A message from our Chief Executive
As we approach the close of the year, it’s been another tough year for the sector. Many of our charities continue to face the challenge of balancing of rising demand against limited financial resources and the impact of November’s Budget (particularly around the impending Employer N.I. increases) will not have lessened the strain felt by many. However, despite this unstable environment it is also clear that ACO members continue to make a real impact on the lives of the audiences they support.
From an ACO standpoint, we’re looking to make a strong start to the year with the launch of our latest benchmarking report (in conjunction with Clergy Support Trust) and the continuation of our frontline worker programme throughout the course of the year – focusing around debt advice awareness in Jan/Feb. In addition to our regular special interest group forums, we’ll also be looking at events focused around volunteering and charities managing residential/care home facilities during the course of our Spring programme.
In the meantime, we hope 2025 will prove another productive year for ACO members to come together to connect, share knowledge and collaborate!
On behalf of the ACO team (Beth, Jenni and myself) we hope you and your colleagues have enjoy the Festive Season and we look forward to working with you in the New Year.
Regards,
Donal Watkin
Chief Executive
This month’s edition features:
- Upcoming ACO and wider sector events
- Jobs board
- Member spotlight on RAF Benevolent Fund
- Guest article from IE Brand and Digital
- Member news
- Policy and sector news
- Publications