Our neighbours in Westminster are looking for VCS organisations in the borough to fill out their state of the sector survey.

They plan to take the information from the survey as a resource to help advocate for the work of the voluntary sector, to assist with the understanding of new and unmet community needs, and to help support and strengthen the work all VCS organisations do.

You can fill out the survey here.

The Council are looking for views on their budget consultation, with key proposals on the draft budget for 2026/27 including:

•    raising council tax by five per cent each year
•    reviewing changes to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme
•    considering introducing a Council Tax premium on second homes
•    setting fees and charges for 2026/27

The deadline to take part in the consultation is Friday 9 January 2026.

Childhood Neglect is one of the priorities for the London Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP), therefore they have chosen to focus their next FREE on-line conference on this topic.  

The conference is a whole day conference, taking place online over two half days.

You will hear from an exiting line-up of speakers (see agenda below).

The council announced last week that it had experienced a cyber attack, and have released the following statement clarifying the situation:

"We can confirm that we are now investigating a data breach as a result of a cyber attack earlier this week at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

After discovering unusual activity first thing Monday morning, we have been taking all necessary steps to shut down and isolate systems and make them as safe as possible.

Join a panel discussion - Thursday 27 November, 6.30pm to 7.45pm at Kensington Central Library and online.

Learn how to influence political decisions and become an active citizen. Join the launch of a free conversation series exploring how citizens can shape political decisions beyond the ballot box.

The first session - led by experts from UCL’s Constitution Unit, Operation Black Vote and Unlock Democracy - will unpack what democracy means, how it developed and the challenges and alternatives it faces today.

Bags of Taste is a non-profit organisation that helps people gain control over their food choices, health, and household budgets. They're currently running a free home cooking and mentoring programme for residents in the Earl’s Court area, and they are keen to share this opportunity with families connected with local school communities.

About Bags of Taste

The Good Things Foundation have announced this week the National Device Bank is now open for applications! It will be a little bit different this time…
They are expanding the service over the next three years with a new approach: successful hubs will now receive devices such as ‘phones’, ‘laptops’ or ‘tablets’over a 12-month period, starting from the award date.
Some may receive multiple batches without reapplying.
Deadline: Thursday 20 November, 12pm
Early applications are encouraged, as allocations are limited.

The K&C Digital Inclusion Partnership autumn newsletter is here!
Highlights include:
- The annual Partnership feedback survey https://forms.office.com/e/uNewN8ae0n
- How to get free mobile data for your community
- How to refer a resident for laptops, smartphones and tablets
- Applications open for the National Device Bank
- Digital Inclusion support in Libraries

The NBWL IS calling inspirational Black Women Leaders! 

Applications are now being accepted for their January 2026 cohort. As a mentor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting emerging leaders, offering guidance, encouragement, and insight rooted in your lived experience.

The application form is designed to ensure that mentors are not only qualified and aligned with the program’s philosophy but also responsive to the diverse needs and goals of the mentees.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is a charity working in partnership with RBKC Council and with local organisations who have supported their Tech4Communities programme, collecting unwanted tech from residents and refurbishing it to give back to the local community to keep.