CharitEpulse

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Politics & funding: charity sector funding may face pressure in light of potential shifts in government spending priorities, including increased defence expenditure. The discussion considers whether charities risk being overlooked in this environment. Pay inequality: a recent Pro Bono Economics report highlights a potential structural pay gap...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Church of England investment fund reaches £11.6bn: marking 17 consecutive years of growth. Larger charities dominate public procurement: research indicates that charities with incomes over £1m (around 5.5% of the sector) secure a significant proportion of contracts, while smaller organisations face barriers due to complexity and cost. Trustee soci...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Policy and sector support: recent government announcements offered limited detail for the charity sector, with little clarity on social care funding or cost-of-living support, highlighting ongoing questions around sector advocacy. Conflicts of interest in focus: updated Charity Commission (CC29) guidance reinforces the importance of robust governa...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The Government’s £1m roadmap for place‑based philanthropy Sentebale’s defamation case involving Prince Harry and a founding trustee Allegations of a toxic workplace culture at NCVO Duke of Edinburgh’s Award a great British success story Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: http...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The scale of the charity sector: headline figures that underline the importance of charities and trustees across the UK The Charity Commission’s powers: its role in tackling extremism and whether further powers are needed The voice of small charities: concerns that smaller organisations are being overlooked in government debates Trustee recruitmen...

In this special episode of CharitEpulse, the trio are joined by Sharon Davies, founder of The Good Place Co and former CEO of Young Enterprise, who brings over 30 years of experience in the not for profit sector. Sharon shares insights from her work at The Good Place Co, whose mission is to strengthen organisational impact for small to medium-sized charities by co‑designing sustainable leadership...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Railway charity leadership dispute - CEO resigns after governance tensions around non‑executive and executive roles Prime Minister's proposed regulatory powers - Plans to give the Charity Commission stronger powers to close charities Growing focus on impact reporting - David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission, urges charities to deliver mor...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Government launches £11.59m Local Covenant Partnerships Fund targeting 15 disadvantaged areas Charity Commission uses extremely rare legal powers to merge two mosque charities Late charity account filings surge 51% to 17,773, raising governance concerns Charity Commission recruiting 80 new staff as budget rises 27% to address ‘extraordinary’ deman...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The Sackler Trust: Whether redacting information in charity accounts is ever a good idea, and the transparency issues it raises. Henry Smith Foundation: A new initiative to boost trustee board diversity, launched in partnership with several sector organisations. National Fund: The future of a 1928 fund, now worth £607m, originally established to h...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the hosts discuss: New leadership at the Charity Commission: Dame Julia Unwin’s appointment brings a wealth of experience and a pledge to make the Commission more decisive. Charity inquiry update: HMRC and the Charity Commission investigate 105 charities, with 32 under scrutiny for financial mismanagement. 2025 in review and 2026 outlook: The trio reflect on the se...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the hosts discuss some of the most pressing issues shaping the charity sector today: Autumn Budget: Why charities may feel the pinch more than most following the recent Budget announcement. Home Secretary’s plan for migrant volunteering: Over 300 charities have signed a letter rejecting the plan, calling it “immoral and impractical”. Trustee diversity and developme...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the hosts discuss some of the most pressing issues shaping the charity sector today: Companies House transition from registrar to regulator: New verification requirements for company directors. New charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice): three-tier approach based on income levels, changes to income recognition and lease accounting. Charity audit and acc...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the hosts discuss some of the most pressing issues shaping the charity sector today: Autumn Budget: What the upcoming announcement could mean for charity finances. Leadership exodus?: A high percentage of senior charity executives are considering leaving their roles. Social Insights Panel: Charity leaders unite to advise government on public service reform. Regulat...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, Charles Mesquita and James Saunders are joined by special guest Joe Saxton, Chair of the Association of Chairs. Together, they unpick the findings of a major consultation involving over 600 charity leaders, exploring what really matters to today’s boards. During the episode, they discuss: Trustee governance and Board effectiveness Legal duties vs practical demands...

In this special edition of CharitEpulse, the trio sit down for an in-depth conversation with Charlotte Schofield, Director of Fundraising at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising in the charity sector and delve into UHB Charity’s unique approach to engaging supporters and driving impact. During the episode, they discuss: Industry tran...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: A new style of charity merger?: Two leading food charities have announced a merger, underscoring the operational and reputational challenges involved, from staffing and fundraising pressures to the need for decision-making that prioritises the interests of the newly formed organisation. Are charities paying the living wage?: New analysis from the...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The Aspinall Foundation inquiry: The son of the founder was suspended following allegations of misusing charitable funds for personal luxuries. Charity Commission class inquiry: Investigation into 105 charities that cashed cheques worth £22 million between December 2021 and March 2023. Raising concerns about financial oversight and the appropriate...

In this special edition of CharitEpulse, the trio have an in-depth conversation about what it’s like to be a charity trustee. Drawing on their personal experiences, they discuss: The role and purpose of trustees Risks and responsibilities involved in trusteeship Motivations for becoming a trustee Personal benefits from being a trustee Pathways to becoming a trustee – being approached vs. applying...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Economic impact unveiled: Pro Bono Economics’ recent research reveals the UK charity sector may contribute up to £200 billion annually to the economy, far surpassing government estimates. Fraud at the Prison Reform Trust: The case sparks debate on second chances and the need for stronger financial safeguards. Sentebale dispute: The Charity Commiss...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Government's new "Covenant": Designed to reset relations between government and the charity sector. Public trust remains strong: The 2025 research shows that public trust in charities remains high, with the sector ranking just below doctors and above the police and politicians. But is it time to question the value of publishing this data annually?...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The government’s decision to reject a proposed increase to the society lottery cap. Voluntary code for prize draws. The recent rebranding of the Henry Smith Charity to the Henry Smith Foundation. Disqualification of former health charity chair. Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insigh...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Government Spending Review (SR), and its impact on the charity sector. UKGrantmaking report, exploring how trusts and foundations have surpassed government bodies as the largest source of grant income for the voluntary sector. Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), and their growing role in the sector. Civil Society Covenant, the balance between being politi...

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The Charity Commission issues official warnings to two charities. Surprising (or not?) openness to investment in armaments at recent Charity Finance Investment Forum. Cash management challenges, why are charities not maximising returns on reserves? The power dynamics involved in large charities’ relationships with local communities. Subscribe to o...

In this episode of CharitEpulse the trio discuss: Are governance reviews worth doing? Are Deputy Chairs needed? Charitable giving by UK's wealthiest increased by £500 million , but questions arise about the relevance of ultra-high net worth donations compared to average UK donors. UK legacy income grows to £4.5 billion as probate backlog clears , emphasising the importance of wills and charitable...

In this episode of CharitEpulse the trio discuss: Revised fundraising code: Effective from 1 November 2025, this update reflects technological advancements and societal changes, marking a positive step forward. Charity governance code update expected: Anticipated changes may focus on digital governance, environmental responsibility, and stakeholder accountability. Trusteeship analysis: A recent re...