Following the sad news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing, we look at her support for the voluntary sector and what her passing means for voluntary organisations in Wales.
WCVA’s trustee board and staff team extend their condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time. During her reign, Her Majesty the Queen demonstrated unwavering support for charities and volunteers and helped shine a light on the efforts of the sector. This support is a key part of her enduring legacy.
70 YEARS OF CHAMPIONING THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Over the past 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II has been the patron of more than 600 charities. Her passion for the sector has been clear throughout her time on the throne. She has shone a light on the incredible achievements and contributions that charities, voluntary organisations and volunteers make to society both here in Wales and beyond.
In Wales, Her Majesty the Queen has been associated with a huge number of amazing charities including YMCA Wales and the Football Association of Wales not to mention her outstanding commitment to UK wide charities such as the RSPCA and Cancer Research UK.
As the First Minister, Mark Drakeford said in his statement on Thursday 8 September, ‘She will be sorely missed by the many organisations for which she was a Patron or President.’
WHAT DO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS NEED TO KNOW?
After such a long time in service, the change of monarch will feel daunting to many with uncertainties over what to do next. We have compiled a list of considerations for voluntary organisations at this time.
- There will be a period of public mourning for 10 days from 9 September 2022
- The Welsh Government and UK Government have published guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- Organisations may want to consider the impact of the news on their staff members and allow time for individuals to pay their respects during the next ten days, especially in the case of a member of the Royal Family being the patron of your organisation
- Many organisations and public bodies will be adapting the tone of their communications during this period including a ‘respectful silence’ of 24hr – 48hr is being carried out by many following a message of condolences
- WCVA understands that public services will continue to be delivered as normal, although there may be some disruption on the day of the State Funeral. We expect that Welsh Government will seek to attend external meetings, respond to correspondence and other public enquiries, but due sensitivity will be taken with communications during the mourning period including public announcements, social media and updates to their website
- During the mourning period, Welsh Parliament will meet to agree its message of condolence and for the purpose of taking oaths to the new Sovereign. Other Parliamentary business will be suspended until after the State Funeral
- WCVA may seem a little quieter than usual on social media but please be assured that our services will continue during this period including pre-planned training with the exception of the state funeral day
- For many organisations, business will continue as usual at this time and there is no obligation or advice to cancel events and activities during the mourning period except for on the state funeral day. When making decisions on whether to cancel or postpone any activities, organisations may want to consider the immediate needs of their service users and ways to adapt activities, for example conducting a minute’s silence at the beginning of events
- The day of the state funeral will be a public holiday and therefore organisations may want to consider postponing or cancelling events on Monday 19 September
If you need any further advice or have any questions at this time, please get in touch.