Tuesday 29 November 2016

Autumn Statement

The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Autumn Statement last week. The general consensus seems to have been that there were few significant charity specific announcements.  The proposed increase in the National Living Wage (for workers aged over 25) to £7.50, and then on to £9 by 2020 will be relevant and is expected to cost the charitable sector at least £500m. There were also specific provisions for charities in particular sectors including the armed forces, emergency services and museums and galleries. The Charity Finance Group has produced a helpful summary of the main provisions which include some initial observations and reflections from sector representatives.

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Fraud Awareness

Last month we reported on activities taking place to mark Fraud Awareness Week - a specific initiative to raise the profile of the risk of fraud, and help charities and the wider not for profit sector to combat and guard against it. At the start of November the Charity Commission published a useful round-up summarising the activities that took place, with links to relevant resources and some helpful tips. A link worth bookmarking!

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Accredited E-Learning course launched!

We are delighted to report that our on-line NVQ Level 3 accredited course on Financial Practice and Procedures launched with the first cohort of learners this week.

The new course covers the core elements of good financial management and is suitable for trustees, finance workers, volunteer treasurers and anyone else in the third sector interested in developing their financial management knowledge and skills, and gaining formal accreditation recognising their skills.

There is a dedicated e-learning page on our website.  If you would like further details or are potentially interested in enrolling on a future course please contact us. Our next e-learning course is likely to commence in Spring 2017.

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Expertise in business development and marketing?

Some advance notice!  WYCAS is looking to recruit a part time Business Development Manager in the New Year. This will be an exciting and challenging opportunity to help us in the next stage of our development. Look out for the recruitment pack and further details in the run-up to Christmas!

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Consortia working

Collaborative working is a growing feature of delivery arrangements within the voluntary and community sector.  NCVO recently published some specific guidance on developing consortia arrangements. This includes a step-by-step guide to setting up a contract-ready consortium, with downloadable examples and template documents. They have also published useful guidance which aims to clarify relevant competition law impacting on consortia and other joint arrangements.

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Out and about in West Yorkshire

A few up and coming events in West Yorkshire that might be of interest…

• 30 November, 10-1pm @ New Wortley Community Centre: Leeds Funding Fair
• 14 December, 3-5pm @ Central Hall café, Keighley: Fundraising friends
• 13 December, 6-8pm in Wakefield: Governance Masterclass - Financial Responsibilities

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E-bulletin

Our e-bulletin is issued on a monthly basis and sent directly to registered subscribers. It is also available from our website. Please note that information and resources contained in the e-bulletin are general in nature and not intended as specific advice or recommendations. We welcome any feedback on the content and format so that we can improve it and make sure it meets your needs. Please let us know  if you have any comments or suggestions.

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Our services

WYCAS provides a range of specialist services designed to meet the needs of the third sector:

• One to one support and training
• Preparation of year-end accounts
• Independent examination
• Financial training courses and workshops
• Computerising accounts
• Bookkeeping and management accounts
• Advice and information
• Bespoke consultancy projects

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