February Updates
This month’s newsletter brings together useful updates, opportunities and support for VCSE organisations across Kent and Medway, including sector news, events, funding, training and a spotlight on SE Kitchen’s work in Ashford and Ramsgate.
What the latest Third Sector Trends report means for VCSE organisations
The third national report from Third Sector Trends 2025 has been released, offering one of the most detailed pictures available of the financial health of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across England and Wales. Based on responses from more than 8,600 organisations, the findings show a sector that remains resilient and adaptive, but still operating under real financial pressure, particularly in less affluent areas.
Grants are back at the centre of the funding mix
One of the clearest messages is the growing importance of grant funding. Since 2010, perceptions of grants as a core income source have steadily increased, while reliance on contracts and social investment has fallen. This reflects what many organisations are already experiencing: contracts often fail to cover the true cost of delivery, especially with rising wages, National Insurance contributions and recruitment challenges. As a result, some VCSE organisations are stepping away from public service contracts altogether.
The report also highlights a positive shift in grant-making practice. More organisations are receiving longer-term and core funding than before the pandemic, and funders are taking time to understand the organisations they support. While demands for “innovation” are reappearing, there is growing recognition that stability — not constant reinvention — enables community organisations to thrive.
Trading income is harder to sustain than policy rhetoric suggests
Despite continued policy enthusiasm for social enterprise and earned income, the data tells a more nuanced story. Fewer VCSE organisations now rely heavily on trading, and newer organisations are much less likely to generate most of their income this way. The report reinforces that most trading VCSEs still depend on grants, gifts and in-kind support to remain viable, trading alone rarely provides a complete solution.
Reserves are holding, but not evenly
Encouragingly, most organisations still hold reserves, and fewer are using them to cover essential costs than in 2022. However, the picture varies significantly by place. VCSEs operating in less affluent areas are more likely to draw on reserves just to stay afloat, while those in more affluent areas are better able to leave reserves untouched or invest them in development, reinforcing ongoing concerns about geographic inequality.
Why this matters
- the true cost of delivery
- the value of core and long-term funding
- the limits of contracts and trading as sustainable income
- the additional pressure faced by organisations working in deprived areas
What this means for VCSE organisations
Taken together, the Third Sector Trends 2025 findings tell a clear story. VCSE organisations continue to deliver vital work in their communities, often with remarkable resilience — but many are doing so in an increasingly fragile financial environment.
Grant funding and core support are once again emerging as the foundations of sustainability, while contracts and trading are proving less reliable than policy rhetoric suggests. For many organisations, especially those working in areas of higher deprivation, reserves are being used not to invest or grow, but simply to keep services running.
The report reinforces a crucial message for leaders, trustees and funders alike: long-term funding, realistic expectations and trust in community-rooted organisations matter more than constant innovation. Without these, resilience risks becoming exhaustion rather than strength.
ref: Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2025 / Community Foundation North East (January 2026)
Guidance: using artificial intelligence in fundraising
The Fundraising Regulator has published new guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in charitable fundraising. The guidance is designed to help fundraising organisations comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice when using AI tools and approaches.
Source: Fundraising Regulator
National Lottery Open Week returns (7–15 March 2026)
National Lottery Open Week will run from 7–15 March 2026. National Lottery funded venues will offer free entry, discounts and special offers throughout the week, with hundreds of venues taking part across the UK.
Digital Employability Experience (DEX): showcasing Kent organisations and supporting local talent
The Digital Employability Experience (DEX) Led by Digital Kent (Kent County Council), is a free online platform designed to help Kent residents build essential digital and interpersonal skills, while giving local employers and organisations the opportunity to showcase their sector and workforce needs.
DEX features organisations from across all industries, including the charity and voluntary sectors. Participating organisations can support employability, highlight the digital capabilities valued in their field, and advertise vacancies through the platform.
- Support upskilling and employability across Kent
- Showcase your sector and its digital skill needs
- Support the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
- Advertise vacancies on a free online platform
The DEX team builds your page and supports set-up through a short Teams call. The platform is being used by DWP Jobcentres and the Careers and Enterprise Company in schools.
Get involved: email digitalex@kent.gov.uk or complete the Expression of Interest form (via Digital Kent).
Cancer Smart: award nomination and public vote
Our nomination of the Cancer Smart 2024/25 programme for the ‘Innovative Approaches to Prevention’ category at the Healthwatch Awards has been successful. We are looking forward to attending the awards ceremony; this recognition reflects the strength of partnership working and the impact of the Cancer Smart programme across Kent and Medway.
To find out more and read our reports, visit: Cancer Smart Programme – Social Enterprise Kent
Vote for us in the Smiley Charity Film Awards
There’s still time to vote for our Breast Cancer Screening and Awareness film in the Smiley Charity Film Awards. To progress to the judging round, the film needs public votes. Please take a moment to click the link, cast your vote and share with colleagues and networks.
Vote here: SEK Breast Cancer and Screening… | Smiley Charity Film Awards
Social Enterprise Kent and Thanet District Council celebrate community impact in Thanet
Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) was proud to partner with Thanet District Council (TDC) to deliver a day of learning, connection and celebration through a recent conference and the Community Champions Awards in Thanet.
The event brought together local organisations, community leaders, voluntary groups and residents to reflect on the impact of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), share learning, and highlight initiatives making a real difference to people’s lives across the district.
The conference created space for conversations about place-based impact, collaboration and the future of communities in Thanet. Attendees heard from speakers working across the community and from Thanet District Council, who shared their newly published impact report focusing on how UKSPF investment has benefited local communities.
Read the UKSPF impact report:
HERE
In the afternoon, the Community Champions Awards celebrated the everyday heroes of Thanet. Created through public nominations, the awards recognised individuals, teams and organisations who go above and beyond to support others, strengthen neighbourhoods and improve quality of life.
From grassroots volunteers and youth leaders to community organisations and long-serving individuals, the awards highlighted the breadth and depth of positive work happening locally — much of it carried out quietly, consistently and without expectation of recognition.
A photo gallery from the day, capturing key moments from both the conference and awards ceremony, is available on our website. A highlights video will also be shared across SEK social channels.
Social Enterprise Kent would like to thank Thanet District Council, all speakers, nominees, award winners and attendees for contributing to such a positive and inspiring day for Thanet.
Building Stronger Communities and Making Connections (Folkestone & Hythe)
Free VCSE networking event
Wednesday 25 February, 10:00am–1:00pm
Hythe United Reformed Church, East Street, Hythe, Kent, CT21 5ND
A free networking event for voluntary and community organisations working in the Folkestone and Hythe area, featuring presentations, Q&A, opportunities to share current projects, and time to connect with other local organisations.
- Booking essential (free to attend)
- Maximum two people per organisation
- Booking deadline: midday, Friday 20 February
Book via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-stronger-communities-and-making-connections-tickets-1982197774904
Business Support
Thanet Business Support Programme (Ramsgate Space CIC)
Ramsgate Space CIC is delivering free business support across Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs, on behalf of Thanet District Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The programme includes talks, panels, workshops and 1:1 support, covering topics such as branding, funding plans, business finance, AI for the high street and practical “first aid” for small and micro businesses.
Find programme details and book:
www.ramsgatespace.co.uk/thanetbusinesssupport
1:1 support enquiries: hello@ramsgatespace.com
Community Engagement Training (Online)
Online | 26 February | 9:30am–4:30pm
Whether you’re developing a new community project or improving an existing one, this course offers a structured approach that helps you make every conversation count. Ideal for anyone who wants to strengthen local relationships, demonstrate accountability, and create change that lasts.
Business Support for VCSE Leaders
If your organisation can’t move forward unless you’re in the room…
That’s not a leadership failure.
That’s a scaling signal.
We see brilliant VCSE leaders carrying strategy, delivery and day-to-day firefighting and wondering why growth feels heavy.
Often, the unlock isn’t more effort. It’s clearer structure, sharper priorities and the right support around you.
Our business support works with leaders to step back, stabilise the organisation and put foundations in place that allow growth without burnout. If this feels familiar, a short strategic conversation can often clarify the next steps.
SEK Training – Social Enterprise Kent
Green School Awards
The Green School Awards celebrate and inspire positive environmental action across Kent and Medway. Whether your school is planting trees, running recycling initiatives, improving air quality, saving energy or leading community awareness projects, SEK wants to hear about the difference your pupils are making.
How to enter: submissions for the 2026 awards will open soon. Entries ask schools to share:
- what you undertook
- how you carried out the project(s)
- what you learned
Schools can include photos, short videos or written submissions. Every action counts — and the awards are designed to showcase great ideas and inspire others to follow.
You can explore highlights from the most recent awards, including photos and the ceremony video:
- Green School Awards page: https://sekgroup.org.uk/support/sek-schools/green-school-awards/
Contact: Jo Homes (Events Manager) – j.homes@sekgroup.org.uk | 01227 469970
The Big STEM Challenge
The Big STEM Challenge invites young people to explore, investigate and create through science, technology, engineering and maths. Entries are welcome from schools and individuals — whether a project has been developed in school, at home or through a science club.
To enter, participants are asked to share:
- what they researched / investigated / experimented
- how the project was carried out
- what they learned (with optional photos or a short video)
Finalists will be invited to a science fair at Discovery Park:
- Primary: finalists showcase their projects and compete to become Primary Big STEM Champion 2026 (cash prizes available).
- Secondary and 16+: finalists present to a “Dragon’s Den” panel for the chance to become Secondary and 16+ Big STEM Challenge Champions 2026 (cash prizes available).
Find out more and enter:
- The Big STEM Challenge page: https://sekgroup.org.uk/support/sek-schools/big-stem-challenge/
Contact: Jo Homes (Events Manager) – j.homes@sekgroup.org.uk | 01227 469970
Crowdfund Kent Public Health Fund
Crowdfund Kent supports local organisations and groups to develop projects and ideas that improve local areas. Eligible projects can receive up to £10,000 in pledges, covering up to 65% of a crowdfunding target.
Please note this is a revenue fund and cannot be used for capital projects. The deadline to have your project pitched, verified and launched is 25 February 2026.
CrowdFund Kent – Home – Spacehive
Kent County Council Health and Nature Fund
Grants of £2,000–£10,000 are available for organisations delivering nature-based activities that promote mental health and wellbeing across Kent. The fund aims to support preventative interventions, encourage community engagement with nature, and address health inequalities, particularly in coastal regions.
Alongside the fund, applicants can apply for an accredited Level 3 Certificate in Nature-based Practice, delivered with Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC.
Deadline: 20 February 2026
Health and Nature Fund – Explore Kent
Charles Hayward Foundation
Two relevant programmes are currently available:
- Social & Criminal Justice Main Grants – £15,000–£25,000 per year for up to three years (registered charities with income between £350,000 and £4 million). Next deadlines: 22 May and 18 September 2026.
- Older People Small Grants – up to £7,000 for local projects improving physical and emotional wellbeing, with interest in reducing isolation and loneliness and supporting dementia carers (registered charities under £350,000 income; apply anytime).
A grant-making charitable trust for UK charities – Charles Hayward Foundation
The Grocers’ Charitable Trust
Supports smaller charities (turnover below £500,000) working across: relief of poverty; elderly; disability and inclusion; military; heritage and the arts; environment and conservation; children and young people.
Next round opens 30 March and closes 1 September 2026.
The Grocers’ Charity provides one off grants for charities
Hollick Family Foundation
Offers grants to charitable organisations working in Kensington and Chelsea, Camden, Kent and East Sussex. Interests include education and skills, human rights, housing, mental health, women and children, and the arts, with a focus on community-led organisations and early-stage charities.
Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees. The Trust does not maintain a website.
Contact: David W Beech, Hollick Family Charitable Trust, Prager Metis LLP, 5A Bear Lane, Southwark, London, SE1 0UH.
Tel: 020 7632 1400 | Email: dbeech@pragermetis.com
Social Impact Gateway (SIG)
The Social Impact Gateway (SIG) brings together funding opportunities, partnerships and support available to VCSE organisations across Kent and Medway.
A number of new funding opportunities have recently been added to SIG, with further funds and opportunities expected to be launched on a rolling basis. VCSE organisations are encouraged to check the platform regularly and keep their profiles up to date to access current and upcoming opportunities.
SE Kitchen: Making Food Go Further in Ashford and Ramsgate
SE Kitchen supports communities through its two Social Supermarket shops in Ashford and Ramsgate, helping people access affordable food and essentials while reducing food waste.
SE Kitchen is open to everyone, no sign-up and no referral required, offering a welcoming, community-focused space where households can make their money go further. Both shops offer a weekly £1 fruit and vegetable bag.
Customers can also use a free SE Kitchen loyalty card: every £1 fruit and vegetable bag earns a stamp collect five stamps and receive the sixth bag free.
You can also buy £5 vouchers for your participants (or volunteers/staff!), and eligible Kent residents can spend their Household Support Vouchers in store.
Ashford Social Supermarket
22 Bank Street, Ashford, TN23 1BE
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00am–5:00pm (Bank Holidays closed)
Ramsgate Social Supermarket
St George’s Hall, Broad Street, Ramsgate, CT11 8QY
Opening hours:
Monday 9:00am–4:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am–4:00pm
Wednesday 10:30am–4:00pm
Thursday 9:00am–4:00pm
Friday 11:30am–4:00pm
Saturday 9:00am–12:30pm
(Bank Holidays closed)
Contact: sekitchen@sekgroup.org.uk
Programme Impact
UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Impact Highlights in Thanet
Recent UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) reporting highlights significant outcomes delivered in Thanet across Community and Place, Supporting Local Business, and People and Skills.
- 10,118 people reached
- 654 organisations supported
- 1,389 people trained
- 113 people supported into employment (including self-employment)
- 989 volunteering opportunities supported
- 517 events or participatory programmes delivered
Ref: UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Impact Highlights (infographic)
Chequer Inn Ash Society (CIAS): Treasurer Vacancy
The Chequer Inn is owned by the Chequer Inn Ash Society Ltd (a Community Benefit Society) for the benefit of the local community. CIAS is responsible for the preservation and upkeep of the listed historic building, while day-to-day operations are managed by a tenant. The Society oversees maintenance and supports the pub’s community role now and into the future.
The current Treasurer is stepping down in February 2026. The Treasurer helps manage CIAS funds, monitoring income and payments, paying bills, and reporting the Society’s financial position at monthly committee meetings. The Treasurer liaises with a professional bookkeeper and the Society’s accountant for end-of-year reporting. A handover period will be provided to support a smooth transition.
To express interest: contact Jane Greaves, Company Secretary: chequermates@gmail.com
Head of Food Projects – Social Enterprise Kent
Location: Ashford, Medway & Ramsgate (multi-site role)
Salary: £38,000 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday–Saturday, flexibility required)
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 20 February 2026
Social Enterprise Kent is recruiting a Head of Food Projects to lead the delivery and development of its social supermarket operations and funded food programmes. The role combines operational oversight across multiple sites with leadership of teams, volunteers and partnerships, ensuring projects are delivered to time, budget and contract requirements while achieving positive social impact.
To apply: Please send your CV and covering letter to Gina English.
Careers – Social Enterprise Kent
Operations Lead – Fuel Poverty Action
Location: Remote
Salary: £32,000–£36,000 per year (pro-rated from £40,000–£45,000 for a 4-day week)
Hours: Full-time
Contract: One-year contract, with potential for indefinite extension subject to funding
Fuel Poverty Action is seeking an Operations Lead to support the effective running of the organisation and strengthen internal systems. This role plays a key part in enabling the organisation’s campaigning and advocacy work to address fuel poverty.
Find out more and apply:
View vacancy on CharityJob
Finance and Operations Manager (UK) – Human Dignity Foundation
Location: Remote
Salary: £40,000–£50,000 per year
Hours: Part-time (3 days per week)
Contract: 5-year contract (renewable)
Human Dignity Foundation is recruiting a Finance and Operations Manager to oversee financial management and operational systems, supporting the delivery of the Foundation’s human rights and social justice work in the UK.
Find out more and apply:
View vacancy on CharityJob
Project and Change Officer – The Donkey Sanctuary
Location: Remote
Salary: £40,389 per year
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
The Donkey Sanctuary is looking for a Project and Change Officer to support organisational change and improvement projects, contributing to the charity’s global work to improve donkey welfare.
Find out more and apply:
View vacancy and apply
Business Development Officer – Chapter One
Location: Remote
Salary: £31,200 per year
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Chapter One is recruiting a Business Development Officer to support income generation and partnerships, helping to expand its work improving children’s literacy through one-to-one reading support.
Find out more and apply:
View vacancy on CharityJob
Stay Connected
Stay informed with the latest updates from the VCSE sector across Kent and Medway. Our monthly newsletter shares sector insight, events and opportunities, training and skills, funding, and practical support to help organisations strengthen impact and resilience in local communities.