

Furthermore, Mr Henry will respond to public and local authority complaints about fundraisers.

Such news could interest those third sector bodies looking to improve the skills framework of their staff.

Meanwhile, four-fifths of those recently questioned by G2 Data Dynamics recently claimed they donate on a regular basis, with 58 per cent of these stating that their level of giving will remain unchanged despite the financial downturn.

More skills framework information.