Latest News
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Most popular days for Christmas giving revealed
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News agency offering 10 charities pro bono help to get coverage
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Charity regulator opens more than 600 fraud investigations over the last year
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Nine in ten charities face challenges with their banking, report reveals
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Homelessness charities share £30,000 in Building Society's dormant account funding
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Generation Z and millennials 'most likely to volunteer and promote good causes'
Archive Features
Charities are set for a difficult winter ahead. Could it finally be time to tap into vital reserves?
20/12/2023
Crisis after crisis, many charities have faced a surge in demand as they are under pressure to fill in vital gaps in public services. But where’s the funding to match?
16/12/2023
A chief executive role can sound prestigious and it can be empowering to be the one making the big decisions – but it also has its pitfalls.
15/05/2023
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting every element of charity operations, and volunteering is no exception. Melissa Moody explores how charities are dealing with the latest shortage of willing volunteers by bringing community into the heart of their work.
14/04/2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising efficiency in the charity sector, but the role of people will be crucial to its success, writes Melissa Moody
11/08/23
The relationship between charities and Westminster has always been a divisive topic, but to what extent should charities involve themselves in politics?
04/04/23
Charities are lagging behind corporate counterparts when it comes to setting net zero goals. But what is preventing action and how can the two work better together?
13/12/22
The charity sector claims to be at the forefront of inclusion and diversity, but how accessible is it really for those with disabilities?
25/10/22
Charities are increasingly turning to a variety of mediums for publishing the annual report.
But what are the benefits of creative reporting and is it worthwhile?
But what are the benefits of creative reporting and is it worthwhile?
26/08/22
The UK Bill of Rights has been proposed as a replacement from the Human Rights Act, but charities are concerned about the impact it will have on the work they do. A collaboration fighting the change talks to Melissa Moody about why.
24/08/22
A thirst for change is on the horizon and people in the charity sector are taking to creating
anonymous Twitter accounts to make it happen. But what are these accounts achieving?
anonymous Twitter accounts to make it happen. But what are these accounts achieving?
22/07/22
Charities are finding they’re stuck in a cycle of short-termism, consistently tackling imminent problems and unable to achieve long-term goals. But how has it ended up like this, and what can be done?
12/07/22
Charity mergers among small charities are at a high, but so too are the immediate financial implications. Will those that have acted now reap financial benefits further down the line?
13/05/22
With recruitment in the charity sector at an all time low, organisations are looking for more ways to retain employees and lure staff into the sector. Could mentoring be one of the answers? Melissa Moody explores.
12/04/22
With charities unable to meet increasing wages and facing difficulty attracting new talent into the sector, apprenticeships could be the solution they didn’t know they needed, as Melissa Moody discovers.
04/03/22
With AI growing in use in industries across the globe, reports have shown that the charity
sector is falling behind in adopting the new technology. But why?
sector is falling behind in adopting the new technology. But why?
13/01/22
Will long-term consequences of the pandemic make it more difficult?
16/12/21
How can charities reach exceptional candidates?
14/12/21
Is the move worth the potential risks?
26/10/21
Should employee benefits make the cut?
09/09/21
Gen-Z are creeping up to be among the most generous donors, so how do charities seek attract and retain them?
03/09/21
Why are trustees more likely to approach peers than regulators?
03/09/21
A culture of fear could be causing dishonesty.
11/05/21
Charity leaders share their plans for survival.
07/08/20
The pandemic has placed corporate partnerships under the spotlight.
29/07/20
Positive takeaways from sector leaders.
29/05/20
How to lead your charity through Covid-19.
20/05/20
Communication and influencing will be essential for best results
26/02/20
They share the same vision, so why must they go to battle?
26/02/20
How to remove the stigma and start opening conversations.
25/02/20
In an age of hyper-sensitivity, how can charities run hard-hitting campaigns without falling foul of mass criticism?
24/02/20
Does your charity need to abandon hierarchical leadership?
24/02/20
Insider fraud is on the rise among the charity sector, but encouraging a culture of whistleblowing among charities could be the key to improving sector-wide resilience.
27/06/18
The 2018 Charity Times Annual Conference set out to provide delegates with insights into how key decision makers can work to lead their charities through difficult times, whilst taking the opportunities that present themselves.
27/06/18
The government is longing for a ‘shared vital mission’ with the third sector. But is the lack of trust and tightening of regulation causing a more obvious divide?
27/06/18
Future First CEO Matt Lent is new into post, but already has some big plans for the charity. He tells David Adams why alumni are so important to the education of others, and why partnerships will form a big part of the organisation’s future strategy.
Feb/March 2018
Social media can boost brand awareness, act as a tool for fundraising and increase donations, but one size doesn’t fit all.
20/12/17
A review of the research into the positive benefits of volunteering on those who take part
June/July 2017
The incoming General Data Protection Regulation will change how data can be used, but few are prepared
June/July 2017
How Refuge is continuing to support more women despite deep funding cuts
April/May 2017
Charities are under increasing scrutiny, as the body overseeing fundraising marks a year in operation. Charity Times looks at how the various bodies are interacting with the sector
June/July 2017
Alternatives are becoming more mainstream as investors increasingly seek the stable, long-term returns of real assets like infrastructure and commercial property
April/May 2017
Real assets can provide a sustainable and growing income
April/May 2017
How confusing is it for the third sector to choose the right strategy when buying and deploying technology? Charity Times considers the options available to organisations
April/May 2017
Charity mergers can be a recipe for success, but joining forces can be complicated
April/May 2017
Dr Beverley Jacobson has driven an impressive recovery at learning disability charity Kisharon
Feb/March 2017
Inflation and low interest rates are challenging fixed income investors, but that does not mean charities should abandon their bond allocations entirely
Feb/March 2017
How to find and recruit trustees with the skills and desire to drive an organisation forward
Feb/March 2017
City Bridge Trust is putting stakeholders first as it sets its next five-year funding strategy
Feb/March 2017
The trusts and foundations space continues to develop and innovate as these diverse organisations become an increasingly important part of the sector’s funding mix
Feb/March 2017
New guidance on government grants was welcomed in many quarters for departing from the previously hard line on campaigning. But with Brexit on the horizon and the Prime Minister’s ‘shared society’ agenda, the future for public funding is unclear
Feb/March 2017
Contactless payment is the norm for many face-to-face transactions, but not yet for donations. The technology is on the rise, however, with implications for fundraising
Oct/Nov 2016
Outsourcing back office functions can be a cost saving move for charities looking to make funds stretch further, but it is not for everyone
Oct/Nov 2016
Devolution has the potential to benefit charities and their service users, but a good outcome for the sector is not guaranteed
Oct/Nov 2016
Charities could be sitting on a potential treasure trove in the data they hold on supporters and data generated by their operations, but very few have the in-house capability to make the most of it
September 2016
The new Insurance Act seeks to create a fairer balance between insurers and policyholders. Charity Times covers the changes
September 2016
Media coverage in 2015 made for uncomfortable reading for fundraisers. What steps has the sector taken to adjust practices and approaches in the wake of such an awful year?
September 2016
Corporate partnerships can offer a wealth of benefits but how do you make sure you find the right company for your organisation?
September 2016
Charities face a range of challenges in meeting their retirement income obligations to employees past and present
July 2016
Unseen is a small, multi-award winning organisation taking on the massive problem of modern slavery. Chief executive Andrew Wallis told Matt Ritchie how the charity goes about it
July 2016
The relationship between charities and their regulators has been decidedly fraught of late. Should these bodies play the role of critical friend or disciplinarian?
July 2016
Charity Shops are integral to both fundraising and visibility. In difficult times for retail generally, how are they holding up?
April/May 2016
Best New Charity 2015 winner The Silver Line has experienced rapid growth since launch in 2013. Chief executive Sophie Andrews talked Matt Ritchie through the charity’s unique offering and the challenges ahead
April/May 2016
Getting a clear picture of the costs of investment management services and the impact on performance is not straightforward
April/May 2016
William Reid highlights some areas of interest he comes across as a charity investment manager, and one bugbear...
April/May 2016
Charities’ participation in the debate around EU membership is the latest battleground for third sector independence, as evidence mounts that charities are being muzzled
April/May 2016
The charity sector is host to many innovative uses of mobile technology, but its full potential may have been underexploited to date
Feb/March 2016
City Bridge Trust director David Farnsworth spoke to Matt Ritchie about the organisation’s plans and priorities on the eve of its 20th anniversary
Feb/March 2016
IntoUniversity won the Charity Times Charity of the Year (£1-£5m income) in 2015, recognised for its excellent model and approach to targeting areas of greatest need. Chief executive Dr Rachel Carr told Matt Ritchie how the organisation grew from a community centre project to a national charity helping thousands of children a year
Feb/March 2016
A campaign has swung into action to reverse the trend of sharply declining public sector grant funding to charities, but bringing about a change in approach promises to be a tough task
Feb/March 2016
Considerations for charities looking to diversify their funding mix
Feb/March 2016
How charities need to consider the full range of options to build their resilience
Feb/March 2016
Charity investors could be in for a bumpy ride in 2016
December/January 2015/16
Citizens Advice celebrated its 75th birthday last year. This year it was one of our charities of the year, and Chief executive Gillian Guy says the organisation is working hard to make its service more appealing and effective than ever
December/January 2015/16
Charities are required to review their investments and managers, but there are plenty of grey areas around when and how they should do it
December/January 2015/16
The key issues ahead of the third sector in the year ahead, and how they can be tackled
December/January 2015/16
Antony Savvas considers how charities can ensure their IT function is understood across the organisation to gain maximum value from it, and what they can do to keep their sensitive donor and beneficiary data secure
June/July 2015
Joe Lepper looks at the latest thinking on how charities can engage with major donors and the benefits of doing it well
June/July 2015
Eileen Houghton of accountancy firm Carpenter Box spoke to Queen Alexandra Hospital Home’s head of finance David Hood about how the charity is dealing with the new SORP
July 2015
When Sue Davie joined Meningitis Trust from the private sector in 2002, it was the fulfilment of an ambition to work in civil society before the age of 40
Feb/March 2015
Investments in emerging market assets have promised much over the past several years, but investors have not always been rewarded. Mathew Little asks whether charities’ faith in emerging markets is about to be repaid
Feb/March 2015
Charities are increasingly taking advantage of mobile technology to increase their income and achieve their objectives. Antony Savvas looks at how charities are harnessing the power of apps
Feb/March 2015
Jay Kennedy finds the NAO’s recent follow-up report on the Charity Commission raises some notable points, but says there are some important gaps in the analysis
Feb/March 2015
The Lobbying Act passed last year despite vociferous opposition from the charity sector. Halfway through the regulated period in the run up to the general election, Joe Lepper looks at how charities are approaching campaigning under the new regime
Feb/March 2015
Voluntary sector leaders continue the debate on how the sector can and should develop
January 2015
David Adams rounds up the key issues ahead of the third sector in 2015, finding charity leaders would be well advised to expect the unexpected
January 2015
One of the country’s largest charities, but regional in focus, Alternative Futures Group has found ways to prosper while funding has shrunk. Chief executive Neil Campbell tells Matt Ritchie how the 2014 Charity Times Award winner is finding new ways to succeed
January 2015
Mathew Little looks at the various factors likely to impact upon the investment environment in 2015, and takes expert views on the implications for charities
January 2015
Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms are now ubiquitous in modern life, and are increasingly being used to help raise funds and awareness. Antony Savvas looks at what works and what doesn’t on these new channels
October/November 2014
Maurice McLeod reviews the social impact investment landscape following a recent flurry of activity in the area
October/November 2014
Directory of Social Change director of policy and research Jay Kennedy says DSC's objections to the regulator gathering some of its funding from the sector include practicality, proportionality, PR, precedent, and principle
21/11/2014
When it comes to innovative web design, charities are taking risks where they promise to deliver substantial return on investment, finds IT consultant and Charity Times Awards judge Julie Howell
August/September 2014
The social economy is on the march, says Sam Simmons, and its policies are designed to equip people with some radical tools to build a stronger, more equal and prosperous society
August/September 2014
Peter Holbrook argues that social enterprises and trading charities should play a greater role in getting involved with public service contracts and greater transparency on this issue should emanate from government
August/September 2014
Antony Savvas says the crowdfunding market for charities is not only a test bed for fundraising skills but also a potential shoe horn into much larger revenue streams
August/September 2014
Dr Nicola Davies looks at the politics and finance that could indicate future visions of the charity sector
August/September 2014
Andrea Cooper explains why tackling the lack of social mobility and access to opportunity for young people is an essential sector and society problem
February/March 2014
The passing of the Lobbying Bill means that the nature of charity campaigning could change. But Becky Slack finds many in the sector advising charities to stand their ground
February/March 2014
Tracey Gyateng argues that a better use of data by charities helps them improve their operational effectiveness, the service they provide to their beneficiaries and the outcomes they achieve
February/March 2014
There is a hope we have entered a new investment era that could open up a period of dynamic asset allocation. Andrew Holt analyses the investment strategies open to charities
February/March 2014
There has been a year-on-year increase in donations via IT Apps. But, finds Julie Howell, charities can still take more advantage of new App opportunities
February/March 2014
Kate Lee turned around her charity to boost its income, service satisfaction rates and staff morale. She is a Jack Russell of the charity CEO world, she tells Andrew Holt
February/March 2014
RBLI chief executive Steve Sherry has impressively transformed his charity in a difficult, ever changing environment. Communication, he tells Andrew Holt, is the key
December/January 2013/14
Charity reserves are for a rainy day and it has been raining for some time. But the sector has work to do to make sure charities and their beneficiaries get the maximum value from their reserves, argues Maurice Mcleod
December/January 2013/14
There are plenty of options for charities to start using data in more imaginative ways, particularly to understand their results, but we are not seeing the response from charities, argues Tracey Gyateng
October/November 2013
Becky Slack found the main political party conferences lacking in any sector narrative, but there was interesting debate on the fringes
October/November 2013
Oliver Wallin argues that a switch to total return mandates could give charities a more effective way of managing risk
October/November 2013
Antony Savvas says charities are approaching the opportunities offered by new technology with caution, but they shouldn’t be put off from testing the water
October/November 2013
Beth Breeze and Theresa Lloyd analyse the history of philanthropy, finding it is not a simple, static activity, with philanthropists open to change
October/November 2013
With a rise in income of 11 per cent last year, Alzheimer's Research UK has bucked the trend of the economic environment. But that is only one success amongst many, finds Andrew Holt
October/November 2013
Cian Murphy analyses research on charities and the issue of trust
August/September 2013
David Cameron has described social investment as “a great force for social change” and has boosted the market with some significant changes. But while it offers much to the sector, there are some stumbling blocks ahead, says Joe Lepper
August/September 2013
Harry de Ferry Foster analyses the approaches to investment in commercial property
August/September 2013
The projected returns on offer to charities through commercial property investment are highly attractive, says Andrew Holt
August/September 2013
There are several reasons charities make attractive targets for fraudsters, notes Maurice Mcleod, but some important sector initiatives are helping charities to fight back
August/September 2013
Henny Braund’s successful tenure as CEO of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan was built on a simple question. Andrew Holt found out more
June/July 2013
Charity campaigning and independence have been brought into question by some high profile examples, and, warns Joe Lepper, is still open for debate
June/July 2013
The Co-operative’s entry into ethical insurance should be a sign of good things to come in the sector, but is it? Helen Yates investigates
June/July 2013
Ethical investment is no longer the poor performer it once was, and with this has come the wider considerations of ethical investment for charities, says Philip Smith
June/July 2013
Rowanne Westhenry finds the banking sector has served the Third Sector well over the years, but there are challenges ahead
June/July 2013
Andrew Holt analyses the many key initiatives and developments that are contributing to a flourishing social enterprise sector. But also strikes some notes of caution
June/July 2013
What is the role of charities? Are they unique? Or do charities increasingly ape what other organisations can do just as well? Hugh Wilson investigates
Feb/March 2013
Robert Boddington plots the lost decade and predicts equities will ultimately make good progress
In association with Sarasin & Partners
In association with Sarasin & Partners
Feb/March 2013
Andrew Holt looks at the potential great rotation and eventual bounce in equities
In association with with Sarasin & Partners
In association with with Sarasin & Partners
Feb/March 2013
Diverse leadership in the sector is driving greater professionalism and innovation, finds Hugh Wilson
December/January 2013
Joe Lepper looks at 2013 charity investment opportunities and notes charities are set to face some tough decisions in 2013 on how the get the most out of their money
December/January 2012/13
Andrew Holt chaired a thought provoking discussion on a much discussed, but often misunderstood, issue of cloud computing. Sponsored by Eduserv
Cloud Computing provides a quick way of accessing computing services and resources cost effectively...
Cloud Computing provides a quick way of accessing computing services and resources cost effectively...
December/January 2013
From NCVO to the first director general of the Office of Third Sector, Campbell Robb has left a lasting legacy on the sector. Now as chief executive of Shelter he faces his biggest challenge. Andrew Holt found out what he plans next
Feb/March_2011
When Dr Hany El-Banna founded Islamic Relief it had no office and had to win over the Muslim community. It is now one of the most respected international faith groups in the world. Andrew Holt traces Dr Hany’s vision and journey
April/May_2011
Andrew Holt chaired a group of insurance and third sector experts on insurance and risk issues facing charities. The list was comprehensive, with the challenges and awareness facing the sector considerable, but opportunities exist for those organisations who are up to speed
December/January 2010/11
Andrew Holt met the 2010 Charity Times Charity Principal of the Year Philip Bartey, to discuss how he turned around an ailing charity with low staff morale to triple its income in five years, and the challenges ahead
September/2010
Peter Davy tries to establish a map through the maze that is the Big Society
For David Cameron, it’s a “great passion”, and for Labour, it’s a “big con”. However, for most, the Big Society has just been a bit vague....
For David Cameron, it’s a “great passion”, and for Labour, it’s a “big con”. However, for most, the Big Society has just been a bit vague....
August/September
Andrew Holt dissects the Coalition Government and what it means for the Third Sector
June/July 10
The sector as a whole would prefer a Labour victory, but it can easily live with a Conservative Government. Peter Davy studies the differences, but more importantly, the similarities of how the sector fits into the ideology of each party, and finds not much to mark them out
April 2010
With commodities in demand and prices continuing to move upwards despite hitting decade-high rises in 2009, investment by charities in this market would seem an obvious move. Rob Kingsbury reports. And Guy Davies looks at how ETFS can be successfully used by charities to access the commodities universe
February 2010
Peter Davy looks at how charity fundraising has fared in the recession, and finds the sector buoyant in the face of adversity. Though he finds concern over the longevity of the downturn. While Lindsay Boswell argues fundraising is not about the money, but about beneficiaries and connecting donors
February 2010
Sponsored by Sarasin & Partners. Pooled investments spread risks across asset classes, industry sectors and geographies, offering charities the reassurance of investing alongside their peers in a dedicated charities fund. Andrew Cave looks at the diversification benefits
December 2009
Love or loath them, corporate partnerships are a crucial part of the charity world, sometimes generating huge funds. David Adams dissects what makes a good partnership
December 2009
No bigger challenge faces charities than climate change. Andrew Holt investigates the various ways the sector can raise its game and shape the debate going forward for the benefit of the sector and society
December 2009
The National Autistic Society's campaigns manager set a big task for his charity when he wanted to campaign for a law to improve services for autistic adults. He achieved his aim. Andrew Holt found out how
December 2009
Andrew Holt looks at a comprehensive study which gives a complete picture of the trends in UK giving. Given the severe recession, the report reveals some relatively positive numbers
October 2009
Stuart Etherington analyses the much talked about Progressive Conservatism Project at Demos, and welcomes the focus on civil society and political reform, but also suggests a new politics for the twenty first century
October 2009
After turning her back on an academic career to set-up Beatbullying, Emma-Jane Cross has not looked back as the charity has prospered. The charity she set-up empowers young people to lead anti-bullying campaigns in their schools and local communities. Andrew Holt met the 2009 Charity Times Charity Principal of the Year
October 2009
Sponsored by Unity Trust Bank
Charity Times and Unity Trust Bank brought together a group of sector experts to get their views on the relevance of charity mergers in the current climate. A diverse range of views were uncovered...
Charity Times and Unity Trust Bank brought together a group of sector experts to get their views on the relevance of charity mergers in the current climate. A diverse range of views were uncovered...
October 2009
David Adams looks at the importance of leadership in the sector, asks whether there is a crisis in this regard, and whether senior management training in the sector is up to scratch, and Dame Mary Marsh offers her ten top tips on leadership
October 2009
Sponsored by Jupiter Asset Management
Melanie Wotherspoon looks at the attractions of a fund of funds, Andrew Holt analyses the investment approach and arguments surrounding funds of funds and multi-manager, and James Parker notes the success of leading fund of fund investments
Melanie Wotherspoon looks at the attractions of a fund of funds, Andrew Holt analyses the investment approach and arguments surrounding funds of funds and multi-manager, and James Parker notes the success of leading fund of fund investments
October 2009
Sponsored by Hettle Andrews
Sophie Trimble introduces the context relevant to charities and their pensions provision. While Helen Yates warns that charities are ill-prepared for new pension legislation due to come into force in 2012. For many, the additional costs will come as a shock
Sophie Trimble introduces the context relevant to charities and their pensions provision. While Helen Yates warns that charities are ill-prepared for new pension legislation due to come into force in 2012. For many, the additional costs will come as a shock
October 2009
Charity Times video Q&A: In conversation with Hilda Hayo, CEO of Dementia UK
Charity Times editor, Lauren Weymouth, is joined by Dementia UK CEO, Hilda Hayo to discuss why the charity receives such high workplace satisfaction results, what a positive working culture looks like and the importance of lived experience among staff. The pair talk about challenges facing the charity, the impact felt by the pandemic and how it's striving to overcome obstacles and continue to be a highly impactful organisation for anybody affected by dementia.
Charity Times Awards 2023
Mitigating risk and reducing claims
The cost-of-living crisis is impacting charities in a number of ways, including the risks they take. Endsleigh Insurance’s* senior risk management consultant Scott Crichton joins Charity Times to discuss the ramifications of prioritising certain types of risk over others, the financial implications risk can have if not managed properly, and tips for charities to help manage those risks.
* Coming soon… Howden, the new name for Endsleigh.
* Coming soon… Howden, the new name for Endsleigh.
Better Society
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