Latest News

Total efficiency is the enemy of freedom

As the impact of the financial crisis continues, debates about whether there are ‘too many charities’, having simmered along for years, are about to come to a rolling boil.  A worrying group-think in favour of charity mergers as inherently sensible and desirable is starting to pervade public policy...more

Catholic Care considers appeal against Charity Commission over gay adoption

Charity mulls challenge after regulator reaffirms decision that it cannot restrict its adoption services to heterosexual couples

Social care charity Catholic Care is considering an appeal against the Charity Commission’s decision to prevent it from changing its objects in order to stop gay people from using its adoption services.

The commission announced last week that it had reaffirmed its original decision not to allow the charity to restrict its services to heterosexual prospective parents...More

DEC's Pakistan Floods Appeal makes history with second-week rise in donations

Public response has been extraordinary, says chief executive Brendan Gormley, as total raised hits £29m

The Disaster Emergency Committee’s Pakistan Floods Appeal has become the first coalition campaign to raise more money in the second week than in the opening seven days.

The coalition of 13 UK-based aid agencies, including Oxfam, ActionAid and the British Red Cross, said that contributions rose from £10.5m in the first week to £13.5m in the second week...more

Adoption charities merge under Parents and Children Together umbrella

PACT takeover of Childlink prompted by latter's financial difficultiesFinancial problems at Childlink Adoption Society has prompted a merger with adoption charity Parents and Children Together.The move has resulted in one managerial redundancy from Childlink’s staff of 10. Caroline Hesslegrave, chief executive of Childlink, took retirement prior to the merger...more

National media briefing: the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats

A coalition of animal charities, including the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and Guide Dogs for the Blind, calls for reforms to the laws on dog ownership.

See the Daily Mirror for full story...more

Black Training and Enterprise Group offers grants for groups that work with young black men

Forty organisations will benefit from awards

The Black Training and Enterprise Group,  an umbrella organisation for black and ethnic minority voluntary and community organisations, is offering small grants of £500 for organisations that work with young black men...more

Legal Eyes: Trustee Boards – Involving Young People

Pretty much anyone can become a trustee.  No special qualifications are needed, though some people are disqualified from being a charity trustee (for example, anyone convicted of a dishonesty offence or declared bankrupt).  However, there is a minimum age limit which varies depending on the legal form of the charity...more

Are you passionate about making a positive change in society?

Do you deserve recognition for your work? Do you know someone else who does? If yes, then you could be nominated for a Social Change Award!

Four years ago the Directory of Social Change started the Social Change Awards for all those working to achieve a positive change in society - individuals, charities, community groups, funders, companies, public bodies. We decided to throw out the long applications for a quick nomination process that anyone could complete. And instead of a black tie affair to announce the winners, we have an inclusive, fun informal event with inspiring speakers and highlights from the entrants..more