Many of us heard about The Kids Company charity, and how its recent financial problems led to an investigation by the Charity Commission and Kids Company’s closure. Part of our job, here at CommUNITY Barnet, is to help other charities follow the law and make sure their services open to local residents. Charities are trusted by local people, and many are funded by the public. We charities need to show how we help people – particularly those that are vulnerable. We also need to prove that we manage our finances and activities correctly and keep within the law and deliver excellent services. The Metropolitan Police found no evidence of criminality in The Kids Company (BBC Online News 01.02.16), although there were concerns about how its finances were managed. This is a timely reminder for all charities to ensure that they not only follow the law but also keep checking that the Trustees, staff and volunteers act in a responsible manner.

In Barnet alone, there are an estimated 1,400 charity and community organisations. A third operate without staff, relying on local volunteers. Despite this, these groups, including the 854 registered charities, contribute an estimated £250m to the local economy. (Community Barnet State of the Sector Report, March 2014).

It’s a challenging time for charities. Due to the recession, there is less funding from local councils and central government. Smaller charities, many of which help local, isolated people, have less funds and are less secure. Income varies widely. In our survey, we found only 47 charities that had an income of over £1 million.

Most charities in Barnet deliver services in education and training, religious activities, health, disability and community development. Lots have children and older people as their key clients.

We are delighted to see that public support of charities remains high. Volunteers are the life-blood of charities, and we are extremely grateful to local Barnet residents who give their time and energy for free to help other people. A third of UK residents volunteer at least once a month. What’s more, donations from the public are the main source of income for charities.

In Barnet, community groups are located right where people need them.

CommUNITY Barnet provides help, training and advice to local charities and community groups. Finance, fundraising, staff issues and starting new activities – advice and guidance was provided to over 100 organisations in the last year alone. Charities that help parents or for people with depression or for older adults to take day-trips, were all supported to fundraise and expand their services.

CommUNITY Barnet’s Community Accountancy Service provided financial advice to 55 organisations, and undertook independent reviews and audits of local charities. Our Safeguarding Training ensures that local groups are protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We are really pleased that our advice has helped other charities grow and deliver excellent services. They said, “CommUNITY Barnet is invaluable” and “It has been extremely helpful to have had the meeting with you to help us to see our way forward. Many thanks for all your time and help.”

If you would like to find out more about how we advise, train and support charities and community groups,

Click here CommUNITY Barnet organisation development

Visit our website at www.communitybarnet.org.uk

Email development@communitybarnet.org.uk

Call 020 8364 8400.