Collaborating in Extraordinary Times

Small Charity Week logo

The Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL), one of the academic centres of excellence in the OU Business School, is actively taking part this month in both Volunteers’ Week and Small Charity Week.

Small Charity Week begins on Monday 15 June and runs until Saturday 20 June. CVSL is running an online event which focuses on the challenges associated with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in England, supported by two local charities in Milton Keynes – MK Community Foundation; and Community Action: MK.

As we progress further out of lockdown while maintaining restrictions on our movements and activities, the event looks at what the impact has been on organisations and what the future is likely to hold. CVSL Director Dr Carol Jacklin-Jarvis has taken part in recorded discussions with the Chief Executive of Community Action: MK, Clare Walton, and the CEO of MK Community Foundation, Ian Revell. The work of other academics associated with CVSL is also explored via research-informed online resources to help understand some of the challenges and to prepare for the future.

There is a live ‘lunch and learn’ free session on Thursday 18 June from 12:30 where academics will respond to questions submitted throughout the week via the website.

All the available learning activities for the week, including how to sign-up for this live lunchtime event, is on the CVSL website.

Visiting Research Fellow Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo wrote a blog for the recent Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) which includes links to resources specifically developed to support the voluntary sector.

Upcoming Events

Jun 2

Technology, Inclusion and Esports: Opening Up New Spaces of Participation

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 10:30 to 12:30

Online and and in person at The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB

This event explores the relationship between technology, inclusion, and esports, examining how digital gaming environments can create new opportunities for participation, connection, and belonging in society and organisations.

Jul 16

Guest lecture: Fraud, Data and Emerging Risks

Thursday, July 16, 2026 - 14:00 to 15:30

Online on MS Teams

This guest lecture with Mike Haley, CEO of Cifas, will provide an overview of the types of fraud currently causing the greatest harm to society and examine how advances in AI are likely to affect fraud cases in the future.

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