In the news last week...

Civil Society Futures – An independent inquiry

An update on the work of Civil Society Futures was published last week. One of the key issues the report highlights is that ‘many people inside and outside civil society organisations are concerned they have lost their connection with those they serve, and have become too focused on protecting reputations and income streams’. Members of the DSC research team in Liverpool met with Julia Unwin who is leading the inquiry, and are part of the 1,500 people who have contributed to the two-year report so far. Civil Society Futures is still seeking evidence for its work. To take part, visit https://civilsocietyfutures.org/.

Save the Children UK withdraws from bidding for DfID funding

Save the Children UK has withdrawn from bidding for funding from the Department for International Development until it has addressed concerns about sexual harassment, the charity announced last week. The charity says it wants to build back trust after recent revelations about sexual harassment.

How can trustees/board members be better supported to carry out their safeguarding responsibilities and protect their beneficiaries?

This survey is part of a research project for CharityWorks (http://www.charity-works.co.uk), the charity graduate scheme, designed to understand trustee/board member safeguarding responsibilities and make recommendations on improving any support, guidance and training available to trustees in this area. As the key people in the role, the survey asks for your perspectives to find out what would be helpful for you.