First Capital REIT’s Post

It was great to see the LGA published guidance to improve relationships between councils, regional sector bodies and smaller charities in England. The local VCSE sector can play such an important role in helping local authorities achieve their goals - yet it’s incredibly hard for smaller organisations to get on the council’s radar, and to find the resources and time to collaborate. I only read this diagonally, but I found some really great bits in there. The main thing that stood out to me is that the key to the problem is probably that both sides are way too overstretched - and if we really want closer collaboration between smaller VCSE organisations and the public sector it will need to be supported by investment on both sides. You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/e5Eb7jyS

Next week we're convening members for our final insight meeting of the year, where we'll be exploring the recent rise in funding applications 📈 The rising and sustained demand for funding and the pressures facing charities have been under the spotlight recently. While high demand for funds isn’t new, it seems that the number of applications to many funding programmes has reached new heights. If funding applications have sharply increased, it is crucial that we understand the underlying reasons behind this change. Over the last month, London Funders have been working to understand more about the multiple factors that are driving demand for funding and how funders are responding to this. We have been surveying and speaking to funders in our membership to improve the evidence base and exploring how funder practice is adapting to this. We'll be sharing the insights from our survey, digging deeper into how applications and demand from funded organisations is changing and what effective strategies we can use to adapt. We'll also be discussing how we can work together to mitigate the impact on both grantees and resources within the funding sector. Members sign up here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eqxZbagq

By implementing a combination of approaches, a charity can help address both the immediate needs of those affected by the housing crisis and contribute to longer-term solutions in Ireland. https://lnkd.in/eP52dAaS

‼️FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT SESSIONS TODAY‼️ Today we are joined by Salma Chaudhry from Hyndburn Borough Council who is here to advise and guide you about support which you may be eligible to receive. No need to book, just come on along to Oswaldtwistle Mills Business and Conference Centre for a chat! #BusinessSupport #Funding #DropIn

This is how our ecosystem approach is helping UK #publicprocurement regionally achieve supplier #socialvalue together: 1) Community needs are consolidated within regional geographies📍 2) A collective focus is created across public procurement on these community needs within defined regional geographies 🔍 3) Commissioning & procurement can harness supplier social value regionally, helping hundreds of suppliers see and contribute to these needs within regional geographies 💶 4) A collective social value is established over the long-term, significantly underpinning how charities continue to service these community needs over time - also meaning supplier social value is validated by benefiting communities. 💥 Outcome: A new transparency of grassroots supplier social return on investment within the hundreds of millions in regional public contracts (taxpayers money). Jo Osborne FCIPS Chartered Richard Fowles Dave Levy FCIPS Chartered Malcolm Dare FCIPS Helen Holden Jonathan Strelitz Billie Heafield MCIPS Toni Fairchild-Burke Helen Linklater Crown Commercial Service Police Digital Service

Businesses strongly support the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but, for some, closing up shop isn't the best way to take action. To help honour the intent of Sept. 30, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre - VNFC is encouraging organizations to take the Small Business Pledge. The initiative is a way to actively participate in the reconciliation process by either making a donation or contributing a portion of sales to support VNFC's work. 📰 Read more and take the pledge in BizNews >>> https://lnkd.in/gXPfUEA7

Sometimes people think its all "corporate stuff" so they wont even chat with me, but there's so much more to a space than just big desks and cubicles. My team and I have been able to re-purpose some really amazing items like the screens below. Its been a really great few weeks working with items I've never placed before... concrete tiling, thousands of brand-new conference cameras and phones, and the below touch screens. #CircularWorkplace #CircularEconomy #SocialImpact #NonProfits

Public policy shapes the way we live, work, and deliver services. For those of us in public services, staying informed isn’t just important—it’s essential. Policies set the direction for funding, priorities, and decision-making. Without this knowledge, how can we effectively plan or respond? Take economic recovery policies, for example. These drive initiatives to boost local economies, create jobs, and reduce inequalities. If you’re not aware of the latest guidance or funding opportunities, you risk missing out on the tools you need to support your community. Who benefits from staying informed? The short answer? Everyone. Here’s how: • Public service leaders: To align services with current priorities and secure funding. • Local authorities: To deliver projects that truly address community needs. • Charities and non-profits: To target efforts where they’re needed most and maximise impact. • Economic recovery isn’t just about jobs; it’s about resilience, innovation, and tackling long-standing inequalities. Staying informed means we can all contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future. Are you leveraging the latest insights to make informed decisions? Share your thoughts or challenges with The Knowledge Exchange team, contact us today to find out how we can support your organisation. https://lnkd.in/eQziJRbc #TheKnowledgeExchange #PublicPolicy

📍 Place-based thinking to tackle the globe’s big issues. 🌍 At Urban Foresight we work to solve big issues that require systemic change and long term strategies. For example, #CommunityEngagement. We work with governments, organisations and charities to provide strategies to engage and involve their local communities in net zero transitions which ensure their participation and support. Find out more about our work here: https://lnkd.in/gzEmPgBm #InnovationConsultancy #StakeholderManagement

"This report aims to make sense of the prevailing literature, knowledge and learning about systems change to make it accessible as a process. It is designed to be read by frontline managers, commissioners, chief executives of charities— all those whose unease with the current approach leads them to want to embrace different ways of addressing societal challenges, but are unsure of where to look." Read this report further: https://lnkd.in/eqxa9GDd How useful this report is in your systems change initiatives? Let us know! bit.ly/silondonhub