nonprofit digital communications consultant, social media evangelist, social entrepreneur and philanthropist.
New chief executive of Bolton Lads and Girls Club
Karen Edwards has been appointed chief executive of Bolton Lads and Girls Club after starting her career there as an unpaid volunteer more than 15 years ago. Karen takes over the role from Jerry Glover, who will now lead the OnSide North West project to replicate BLGC in new youth clubs across the region. Karen began volunteering at the club in 1995 on Thursday and Friday evenings after deciding she wanted to work with young people.
Within six months, she had embarked on a part-time youth work qualification and spent her spare time planning activities for young club members to enjoy, admitting she “got hooked” on the positive atmosphere and opportunities the club brought.
New Commission advice on the environment
The Charity Commission’s new best practice recommendation on environmental responsibility and sustainability is highlighted today in the joint Ministerial and Third Sector Task force report on climate change, the environment and sustainable development. The Commission’s Board recently approved the addition to both its publications Hallmarks of an Effective Charity, and The Essential Trustee, which now say that trustees should have regard to the impact of their charity’s activities on the environment. The recommendation goes on to say that trustees should consider ways in which their charity can take an environmentally responsible and sustainable approach to its work, which is consistent with its purposes even when its purposes are not specifically related to the environment.
New powers to take foreigners' DNA
The Crime and Security Bill is amended to extend police powers to record those convicted abroad
'Can more data boost people power?'
In its new debate, the Audit Commission discusses the quality of public data
Steven Purcell is to quit politics
Former Glasgow City Council leader steps down as councillor amid allegations of drug taking
'A rural Digital Britain will be tough'
Figures reveal action will still be needed on two thirds of communities by 2015
''Every request for equipment was met''
The Prime Minister tells Chilcot that troops got everything that was asked for
Stoke cancels privatised partnership
The council decided an outsourcing deal would not generate enough savings
Celebrities: Gaby Roslin, Jenson Button, Calum Best and Hugh Grant
Famous names support their favourite causes this week
Charity staff 'prevented from standing for election'
Employers fear it will bring allegations of political bias, recruitment expert claims
Best of the Blogs: a rallying cry to the working classes, resentment of Oxfam and the trials of being a philanthropist
Your round-up of this week's charity-related debate online
GuideStar UK website will still be free, says new owner the Directory of Social Change
Transfer deal with GuideStar International covered by confidentiality clause
Celebrities: Fiona Bruce, Jon Snow, Sir Paul McCartney and Suranne Jones
Famous names supporting charities this week
RSPCA warns on legacy appeal case
The RSPCA and three other large charities have issued a statement warning of huge implications for the sector if the RSPCA loses its forthcoming appeal against the High Court ruling that cost it a £2m legacy.
New £50m Big Lottery Fund for Scotland
Young people leaving care, older people with dementia and their carers will be the focus of a new £50m Big Lottery Fund in Scotland.
Legacy income in 'doldrums'
The legacy market is in significant strife and is unlikely to return to pre-recession levels for another two years, according to a report released today.
Celebrities: Gaby Roslin, Jenson Button, Calum Best and Hugh Grant
Famous names support their favourite causes this week
Charity staff 'prevented from standing for election'
Employers fear it will bring allegations of political bias, recruitment expert claims
Best of the Blogs: a rallying cry to the working classes, resentment of Oxfam and the trials of being a philanthropist
Your round-up of this week's charity-related debate online
GuideStar UK website will still be free, says new owner the Directory of Social Change
Transfer deal with GuideStar International covered by confidentiality clause
Celebrities: Fiona Bruce, Jon Snow, Sir Paul McCartney and Suranne Jones
Famous names supporting charities this week
More charity communications and campaigning news, jobs and blogs
Volunteer rights inquiry is delayed
Six month extension for report by Volunteering England
Government increases funding for v to £39m
Angela Smith, Minister for the Third Sector, announces increases for three more schemes but cuts to Capacitybuilders
Volunteer organisations 'should be consulted over legislation'
Volunteering England wants them to have the right to consider the effects on volunteering of bills and regulations
Two volunteers dismiss 'inadequate' Pituitary Foundation apology
Jon Danzig and Joanna Lane accuse the charity of 'doublespeak'
Scotland faces a 'lost generation of volunteers'
Volunteer Development Scotland warns that fewer young people recognise the link between volunteering and being a good citizen
I'm an experienced charity communications consultant, specialising in social media, digital activism, online fundraising and campaigning.