- Conference
- 2026 National Community Conference and Seminar
- Date
- 5 November 2025
- Decision
- Carried
This Conference Notes:
1)That small charities play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities, often filling gaps left by underfunded public services.
2)That recent government fiscal policies, including austerity measures, changes to tax relief, increase of Employers National Insurance and reductions in grant funding, have disproportionately affected small charities.
3)That inflation, rising energy costs, and increased demand for services have placed additional strain on these organisations.
4)That many small charities rely on local authority funding, which has been significantly reduced due to central government cuts. They also heavily rely on donations which are becoming harder to get.
5)That small charities are essential partners in delivering community services and supporting social justice.
6)That government fiscal policies have created an unsustainable environment for small charities, threatening their survival and the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
7)With potential changes in employment law we believe government should stand the cost of Statutory Sick Pay to small charities and assist them to meet any fair pay agreement.
8)That UNISON, as a union representing workers in public and voluntary sectors, has a responsibility to advocate for a fairer funding model that supports the sustainability of small charities.
We ask that the service group executive:
a)Work with the NEC and labour link and other relevant sections of the union for increased and sustainable funding for small charities, particularly those delivering essential community services. This should include funding for sick pay changes and any fair pay agreement.
b)Work with the NEC, labour link and other relevant sections of the union to lobby the Government to review the effects national insurance contribution rises have had on small charities.
c)Work with voluntary sector partners to highlight the impact of funding cuts on service users and staff.
d)Support branches in building alliances with local charities to campaign jointly for fair funding and recognition.
e)Submit evidence to relevant parliamentary committees and public inquiries on the impact of fiscal policy on the voluntary sector.