FaithNetEast — Faithnet east — Faith net east

Commissioning and the Big Society

The Kindle partnership has published a guide for commissioners to help them understand the role that community organisations can play. Please visit www.navca.org.uk/publications/commbigsoc/ for more information.
 

Connected Communities

How social networks power and sustain the Big Society is a report which argues for a new approach to community regeneration, based on an understanding of the importance of social networks. Please go to to access the report
 

The i-TRUST ICT recycling centre

The i-TRUST ICT recycling centre, based on the Convent Drive Industrial Estate in Waterbeach, near Cambridge, takes unwanted computer equipment from the East of England for refurbishment and recycling.
The centre achieves zero landfill; sells reusable computers and computer components and provides volunteer, training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged people.
For more information please ring 01223 863214.
 

Bassac launches new collaboration guide

Bassac, the membership body for community organisations, has launched a guide to managing collaboration in the third sector. It offers a step-by-step approach to helping people involved in supporting collaborative working, providing resources, examples of good practice and a range of case studies. Available online, together with other resources, please click here
 

i-volunteer

i-volunteer is a new social network for people who love everything and anything to do with volunteering. To find out more please visit www.i-volunteer.org.uk
 

English Heritage - Help for region’s historic places of worship

English Heritage brings faiths and denominations together to help congregations look after listed churches, chapels, synagogues, meeting houses, gurdwaras, temples and mosques, and is embarking on the most ambitious attempt yet to assess the condition of the region’s historic places of worship.
 
A major survey has been undertaken as part of English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk programme to give a unique insight into the condition of the nation’s listed religious heritage and to find out how many buildings are at serious risk of decay. The results can be viewed here. To ensure you receive a practical guide to looking after a listed place of worship, sign up at www.english-heritage.org.uk/powar 
 

Media Trust run a programme of seminars

Media Trust run a programme of seminars, workshops and events to offer a comprehensive marketing, communications, digital and media toolkit. Training is informed by a recently produced report on the marketing and communications needs of charities, voluntary and community organisations. Information on training and a copy of the report can be found on the website: www.mediatrust.org
 

Urban Forum - case studies

Urban Forum is producing a series of case studies for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on how public bodies - councils, schools, PCTs, the police etc - are meaningfully involving marginalised groups in policy-making. They are keen to hear of any examples you think they should know about. To find out more or suggest possible case studies email rachel@urbanforum.org.uk
 

Counter Terrorism in Places of Worship

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has researched and produced a guide intended to give protective security advice to those who are responsible for security in places of worship. Whilst the document concentrates on measures to counter terrorism, it is hoped that these will also work against other threats, such as theft, burglary and arson (which remain the greatest threats to places of worship). A copy of the guide can be downloaded from www.nactso.gov.uk/AreaOfRisks/PlacesofWorship.aspx
 

Charity Commission good practice guide for faith-based organisations

The Charity Commission’s Faith and Social Cohesion Unit, which closed at the end of August, has made a range of resources for faith-based charities available online. The resources include guidance on how to register as a faith-based charity, along with case studies of mosques to demonstrate good governance.
 
These will join guidance that is already available on the commission website.
 

Advice Portal for ethnic professionals and employers

Diverse Ethics Ltd has launched a new web portal to help Britain find new ways out of the recession, through tapping into the strength and creativity of its ethnic professionals. The portal encourages employers to utilise this resource, and professionals to bring their cultural and ethical values to the workplace.  The portal contains advice, interviews and resources. Diverse Ethics Ltd. is a Social Enterprise, based in Colchester, Essex. The portal can be accessed at: www.diverseethics.com.
 

A review of evidence of the equality strands in the East of England – a report from MENTER and Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) Equalities Group

This report is the first review focussed on specific issues within a region and its findings were presented to an international audience at the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion conference in Vienna prior to its publication. Readers may find its regional focus on protected characteristics a useful tool to evidence a need when applying for funding or lobbying on behalf of a specific disadvantaged group.
 
To read the report in full please click here
 

Free ICT consultant in Bedfordshire

Faith Friendly, practical quality assurance system

Faithbased Regeneration Network will shortly be running a pilot of a faith-friendly, practical quality assurance system that will be useful in both developing their organisations and also in demonstrating their value to the world outside. FbRN is currently inviting faith-based groups to be one of six pilot organisations. To act as a pilot please contact them on 020 7471 6791 or valr@fbrn.org.uk
 

Join CDF’s virtual community on making the case for community development

CDF have set up a virtual community for CD workers in the public sector to discuss debate and access learning on these important issues. The virtual community is hosted on the Communities of Practice site run by Local Government Improvement & Development. This is a community platform supporting collaborative networks for those involved in local delivery: central departments, local authorities, other public bodies, people working in charities and the private sector who are in some way delivering for the public.
 
To join the community and contribute to building a stronger case for CD, start by visiting www.communities.idea.gov.uk/welcome.do If you have any questions or comments, contact meghan.rainsberry@cdf.org.uk or michael.pitchford@cdf.org.uk
 

The Economic Case for Cohesion

This Communities and Local Government (CLG) study looks at the available evidence on the economic benefits of building cohesion. It reviews evidence for crime, fear of crime, education, employment, health and economic investment. For further information visit the CLG website: click here
 

Faith and governance

The Charity Commission has published a report for all faith-based charities to help them establish strong trustee bodies and good practice. You can access the report on the Charity Commission's website by clicking here
 

ReFocus Recruiting!

Do you know any young people between the ages of 16-24 who would be interested in taking part in MYH’s latest campaign?
 
ReFocus aims to get a group of young people from different faith backgrounds together to explore their world ... through photography. Participants will take part in a series of workshops to develop their skills, stage manage photo shoots around their chosen subject and contribute their photos to an exhibition that celebrates their hard work
 
If you, or someone you know, would like to take part please email for further details.
 

You are invited to participate in FaithXchange

FaithXchange is a new network for researchers, research-minded practitioners and policy makers working in the area of ‘young people and faith-based social action’. The network is hosted by the Faiths and Civil Society Unit at Goldsmiths College in partnership with DeMontfort University. More information including details of a forthcoming meeting at Derby Multifaith Centre see: www.fbrn.org.uk./news/you-are-invited-participate-faithxchange
 

Faith-based Regeneration Network (FbRN) - advice from Charity Commission

FbRN gives news of a document giving useful guidance issued by the Charities Commission for Trustees is available, only online, Managing Charity Assets and resources: an overview for trustees
 

Duty to Promote Democracy: Equality impact assessment

Local authorities have a duty to promote understanding of local governance systems and opportunities for members of the public to be involved. This CLG review assesses the impact this policy will have on different equality groups. For further information visit the CLG website: click here
 

Stronger Together

This New Local Government Network (NLGN) report suggests that the Government’s current scheme on tackling extremism is alienating Muslim communities and should be reviewed. NLGN is calling for the £45million scheme to focus on tackling all extremism – including far-right – rather than just focusing on Islamic extremism. For further information visit the NGLN website: click here
 

Civil Partnership Registrations on Religious Premises

The Government has announced its plan to remove the ban in England and Wales on civil partnership registrations being held on religious premises, by implementing section 202 of the Equality Act 2010. This will give those religious organisations that wish to do so the opportunity to host civil partnership registrations on their premises. Because this is a permissive provision, religious organisations that do not wish to host civil partnerships will not be required to do so as a result of this change. The Government will hold a public consultation on the detail of the changes to be made before implementing the new arrangements, to enable all interested parties to comment.
 
The implementation of section 202 of the Equality Act 2010 is the first part of the Government’s work on the next steps for civil partnerships as set out in the document Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality.
 
The announcement can be found on the Government Equalities Office website
 

The Refugee Integration and Employment Service is looking for volunteers and mentors in the region

The REIS is looking for volunteers and mentors in the region, to help new refugees integrate into the locality. For more information contact Tom Daly, Volunteer Coordinator RIES, Refugee Council Eastern Region, Ipswich IP1 1HT, 01473 297908, thomas.daly@refugeecouncil.org.uk
 

Connected Communities

How social networks power and sustain the Big Society is a report which argues for a new approach to community regeneration, based on an understanding of the importance of social networks. Click here to go to the report
 

The Cambridge Community Knowledge Exchange

The Cambridge Community Knowledge Exchange is a new initiative from the University of Cambridge which provides free access to research for voluntary and community sector organisations. Voluntary and community sector organisations can gain access to research services free of charge whilst students have the opportunity to apply academic skills in the community. They accept requests for research on all subjects - including management and strategic planning, policy and legal research, information technology, community health issues, local history and environmental issues as well as a broad range of social issues. If you are a VCS organisation with a research need? Contact via email: ccke@admin.cam.ac.uk or tel: 01223 764069 or visit: www.cam.ac.uk/ccke
 

Common Wealth Network launched

A group of Christians in public life have launched a new network to critique government cuts in public spending and welfare provision. The Common Wealth statement is the group's founding document, it provides a radical theological critique of government policies and the social and economic order they seek to maintain.
 
Find out more at: commonwealthnetwork2010.blogspot.com/
 

Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the potential

A new joint publication from the Government and the Church of England to help faith groups identify sources of funding to make their buildings more sustainable, by enhancing the facilities and services they offer to local communities. It also discusses faith and local authority structures like LSPs (local strategic partnerships), and regional bodies, and the reluctance of some funders to fund faith-based projects. 'Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential' can be downloaded at www.culture.gov.uk/ reference_library/publications/5991.aspx
 

A Future for Community Development

CDF's new report examines how the community development field and profession is likely to be affected by the recession, and after a general election.  The paper explores where the opportunities for community development may lie in the coming years, examining the most likely scenarios for 2010, particularly from a policy and economic perspective. To read the report, visit www.cdf.org.uk. For more information, contact Tom Archer at tom.archer@cdf.org.uk
 

Making the Most of Your Money

The new Consumer Financial Education Body (CFEB), recently created by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK’s financial regulator, is offering VCS organisations FREE financial education programmes to help manage money in the present economic climate. Presentations are available to groups of a minimum of 20 staff or volunteers and CFEB have confirmed that groups may wish to liaise to share an event if providing sufficient numbers are a difficulty.
 
For details or to book a place please email mike.bailey@moneymadeclear.org.uk CFEB also has help available at www.moneymadeclear.org.uk which provides useful information for young adults and new parents.
 

English Heritage - Support Officers

EH would like to see the task of looking after historic places of worship made easier by the wider provision of ‘Support Officers’ who can work alongside congregations and give them access to a wide range of skills and advice. They can offer funding for partner organisations to employ Support Officers on 3-year contracts.
 
The work of each individual Support Officer would be tailored to local needs, but in general they will:

NAVCA's guide to help you unravel voluntary and community sector jargon

NAVCA's guide to help you unravel voluntary and community sector jargon has been updated and is now available on their website.
 
For more information, please go to www.navca.org.uk/localvs/acronyms/
 

Shared Interest: Ethical Investment Co-operative

Ethical investment co-operative Shared Interest is currently celebrating 20 years at the heart of the fair trade movement. Based in the UK but with regional offices in Kenya, Costa Rica and Peru, Shared Interest lends over £33 million annually to fair trade businesses across 36 countries. To find out how you could support businesses at the heart of the fair trade movement contact your local Supporter Relations Officer, Sally Reith to arrange a presentation, a Shared Interest stall at an upcoming event, delivery of a free DVD featuring a fair trade producer or simply a time to meet up and discuss their work. Contact Sally on 07795825442 or email sally.reith@shared-interest.com or visit the website: www.shared-interest.com
 

'Women-friendly' mosques directory launched

Faith Matters have launched a directory of the 100 most "women-friendly" mosques in England. Fifty mosques were found to meet all five of the requirements set out by inter faith organisation Faith Matters, while a further fifty are listed as meeting four of the criteria:

Website for enquiriers about Christianity

A website has been launched for anyone interested in the Christian faith. It is designed for all ages of enquirer and traditions of the Church, and provides a host of information and the opportunity for people new to, and interested in, Christianity to find out more. To see the website, please click here More information can be found at Churches Together in England
 

Guidance for Local Authorities Working with Faith Groups

To provide greater clarity for local authorities with regard to commissioning public services from faith-based groups, the paper, ‘Ensuring a Level Playing Field: Funding Faith-based Organisations to Provide Publicly Funded Services’ is now available by clicking here.
 

New Handy Guide to Community Resilience published

The new Urban Forum Guide To Community Resilience is an invaluable resource for any community. With the era of austerity upon us and the public spending cuts bringing greater challenges, this handy guide, which has expert contributions from many organisations, is a timely, practical way to strengthen your community and make the best use of its assets. Urban Forum are offering the guide, which has a score or more practical ways to strengthen your community, at a special introductory price of £7.95. There are extra discounts for Urban Forum members and bulk purchases.
 

 

Trustee guide to campaigning and influencing

This short guide outlines both what is required by the law and what is good practice in the development and implementation of effective campaigns. It’s relevant whether you are involved in a large organisation looking at the strategic overview or in a small organisation and are more directly involved in the day-to-day delivery of activities. Download the free guide by clicking here or get in touch by email to request paper copies or phone 020 7520 2577.
 

 

Red Ochre – creating change by supporting change

Red Ochre – creating change by supporting change works with

Prime Minister David Cameron’s Speech at Munich Security Conference

For anyone who has not read it, here is the full transcript of David Cameron’s speech on radicalisation and Islamic extremism, Munich 5 February 2011, in which he declared that the "doctrine of state multiculturalism" has failed in Britain.
 

New Equality Act in force from April 2011.

Zedakah – just consulting - can help you to make sure you are aware of the nine protected characteristics covered by the new Equality Act that came into force in April 2011. The nine protected characteristics covered by the new Act are:

'Citizenship, Identity and Difference' - a free resource pack for schools

The Council of Christians and Jews has produced a pack called 'Citizenship, Identity and Difference', for Citizenship Education and RE in schools, for Key stage 2-3. It shows young people of different faiths talking about what is important to them, and includes worksheets to help pupils consider their own identities. For a free download of the pack from the Council of Christians and Jews website, please click here
 

Bedfordshire and Luton Resilience Forum - working together in an emergency

Social Impact reporting at the touch of a button

Social Impact Tracker is a secure online database that reports outputs, outcomes and your social impact. Social Impact Tracker benefits third sector organisations including charities, voluntary & community groups and social enterprises. Social Impact Tracker is viewed as a model of best practice and endorsed as an effective tool to demonstrate accountability, social value and is an efficient method of providing supporting documentation to funders.
 
For more information please email i-TRUST
or write to:
i-TRUST
Unit 2c
Convent Drive
Denny End
Waterbeach
Cambs CB25 9QT
phone on 01223 861760 or visit the i-TRUST website
 

The Guild Social Economy Services CIC

A new spin-off company from The Guild (Eastern Region) LLP – to be known as The Guild Social Economy Services CIC has been formed specifically to deliver business services and company registration support to social enterprises. This will take on the work that The Guild has delivered for 20 years to people starting or converting to social enterprises
 
In a difficult environment, around the country, business support services are changed and currently hard to source for small businesses and social enterprises. The Guild Social Economy Services CIC hopes to address these problem areas by offering a range of products, such as
 

Bedford and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF)

No one likes to think about emergency situations, but being adequately prepared is something for which we all need to take responsibility.
Support systems are in place across Bedfordshire and Luton to assist in times of crisis – but if an emergency arose, would you know what to do and where to go for help?
 
Vital information to help you prepare yourselves and your loved-ones can be found on the What would you do if ..? website – just follow the links for information advice and contacts.
 
If you would like to subscribe to the What Would You Do If Newsletter regularly, please follow the links on the What would you do if ..? website.
 
This information is brought to you by the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF), a multi-agency group which exists to provide the support you need, when you need it.