Association of Guernsey Charities

Alderney’s charitable sector is active and highly interconnected, but like many small communities, it faces capacity constraints: access to funding, limited time and volunteer availability with a small number of people often holding multiple roles across community life, the need for strong governance and compliance resulting in greater charity administration, challenges in co-ordinating support across multiple organisations and public services, and limited travel and digital connectivity leading to health and education inequalities. Additionally, confidentiality in a small island community requires special consideration. Residents may be reluctant to seek help if doing so feels visible, services need to be designed with privacy and trust in mind and in neutral hub locations.

Following the award of a grant for Alderney, Nicky Burland started as the Association of Guernsey Charities’ on-island Alderney Development Officer in January. In her role she has helped charities navigate registration and annual filing requirements, supported stronger governance practice, and acted as a practical connector between Alderney organisations, Bailiwick-wide charities, and the States of Alderney, resulting in an increase in access to support for Alderney’s charity sector. Early indicators of change include increased demand for support, four new charity set-ups approaching for help, and improved pathways for sharing information, referrals, and resources.

Nicky’s approach has been simple but effective. A single, local point of contact providing practical help to existing and emerging charities, connecting charities to one another and to relevant public services, and acting as a bridge to Bailiwick-wide organisations that may be interested in extending or adapting provision for Alderney.

Early outcomes include:

• Increased engagement: charities and community groups are proactively seeking help, including requests to establish new charities.
• More consistent administration: charities have clearer routes for meeting registry requirements and maintaining governance standards.
• Better-connected support ecosystem: more introductions and practical linkups between Alderney organisations and Bailiwick-wide charities and services - for example, strengthening points of contact for social prescribing and supporting partners to locate accessible provision in St Anne.
• Clearer signposting: residents and groups are being directed more efficiently to the right people and organisations.
• Momentum for structured next steps: a shared understanding is emerging about what could be achieved in the near term versus longer-term ambitions, helping manage expectations.

Alderney’s charities play a vital role in their small community, but they should not have to tackle governance, funding, and co-ordination challenges alone. Having an on-island sector development resource gives charities - and Bailiwick-wide partners - a trusted starting point to connect, share expertise and, ultimately, increase the support available to islanders.