Management and Admin

The Information Commissioner's Office has launched a new Code of Practice on how organisations should use personal information, which explains how the Data Protection Act applies to the collection and use of personal data online. It provides good practice advice for organisations that do business or provide services online, asking them "be straight with consumers" so that people know why their personal information is being collected, how it will be used and who else may end up seeing it.

A guide to help organisations get ready for working in collaboration has been produced as part of the Collaboration Benefits Programme run by the community organisations body Bassac.

Third Sector reports that more than thirty recycling charities in London are to work together as part of a new London Reuse Network, to present a one-stop-shop for reuse collections, restorations, and redistribution in London, http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/1015440/, or see http://www.lcrn.org.uk/projects/london-reuse-network.

The vlabs blog gives a pointer to Sidekick Studios "C*ck-Up Cocktails - The (Beta) Trial Event". Three third sector activists spoke about the importance of making mistakes in getting to be effective organisations.

Charities Evaluation Services has published 'Implementing strategy: ideas and inspiration'. The guide "takes six main areas of activity in strategy implementation and presents a collection of frameworks and techniques to guide you in supporting your organisation to achieve its vision".

The think tank Demos has produced a report which argues that third sector organisations must be able to demonstrate their social value in the face of pending cuts, but they have some way to go and need support to implement a standardised method.

An online tool to help new organisations decide which legal model to adopt has been created by NCVO with support from law firm Bates, Wells and Braithwaite. Covering charities, social enterprises and co-operatives, 'Get Legal' aims to give clear information and guidance on the most appropriate legal form and governance structure for delivering the organisation's goals.

The Compact Advocacy Programme has a new one page briefing on resolving disputes between partners. 'Fighting the Good Fight: Effective Dispute Resolution Tactics' in pdf, 86KB.

(Source: Compact Voice)