NCVO’s report sets out the road ahead

[THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR will have to accept a level of constant uncertainty in 2022, but should still be optimistic about its ability to provide dignity, purpose and hope for society: that is the take-out from NCVO’s Road Ahead 2022 report.

The annual analysis of the operating environment and trends affecting the sector in the coming year says that charities can play a vital role in bridging divides in a society gripped by the socalled ‘culture wars’. They should feel confident about speaking up on key issues but may need to upskill to play their part in achieving net zero; and will have opportunities to contribute to the ‘levelling up’ agenda.

As in previous years, the report was developed using a PESTEL analysis to highlight the key drivers shaping the sector in six areas: political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal.

Key political drivers include the continuation of the culture war. It also notes that charities and social enterprises may find ‘significant opportunities’ to contribute to ‘levelling up’.

Economic considerations include high inflation and rising living costs, as well as a labour market in flux, putting increased pressure on the finances of both households and charities. The emergence and exacerbation of inequalities is also a key social trend.

The section on technology reflects on questions about which services should continue to be delivered digitally; the importance of charities having the right cybersecurity and remote working arrangements; and the opportunities for charities that embrace artificial intelligence, machine learning, 5G and other new technologies.

The environmental chapter highlights the fact that responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have provided some valuable lessons in how to respond to crises such as climate change, and also the sustainable practices already introduced by many charities.

The researchers used a wide range of information sources – from official statistics and research to the latest economic forecasts and futures analysis – as well as calling on the expertise of colleagues at NCVO, external stakeholders and members. They mainly focus on general trends and drivers likely to impact a broad range of organisations

in the sector.

The report begins with a commentary from Alex Farrow, NCVO’s head of networks and influencing. He reflects on the six areas as a whole and how they might work together to shape the future of voluntary organisations and voluntary action.

The issues highlighted in the publication present opportunities and challenges for voluntary organisations. Trustees and leaders can benefit from using the analysis to explore the effects of these issues for their organisations when planning for the short and medium-term.

Alex Farrow commented: “As we start 2022, we’re once again in the grip of uncertainty as the pandemic continues to twist and turn. But though it might feel like it, the start of 2022 is not the same as January 2021. A new practicality is emerging across charities and communities, bolstered by confidence created by the speed of the scientific response to the pandemic.

“Despite everything, there are decisions and choices to make. All those running charities still have agency and power – both in what they do and how they do it. Our analysis is here to help leaders, trustees and communities make informed decisions about their future and find that new practicality.” q

Giving hope to the one in six

[ONE IN SIX PEOPLE in the UK has a neurological disorder: that amounts to 16.5 million mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and colleagues – more than those affected by coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined. It might be there from birth, be due to a slowly developing illness or the result of a brain injury.

The charity dedicated to raising funds to advance treatments and research at the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and the Institute of Neurology – together known as Queen Square – is The National Brain Appeal.

The driving force behind the charity’s work is the aim to improve the outcome and quality of life for everyone affected by a neurological condition. They include brain tumours, stroke, epilepsy, dementias, MS, motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s disease: all of which have no cure as yet. They look to achieve that vision by funding state-of-the-art equipment, major building programmes and life-saving research – over and above what the NHS can provide.

Legacies represent up to one quarter of The National Brain Appeal’s annual income. “They are crucial to the fundraising work we do,” said chief executive Theresa Dauncey. “We’re extremely grateful for every legacy left to us. Leaving just 1% of your estate can make a very real difference and is an investment in the future. The more money we receive, the more support we can give to the National Hospital, The National Brain Appeal’s chief which in turn improves the executive Theresa Dauncey prospects for those affected by neurological disorders.”

Penelope was diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) in 2004 at the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery and attends a day care clinic run by a team of specialist nurses. “My own personal journey with MMN makes me want to give back in whatever way I can,” she said. “That is why I have left a gift in my will to The National Brain Appeal. I want to help to fund crucial research into all neurological conditions going forward.” Meta is a former National Hospital patient. She had successful surgery for a benign brain tumour there in 1988. Since then both her husband Penelope attends a day care clinic and sister were diagnosed with run by a team of specialist nurses neurological conditions.

She explained: “My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and sadly passed away just a few months ago. My sister has multiple sclerosis – she’s been living with it for more than 25 years now. These are cruel diseases for which there is no cure and little hope.”

With that in mind Meta has made The National Brain Appeal a major beneficiary in her will.

“The lack of a cure for so many debilitating neurological conditions is a strong motivator for me to want to help,” she Meta has made The National Brain continued, “and by leaving Appeal a major beneficiary in her will a legacy I can be part of something that will provide hope for others.”

You choose

Now more than ever, benefactors to The National Brain Appeal can control where they would like their money to go. There are six specific funding areas for which individuals can make a legacy pledge: • Neurology: funding initiatives to improve diagnosis and treatment, and • provide facilities for those with on-going neurological conditions • Neurodegeneration: supporting projects which help people with • conditions where there is progressive degeneration • Neurosurgery: providing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the • UK’s largest neurosurgery unit • Technology and innovation: supporting projects which translate • groundbreaking ideas into better results for patients • Education and staff development: investment to provide the best • opportunities and attract the best people in the field • Queen Square: new facilities and staff-led projects at the National • Hospital and the Institute of Neurology

For those who do not specify a funding area, their gift can be put towards an area with the most urgent need. Without the generosity and foresight of those who leave a legacy, the charity simply could not support the number of vital projects that it is currently able to. q • For more information about legacies and the National Brain Appeal, contact info@nationalbrainappeal.org or view the legacy section of the website at nationalbrainappeal.org/legacy.

Rescues reach a new crisis level

[LIKE SO MANY other rescues, Hope Rescue in South Wales reached crisis point in 2021. The beginning of the pandemic saw a sharp rise in the demand for dogs as people spent more time at home.

The demographic of dogs coming in postpandemic restrictions has changed. Nearly all the dogs entering the charity’s care either have health or behavioural issues, and more often both. These are not the type of dogs that can be quickly rehomed, and they need the time and space to be supported and to set them up for success. The charity’s vet bill is about to reach the highest it has ever been and is predicted to reach £30,000 per month.

Since January 2021 they have received a record 8,500 applications for adoptions and have rehomed 304 dogs. The centre is inundated with applications and follow up emails, messages and calls and they are really struggling. Most of these applications understandably want family ready dogs which they just don’t have now.

Due to the huge number of dogs purchased during the pandemic this won’t be a short-term issue and it’s a huge concern. Read more about the current crisis and how you can help at www.hoperescue.org.uk q

Heartbeat horses on the move

[IN 2019, following the retirement of managing trustee Colin Cooper, some of the Heartbeat horses moved to a new home at Sink Farm in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Colin was very pleased to announce that the charity’s headquarters had moved to Hollesley where the current horses will live and be cared for alongside the wonderful Suffolk Punch horses.

Sink Farm is the colony stud for the Suffolk Punch Trust charity, who continue their important and essential work in preserving this unique breed. q • For more information on either charity please contact Tracey Pettitt, stud manager or David Clarke, finance director, on 01394 775495. Heartbeat Homes for Horses, Sink Farm, St David’s Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3JR