The Civil Society Covenant: A New Chapter for Collaboration
The newly announced Civil Society Covenant is a transformative initiative designed to strengthen the partnership between the government and civil society organisations. It emphasises transparency, recognition, participation, and partnership—principles that are essential for tackling some of society’s toughest challenges. This initiative underscores the vital role of the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in delivering innovative, high-quality, and value-for-money services that support communities across the UK.
A Seat at the Table: Rebecca Smith Advocates for Social Enterprises at Number 10
We’re thrilled to share that our CEO, Rebecca Smith, was invited to Number 10 Downing Street to join a pivotal discussion with Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth. Rebecca’s involvement in this significant meeting highlighted the contributions of social enterprises and their essential role in the ecosystem of public services.
Rebecca shared her thoughts on the significance of this initiative:
“Social enterprises are helping to solve some of society’s toughest problems, and it was encouraging to see the government recognise the importance of that. Social enterprises are innovative, deliver value for money and quality services. They are part of a vital ecosystem in our communities, and a joined-up approach ensuring public services recognise this value is essential as we move forward in challenging times.”
The meeting reinforced the need for a unified approach to harness the strengths of the VCSE sector, particularly as communities face increasingly complex challenges. We’re proud that Rebecca was able to bring the voice of social enterprises to the table and champion the vital role they play in creating positive change.
To learn more about the Civil Society Covenant, visit the official Government announcement.
Building Skills, Boosting Productivity, and Driving Success
Our experienced team delivers engaging, informative training sessions tailored to meet your needs. With outstanding Trustpilot reviews and testimonials to back us up, we’re confident in helping your team excel.
We can help you align your spending with your organisation’s social and community values. Make a difference while enhancing your team’s performance. Contact us today to learn more or book a session.
Click on the links below to take advantage of our current free training provision, or visit our training website to explore our full range!
Canterbury Business Support – free trainer led online bite size training sessions open to organisations across Kent.
TDC Community Champions Programme – free in person half day training sessions for VSCE organisations operating or based in Thanet.
Make an Impact with Your Searches!
Did you know you can help the planet by changing your search engine?
Ecosia is a search engine that uses its profits to plant trees where they are most needed. So far, they have planted an astounding 222,391,204 trees! By switching to Ecosia, every search you make contributes to reforestation efforts around the world. It’s a small change that can make a big difference. Take a look for yourself www.ecosia.org
Young Cooks Competition and more with SEK Schools
Support SEK’s exciting school projects, including the Young Cooks Competition! We’re thrilled to see young chefs showcase their culinary talents. A big thank you to our generous sponsors for making these initiatives possible. Your support helps us inspire and empower the next generation!
For more information about all of the other SEK Schools events, please head to the webpage LINK
Boost Your Impact: Free Health Training!
Join our FREE* expert health online training and increase your positive impact in your community. This free training is designed for frontline staff and volunteers in East Kent, equipping you with essential skills and knowledge to support healthy lifestyles and spot warning signs and encourage individuals to seek timely medical guidance.
Book Now: https://sekgroup.org.uk/events/
Find Services with the Cost of Living Directory
Take a look at our interactive directory of cost of living support throughout East Kent. If you would like help in any area or are a professional looking to refer a client, you will find up-to-date information about supportive services that can offer specific help and advice. Directory
If you would like to add your service to the directory, scroll to below the interactive map and complete the form.
Funding opportunities for VCSE organisations.
UnLtd: This grant offers funding and tailored support for individuals who are starting or expanding social enterprises. Whether you have a new idea or are already making an impact, this program provides the resources you need to develop your social venture. UnLtd combines financial assistance with personalized support to help you launch or grow your initiative.
Link: UnLtd Awards
PCPhillips Foundation: Kent funders re-join forces to increase health and wellbeing grants.
Two Kent funders, the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust and the Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation are pleased to be continuing their funding partnership in 2025 to help more small charities in Kent access health and wellbeing funding.
Link: PCPhillips Foundation
Kent Community Foundation: Elderly & Isolated Fund. Focused on supporting projects that assist older individuals and reduce isolation.
Link: KCFT
Sea Changers: One-off grants to UK-based charities and other organisations (including schools) carrying out marine conservation related activities.
Link: Sea Changers
The Sackler Trust: Grants to support of charitable activities in the fields of medical science, healthcare, and access to education and the arts, as well as supporting community organisations, heritage sites and projects which promote social good.
Link: TST
Esmee Fairbairn: Funding towards a wide range of work in support of our three main aims: to improve Our Natural World, secure A Fairer Future and nurture Creative, Confident Communities. £30,000+
Link: Esmee
What’s on
Check out SEK’s up and coming events. From Cancer Smart Community Training on January 20th to Diabetes Online Training on January 21st and 27th, and the NHS Ten Year Plan Workshop on January 30th. For all events click HERE
Kent County Council (KCC) is currently consulting on proposed changes to Wellbeing Services in the Community and Community Navigation. These services, funded by KCC’s Adult Social Care and Health Directorate, are delivered by Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the county.
The consultation is open until 27th January, and your input is invaluable. Please take a moment to review KCC’s proposals and share your views: Link
The VCSE Steering Group for Kent and Medway wants to hear from you! They are gathering feedback on the VCSE infrastructure support that matters most to you. Share your thoughts here: Link Your feedback is crucial to shaping the future of these services and support systems—thank you for your participation.
Free* Community Engagement Training 10th Feb | 09.30 – 4 | Ideal for any organisation wanting to better engage with local communities and understand the importance of planning and delivering effective community engagement. *Eligibility applies
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce: 13th Feb | Online | 1 – 1.30 | How to Scale Your Organisation Without Employing More People. This presentation explores how organisations can achieve growth by leveraging automation and system integration to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and improve efficiency.
Making Connections Dover: 27th Feb | St Radigunds Community Centre | 10 – 12:30 | Network with local organisations and discover how Stronger Kent Communities and Kent Coast Volunteering support the voluntary sector.
The Kent Business Show: 13th March | 9.30 – 3 | Ashford International brings together the people and businesses in Kent for great networking opportunities, with industry leaders and decision-makers from across the region. A chance to discover new business strategies, gain market insights, and showcase your brand to a highly targeted audience. www.kentbusinessshow.co.uk
Beyond the page: Non Executive Director – Treasurer We are recruiting a Non-Executive Director with finance & accountancy skills & experience to act as our treasurer. We are looking for someone who wants to contribute to our vision of ‘Women’s voices together, building stronger communities.’ We want to build upon our diverse team of board members to help us take our next steps into the future.
Asian Single Parents Network: Trustee Make a difference as a Trustee of the Asian Single Parents Network. Are you passionate about helping others, particularly single parents? Your contribution could make a real difference to our members. We are currently a social enterprise which is looking to convert to a charity, hence the need for trustees and the diversification of our board.
YMCA Thames Gateway: Young Futures Team Leader to support our team in Dartford. As team leader you will manage a team of housing support staff, ensuring the high-quality support of residents is provided in a regulatory-compliant way. Salary £32,000
Wellbeing in the Wild: Chief Executive Officer We need an experienced leader to guide our future strategy and development of the charity, to support, and report to, the existing Trustee Team. Part Time | Salary £30,000 – £36,400 per year (pro rata)
Mind West Kent: Head of Services This senior leadership position is crucial to shaping and driving the delivery of our mental health services, ensuring they remain innovative, impactful, and aligned with our mission to enrich lives through better mental health. Sevenoaks | Full Time | £42,060 to £47,432 (depending on skills/experience)
Porchlight: Family Worker Thanet As a Family Worker, you will be a crucial part of our innovative family support model. This role is all about engaging with families in a creative and supportive manner, offering practical advice and guidance to tackle a range of issues including sustainable recovery from poverty, school attendance and educational challenges, health and housing issues, parenting skills and meaningful activities and building supportive networks. Full Time | £26,850