BULLETIN No. 177: September 2018

My monthly attempt to keep my contacts, friends, friends of friends, etc. in touch with what's going on in the world of charities. A distillation of the many briefings that arrive on my desk, plus whatever I've gleaned from charities I'm currently working with. Always glad to get your comments, suggestions and requests for help.

Daryl Martin

d.martin@afvs.org.uk

What do we have this month?

1. Big Changes Afoot
2. GDPR Blog
3. Wills and Legacy Giving Guide
4. Employees and Volunteers Guidance
5. Four Second Rule
6. Insurance for Charity Staff and Volunteers working Overseas
7. Managing Events Outdoors
8. Corporation Tax for Charities
9. Trustee Training
10. And Finally...

1. Big Changes Afoot
Becky has finally got her way and has moved me onto a different style bulletin; so, from next month it will be a new look and sent out under a new service provider. We hope that you like it? We’ll be moving all our current subscribers automatically over from our current provider Feedblitz to MailChimp, which gives us the much-needed flexibility where generic email addresses are concerned, and GDPR complience. Your feedback is welcomed as always; also, any suggestions or thoughts for future issues.

2. GDPR Blog
Just issued number 3. We’ve over 400 subscribed already; can you help us get to 500? My next briefing will look at Subject Access Requests, and worst-case scenarios, which you really do need to be prepared for. Also, a quick look at the impact of GDPR on board minutes. Drop us a line if you want help subscribing or click on this link https://mailchi.mp/0c0454348292/gdpr-briefing-03-a-simple-test-to-measure-how-compliant-you-are?e=c93c613725

3. Wills and Legacy Giving Guide
I finished this a couple of weeks ago. It’s a response to a member church which wanted a means to encourage their members and supporters to remember them in their wills. If you’re looking to develop a strategy in this area, this is a good starting point. Available free to AFVS members. Almost £3bn left to charities last year, an all-time record. People are clearly up for it.

4. Employees and Volunteers Guidance
We’re told that around 15m people carry out volunteer work at least once a month. If your charity has volunteers or paid staff this guide, free to AFVS members and contains a wealth of practical advice to help you do a better job. Good section on finding new volunteers; we all need more volunteer support, and how best to look after them once they’re on board.

5. Four Second Rule
A couple of weeks ago I witnessed 2 people arguing. It was a serious issue, but they weren’t in a problem-solving mode. The older person decided that enough was enough and without any hesitation proceeded to nominate a punishment for the other person. ‘Ouch, that was harsh’. Then it happened again in a different situation. I think the problem is that we’ve so much going on in our lives that we are all on a hair trigger response time, when really, we should train ourselves to make that pause which can save a lot of pain in our relationships. Email us if you want my briefing on this. (I include a stern warning to you to stop bragging about how busy you are.) support@afvs.org.uk

6. Insurance for Charity Staff and Volunteers working Overseas
Lack of basic insurance left an Army veteran facing a £250,000 bill and possible imprisonment in Peru following a fatal car crash which he says was not his fault. The accident happened in 2013. He was working out there with a UK charity. Nothing was heard for 5 years then suddenly he received a 94-page document telling him that he faced various charges, even though he had evidence that showed his innocence. Then he discovers that the charity did not take out appropriate insurance cover to enable him to fight the action. He’s now trying to raise £250,000; the charity won’t help apparently. He is calling on charities and their volunteers to make sure they take out legal insurance for this sort of situation. He said: “If you’re a volunteer, question if you are absolutely, and completely covered.”. One of our members reported to us that their insurers had withdrawn their liability cover because they operated overseas. (In fact, they didn’t operate overseas, and they didn’t get the letter the company said they had sent).

Do take care that your insurances are in order, particularly as insurers are tightening up when they send out renewal reminders. We have an insurance partner that works closely with us and can offer AFVS members a discount on any quotes given but are there to help non-members too. If you require a quote or wish to speak to them about any insurance matters, then please email us so we can forward your details over support@afvs.org.uk

7. Managing Events Outdoors
Remember that dreadful accident where a gale force wind carried off a bouncy castle, and a child died. A manslaughter charge resulted. Most accidents can be avoided by better planning. I’ve put together a useful briefing, including a checklist. Outdoors events are generally over for the year, but if you are beginning to plan for next year ask us for a copy, and make sure that you have sufficient insurances in place to cover all eventualities.

8. Corporation Tax for Charities
It’s a common misconception that charities aren’t liable for Corporation Tax. I’ve organised a briefing on this if you need to be reminded. ‘Ten Things Charities Need to Know about Corporation Tax’.

9. Trustee Training
We’ve some slots left for the autumn. Email Becky (bbenford_blows@afvs.org.uk) if you’d like more information. on what we can do for you. Over the summer I’ve developed a distance induction package. It’s ideal when I’ve carried out group training, and one or two trustees couldn’t make it, or new trustees want to get up to speed but are a good distance away. Again, let us know if this interests you.

10. And Finally...

I offer you a simple blessing from John Birch

The beauty of God

be reflected in your eyes,

the peace of God

reside within your heart,

and the love of God

be the focus of your life,

this day and all days.

Thank you for your encouraging messages. We look forward to hearing from you with your questions, your suggestions, your requests for help and advice. Go well and enjoy your summer.

If you find this bulletin helpful, could you take a moment to pass it onto others who might appreciate it.

Daryl Martin