The new UK Civil Society Covenant was officially launched on 17th July marking an opportunity to reset relationships between government and civil society.  This follows the call from the Prime Minister last year for a ‘fundamental reset’ in how civil society and government work together.

This was a commitment echoed at the time by WCVA CEO Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, who welcomed the opportunity to build a more open, collaborative and respectful partnership across all nations of the UK. From the outset, WCVA has welcomed the chance to help shape this conversation and ensure the Welsh context is learned from and respected.

THE COVENANT AND WALES

For us in Wales, the Covenant represents a step forward in how we engage with UK Government on matters that are not devolved to Welsh Government. The Covenant does not replace or override any of the strong frameworks already in place within Wales.

Our own Third Sector Scheme, established in law and jointly owned by Welsh Government and the sector, remains the gold standard. It continues to guide how we work together across all policy areas devolved to Wales, from health and education to climate action and volunteering.

That partnership is built into the structures of government here, with the Third Sector Partnership Council and regular engagement through ministerial portfolios. The Covenant must complement these structures. It also offers a chance for other parts of the UK Government to learn from how partnership working is already embedded in Wales through Third Sector Support Wales (TSSW).

More information is available at :- 

https://wcva.cymru/the-new-uk-civil-society-covenant/

Are you passionate about making a real difference for people affected by cancer?

Tenovus Cancer Care is seeking new Trustees to help guide our charity at a pivotal moment in our history.

We’re especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Finance, audit & risk management
• Digital
• Retail
• Fundraising
• Business / entrepreneurship
• Health inequalities

For over 80 years, Tenovus Cancer Care has been giving help, hope, and a voice to people affected by cancer across Wales. Each year, we support thousands of people through our dedicated nurses, counsellors, and benefits advisors - and with cancer diagnoses rising, our work is more critical than ever.

We are eager to expand our diversity and are committed to building a Board that reflects the broad communities we serve.

Deadline: 21 August 2025

Interviews: 9-11 September 2025

If you’re ready to share your skills and time to help shape our future, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to alison.partridge@tenovuscancercare.org.uk

Please click on the link below to view the Trustee Recruitment Pack :-

trustee-recruitment-pack-2025-july-2025.pdf

Carers Trust Wales provides Short Break Scheme funding from Welsh Government to Interlink and Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil to provide grants to community and voluntary organisations in Cwm Taf to support unpaid carers.

The Amser programme aims to increase the availability and accessibility of short breaks; provide personalised, flexible and responsive break options and to prioritise those unpaid carers who most need it.

We received an incredible range of exceptional applications and awarded over £80,000 to the following 9 organisations, ARC Project, Age Connects Morgannwg, Behaviour Support Hub. Cwm Taf Peoples First, Gellideg Foundation, Growing Space, NeuroBusiness, Taff Rocks and Gelli Life for Living.

These will provide an exciting and diverse range of short breaks, include overnight stays in hotels, walking groups, yoga sessions, pamper sessions and group sessions such as afternoon teas and trips.

'It was such a joy to have so many outstanding applications.  Our grant panel, made up of Carers Trust Wales, Interlink and Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, were amazed by the number and quality of the applications and we are excited about working together to promote access to short breaks to unpaid carers and their loved ones.'  Simon James, Interlink RCT