News and Opportunities Worth Knowing
Discover funding, develop new skills, influence local decisions and find opportunities to strengthen your organisation, support your communities and build new connections.
Have something for our September edition? Share it with us at marketing@sekgroup.org.uk
Book Your Place at Social Enterprise Kent’s Social Value in Action Conference
Social Value in Action: Building Stronger Places Through Partnership, Innovation and Impact
Thursday 5 November 2026
10am-4pm
Aylesham Community Trust
Ackholt Road, Aylesham, Canterbury, CT3 3AJ
How can we create healthier communities, stronger local economies and better outcomes for people through social value?
As pressure on communities grows and traditional funding models face increasing challenges, organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors are being asked to deliver more impact with fewer resources. This conference brings together decision-makers, practitioners and changemakers to explore how social value can become a driving force for creating healthier, fairer and more resilient places.
Featuring keynote speakers from The King’s Fund, Better Society Capital and Plinth, alongside sector leaders and community voices, the day will explore the future of place-based collaboration, social investment and impact measurement. Through inspiring keynote sessions, panel discussions and practical conversations, we’ll examine how social value can be embedded into decision-making, how impact can be funded and scaled, and how innovation and AI can help organisations evidence the difference they make.
Whether you work in local government, health, business, social enterprise or the wider VCSE sector, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical tools and valuable connections to help turn social value from a policy aspiration into meaningful action.
Join us and help shape a future where investment, partnership and innovation work together to deliver lasting social impact for people and communities.
Tickets: £10 per person. Ticket price includes refreshments, lunch and all conference materials. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
> FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR PLACE
Helping People Move Towards Employment
Looking to support people in your community into work? Social Enterprise Kent provides personalised employability support to help people overcome barriers, build confidence and progress towards meaningful, sustainable employment.
Our experienced team works with individuals across Kent and Medway, offering flexible support tailored to their needs. This includes one-to-one appointments, group workshops, drop-in sessions, remote support and community pop-up events.
We help people develop the skills, confidence and motivation needed to move into work and sustain employment.
If your organisation works with people who could benefit from employability support, we’d be pleased to hear from you.
Contact Jess Bartindale, Head of Employability:
Email: j.bartindale@sekgroup.org.uk
Telephone: 07718 975721
Free Energy Advice and Support Across Kent and Medway
Could the people you support benefit from practical help with energy bills, saving money or staying warm and well at home?
Social Enterprise Kent’s Energy Advice Programme provides free, tailored support for individuals, community groups and organisations across Kent and Medway.
SEK is now part of the Positively Connected Kent partnership with Involve Kent, Groundwork and Medway Voluntary Action. Through this partnership, people can access face-to-face or telephone support, practical advice to reduce energy costs, help to identify grants and support schemes, and guidance on using smart meters, comparison sites and other online tools.
We are also providing specialist support for unemployed residents through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme, while continuing our work with Community Energy Pathways across East and South Kent.
Support available includes:
- Energy advice stands at community venues and events
- Group talks and workshops on energy and money-saving skills
- One-to-one advice appointments for unemployed residents
- Home visits across East and South Kent
- Support by telephone or email
- Energy Champion volunteering and training opportunities
- Awareness and signposting sessions for frontline professionals
- Energy support packs containing practical measures for the home
Home visits are delivered by DBS-checked, National Energy Action-trained staff and may be available for older people, unemployed residents, carers, people living with health conditions, families with young children, refugees and migrants, and anyone struggling to manage their energy bills or remain well at home.Individuals can refer themselves, and organisations can also refer someone they support. The referral form collects the information needed to understand the person’s circumstances and the type of support required.Email: energy@sekgroup.org.uk
Telephone: 01843 210005
Develop New Skills with Social Enterprise Kent
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your professional skills, meet compliance requirements or invest in your team’s development, our upcoming courses offer practical training that can be applied with confidence.
The courses below are chargeable. VCSE organisations receive a 5% discount.
| Course | Date | Location | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid for Mental Health Level 1 | 3 September | Ashford | £131pp |
| Moving and Assisting People – Full Day with Hoist | 11 September | Margate | £117pp |
| Emergency First Aid at Work | 22 September | Canterbury | £142pp |
| Community Engagement Training | 28 September | Online | £117pp |
| Safeguarding Level 4 | 9 & 10 November | Online | £117pp |
Looking for positive ways to keep children and young people learning, creating and developing new skills? SEK Schools has a range of free challenges for schools, families, clubs and community groups across Kent and Medway.
Green School Awards – Deadline ExtendedThere’s still time to celebrate the environmental work happening in your school or community. From biodiversity and recycling to reducing waste and saving energy, the Green School Awards recognise young people taking positive action for the environment. Deadline: 30 September 2026 ENTER THE GREEN SCHOOL AWARDS →
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The Big STEM ChallengeEncourage young people to investigate, experiment and problem-solve through science, technology, engineering and maths. Projects can be completed at school, at home or through a club, giving young people the opportunity to turn their ideas and curiosity into something practical. EXPLORE THE BIG STEM CHALLENGE →
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Young CooksHelp young people build practical skills and confidence in the kitchen. Young Cooks encourages budding chefs to get creative while learning about preparing healthy, affordable food – a great challenge for families to enjoy together.
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The Big Writing ChallengeGive young writers the freedom to explore their imagination while building literacy skills and confidence. From stories and poems to comics, diary entries and speeches, there are plenty of ways to take part. EXPLORE THE BIG WRITING CHALLENGE →
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New Procurement Rules Put Greater Focus on Social Value
Changes to government procurement rules could create new opportunities for organisations delivering jobs, skills and social impact – but Social UK says more needs to be done to ensure social enterprises benefit.
New Procurement Policy Note 026 increases the emphasis on local social and economic benefit in public contracts, including a minimum 20% weighting for jobs and skills on contracts worth £5 million or more. Stronger reporting requirements will also mean suppliers’ performance against social value commitments can influence their ability to win future contracts.
Social Enterprise UK has welcomed the greater focus on social value, particularly the recognition of organisations creating good jobs and employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work.
However, SEUK has raised concerns about the new £1 million threshold, below which the social value requirements will not apply. It also wants greater recognition of supply-chain diversity, so larger contractors are actively encouraged to procure from social enterprises, VCSE organisations and other smaller suppliers.
With public procurement worth around £90 billion a year, SEUK argues that getting the rules right could direct significantly more public spending towards organisations already creating jobs, developing skills and delivering positive social impact.
The new rules are due to take effect in January 2027, with SEUK calling for supply-chain diversity and VCSE participation to be strengthened within the forthcoming technical guidance.
Source: Social Enterprise UK
> SOCIAL ENTERPRISE UK RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT’S NEW PROCUREMENT RULES
Free Digital Support for Charities
Could better digital tools save your charity time and make everyday tasks easier? Free support is available to help charities tackle some of the common technology challenges facing the sector.
CAST and the Tech for Good Alliance have been working with charities to identify shared digital challenges, from writing case notes and running events to managing funding applications and producing impact reports.
With support from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales’ Financial Resilience Fund, charities can now access free support to use existing shared tools or explore the development of new solutions to common problems.
The opportunity is particularly aimed at small and medium-sized charities, typically with an annual turnover between £100,000 and £3 million, that provide some support around financial resilience.
Charities interested in exploring the support can contact jackie@wearecast.org.uk for an informal conversation.
There is also an Ask Me Anything Digital webinar on Wednesday 19 August at 2pm, providing an opportunity to see some of the tools in action and ask questions.
> EXPLORE FREE DIGITAL SUPPORT
Help Shape a Multi-Sector Thanet Health Hub
Could bringing health, care and wider community support together in one place benefit people in Thanet?
Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board has developed the new Thanet Health Community Hub in Broadstairs, creating an opportunity to strengthen prevention, wellbeing and community-based support.
Social Enterprise Kent is undertaking a feasibility study on behalf of the ICB and Thanet District Council to explore the potential for a multi-sector hub on the first floor. The aim is to understand how clinical and non-clinical services could work alongside each other to provide more joined-up support for local people.
We particularly want to hear from voluntary and community organisations about what would make the hub useful to the people they support and how VCSE organisations could be involved.
If there is something you would like to share that the consultation questions do not cover, please contact Katie Pope at k.pope@sekgroup.org.uk.
Have your say by Monday 24 August 2026.
Build Digital Confidence and Employability Skills with DEX
Looking to improve your digital skills, explore career opportunities or find local support? DEX can help you take the next step.
The Digital Employability Experience (DEX) is a free online platform designed to help people across Kent and Medway build digital confidence, develop employability skills and connect with organisations, training providers and support services.
Users can explore:
- Digital skills training and support
- Employment and career development services
- Education and learning opportunities
- Community organisations and local support networks
- Services that support wellbeing, confidence and social inclusion
DEX is particularly useful for people who are unemployed, not currently in education, employment or training, changing career or looking to improve their digital confidence.
It is not a job vacancy or recruitment website. Instead, it acts as a directory of organisations, services and resources that can help people progress into employment, education, training and lifelong learning.
VCSE organisations are encouraged to share DEX with colleagues, project participants and community members who may benefit.
Help Shape Future NHS Services in Kent and Medway
Have your say on the future of local NHS services and help ensure the voices of your communities are heard.
NHS Kent and Medway is seeking feedback on its 2027/28 commissioning intentions, which set out how health services could evolve over the coming years to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and make the best use of available resources.
The proposals focus on:
- Preventing ill health and helping people stay well for longer
- Providing more care closer to home
- Improving access and reducing waiting times
- Strengthening joined-up care
- Tackling health inequalities
VCSE organisations play a vital role in representing local communities, particularly people who experience barriers to accessing healthcare.
The NHS is encouraging organisations to review the proposals, share the consultation through their networks and help ensure the final plans reflect the needs and experiences of people across Kent and Medway.
The consultation closes at 9am on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
> READ THE PROPOSALS AND COMPLETE THE SURVEY
Explore the Latest Third Sector Trends Research
The latest Third Sector Trends research provides valuable insight into the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across England and Wales.
More than 8,680 organisations took part nationally, including over 1,200 responses from the South East.
The research explores sector finances, workforce pressures, volunteering, partnerships, contracts, changing community needs and the contribution VCSE organisations make to local places.
The findings can help organisations understand wider trends, compare experiences and strengthen future planning.
> EXPLORE THE THIRD SECTOR TRENDS RESEARCH
Recognise Outstanding Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Nominations are open for the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, celebrating the people, organisations and initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing across local communities.
Organised by East Kent Mind, the awards are open to nominations from Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley.
The event will take place in October, with nominations closing at noon on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Have Your Say on Kent County Council’s 2027/28 Budget
Kent County Council is inviting residents and organisations to contribute to its 2027/28 Budget Consultation.
With demand increasing for services including children’s services and adult social care, alongside continuing financial pressures, KCC is seeking views on priorities for savings, opportunities to increase income and options around Council Tax.
VCSE organisations are encouraged to respond and share the consultation through their networks.
Deadline: Monday 7 September 2026.
> TAKE PART IN THE CONSULTATION
What Makes a Strong Community?
The National Conversation is asking people across the UK what they value about community life and what kind of communities they want to build in the future.
Responses will help inform recommendations from the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion about how people and communities can live well together.
Deadline: Monday 31 August 2026.
> TAKE THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION SURVEY
New Appointments to The National Lottery Community Fund Board
New leadership experience is joining one of the UK’s most significant funders of community projects.
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, and Sunder Katwala, Director of charitable think tank British Future, have been appointed to the board of The National Lottery Community Fund for four-year terms.
Mitchell brings extensive charity sector leadership experience, having led Cancer Research UK since 2018 and previously held senior roles at the MS Society and Age UK. Katwala has led British Future for 15 years and brings experience spanning charities, public policy and community cohesion.
The appointments bring additional strategic and sector expertise to the Fund as it continues to invest in communities across the UK, with a focus on bringing people together, supporting healthier lives and helping to create sustainable, thriving places.
Source: thirdsector.co.uk
Changing Energy-Related Behaviour
Do you provide energy advice to households? This online training can help you make that advice more relevant, engaging and effective.
The session explores why people do not always act on energy-saving advice and introduces practical approaches that frontline staff and volunteers can use to support behaviour change.
Funded places are available to eligible non-commercial organisations in England and Wales whose staff or volunteers support people experiencing, or at risk of, fuel poverty.
Wednesday 19 August 2026
1.30pm-4.30pm
Online
Friday 28 August 2026
9.30am-12pm
Online
Tuesday 8 September 2026
1.30pm-4.30pm
Online
King’s Award for Voluntary Service: Free Webinar
Could your volunteer group be recognised with the UK’s highest award for voluntary service?
Join Kent Community Foundation and partners for a free webinar exploring the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Equivalent to an MBE, the award recognises outstanding volunteer groups making a real difference in their communities.
The session will cover eligibility, the nomination process and practical advice for putting together a strong nomination.
Wednesday 9 September 2026
10.30am-11.30am
Online
Environmental Grants for Community Projects
Planning an environmental project for 2027?
Kent Community Foundation is hosting a free webinar for organisations considering projects such as community gardens, waste-reduction initiatives, citizen science and other environmental activities.
The session will cover available funding, the application process and real examples, with an opportunity to ask questions.
Thursday 17 September 2026
11am
Online
Planning Ahead: Challenges and Choices for People Who Are Without Children
Thursday 18 September 2026 | 7pm-8.00pm | Online
This free online event explores the practical, financial and emotional aspects of planning for later life for people who are ageing without children. Topics include future care, decision-making, support networks and planning ahead, with opportunities to hear from experts and ask questions.
The session may be of interest to professionals working in health, social care and the VCSE sector, as well as anyone planning for their own future.
Free Fundraising Webinars for Kent and Medway VCSE Organisations
Funding for All has a programme of free webinars covering practical areas of fundraising and organisational development.
Upcoming sessions include:
- Virtual Fundraising – 24 September
- Corporate Fundraising – 30 September
- Registering and Claiming Gift Aid – 9 October
Further sessions later in the year will cover donor development, impact measurement, fundraising strategy and social media fundraising.
> VIEW THE PROGRAMME AND REGISTER
Build a Business That Works Without You
Strengthen your finances, plan for long-term growth and reduce your organisation’s dependence on you being involved in every decision.
Kent and Medway Growth Hub is running a free workshop for business and social enterprise leaders, led by Nick Brooker from Beer Mergers.
Thursday 24 September 2026
10am-12pm
Fruitworks, Canterbury
Henry Smith Foundation Welcome for Newcomers Fund
The Welcome for Newcomers Fund supports charitable organisations working with refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants coming to the UK.
Grants of up to £200,000 are available to organisations working alongside newcomer communities.
Expression of interest deadline: 5pm on Wednesday 26 August 2026.
Henry Smith Foundation Career Ready Fund
The Career Ready Fund offers grants of up to £200,000 for charitable organisations creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities.
Expression of interest deadline: 5pm on Wednesday 2 September 2026.
Dartford Health Innovation Fund
The Dartford Health Innovation Fund has reopened for applications through the MVA Social Impact Gateway.
The fund supports innovative approaches to improving health and wellbeing in Dartford.
Applicants must register with the MVA Social Impact Gateway and check the fund criteria before submitting an application.
Deadline: Monday 31 August 2026.
UnLtd Awards for Social Entrepreneurs
UnLtd’s latest Awards round is open to social entrepreneurs starting or growing ventures designed to create positive social impact.
Depending on the programme and stage of development, awards can provide funding of up to £18,000, alongside tailored support, mentoring and opportunities to build business and leadership skills.
Deadline: 10am on Monday 31 August 2026.
> EXPLORE THE AWARDS AND CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund
Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund will provide long-term support to local organisations working to prevent homelessness at critical transition points in people’s lives.
The £8 million programme will support up to 50 organisations across England and Wales.
Two types of unrestricted funding are available:
- £100,000, paid as four annual payments of £25,000, for organisations with an annual income below £100,000
- £200,000, paid as four annual payments of £50,000, for organisations with an annual income between £100,000 and £2 million
The programme particularly focuses on people at heightened risk of homelessness, including care leavers, survivors of domestic abuse, people leaving prison and people leaving the asylum system after receiving the right to remain.
Organisational development support and access to skilled volunteers are also available.
Deadline: 5pm on Wednesday 9 September 2026.
Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm Community Fund
The Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm Community Fund offers grants of up to £7,500 to eligible organisations in the TN31 area.
Deadline: Sunday 13 September 2026.
> FIND OUT MORE AND CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Kent Community Foundation Funding Opportunities
Kent Community Foundation currently has several funding programmes open to charitable organisations across Kent and Medway.
Environment Fund
Grants of up to £6,000 are available for community-led environmental projects.
Port of Dover Community Fund
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for projects supporting skills, employment and community life in Dover.
Albert Burns Children’s Fund
Grants of up to £10,000 are available to grassroots organisations supporting children, young people and families across East Kent, with priority given to Thanet and Canterbury.
Gatwick Airport Fund
Funding is available for projects in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.
These funds close on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
> FIND OUT MORE AND CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Kent Community Waste Prevention Fund
A new Kent Community Waste Prevention Fund is offering grants of between £500 and £5,000 for projects that reduce or prevent waste and benefit local communities.
The fund is open to CICs, charities, community organisations, parish and district councils and social enterprises.
It is managed by Low Carbon Kent at Kent County Council and funded by the Kent Resource Partnership.
Deadline: 11.59pm on Friday 9 October 2026.
Kent Wildlife Trust Community Engagement and Organising Officer
Kent Wildlife Trust is recruiting a Community Engagement and Organising Officer to work from Maidstone and across Kent and Medway.
Location: Maidstone, with work across Kent and Medway
Salary: £26,227 FTE
Contract: Temporary
Hours: Full-time or part-time
Closing date: 4.31pm on Monday 17 August 2026
Mission Aviation Fellowship UK Senior Finance Officer
Mission Aviation Fellowship UK is recruiting a Senior Finance Officer on a one-year fixed-term contract.
Location: Ashford, with hybrid working considered
Salary: £33,500 per annum
Contract: One-year fixed term
Kent Coast Volunteering Communications Officer
Location: Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe, Romney Marsh, Deal and Dover
Contract: Fixed term for four years
Hours: Part-time
Closing date: 26 August 2026
This role is part of a new four-year project funded through The National Lottery Reaching Communities programme, helping bring people together through volunteering, reduce loneliness and strengthen community connections.
Kent Coast Volunteering Volunteer Support Officer
Location: Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe, Romney Marsh, Deal and Dover
Contract: Fixed term for four years
Hours: Part-time
Closing date: 27 August 2026
The role will support an exciting new volunteering project focused on improving wellbeing, strengthening local connections and helping more people get involved in their communities.
Stay Connected
Thank you for reading this month’s VCSE Newsletter.
We’ll continue to bring you the latest funding opportunities, sector news, events, training, vacancies and inspiring stories from across Kent and Medway’s VCSE sector.
If you have news, events, vacancies or opportunities to share, we’d love to feature them in a future edition.
Every day, we shape a better tomorrow.