she/her. Exec Director @NCVO, trustee for @CharityComms, proud member of @eastoncowfolk
Bristol
Joined October 2011
- Tweets5.1K
- Following1.5K
- Followers1.2K
- Likes3.7K
I was quoted on the front of the Guardian today, after signing a letter alongside more than 160 civil society leaders calling on the Prime Minister and his cabinet to support charities that are being targeted by far-right politicians and activists stoking division and hate.
For charities that need immediate support and solidarity - @NCVO has got you. We're running listening forums next week to bring people together concerned about this, alongside our training and practical support on safeguarding. Find out more here: lnkd.in/ev9_Uwhu
In no world is this acceptable.
Right now, vital organisations are being targeted because of what they stand for and who they support. At least two groups supporting UK asylum seekers have already closed their offices after credible threats to their safety.
theguardian.com/uk-news/2025…
What a team!!!
It’s day 2 at the Labour Party Conference and the team are raring to go.
We’re looking forward to highlighting the vital role charities and voluntary organisations play in making communities fairer, stronger, and more connected.
Come and see us at stand D16 to explore how we can create change together.
#LPC2025 #Lab25
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
Today at #Lab25, we welcomed to our stand MPs and charity leaders who added their name to our Change Wall, showing their support for the vital role charities and voluntary organisations play in building a fairer, stronger society.
#Lab25 #LetsCreateChangeTogether
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
“Volunteering always has and always should be just that. Voluntary.
“We encourage anyone to support their community, grow skills and give back through volunteering. But, we should never mandate it.” – Saskia Konynenburg, NCVO Executive Director
@SaskiaAlice
Using volunteering as part of a test for settled status ‘undermines its value’, charities warn
thirdsector.co.uk/using-volu…
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
Last night, and after #Lab25, we joined 89up’s Civil Society Social Club at Labour Party Conference - an evening bringing together non-profits, foundations, senior politicians and journalists to share ideas and connect.
It was a great opportunity to network, exchange perspectives and highlight the role of civil society in driving change.
ALT In this photo: Ruth Marvel OBE (left), Georgia Gould OBE MP (middle) and Saskia Konynenburg (right).
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
“Volunteering always has and always should be just that. Voluntary. We encourage anyone to support their community, grow skills and give back through volunteering. But, we should never mandate it” - @SaskiaAlice of @NCVO civilsociety.co.uk/news/home…
Small charities are lifelines – but many face closure as rising costs, shrinking donations and surging demand take their toll.
I told today’s @DailyMirror that losing them would be especially damaging: they bring deep local knowledge where statutory services don’t reach.
ALT Daily Mirror article
I was quoted alongside @CharityRetail about how the rise in Employer National Insurance is hitting the sector.
Without action, many charity shops will struggle to survive, a loss to the causes they fund and the communities that depend on them.
express.co.uk/news/uk/210649…
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
Find out more about the Civil Society Covenant here - ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insight…
@dogstrust CEO Owen Sharp is right: the Civil Society Covenant is a challenge to the sector. To make it a success, we must set realistic priorities, engage with government and find solutions together. @NCVO will play its part in making that happen, working with our partners.
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
“The government’s public procurement consultation presents a real opportunity to influence and improve the commissioning and procurement environment for the voluntary sector." - Saskia Konynenburg, NCVO Interim CEO
@SaskiaAlice
Charities have been asked to share their views on the government’s plans to increase public sector procurement spending with the sector. civilsociety.co.uk/news/char…
Thanks to @DrAlexRhys for sharing what sustainable leadership can look like.
In @NCVO Road Ahead 2025, we found 85% of small charity leaders say their role has harmed their mental health. 1 in 5 said it was severe.
Wellbeing can't be a nice-to-have.
charitytimes.com/ct/blog-opi…
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
“Our research shows, overall, that charities still face a £1.4bn bill - even with the Employment Allowance increase, placing real and increasing financial pressure on a sector already stretched too thin.” – Saskia Konynenburg, NCVO Executive Director
@SaskiaAlice
Sir Keir Starmer says he does not think it is the time to exempt charities from the uplift
thirdsector.co.uk/prime-mini…
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
We're excited to be at the Civil Society Covenant launch - the first step in building a new relationship with government. Hearing from @Keir_Starmer and @lisanandy, surrounded by voluntary and community organisations.
@sarahvibert82 @SaskiaAlice @beatricestern @rebecca_m_y
Civil Society and Government have come together today for the Delivering Change Together summit, launching the new covenant to build a new, stronger and fairer relationship.
@NCVO has played a leading role in its development, engaging with hundreds of voluntary organisations.
ALT Beatrice Stern, Sarah Elliott and Saskia Konynenburg
Charities are the country's safety net – supporting people and places the state can’t reach.
In 2023, they spent nearly £96bn doing just that.
But 2 in 5 spent more than they brought in.
We can’t keep asking more of charities without protecting the foundations they stand on.
New data points to growing social and economic impact of the charity sector amidst a tightening financial squeeze.
Discover insights from the 2023 annual return - the most comprehensive data set available to the charity sector: gov.uk/government/news/new-d…
ALT Charities spent almost £96 billion delivering their charitable aims in 2023.
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
Read the latest insights piece from our Executive Director, Saskia Konynenburg, on the government’s Spending Review 2025 and the implications for charities and the communities they support:
ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insight…
#SpendingReview2025 #SpendingReview @SaskiaAlice
🧵2/2
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
Good will towards small charities must be matched by structural changes so they can not only survive but thrive - @SaskiaAlice
thirdsector.co.uk/saskia-kon…
Saskia Konynenburg retweeted
📢 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Saskia Konynenburg as Interim Chief Executive, effective from 1 August.
Saskia said: “It’s an honour to step into the role of interim CEO at such a pivotal moment for the voluntary sector.”
Congratulations @SaskiaAlice!