Newsletters
Sayer Vincent sends a monthly newsletter to its clients and others who register to receive it. It keeps you informed of news and developments that may affect your organisation. If you would like to receive the newsletter by email or would like further information on any topics covered in newsletters, do please contact us on svinfo@sayervincent.co.uk
Tell us if we need to change your contact details or if you would like us to send the newsletter to more people in your organisation. We are happy to send to treasurers or other trustees - just send the additions or changes to svinfo@sayervincent.co.uk
Past editions of newsletters are available to download fom the left menu. A summary of our latest newsletter can be found below.
August 2010
New Philanthropy Capital has just published a paper about how charities can prove their worth to Whitehall. The paper uses the example of a project being run by Sayer Vincent audit client CSV. HM Treasury has asked all government departments to prioritise their main programmes against a tough set of criteria to ensure value for money in public spending. The questions posed may be just as relevant for charities assessing the future chances of government funding:
• Is the activity essential to meet Government priorities?
• Does the Government need to fund this activity?
• Does the activity provide substantial economic value?
• Can the activity be targeted to those most in need?
• How can the activity be provided at lower cost?
• How can the activity be provided more effectively?
• Can the activity be provided by a non-state provider or by citizens, wholly, or in partnership?
• Can non-state providers be paid to carry out the activity according to the results they achieve?
• Can local bodies, as opposed to central Government, provide the activity?
Many charities worry that they are not permitted to undertake any trading activities, and many people believe that charities are not permitted to make a profit on activities. The rules on trading by charities are explained in our guide Trading issues made simple which can be downloaded for free from our website. We also offer tailored advice to charities in need of up to date guidance or undertaking new activities.
The Sayer Vincent website has been redesigned and functionality improved to make it easier to use. You can access publications, Made Simple guides, newsletters, updates and book all Sayer Vincent events. Members of our Forums have access to dedicated pages, including a blog to comment on current topics and discussions. When you sign up to a Forum or a Forum event you will be sent a link to set up a password. Feedback welcome!
We often talk of moving decisions to the right level, but how do you do that in practice? Decision-makers need the right information at the right time as well as the authority. This session, aimed at senior managers, will look at ways to set the right framework and give people the tools to do the job. For further details and to book a place, click here.
This conference provides training and updates to help charities tackle the many challenges that lay ahead. As well as updates on finance, legal and tax issues the conference offers longer training sessions on core finance topics, advanced finance skills and management skills. There will be a stream offering introductory sessions for those new to the charity sector which includes free “made simple” guides. As the charity sector’s largest residential finance conference it offers an unrivalled opportunity to network and share ideas with your peers. Further details, including the programme content and a booking form is now available to download.
In this period of rapid and unpredictable change, we need to open our minds to new ways of planning and managing risk. Leaders of organisations need a framework to guide them through a jungle of seemingly intractable problems to a strategy beyond survival. This conference aims to provide CEOs and senior managers with the opportunity to share learning and hear about new ways to understand change in terms of the organisation’s values, options, narrative, insight processes and machinery. Guest speakers include Gill Ringland, Oliver Sparrow and Patricia Lustig of SAMI Consulting, co-authors of the critically acclaimed book ‘Beyond Crisis’. All attendees will receive a free copy of the book. For further information about the conference and booking information click here.
The full newsletter including the latest Sayer Vincent charity events is available to download.