Sector News

National BME third sector policy advocacy organisation Voice4Change England has responded to the Government's tacking Race Inequalities consultation by making 18 recommendations for a distinct race equality strategy that tackles the continuing inequalities and disadvantage experienced by BME Communities. Please see attached document for further information.

In line with the Government's commitment to give young people more say in the processes and decisions that affect them, this consultation seeks the views of children and young people, parents,carers, governing bodies, local government, school staff, teaching and support staff unions (including professional bodies), Tribunals and independent appeal panel members, associated representative organisations and the voluntary sector. Please see attached document for further information.

Introduction The Charity Commission is the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales. They aim to provide the best possible regulation of charities in order to increase their effectiveness and public trust and confidence in the work they do. In light of the current recession, the Commission has produced a practical tool, in the form of a checklist, for trustees to use. About the checklist The checklist consists of 15 main questions and is designed for all charities to use. The 15 main questions will not all be relevant to every charity – it will depend on the size of your charity and how it operates. The checklist reflects a good practice approach that charities should use when regularly reviewing the way they operate, and this approach becomes especially important during an economic downturn. The checklist is a template which can be used by different types and sizes of charity, and adapted to suit particular circumstances. It is intended to help structure a discussion as an agenda item at a trustee meeting, away day discussion or planning meeting. It will also help the trustees to develop a plan and timetable for action. BDA strongly encourage trustee boards of all charities to use this checklist. If your board carefully works through the areas in this checklist that relate to your charity, it will help to demonstrate that your trustees are acting appropriately in the current circumstances. To help focus the discussion the checklist is organised into four broad areas: • Strategy – opportunities and risks • Financial health • Governance • Making best use resources