Consortium Special e-bulletin

Welcome to this special e-bulletin, which is full of updates on support for our Members in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. LGBT+ Sector and COVID-19 Research  Consortium has now published two reports on how COVID-19 is impacting the LGBT+ Sector.  COVID-19: The Impact on LGBT+ Organisations  COVID-19: The Impact on LGBT+ Service Delivery  You can download both visual reports here Thank you to all our Members who took time out to complete the surveys at a time when we know you are all bombarded with requests for information! We invite all of our Members to use any of the data presented to further their own case for support. Statement on Liz Truss MP’s evidence to the Women and Equalities Select Committee On Wednesday 22nd April Liz Truss MP, the Minister for Women and Equalities, appeared before the Women and Equalities Select Committee to give evidence. She set out three priorities for her work in this role: Reshaping the GEO; International work; and the Gender Recognition Act. In relation to the comments surrounding the Gender Recognition Act, Consortium has some serious concerns, understandably shared by many in our membership. We are concerned that young trans people will have their rights restricted, which itself raises much wider concerns around the use of Gillick Competency for all young people. This is a structure that is well established, respected and central to the rights of young people. We are also concerned that the rights and freedoms of all trans people could be restricted as a result of the Minister’s push for changes to wider Equality legislation and what the ‘checks and balances’ she mentions might refer to. We will be working with our Trans Organisations Network and our wider membership to better understand sector thinking on this statement, whilst maintaining work with the Government Equalities Office LGBT team to understand how this speech affects future policy direction. We will stand firm with our Trans members in defending the human rights of all in our communities. Could your LGBT+ Group benefit from a 'Furlunteer'?  Consortium is working with Stonewall to explore how furloughed staff could add temporary capacity and support by volunteering with some of our Members during this time. If your LGBT+ Groups has something they could use a hand with over the coming weeks, get in touch with Vicky and have a chat. Webinars and Online Learning  The following Webinars can be booked through your Members Dashboard Using Evidence in Funding Bids - 12:30 on Wednesday 29th April Managing Projects - 12:30 on Thursday 30th April Consortium also has a new Strategic Planning Toolkit for Members to download and work through. You can access this along with a range of toolkits, resources, guides, reports and research through your Members Dashboard Support for the Voluntary and Community Sector COVID-19 Emergency Funds across the UK: UK Wide Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Regional and Local - Search for your regions Community Foundation. London is still in Wave 2 of London Community Response, full details can be found here and we will bring you more information about last weeks announcement from the Mayor's further investment of £4m as soon as we have it.  Crisis response – grants of up to £10,000 to enable your charity to meet the immediate needs of communities. Delivering differently – grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 to enable you to change the way you deliver work. #NeverMoreNeeded Following on from the BBC’s Big Night In and the #EveryDayCounts campaign, we are working with CharityComms to celebrate and highlight the vital and amazing work that all charities do around the UK. We are asking you and your organisation to join in and showcase the way you support and improve lives using the hashtag #NeverMoreNeeded in your social media posts. Click here to find out more and get involved. Opportunities with our Members Even during these challenging times, you can still find some great opportunities from our Members who are looking for staff and volunteers. Click here to find out more and get details of how to apply. Don't forget that Members can add their own opportunities through their Members Dashboard! Further Support Contact one of our Engagement Officers by email or phone 020 7064 6500  If you need to find other online or phone-based support, check out Consortium's 360+ Members, who are listed here