A time to reflect…
Throughout 2017 we have been privileged to work with over 500 outstanding, inspirational groups who are really making a difference; from groups set up at a kitchen table that change so many people’s lives to villages getting together to develop vital services to support elderly, lonely or vulnerable members of their community.
Our year in figures infographic
It’s been a busy 12 months for us at Community Impact Bucks. Among other things, our training and events have been CPD accredited to make them even more valuable to our delegates, we’ve helped set up Building Futures – a partnership of 12 organisations working together to get those furthest away from employment back into the world of work, we’ve signed a unique partnership agreement with Reach Skills to make finding trustees easier for our local organisations and we’ve developed an exciting partnership with Henley Business School to support charity leadership. Our Digital Journey conference helped over 100 organisations learn more about how to harness the opportunities presented to them through technology and our sold-out BRAG conference was an opportunity to hear from experts and debate vital, local rural issues.
2018 is going to be another tough year for the charitable and voluntary sector. Increased demand coupled with a reduction in funding and the hours contributed by volunteers is a challenge we all need to face. Yet it could also be a time of opportunities. Partnerships with other charities and businesses, trading opportunities, and increasing interest in corporate social responsibility could all be of benefit to charities.
Our contract renewal with Bucks County Council means we’ll be able to continue working hard to support the sector and improve the lives of people in Bucks through helping charities and community groups to thrive. We’re here to help develop trustees and leadership, find passionate volunteers, sustainable funding and help build strong partnerships. Our new chair, Mimi Harker OBE, will be driving our strategy to 2020 and you’ll see some new developments from us this year; an increased focus on networking, a new free of charge membership scheme, an improved website and unique mentoring opportunities for trustees and charity leaders.
Please remember we are here for you and I look forward to working with you again.
With the very best wishes for 2018.
Nick Phillips
Group chief executive, Community Impact Bucks