ACEVO recommends is a monthly blog that curates noteworthy resources, content, and events pertinent to sector leaders.
Challenges facing charities in divided times
A new report from NCVO explores impact of rise in extremism and social division on the voluntary sector. In October, NCVO held a week of listening sessions with representatives from 46 voluntary organisations to hear more about the realities they face. Across the five sessions, participants described rising levels of fear, intimidation and online hate. The report shares testimonies from attendees that reveals a serious threat preventing organisations from delivering their core missions safely.
National VCSE infrastructure mapping
Voice4Change England is launching a national survey to map the support needs of the VCSE sector, particularly for Black and Minoritised Ethnic-led groups. The five-minute survey aims to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in current infrastructure support. Participants can enter a prize draw for £50 vouchers, with optional focus groups and interviews also available. Feedback is open until 5pm on Monday, 19 January 2026, and will help shape a national roadmap for stronger, community-led support. Complete the survey.
State of Social Enterprise Report
The 2025 State of Social Enterprise Report (SOSE) surveyed nearly 2,000 social enterprises to look in depth at the key trends and issues affecting the sector. Titled ‘Backbone of Britain’, it shows that social enterprises are continuing to deliver for society against the odds – they’re addressing the big challenges of our time, supporting vulnerable groups, creating jobs and opportunities, driving growth at a local level, addressing the mental health of the nation, and taking on the climate emergency.
Beyond SEO: learn about AEO and GEO
As AI-generated answers increasingly dominate search results, charity marketers and comms professionals need to rethink how to ensure their content is actually seen. This DSC blog breaks down, using plain, jargon-free language, two emerging concepts you may have heard of: AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation). It explains what they mean and shares simple, practical steps to help your organisation stay visible, findable and trusted across search engines and AI tools.
Working Families Best Practice Awards
The Working Families Best Practice Awards are open for entries. Now in its 17th year, these prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the UK’s most forward-thinking employers, organisations that are not only embedding flexible working into their culture but are also going above and beyond to support parents, carers, and families in all their diversity. They are completely free to enter and you can enter as many categories as you like. The deadline for entries is 5.30pm Friday 27 February 2026.
CharityComms Salary and Organisational Culture Survey
The CharityComms Salary and Organisational Culture Survey benchmarks salaries and how comms and marketing is valued within the sector, across strategy, leadership and the impact it’s making. Share your views by 31 January 2026 and help advocate for what charity communicators need to be more effective and feel more valued in their roles.
Working Families Benchmark Report 2025
This year’s Benchmark report explores how the world of work has changed for Benchmark employers across the last five years, as well as throwing a detailed spotlight on best practice amongst this year’s Benchmark participants. 2025 marks five years since the world of work was turned upside down by the pandemic. In a notably different landscape today, flexible working is no longer positioned as a perk but is considered a staple strategic feature thanks to the clear business benefits it brings.
Library of AI experiments by CAST
Discover how charities and social impact organisations are experimenting with AI – and if you’re inspired to start your own experiment, please do share it.