We would like to deliver some leaflets to groups in Ealing so that they can be used to promote take up of the Covid-19 booster amongst service users.
If your organisationÂ’s office is open w/c 3rd and w/c 10th of January and you would like 100 of these leaflets, then please email rachel@ehcvs.org.uk who will organise them to be delivered to your premises in person
VCS
Your Best Friend Fund Small Grant(£1K-£10K) Deadline-Rolling Large grant (£10K-£25K)Deadline: 18th February, 2022
We expect to give 30-40 small grants of £1,000 – £10,000 and 6-8 large grants between £10,000 and £25,000
Small Grant (£1K-£10K)
If you are applying for a small grant, (£1k – £10k) this is a rolling programme so you can apply at any time and we will assess your application at the next available panel meeting  Small grants first panel: 24th January 2022
Aims: Your idea or project must:Â
- increase understanding about healthy, unhealthy and toxic relationships
- give people the knowledge and confidence to know how to keep their friends safe
Large Grant(£10K-£25K)
If you are applying for a large grant (£10k – £25k), the first deadline is 18 February 2022
Aims similar to mentioned under smalll grants
- You can apply for a grant to use the tools and resources Your Best Friend creates in your own community, or to develop ideas and activities of your own. Your idea or project should focus on girls, young women and non-binary people aged 13-24. We are particularly interested in getting these tools and resources to those who might not find the help they need easily and need it in a language, or style, or place where they feel safe.
For more information Click here
Guidelines for writing an IT Policy
Below are some guidelines for writing an IT policy, designed for a small not-for-profit employer that is adhering to statutory minimum requirements. It does not constitute legal advice. As with all policies it should be consistent with your terms and conditions of employment as well as your culture and aspirations. There is no one-size-fits-all.
Download a version of these IT guidelines for writing an IT policy (Word, 73KB)
Purpose
The purpose of an IT policy is to set out the parameters on how staff should use the technology that your charity provides them with in order to do their job. A clear policy will also help to raise awareness of the risks associated with using IT and can protect the charity from loss of data.
Charities will need to take a view on whether staff are permitted to use IT equipment for personal use (for example, accessing webmail or online shopping at lunchtimes). The policy needs to clarify acceptable and non-acceptable use and what will happen if the policy is breached.
As an employer you have the right to monitor work use of IT equipment provided you have a legitimate reason and that you tell staff that you might do this.
What your policy should cover
- Who does the policy apply to?
- What communications and IT equipment does the policy cover? For example:
- computers
- internet access
- remote access connections
- email servers
- file storage
- webmail
- smart phones
- telephones
- mobile phones.
- Who is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the policy? Ideally there should be one individual with overall responsibility. The policy should require managers to help staff understand the policy and enforce it.
- Related policies – what other policies do you have which set out standards of behaviour that apply equally to online behaviour? Examples may include:
- codes of conduct
- disciplinary rules
- data protection policy
- equality and diversity policy etc.
- Monitoring – Do you monitor how staff use the internet, email or work telephones? When and how do you do so? Employers are able to do so in particular circumstances although this would need to be properly communicated in the policy. If you have CCTV then your policy will need to explain how you store and use the records. If you allow staff to use equipment for personal use, staff should be made aware that you may still monitor usage.
- Passwords – What are your rules around passwords and accessing IT systems?
- Can these be disclosed to senior staff?
- What happens if you need to access another employeesÂ’ computer system (for example if they are off sick)?
- Do you transmit confidential or personal sensitive information and if so, what are your password protection protocols?
- What length and form must passwords be?
- What should an employee do if they think someone else knows their password?
- If password protected documents are emailed, how should the password be notified?
- Computer usage – should computers be shut down at the end of every day? Does this include screens? Should employees log out of their systems when they move away from their desks? Should documents be saved in a location accessible for back up?
- Do you allow individuals to use their own IT equipment (such as USB sticks) and use them for work purposes? If you do, are there restrictions or specific requirements?
- Data protection – ensure you reference the requirements when processing personal data in accordance with the six data protection principles. Your policy should explain your rules on collecting, storing, retaining, using disclosing and disposing of personal information. It should also set out how the charity protects data and prevents unauthorised or unlawful processing or disclosure.
- Mobile phone texting – is this appropriate for work issues? Who to (funders, suppliers, external stakeholders etc)? Should abbreviations be avoided? Text messages from the charity are treated in the same way as emails. For example they must not contain illegal or discriminatory content.
- Email – what rules do you need to consider with regard to email communication? Email is sometimes seen as a casual way to communicate and this may present a reputational risk. Clear rules on email may also prevent staff from inadvertently entering into an agreement with a supplier.
- Internet – what can the internet at work be used for and what can’t it be used for? Is a firewall in place? What does this mean for employees? Can employees subscribe to chat rooms, messaging services, live streaming, blogs etc from work IT and communication systems?
- Software – what rules and controls are in place for downloading software onto work machines?
- Training – consider including a few words on what training and support exists for staff with regards to information security. For example, do you train staff as part of their induction on the risks of email security?
- Misuse – will misuse of IT facilities potentially result in disciplinary proceedings? What constitutes misuse? Examples could include:
- not adhering to the policy
- attempting to discover a userÂ’s password
- using the computer systems to act abusively
- attempting to circumvent the networkÂ’s security
- knowingly running and installing programmes intended to damage the computer systems
- deliberately wasting computer resources
- leaving laptops unattended in a public place etc.
Download a version of these IT guidelines for writing an IT policy  (Word, 73KB)
Help us to improve this page – give us feedback.
Digital Capacity October Newsletter
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Best payment systems for charities
Best payment systems for charities
We explore the best options for processing payments online and by card
It’s broadly accepted that card payments trump cash. Even before the pandemic, more than half of all payments in the UK were completed by cards, according to the BBC.
Many more customers are also making purchases online. Statista records that, in February 2021, a whopping 71% of UK customers were buying more online than prior to the pandemic.
Clearly, the pandemic is hastening the shift towards a cashless society. Not only are cards convenient, but contactless payments reduce the possibility of virus transmission.
Charities who have not invested in the tech to accept card payments are missing out. Taking stock of the best payment systems, we go over how the card systems work and what the advantages are.
Stripe
Stripe offers the entire suite of options for sophisticated and simple operations. The payment system has two main components which are useful for charity businesses. It can take card payments from both digital and physical infrastructure. The advantage here is that Stripe can provide charities with point-of-sale (POS) machine rentals as well as support for online transactions.
Pricing:Â Non-European cards processing start at 2.9% of the amount plus 20p per transaction in a pay-as-you-go format.
Opayo
Opayo processes online and physical transactions. In addition to mainstream payments, Opayo can also deal with payments made over the phone. The main benefit for charities is its ability to link up with existing Sage platform accounts (Opayo is the rebranded version of SagePay). Invoicing and cash flow tracking is made easier through the linkage.
Pricing: Flexible pricing plans start at £25 per month.
PayPal
PayPal offers services to accept fundraising donations. PayPal accounts allow charities to accept payments but they are not linked to operations. The services are best for purchases made over the internet or singular events rather than wholesale operations.
Pricing:Â Discounted rates are available for charities. Payments are accepted at a rate of 1.4% on the amount plus 20p per transaction.
Square
SquareÂ’s payment system offers the latest technologies for charities. Payments can be completed via traditional card insertion, contactless tap, online, key-in, and through invoicing. The software system also transforms desktop computers into a payment terminal. Additional hardware can also be rented from Square.
Pricing:Â Fees vary by plan, but start at 1.75% of the transaction amount and go up from there.
LibertyPay
The main benefit of using LibertyPay is its customised features for charities. The payment platform has ready-to-use donation boxes, in addition to payment processing for online and retail payments. LibertyPay also operates a credit and debit card gateway provider CharityGateway, whose profits are donated to charity.
Pricing:Â Charities can negotiate bespoke plans based on requirements.
Banked
Banked is the new kid on the block in terms of e-commerce payment options. Unlike the more traditional providers of hardware, Banked is an API software intermediary that can be tacked onto charity websites. The payment platform uses real-time bank account data to complete transactions. Charities could benefit from the platformÂ’s ability to process high-value transactions.
Pricing:Â Charities can request more information.
WorldPay
Among the more traditional payment systems, WorldPay’s platform works for both simple and complex operations. The ‘checkout’ features for online payments integrate directly with websites through the API. One of the main benefits of this platform is its dashboard, which can help teams monitor transactions and prevent fraud.
Pricing: Plans start at £19 per month and include a minimum contract term.
Adyen
Adyen works for both online and physical card payments. POS machine rentals are available for charities with retail outlets. AdyenÂ’s additional services differentiate it from competitors. The payment platform has a customer insight section which allows users to compare payment methods and gather intelligence on transactions. This could be a powerful analytical tool for charities.
Pricing:Â Unlike the other pricing models, Adyen offers a mix-and-match approach. Charities choose which card payments are acceptable and are charged on that basis.
Zettle
YouÂ’ve probably seen street vendors and market merchants use the Zettle card reader for on-the-go payments. This platform is great for charities looking to maximise retail space in a fast-paced setting. The little reader and accompanying till devices look sleek and donÂ’t take up a lot of space. Zettle can also complete gift card and refund transactions, making it a good retail option.
Pricing:Â Card transactions incur a 1.75% charge on the transaction amount.
Payoneer
Payoneer caters to small businesses and freelancers. The payment platform manages payments from other internet services like AirBnB, Fiverr and Upwork. Charities need to have a bank account to move funds in and out of. Charities with international operations should check this one out, as cross-border payments can be made here.
Pricing:Â Credit card payments incur a fee of 3% of the transaction amount. Payments between Payoneer clients are free of charge.
Microsoft Excel Basics
12th October – 10:30 to 12:00  – Microsoft Excel Basics – Creating, Formatting and Printing a Workbook
JMD Training and Consultancy
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/164864428945
Have you the need to set up spreadsheets for storing text and numbers either as a data list or to do simple calculations?
Do you need to use Excel for everyday tasks such as setting up a budget, maintaining an address list, or keeping track of a list of to-do items?
Microsoft Excel Basics is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on experience. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to create, format and print an Excel workbook.
Audience: This session will be of benefit to anyone who wants to learn the basics of Microsoft Excel.
Objectives:
- Create an Excel workbook
- Format an Excel workbook
- Edit an Excel workbook
- Print preview a workbook
- Print an Excel workbook
Impact:
- Confidence to create an Excel workbook
- Ability to edit, format and print an Excel workbook
Session Length: 1.5 hours
19th October – 10:30 to 12:00 – Basic Formulas – Getting to grips with Excel calculations
JMD Training and Consultancy
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Would you like to be able to use simple calculations?
Do you need to be able to quickly add up columns of figures?
Basic Formulas is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on experience. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to do basic calculations in Excel, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and using the AutoSum button to create totals, averages, counts, maximums and minimums.
Audience: This session will be of benefit to anyone who wants to learn how to do simple calculations using Microsoft Excel.
Objectives:
- Add, subtract, multiply, divide numbers in an Excel workbook
- Use the Excel AutoSum feature to total, average or count a range of numbers
- Use the Excel AutoSum feature to find the maximum or minimum of a range of numbers
Impact:
- Confidence to do basic calculations in Excel
- Ability to rely on Excel rather than a calculator when faced with many calculations
Session Length: 1.5 hours
26th October – 10:30 to 12:30 - Basics of Microsoft Word
JMD Training and Consultancy
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/3-basics-of-microsoft-word-tickets-164870348651
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Creating and Formatting Simple Documents:
Would you like to be able to create Word documents rather than handwriting all the time?
Would you like to be able to edit documents and format them so they look professional?
Creating and Formatting Simple Documents is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on practice. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to create, edit and format Microsoft Word documents.
Audience: Those who have never had formal training in Microsoft Word and those who learnt some time ago but are not comfortable with the package.
Objectives:
- To create simple Word documents
- To format simple Word documents
- To spellcheck a document
- To create bulleted and numbered lists
- To select text
- To move and copy text
- To print preview and print
For those who have never had the opportunity to have professional training in using Microsoft Word or those who learnt a long time ago, being asked to create or edit documents can be a daunting experience. This workshop will give the confidence to be able to do so.
Impact:
- Confidence to create Word documents
- Creation of professional looking reports, letters and business plans with ease
Session Length: 2 hours
2nd November – Explorers
Zoom https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-explorer-network-digital-challenges-in-the-community-sector-tickets-168078157293
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A network for the CVS in Hounslow to discuss all things digital
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3rd November – Improved Digital Working for Community and Voluntary Sector Groups   – CAP Enterprise (Kent) cic
- Digital explained
- Why digital can help
- A digital customer journey
- Digital self-assessment exercise
- Digital action plan – how to be more digital
9th November 10:30 – 14:00 – Social Media for Community Voluntary Sector Groups – Aliya Zaidi
Â
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/digital-explorer-network-social-media-training-tickets-168078215467
Agenda
Introduction and arrival
Introduction to digital pt 1.
Questions (15 minutes)
10.30 – Â 12pm – Break for 30 minutes – rejoin at 12:30pm
12:30 – Start of session pt 2.
Questions (15 minutes)
2.00 – End of session and close.
Structure
-Â Why Social Media / Introduction to Social media
– What is inbound marketing (explained in simple terms)
– Social media strategy
– Goals and objectives
– Activity for charities / small organisations
– How to set a strategy
– Understanding your audience
– Overview of social media channels
-Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, TikTok
– Think about your messaging
– Honesty and transparency
– Memes
– Story-telling
– Free tools
– What is crowdfunding?
– Influencers
– Reputation Management
– Case Study
10th November – Digital Techniques for Engaging and Supporting Clients for Community and Voluntary Sector Groups – CAP Enterprise (Kent) cic Â
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86457771516?pwd=SkdQMnkveGJ6Y29oMDlhRUlrVmlqUT09
- Websites
- Social Media
- Blogs and Vlogs
- Videoconferencing
- Mailing
- Chat
- AI
- GDPR
Â
16 November  – Digital Explorers Network
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              A network for the CVS in Hounslow to discuss all things digital
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17th  November – Digital Monitoring, Evaluation and Data-led Management
– CAP Enterprise (Kent) cic
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-look-at-improving-digital-capacity-tickets-182710791897
- Websites
- Social Media
- Blogs and Vlogs
- Videoconferencing
- Mailing
- Chat
- AI
- GDPR
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23rd November  – 10:30 to 12:30 – JMD Training and Consultancy
Working with Word Tables – Laying Out Information with Microsoft Word
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/164871738809
Would you like to be able to format text rapidly and organise it into neat columns?
Do you need more appropriate ways to lay out Word text?
Are you currently pressing the SpaceBar key several times to get text lined up?
Working with Word Tables is an effective workshop giving plenty of hands-on experience. It will enable you to have the confidence and skills to create, edit and format Word tables.
Audience: Those who have never had formal training in Microsoft Word and those who learnt some time ago but are not comfortable with the package. This session will be of benefit to anyone who wants to be able to layout text in appropriate ways. Sometimes although people have used tables for some time, they are not aware of techniques such as getting two or more columns to be of equal width. Anyone who uses tables but feels they are not using them to their full potential should also attend.
Objectives:
- To create Word tables
- Format tables
- Insert and delete rows and columns
- Adjust column widths, row heights
- Merge cells
- Split cells
- Add or remove borders and shading
- Sort data within a table
- Splitting tables
- Showing column headings on each page of a long table
Impact:
- Confidence to create Word tables
- Creation of professional looking reports, letters and business plans with ease
Session Length: 1.5 hours
30th November – Deter, Detect and Delete – GDPR and Cyber SecurityÂ
10th December Explorers – the future of Digital support
An open discussion about what kind of support groups need in future
Giving Tuesday is a movement created as a response to the commercialisation and
consumerism on the lead up to the holiday season — and a chance for people to give back in
the season of goodwill. This year it falls on November 30th so now is the time to start planning –
especially in our current environment to maximise the benefit your organisation can get from Giving
Tuesday. Last year, the U.K. alone, over £20m was donated to good causes for Giving Tuesday, a
43% increase in giving from 2019 — that’s more than £14k every minute! #GivingTuesday is only
one piece of the annual fundraising pie which will need to evolve this year, so itÂ’s never too early to start
implementing your strategy. LetÂ’s walk through five ways to maximize your end-of-year fundraising
Hounslow Integrated Care Partnership Advert for 3 representatives to support our cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and management improvement project.
Hounslow Integrated Care Partnership are looking for resident, carer and voluntary sector representatives for a cardiovascular disease improvement project
The Hounslow Integrated Care Partnership would like to recruit three representatives to support our cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and management improvement project. This project is part of one of our eight work streams, Public Health and Prevention.
We are looking for:
- A Hounslow resident living with cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- A Hounslow resident caring for someone living with CVD
- A Hounslow Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisation working with residents with CVD.
Interested applicants need to fill out the attached Expression of Interest form (click here Expression of Interest form) and email it to nhsnwlccg.hounslow@nhs.net by Friday 10th September.