CharitEpulse: Trustees wanted - Are expectations [being set] too high?

In this episode of Charity Pulse, the trio are joined by special guest Allison Smith, Executive Director of Policy & Research, at Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), Allison has a fascinating background spanning research, public policy and volunteering, including previous work with the Cabinet Office, Nesta and Helpforce. At RVS, she brings that experience to understanding the impact of volunteering and how it can evolve to meet changing needs.Why listen: This episode offers a rare, expert-led look at why volunteering is Britain's most undervalued national asset, how technology is reshaping it, and what charities and policymakers need to do to keep it thriving.Have a topic you'd like our panel to explore in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] the latest charity sector news, insights and events from Quilter Cheviot, subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter, trustEnews:https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

In this episode of Charity Pulse, the trio discuss:A new voice for civil society: Vicky Foxcroft has been appointed as the new Minister for Civil Society, with responsibility for civil society, gambling, the National Lottery, youth, loneliness and digital inclusion.AI - friend, foe or just a tool?: Trussell has received the UK's first charitable donation completed entirely through an AI agent, prompting discussion about whether AI can streamline fundraising and grant-making, while raising questions around governance, data security, transparency and the growth of AI-generated applications.SORP vs thresholds - don't mix them up!: The new Charity SORP, which applies to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026, and the new statutory accounting thresholds, effective for financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026, are separate developments that are often being conflated. The audit threshold has increased to £1.5m and the independent examination threshold to £40,000.National Lottery Community Fund - proposed changes to 'good cause' definitions: The Fund is consulting on proposals to modernise the statutory framework to better reflect the range of community organisations and social infrastructure projects it supports.Have a topic you'd like our panel to explore in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] the latest charity sector news, insights and events from Quilter Cheviot, subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter, trustEnews:https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss:Charity Commission in contempt of Parliament: leading to an unreserved apology and an independent review led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom.High Court win for charities: Freedom from Torture and the Helen Bamber Foundation successfully challenged the Home Office for unlawfully removing protections for survivors of torture and trafficking without consultation — an early test of the civil society covenant.Banking burden grows: UK charities spend an estimated 12 million hours per year on banking admin (equivalent to 6,000 full-time workers), with rural access, fees, and trustee verification among the top concerns.EHRC compliance gap: the Charity Commission urged charities to comply with the Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice now, while admitting its own revised guidance won't arrive until autumn 2026 at the earliest — leaving many charities without clear direction.Local authorities in default: 45 local authorities are failing their legal duties as charity trustees, with concerns over transparency, asset double-counting, and a lack of proper accounts.Have a topic you'd like our panel to explore in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] the latest charity sector news, insights and events from Quilter Cheviot, subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter, trustEnews:https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss:Public trust in charities 2026: the latest public trust research indicates that overall trust in charities has remained broadly stable for a third consecutive year. The discussion explores participation trends, including reported declines in volunteering and charitable giving, and considers the challenges facing larger charities in maintaining public engagement.Charities operating in a divided society: recent sector research suggests that around one in four charities have experienced the impact of wider societal divisions. The panel examines reported issues, including protests, vandalism and disruption to services, and considers the implications for charity leaders and trustees.Trustee disqualification and governance lessons: The Charity Commission's disqualification of a trustee following regulatory investigations is discussed, including findings relating to the transfer of charitable funds, Gift Aid claims and governance concerns. The conversation focuses on the wider lessons for trustees regarding financial oversight, accountability and good governance.Who should set charity strategy? responding to a listener question, the panel considers the respective roles of trustees and senior leadership teams in developing organisational strategy. While trustees retain ultimate responsibility for the charity's direction and governance, the discussion highlights the importance of collaboration with executive leadership in developing and delivering strategic plans.Have a topic you'd like our panel to explore in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] the latest charity sector news, insights and events from Quilter Cheviot, subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter, trustEnews:https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 between charity sector employees and private sector counterparts.City & Guilds investigation: the Charity Commission is investigating the sale of a training business to PeopleCert. Reports of undisclosed executive bonuses have prompted questions around governance and trustee oversight.Trustee appeals: there has been an increase in appeals against Charity Commission disqualification decisions, including a high-profile case.Card Factory Foundation grants: a move towards awarding 25 unrestricted grants of £10,000 has been broadly welcomed, although it may have implications for smaller organisations previously supported.King’s birthday honours: the recent honours list included recognition for individuals working across the charity sector.To suggest topics you’d like the trio to explore in upcoming episodes, please email [email protected] 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: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 social media use under scrutiny: the Charity Commission has had to intervene repeatedly over controversial trustee social media posts; the core tension is whether individuals can separate their personal views from their organisational roles.Understanding of fundraising at board level: sector commentary suggests some charity boards may lack familiarity with fundraising dynamics, including the time required to realise returns on investment.To suggest topics you’d like the trio to explore in upcoming episodes, please email [email protected] 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: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 governance, including clear declaration of interests, appropriate management of conflicts, and awareness of reputational considerations.Challenges for small charities: research from the Charity Excellence Framework highlights the pressures facing smaller organisations, alongside the need to recognise their value and explore opportunities to strengthen capacity and resilience.Public sector commissioning: concerns remain around complex and resource-intensive bidding processes, short contract cycles, and funding constraints, raising questions about how commissioning can better support sustainable partnerships. 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 £1m roadmap for place‑based philanthropySentebale’s defamation case involving Prince Harry and a founding trusteeAllegations of a toxic workplace culture at NCVODuke of Edinburgh’s Award a great British success storySubscribe 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 scale of the charity sector: headline figures that underline the importance of charities and trustees across the UKThe Charity Commission’s powers: its role in tackling extremism and whether further powers are neededThe voice of small charities: concerns that smaller organisations are being overlooked in government debatesTrustee recruitment and training: informal appointment practices and whether greater structure is realistic for voluntary roles.Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

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 support systems.The episode features a Q&A discussion, exploring:Building effective and trusting relationships between CEOs and trustee boardsThe importance of robust pre‑boarding and onboarding processesTeam dynamics and what helps make relationships truly effectiveThe distinction between coaching and mentoring, and when each is most valuableThe invisible thread between organisational culture, values, and leadership behaviours.Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/