Charity Pulse

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
• Advice for new trustees
• What makes a good trustee
• Fears and challenges trustees face

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 Commission’s rapid intervention raises tough questions about governance, regulatory consistency, and the cost to beneficiaries.
• Staff complaints and whistleblowing: When internal disputes go public, what’s the regulator’s role, and how do reputational risks affect trust and funding?

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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?
• Island Health Trust: The Charity Commission’s inquiry uncovered serious governance failures, including the misuse of £350,000. The former chair has been disqualified for seven years. While the case highlights the need for stronger oversight, concerns remain about the recovery of funds and sector-wide lessons.
• Succession struggles: Smaller charities continue to face challenges with succession planning.

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 political and not party political.
• King's birthday honours, and recognition for the sector.

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews): https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 giving.
• Charity Commission investigates £22 million in cash transactions involving 10 charities raising questions about cash controls and regulatory oversight.

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews): https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 report by Pro Bono Economics and the Charity Commission examines trustee demographics and board composition.
• Low wages in the charity sector: Addressing the challenges of paying a real living wage and the importance of fair compensation for attracting and retaining talent.

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews): https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss:

• How to create a healthy working culture with guest Emily Collinson from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
• The challenges of staff benefits in charities, balancing the need to attract and retain talent with public perception and proper use of charitable funds.
• The importance of valuing staff and aligning organisational values with employee treatment.
• The impact of remote working on charity culture and the need for competitive compensation in the sector.

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews): https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss:

• Insights from Professor Peter Frumkin: Key observations on the UK charity sector, including challenges posed by austerity culture, low salaries, and the declining pool of willing trustees.
• The Sentebale charity case: Highlighting governance issues and the importance of clear roles and codes of practice for patrons and trustees.
• Ethical dilemmas in donations: Meta and Pinterest's ‘anonymous’ contributions to the Molly Rose Foundation; when and why ‘tainted’ donations should be refused.
• DCMS consultation: On increased financial thresholds, including audit requirements, and registration criteria for different charity structures.

Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews): https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/