The Strategic Health Check

Fourteen episodes. One verdict. Seven questions that will change how you think about your fundraising. The diagnosis, the conversation, and the reckoning. Part 3 of the Season One Finale released today.

From a single Macmillan grant to a national institution. This is Liz Darlison MBE, founder of Mesothelioma UK, on what it takes to build a charity that lasts — and the particular kind of courage it takes to let go.

Six million fewer donors. The money is concentrating. And the charities building genuine major donor relationships right now? They're going to be standing in five years. Episode 12 of The Strategic Health Check: why the quiet supporters on your list might be your most valuable donors — and what to do about it, starting this week. Released today in this three-part Season 1 Finale alongside EP13 with Liz Darlison MBE and EP14: The Gaign Goes On.

£564 million in Gift Aid goes unclaimed by UK charities every year. In this episode, Jose Gaign breaks down exactly what Gift Aid is, why so much of it goes unclaimed, and what changed in April 2026 that every charity needs to know about. In a moment of supreme irony, you will find out why a seasoned fundraiser is telling you to “act fast”. The Great Gift Aid Hunt deadline is 24 April 2026. This episode drops the day before, so you’ve got 24 hours to… act fast!

Jose Gaign is joined by Richard Martin and Dr Mark Powell of Against Breast Cancer — a specialist research charity focused on secondary breast cancer, early detection, and prevention. A masterclass in income diversification, non-cash giving, and the power of a highly specific USP in a crowded sector.

Host Jose Gaign sits down with Chantal Spittles, PR and Media Manager of Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest epilepsy charity. The release date of this episode coincides with Purple Day, an international awareness campaign for epilepsy, celebrated annually on 26th March. The goal is to encourage people worldwide to wear purple and support those affected by the condition. In an eye-opening conversation, Chantal outlines the incredible work the charity is doing and what everyone should know about epilepsy. Jose shows his vulnerable side by speaking openly about his own experiences with epilepsy, and Chantal (nearly!) makes him emotional with her infectious passion for the cause. For more information about epilepsy, visit epilepsy.org.uk

The Chancellor has spoken, but did your charity miss the most important line in the Spring Statement? In this episode, Jose breaks down three strategic pivots every health charity needs to make right now to protect their pipeline and fund their future.

Police investigations and high-profile arrests have created a Great Trust Vacuum — and for health charity leaders, that’s an opportunity. Jose Gaign breaks down three strategic moves to turn the UK’s biggest trust crisis into your competitive advantage.

Is your health charity leaving money on the table? Legacy giving is the single biggest source of voluntary income in the UK—a £10.5 billion market by 2050—and it's not just for the giants.In this episode, Jose breaks down exactly how small and mid-sized health charities can tap into this transformative income stream, sensitively and effectively. You'll discover why the conversation doesn't have to feel awkward, how to reframe legacy giving around life and impact (not death), and the five practical, low-cost steps you can take this week to get started.We'll explore the inheritance tax changes driving growth, the language that inspires supporters, and why your personal connection with your community is your ultimate superpower.This isn't about huge budgets. It's about smart strategy. Let's future-proof your funding, together.

In the second half, learn how to launch your monthly giving programme from zero. Design your ask ladder, convert one-off donors, overcome hesitations and build stewardship that keeps supporters giving for 3+ years.