ACEVO recommends is a monthly blog that curates noteworthy resources, content, and events pertinent to sector leaders.
Civil society and volunteering: a force for growth?
A new report from Pro Bono Economics, Civil society and volunteering: A force for growth?, commissioned by the Gradel Institute of Charity, reveals that the economic contribution of civil society is significantly underestimated. The report estimates the sector’s true value at £39.6 billion—nearly double the official figure. It also highlights the major role of volunteering, worth £15.5 billion alone, in keeping communities running. Civil society now accounts for 1.5% of the UK economy and 2.5% of all hours worked, comparable to industries like agriculture and car manufacturing. The report calls for improved national accounting through a civil society satellite account.
National Work Like Week 2025
Working Families’ annual campaign, National Work Life Week™, returns from 6–10 October with the theme Flex for All. The campaign highlights how flexible working is a vital lifeline for millions, while recognising that many are still excluded from its benefits. A toolkit is available to help organisations start conversations during the week. On Wednesday 8 October, a webinar will explore how to create a supportive workplace culture for working fathers and partners.
Better Youth Spaces programme
DCMS is launching phase 1 of the Better Youth Spaces programme for England which seeks to improve the effectiveness of youth facilities to drive better outcomes. This phase will fund small-scale capital projects that meet at least one of the fund objectives to:
- fund priority areas on the basis of youth need
- improve the reach of activities
- improve the safety of youth facilities
- improve the sector’s capacity and quality to deliver a range of enrichment activities
- improve facility financial sustainability
Visit the Social Investment Business website to apply.
World Giving Report
CAF’s World Giving Report provides greater insights into global giving than ever before. Highlights include:
- Higher income doesn’t mean greater generosity – often the opposite
- How we perceive social norms around giving could be the biggest driver of our donations
- Children and young people are the most widely supported cause worldwide
- Africa leads the way as the most generous continent