Hosts:

In this episode, Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Emily Berry, Partnership Director at Utility Aid, about charity energy costs and the steps organisations can take to managethem when moving premises.

Key topics:

• Planning ahead for a move: Why energy costs should be considered before signing a lease or purchase, and how early planning can prevent unexpected expenses.

• Understanding affordability: How to assess potential energy costs using soft quotes, and why changes in building use can significantly impact your bills.

• Different buildings, different challenges: From faith buildings with subletting arrangements, to hospices with high energy demand, and offices with more predictable usage patterns.

• Managing shared spaces: The importance of submetering and fairly allocating energy costs when hiring out space.

• Key questions for suppliers: Understanding energy usage, equipment efficiency, and identifying potential red flags through energy surveys.

• Avoiding costly mistakes: The risks of overlooking energy during a move, including failing to review contracts, missing meter readings, and not planning for change of tenancy.

• Collective purchasing options: How charities can benefit from group energy schemes and negotiated contracts through Utility Aid.

Tune in for practical advice to help your charity move premises with confidence while keeping energy costs manageable.

Need help understanding energy terminology?

Visit the Utility Aid Jargon Buster on our help pages for clear explanations of key energy terms.

Looking to reduce your energy costs?

Explore the Utility Aid energy switching platform on our website to compare options and find the right deal for your organisation.

With thanks to our supporters:

This podcast is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Garfield Weston Foundation and City Bridge Foundation.

Hosts:

Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Emily Berry,

Partnerships Director from Utility Aid on how charities can better manage and protect

their energy costs in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Key topics:

• Rising uncertainty and energy risk: With global events impacting energy

markets, charities are increasingly focused on managing risk, understanding

when to renew contracts, and making informed purchasing decisions.

• Understanding your energy bills: Breaking down fixed commodity costs versus

non-commodity charges, and why the cheapest option isn’t always the best

without understanding what’s included.

• Planning for sustainable costs: How your building type, energy usage patterns,

and operational hours should shape your energy strategy and contract choices.

• Different buildings, different challenges: From heritage properties with

limited upgrade options to community centres with variable usage, tailoring your

approach is key.

• Questions to ask your supplier: Key checks around contract structure, meter

readings, billing accuracy, and the benefits of smart meters.

• Common mistakes to avoid: Overlooking terms and conditions,

misunderstanding tariffs, and failing to actively manage your energy contract.

Tune in for practical insights and expert advice to help your charity navigate energy

uncertainty and take control of your utility costs.

Need help understanding energy terminology?

Visit the Utility Aid Jargon Buster on our help pages for clear explanations of key energy

terms: https://propertyhelp.org/help/sustainability/utility-aid-jargon-buster/.

Looking to reduce your energy costs?

Explore the Utility Aid energy switching platform on our website to compare options

and find the right deal for your organisation: https://propertyhelp.org/energy-savings/.

With thanks to our supporters:

This podcast is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Garfield Weston

Foundation and City Bridge Foundation.

Hosts:

Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Jade Winter,

Director at Norris & Fisher Brokers, on the risks charities face when trying to cut costs

on insurance.

Key topics:

• Understanding underinsurance: How to determine if your charity is

underinsured, and why accurate building and asset valuations are essential.

• Risks of cutting corners: Going direct to insurers may lower premiums but can

leave gaps in coverage, increased excesses, and limited support during claims.

• The value of expert input: Even if a charity manages insurance independently,

brokers can identify gaps, guide claims, advise on risk management, and

recommend appropriate cover limits.

• Finding the right balance: Trustees should review policies regularly to ensure

they’re neither underinsured nor carrying unnecessary cover, safeguarding both

assets and finances.

Tune in for practical advice and insider guidance on avoiding underinsurance, so your

charity can protect its assets, manage risk, and make informed insurance decisions.

Need expert guidance?

Find out more about our consultancy and support services on the Ethical Property

Foundation website and discover specialist charity insurance solutions at Norris &

Fisher Insurance Brokers.

Hosts:

Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Jade Winter,

Director at Norris and Fisher Brokers, on how charity trustees can ensure their

insurance policies provide adequate protection at a manageable cost.

Key topics:

• Essential questions for trustees: Are all activities, premises, and offsite items

covered? Are rebuild figures and contents up to date? Is business interruption

cover sufficient?

• Top tips for keeping costs manageable: Shop around, check for discounts,

review cover limits, and avoid misrepresentation.

• Common pitfalls: Missing essential covers such as fidelity guarantee or cyber

insurance, focusing only on price, or failing to review policies after organisational

changes.

• Proactive policy review: Start at least six weeks before renewal, understand

exclusions, compare with the market, and use a broker to test your needs.

Tune in for practical advice and insider guidance on what to look for, and what to avoid,

so your charity can make confident, informed decisions about insurance.

Need expert guidance?

Explore the Ethical Property Foundation website to learn more about our consultancy

and support services and check out the Norris & Fisher Insurance Brokers website for

specialist insurance solutions for charities and voluntary organisations.

Hosts:

Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, and Virginia Masters,

Associate Property Adviser at the Ethical Property Foundation, discuss how to evaluate

shortlisted properties and ensure your charity makes the right move – literally.

Key topics:

• Shortlist decisions: How to compare property options against your charity’s

priorities.

• Facilities and layout: Are the premises flexible, practical, and future-proof?

• Location matters: Will the space work for staff, volunteers, trustees, and service

users?

• Hidden costs: What’s included in the service charge? Is VAT applicable? Are the

overheads sustainable?

• Due diligence: Why a schedule of condition, full survey, and legal review are

essential before signing.

• Professional advice: The vital role of surveyors and solicitors in identifying deal-

breakers and securing amendments.

• Image and identity: Does the property reflect your charity’s brand and values?

• Negotiation tips: From rent-free periods for refurbishments to avoiding overlap

between leases.

• Post-signing plans: How to manage fit-outs, occupancy timing, and phased

moves.

• Final checks: Ensuring the property’s pros truly outweigh its cons – before it's

too late.

If you’re deciding between potential properties, this episode will help you ask the right

questions, uncover hidden risks, and make a confident, informed choice.

Tune in for practical advice and insider guidance on what to look for, and what to avoid.

Need expert advice before signing a lease?

Visit the Ethical Property Foundation website to explore our property consultancy and

support services.

Hosts:

Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, and Virginia Masters, Associate Property Adviser, discuss how charities can approach the charity property search process and navigate the often complex world of property searches.

Key topics:

• Starting the charity property search process: Why your charity needs internal or external expertise before diving in.

• Saving time and money: The benefits of professional support to guide your charity property search and avoid costly mistakes.

• Working with estate agents: Key questions to ask, lease terms, rent reviews, break clauses, and more.

• Charities as tenants: Why many landlords see charities as stable, trustworthy occupants.

• Alternatives to commercial leases: Exploring licences, managed spaces, and flexible options for startups.

• Preparing for viewings: What to bring, what to observe, and how to assess accessibility and convenience.

• When to compromise: Deciding what’s negotiable, essentials vs. ideals.
• Legal protections: Why you need a commercial property solicitor and how to avoid personal guarantees.

• Negotiation strategies: Using a professional to maintain distance and strengthen your bargaining position.

• Evaluating your shortlist: Comparing options, spotting red flags, and preparing for lease negotiations.

If your charity is planning a move or seeking new premises, this episode offers step-by-step guidance through the charity property search process. These practical tips will help you approach the market with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and secure a space that worksfor your people and mission.Tune in for tips that could save your charity time, stress, and money!

Need expert help finding or negotiating premises?

The Ethical Property Foundation's consultancy team is here to support you, visit our consultancy pages to learn more. You can also explore the Weston Property Manual for more in-depth resources.

Hosts:

Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, is joined by Virginia Masters, Associate Property Adviser at the Ethical Property Foundation, to explore how charities can create a strong premises brief before starting their property search.

Key topics:

• The importance of a premises brief: Why it’s essential to plan ahead before beginning your property search.

• Avoiding common mistakes: Pitfalls charities face when rushing the process or lacking a clear brief.

• Core requirements: What to include in your brief: location, size, budget, accessibility, lease terms.

• Setting priorities: How to distinguish between essential needs and “nice-to-haves”.

• Involving stakeholders: Who to consult – staff, trustees, volunteers, and service users.

• Financial planning: Understanding what your charity can afford and identifying hidden costs.

• Engaging legal support: Why it’s never too early to involve a solicitor, and how to find one who understands charities.

• Asking the right questions: What to ask when viewing properties – VAT, service charges, lease responsibilities.

If your charity is thinking about relocating or taking on new space, this episode is packed with expert tips to help you lay the groundwork for a successful move, starting with a well-thought-out premises brief.

Tune in for practical guidance and clear advice to help you get it right from the start.

Need tailored advice for your charity’s property search? Our consultancy team is here to help. Visit our consultancy pages to learn more.

Hosts

Antonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and Clare

Garbett, Senior Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors.

Since COVID, many charities have found themselves with extra space and have become landlords - sometimes by accident! But what could go wrong?

In this discussion, we explore the key questions every charity should ask before letting out space.

Key topics:

- Understanding legal constraints: What rules and restrictions could impact your ability to rent out space?

- Leases and subletting: How does your lease affect your ability to share or sublet space?

- Hotdesking and shared spaces: What are the risks, and how do you manage them effectively?

- Covering costs and avoiding pitfalls: How can you ensure financial sustainability as a landlord?

- Choosing the right person for the role: Who in your charity should take on the responsibility of managing tenants?

Being a landlord isn’t just about extra income - it comes with responsibilities, potential conflicts, and legal complexities. Tune in to get practical insights and expert advice to help you navigate the challenges and make informed decisions.

Need guidance on letting out your charity’s space?

Managing property as a charity landlord can be complex, from lease agreements to financial considerations and tenant relationships. Our expert consultancy services can help you navigate these challenges, ensuring you stay compliant and avoid costly pitfalls. Visit our consultancy pages to learn how we can support your charity’s property needs.

Hosts

Antonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and Clare Garbett, Senior Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors.

In this episode of the Ethical Property Foundation podcast, Antonia Swinson and Clare Garbett delve into key aspects of charity-landlord relationships and the crucial role solicitors play in managing these dynamics.

Key Topics:

• Establishing a Strong Relationship with Your Landlord: Understanding the foundation of a positive working relationship.
• Landlord Priorities: Differences in goals between commercial landlords and local authority landlords at the start and end of a lease.
• Common Mistakes Charities Make: Insights into typical errors charities make when working with landlords and how to avoid them.
• Role of Solicitors in Disputes: Practical examples of how solicitors can help resolve conflicts and protect charity interests.
• Negotiating Clear Lease Terms: How solicitors can help ensure clarity in lease agreements to prevent future issues.
• Handling Lease Breaches: What to do when a breach occurs and how solicitors can help resolve it.

Tune in to learn how solicitors can safeguard your charity property interests and avoid costly disputes in the future.

Need expert advice on your charity's property issues?

Our consultancy services can help you navigate complex charity-landlord relationships and ensure your lease agreements are sound. Visit our consultancy pages to learn more about how we can support your charity's property needs.

Hosted on Spotify.

Hosts

Antonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and Clare Garbett, Senior Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors discuss how charities can effectively work with solicitors to manage their property.

Key topics:

•Client preferences: What kind of clients do solicitors prefer to work with?

•Upfront information: Essential details charities should provide to reduce costs.

•Solicitor fees: Understanding solicitor fees – should you expect hundreds or thousands for lease renewal advice?

•Measuring success: How to measure the success of your relationship with a solicitor.

•Document organisation: Practical tips on how to organize documents for efficiency.

•Managing legal fees: Ways to manage and reduce legal fees.

•Maximising legal advice: How to ensure you get the most value from legal advice.

•Institutional memory: The importance of keeping track of key property data and lease details to save time and costs.

If you're a charity looking to navigate legal advice and property management efficiently, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions and build a successful working relationship with your solicitor.

Tune in for expert advice and actionable tips!

Need tailored advice on managing your charity's property?

Explore our consultancy services to help you navigate legal challenges and optimise your property management. Visit our consultancy pages for more.

Hosted on Spotify.