News

???? Beware of phishing emails ????

Details

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 13:56

Lynn Dougal

We've been alerted to phishing emails targeting those registering to vote. These emails request personal documents like passports or proof of address.

These fake emails may come from addresses such as This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., but other similar addresses could also be used.

Genuine emails will come from:

Election team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

EROP portal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for Postal, Proxy Application evidence

Gov Notify: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for annual canvass communications

The phishing emails mimic a genuine request asking you to provide documents to verify your address and identity. Please be careful and not to click any links or respond. You can also report this to the National Cyber Security Centre.

If you receive an email like this do NOT click on any links.

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/.../phishing-scams/report-scam-email

Community Development Workshops in February

Details

Tuesday, 07 January 2025 11:14

Lynn Dougal

Durham Community Action run Community Development Workshops to assist voluntary and community groups to manage their organisations effectively

All workshops take place online and are fully funded; attendance is free although booking in advance is required to secure places. Please click on the links below for full details

Volunteer Recruitment

Tuesday 4 February 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at staff and volunteers who are responsible for volunteer recruitment. It will cover understanding the recruitment process, how to diversify recruitment, writing an attractive role description, and promoting your recruitment opportunities.

Safeguarding Responsibilities within the Voluntary Sector

Tuesday 11 February 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at volunteer-led organisations and community groups. It will cover the importance of having a safeguarding policy, understanding your responsibilities for safeguarding within your organisation and what to include in your safeguarding policy.

Volunteering and the Law

Thursday 20 February 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at staff and volunteers who are responsible for volunteer management.

It will cover how the law applies to recruiting, supporting and managing volunteers, understanding the Disclosure and Barrings process and when it is required, using the correct language when recruiting volunteers, and identifying the difference between good practice and the law when working with volunteers.

Employing Staff for the First Time in Voluntary Sector Organisations

Tuesday 25 February 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at volunteer led organisations and community groups. It will look at getting your organisation ready to employ staff, understanding your responsibilities as an employer, identifying employment law considerations and establishing where to get further support

Support sessions for female survivors of domestic abuse

Details

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 08:44

Lynn Dougal

Community Development Workshops in January

Details

Tuesday, 07 January 2025 11:10

Lynn Dougal

Durham Community Action run Community Development Workshops to assist voluntary and community groups to manage their organisations effectively,

All workshops take place online (except Community Engagement session) and are fully funded; attendance is free although booking in advance is required to secure places.

Click on the links below for full details

Understanding Trustee Responsibilities and Good Governance

Thursday 9 January 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is for new trustees explaining your responsibilities within the organisation and how to develop an action plan to ensure best practice. It will cover understanding the importance of good governance, identifying trustee responsibilities and establishing best practice.

Prevent Training

Monday 13 January 2.00 - 4.00pm

Through a live online Zoom event, Andy Bailey, Lead Officer for Safe Durham Partnership, Economic Partnership and Prevent will deliver a workshop to provide awareness of Prevent. 

The training will support and update your knowledge in:

• Protecting people from radicalising influences
• Supporting you to build resilience to extremist narratives
• Identifying any vulnerabilities or worrying changes in behaviour
• Knowing what to do if you have concerns

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Workshop

Tuesday 14 January 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop will cover the benefits of DBS and you (employer or voluntary organisation) working together, the different levels of DBS check and when an employee is eligible for a check and what ‘regulated activity’ is.

It will be delivered by Julia Mitchinson from the Disclosure and Barring Service

Completing a Funding Application - Bring your Project to Life

Thursday 23 January 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at volunteer led organisations and community groups. It will support you to complete a funding application, and will cover understanding the basics of applying for grant funding, how to link your project to a funders’ criteria and a demonstration of the Durham4Community grant finder programme. 

Volunteer Boundaries

Tuesday 28 January 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at volunteer coordinators or staff responsible for managing volunteers. It will cover understanding what volunteer boundaries are, identifying the need for clear boundaries, using boundaries to support people and best practice ways to ensure volunteers understand their responsibilities

Community Engagement

Thursday 30th January 10.00 - 11.30am

This workshop is aimed at volunteer led organisations and community groups.

It will look at why it is important to engage with your community, the best ways to complete research, using social media to promote your organisation and having an engagement strategy. 

This event will take place at the Durham Community Action offices in Low Willington