The Small Charities Advisory Panel (SCAP) has announced the appointment of five new members, ensuring a diverse and representative group of small charities will continue to advocate for the needs of the sector. The panel, which is led by NCVO, exists to strengthen the voice of small charities in policy and decision-making.
The new appointments follow a thorough and competitive recruitment process and reflect SCAP’s renewed commitment to ensuring that small charities are at the heart of its work. The panel now consists exclusively of small charity representatives, with the inclusion of one local infrastructure body, further reinforcing its focus on small charities’ voices and experiences.
The newly appointed members are:
• Nasar Iqbal, Founder and Director, Black Country Innovate CIC
• Kate Little, Deputy Chief Executive, CVS Cheshire East
• Jumoke Quadri, Chief Executive, Nurturing Foundations
• Kynton Swingle, Community Development Manager, Fox Hollies Community Association
• Bill Yuksel, Trustee, Mindera UK Foundation
These new members join an experienced panel of small charity leaders, all dedicated to ensuring that small voluntary organisations are better resourced, valued, and connected. By 2028, SCAP aims to see small charities better supported to deliver their vital work, understood by decision-makers, and meaningfully engaged in policy and funding discussions.
Kate Little, Deputy Chief Executive, CVS Cheshire East said "I am delighted to have been appointed to the Small Charities Advisory Panel, which is a great opportunity to champion the small charities we work with in Cheshire East on a national scale. I look forward to working with my fellow panel members and NCVO to ensure that small charities have a mighty voice, and are considered, supported and empowered at every level of policy and decision-making."
A strengthened commitment to small charities
In 2024, a review of the panel’s role led to a strategic shift–ensuring that panel membership would be exclusively made up of small charities to strengthen their influence and advocacy. This change reflects SCAP’s guiding principles, which are rooted in the findings of the Small Charities Coalition’s closing report:
• If you support or fund small charities, say so upfront.
• Take time to understand and tune into the reality of being a small charity.
• Build trust by creating space for relationships.
• Think small, advocate ambitiously.
Vicki Beevers, Co-Chair of the Small Charities Advisory Panel and CEO of The Sleep Charity, said: “Small charities continue to face enormous pressures, with increasing demand on their services but fewer resources. Communities experiencing significant hardship rely on these organisations for essential support. We must ensure that these charities not only survive but thrive. The Small Charities Advisory Panel plays a crucial role in advocating for change, and I’m delighted to welcome new members who will help drive this work forward.”
Angela Spence, Observer to the Small Charities Advisory Panel and CEO of Kensington and Chelsea Social Council, said: "Attending the first in-person meeting of the newly formed panel, I saw first-hand the dedication of its members. As both an NCVO trustee and the CEO of a local infrastructure body, I understand the daily challenges small charities face. The panel is a vital space for ensuring their voices are heard, strengthening collaboration, and advocating for the support they need. I'm pleased to be part of this work and look forward to its continued impact."
Looking ahead
SCAP will continue to work closely with NCVO, funders, infrastructure bodies, and government decision-makers to improve the support available to small charities. Through collaboration and advocacy, the panel aims to create an environment where small charities are recognised, resourced, and able to thrive.
To find out more about the Small Charities Advisory Panel and its work, visit: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/about-us/our-services/support-small-charities-voluntary-organisations/small-charities-advisory-panel/
