South East

The Wessex Charity Awards are open to any charity or not-for-profit organisation operating in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex and West Surrey.

Nominations by 31st October, http://www.wessexcharityawards.co.uk.

Ofcom is inviting applications for licences to provide community radio services within east and southeast England, excluding Greater London and other areas within the M25. Community Media Association, with Ofcom, has organised two workshops in September.

The new Third Sector Research Centre, funded by the Office of the Third Sector, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Barrow Cadbury Trust, will be led by Birmingham University in partnership with the University of Southampton.

Two capacity building clusters are to be based at the University of Middlesex and the University of Lincoln. Research subjects will include how good charities are at delivering public services (see news item above).

The TUC has published advice to safety representatives on health and safety in flooded areas, which will be of interest to other workers too. Has links to further online advice. http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-13550-f0.cfm

Solent TV, a pioneering community television station, has had to close due to lack of funds. It has been broadcasting for 5 years as a trading subsidiary of Isle of Wight charity, Island Volunteers, which has also been wound up.

Third Sector news item (registration required) at http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/661779/.

Reports on the role that the third sector can play in the development of sustainable communities in the Thames Gateway were launched last week (20th November) by Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector.

One quote: "The Third Sector is one of the top five employers in the London Thames Gateway, ahead of both manufacturing and construction, and yet the sector has still to reach its full potential."

A total of 30 UK online centres across England have been selected as part of the first phase of a net:gain project (funded under ChangeUp).

This aims to build the ICT capabilities of voluntary and community organisations, helping them to develop and implement strategic ICT plans.