The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) has reduced its membership fees for leaders of smaller charities and scrapped its joining fee, in a move designed to make support and networking more accessible across the sector.

As part of what ACEVO described as a wider effort to ensure charity leaders "of organisations of all sizes can access the support, connection and practical help they need", membership fees have been reduced for leaders of charities with annual incomes below £500,000.

For leaders of charities with incomes under £100,000, membership has fallen from £199 to £149 a year. Those leading organisations with incomes between £100,000 and £500,000 will now pay £219, down from £269.

ACEVO has also removed its £45 joining fee for all members, regardless of income.

In a LinkedIn post membership body said the changes come in response to the growing pressures facing charity leaders, particularly those running smaller organisations.

"We know that many charity leaders, particularly those in smaller organisations, are working in an increasingly difficult environment, with rising demand, financial uncertainty and constant pressure on limited resources," ACEVO said.

The organisation added that it had "heard clearly that cost can be a barrier" and had been considering how to make membership more accessible "without compromising the quality of the support and community we offer".

ACEVO said the fee reductions form part of a broader effort to ensure that support is available to as many charity leaders as possible.

"ACEVO exists to support charity leaders, and we want to make sure that support is available to as many people as possible, whatever the size of their organisation," the organisation said.

The membership changes will be followed by the launch of a new category, ACEVO Connect, in September. The £50-a-year membership will be available to leaders of charities with incomes under £100,000, as well as charity leaders who are between roles or retired.

Connect members will be able to access members-only resources through its website, including the ACEVO Community and the organisation's directory. Further details are expected to be announced ahead of the launch.

The organisation said it hopes the changes will encourage more charity leaders to join its network and access support during a challenging period for the sector.

"Our hope is that these changes will make it easier for more leaders to be part of the ACEVO community and to access the resources, networks and support that can make such a difference in challenging times," it said.

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