Know Your Stuff - Charity Archive Return to current edition of Know Your Stuff Edition: Thursday 23rd March 2023 “Migration and refugee crisis: charities can model a better kind of discourse” The Chair of the Charity Commission has published a blog calling for a balanced view and arguments from charities. He said that charities that engage in political campaigning must do so in a “responsible and measured fashion” that does not incite inflammatory rhetoric and undermine public trust. He warned that charities which use “combative terms” to respond to government proposals and language, risk “hardening attitudes against the causes they hold dear”. Read this reaction from a charity lawyer. How trustees can navigate the cost-of-living crisis Here is a free 1 hour webinar that looks at: How charities can help the people they support to manage the rising cost of living What decisions charity boards might need to make to address the different challenges raised by this crisis . Edition: Thursday 16th March 2023 ‘Reply all’ is underused in charity governance Trustees absenting themselves from email exchanges is the equivalent of sitting in a board meeting with a paper bag over their head and earplugs in. Read this short article about the importance of all trustees being copied into e-mail exchanges. Digital filing of accounts Charity Finance Group (CFG) is hosting a Charity Commission survey inviting charities to help it develop digital reporting. It wants to explore the difficulties, barriers and constraints of existing methods of accounts preparation and filing, along with any perceived benefits or pitfalls of its proposed approaches. The Commission has prepared a short survey, which charities are invited to respond to, there are separate links for charitable companies and unincorporated charities or CIOs. In addition, the Commission would like to invite a group of charities to attend some workshops which are being arranged during March, details of how to take part are on CFG’s website. . Edition: Thursday 9th March 2023 CAN Dorset Roadshow - Wareham Corn Exchange - Tuesday 28th March Following the success of last year's roadshow series, we will be hosting our Dorset Council funded colleagues at Wareham Corn Exchange next month. There will be short presentations explaining the free support available to local voluntary and community sector groups from CAN, Volunteer Centre Dorset, Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau and Dorset Council. We will also be joined by the National Lottery Reaching Communities team and Dorset Community Foundation to explain the grant funding they currently have available. To book your place, please visit our training and events page here. Trustee social media guidance Last chance to have your say on the Charity Commission’s draft guidance intended to help trustees use social media appropriately and with confidence. The new resource is designed to help trustees understand their responsibilities and manage the risks. It encourages the adoption of a social media policy and outlines what can be included. The consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday 14 March. Recruiting Trustees We are running an in person course, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset. Edition: Thursday 2nd March 2023 CAN Dorset Roadshow - Wareham Corn Exchange - Tuesday 28th March Following the success of last year's roadshow series, we will be hosting our Dorset Council funded colleagues at Wareham Corn Exchange next month. There will be short presentations explaining the free support available to local voluntary and community sector groups from CAN, Volunteer Centre Dorset, Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau and Dorset Council. We will also be joined by the National Lottery Reaching Communities team and Dorset Community Foundation to explain the grant funding they currently have available. To book your place, please visit our training and events page here. Charity Annual Return 2023 The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on about this year’s return and published guidance on how to answer it.. Recruiting Trustees We are running an in-person course Recruiting Trustees, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset, on Wednesday 15th March. Edition: Thursday 23rd February 2023 CAN Dorset Roadshow - Wareham Corn Exchange - Tuesday 28th March Following the success of last year's roadshow series, we will be hosting our Dorset Council funded colleagues at Wareham Corn Exchange next month. There will be short presentations explaining the free support available to local voluntary and community sector groups from CAN, Volunteer Centre Dorset, Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau and Dorset Council. We will also be joined by the National Lottery Reaching Communities team and Dorset Community Foundation to explain the grant funding they currently have available. To book your place, please visit our training and events page here. Leading in Practice – new report on good governance The Committee on Standards in Public Life, responsible for the seven principles of public life (NOLAN principles), has published a report on the role leadership plays in embedding an ethical culture in organisations. The report looks at the ways organisations can facilitate or hinder ethical behaviour. It includes a series of questions to help leaders consider whether there is more they can do to embed the NOLAN principles into their organisation’s policies, practices and ways of working. Like the NOLAN principles, these 20 questions have strong applicability in the charity sector. They would form the basis for a robust board discussion on ethics and a useful means to plan for improvement. The report states that boards have a crucial role in promoting ethical conduct and ensuring that an organisation is living up to its values. Although may seem more applicable to larger charities the tone and principles it raises will be helpful to trustee boards. Share your views on new trustee social media guidance The Charity Commission is seeking views on its new draft guidance intended to help trustees use social media appropriately and with confidence. The new resource is designed to help trustees understand their responsibilities and manage the risks. It encourages the adoption of a social media policy and outlines what can be included. The consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday 14 March. Recruiting Trustees We are running an in-person course, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset on Wednesday 15th March. . Edition: Thursday 16th February 2023 Charity Commission News Latest edition is out and all charities should have received a copy. It talks about: Its new system of contacting charities and trustees and asks charities to check your contact details New questions on the 2023 Annual Return Reminder to take part in their consultation on charities’ use of social media How to protect your charity from the risk of cyber-crime The risks of using tax avoidance schemes. Unlocking restricted funds: top tips Law firm Bates Wells has a quick guide to how you could make use of restricted funds that you want to use for another purpose. Managing your charity's year end Some quick tips to cut stress out of the busiest time of the year! Up your Trustee game ‘This year is going to test Trustees to the limit. The current situation means that Trustees, as well as their charities, face unprecedented challenges and need to up their game because sound governance arrangements and practice are going to be crucial to survival and recovery.’ Read this short article from DSC's CEO, Debra Allcock Tyler with advice for exceptional governance. Share with your trustees. Recruiting Trustees We are running an online (Tuesday 21st February) and in person (Wednesday 15th March) course, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset. Edition: Thursday 9th February 2023 Charity Commission 5 minute guides for trustees The Commission is reminding charities about its core suite of 5-minute guides for trustees that cover the following subject areas: Delivering purpose – advice on how to use your charity’s governing document, how to deliver on your charity’s purposes and the law. Managing finances – advice on how to ensure your charity’s money is safe, properly used and accounted for. Conflicts of interest – advice on how to identify and deal with conflicts of interest in your charity. Making decisions – advice on how to make valid trustee decisions that are in your charity’s best interests. Reporting information –advice on how and what you need to report to the Commission. Safeguarding people – advice on your responsibilities to keep everyone who comes into contact with your charity safe from harm. Political activity & campaigning – advice for charities that want to support, or oppose, a change in government policy or the law. How to be a whistleblower Whistleblowing can help charities tackle problems and improve. Recruiting Trustees We are running an online and in person course, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset. Edition: Thursday 2nd February 2023 Protect your charity from fraud and cyber crime The Commission has updated its guidance with links to organisations and resources helping to protect against fraud and cybercrime. Digital Trustees Aims to get digital on the agenda of every charity board in the UK. Through monthly matchmaking events and sharing resources and experiences, they aim to make it easier than ever to connect charities and professionals from tech, data, design, IT and other digital backgrounds. Also read this about the role. Recruiting Trustees We are running an online and in person course, in partnership with Volunteer Centre Dorset. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition: Thursday 26th January 2023 Trustee stands up for their charity. This recent inquiry by the Charity Commission praises a trustee who stood up for the charity she was recently appointed to and became aware of misconduct and mismanagement, Civil Society have a short summary of the case. The inquiry is quite a good reminder that what can be seen as OK practice in business (which may even be illegal!) is not acceptable in charities. Case where there were purchases of gifts, payment of high expenses, signing blank cheques, use of charity funds for trustee/employee private costs such as property repairs, and mismanagement of conflict of interests because of family connections. As a result the CEO and a couple of trustees have been disqualified from being a trustee or senior employee for between 10-15 years. Although perhaps extreme bad/illegal behaviour this is a good reminder about how trustees must act! The role of trustees in times of change, crisis and uncertainty Short useful blog listing three principles: Putting beneficiaries first  Balancing following protocol with taking risks Listening to people with lived experience  Consultation on draft guidance for charities on their use of social media The Charity Commission is consulting on draft guidance for charities about their use of social media, closing at 5pm on 14 March 2023. The Commission reports that their casework suggests that some trustees have limited oversight of their charities’ use of social media compared to other aspects of their communication and engagement strategy. The aim of this guidance is to help trustees improve this understanding, and to encourage charities to adopt a policy on social media as a way to set their charity’s approach. Read some concerns expressed by sector leaders. Free online property guidance for charities The Ethical Property Foundation has launched a free guide for anyone in the charity sector planning to acquire and manage property. The manual contains 12 easy-to-read sections that range from tips on basic mistakes to avoid to a jargon buster for commercial property. It aims to enable charities to “engage with both property and property professionals with knowledge and confidence”. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition: Thursday 19th January 2023 Trustee should include your fundraisers in the decision-making process Short read that challenges the idea that trustees tolerate fundraisers as a necessary evil but instead should value an d include them just as much as those who deliver services. Manage financial difficulties in your charity arising from cost of living pressures This guidance from the Charity Commission has been updated already to include the reduced government support. Reporting on fundraising This week the Fundraising Regulator has published new research and updated guidance to support charities with an income of over £1m to comply with fundraising reporting requirements in the Charities Act 2011. These are requirements to report on some specific aspects of the charity’s fundraising, including details of complaints and steps taken to protect vulnerable people. Although charities with an income of below £1 million do not have a legal duty to meet these fundraising reporting requirements, the Fundraising Regulator continues to say it considers it good practice for all charities that produce an annual report to comply. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. Free Trustee Recruitment training Volunteer Centre Dorset and CAN are partnering to bring two Trustee Recruitment training sessions in February and March. The first will be online, with the March session covering the same content through an in-person session in Dorchester. To book your place on either session please visit the training and webinar page of the website here. . Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 12th January 2023 Help in finding trustees Besides ourselves, there are lots of sources of support in finding trustees, many of them free. The Association of Chairs has assembled a handy list for you. New Annual Return question set The Charity Commission has announced changes to the question for the 2023 returns (there will be more of them!) and will be producing a guide in January. Manage financial difficulties in your charity arising from cost of living pressures This new guidance from the Charity Commission is for trustees, especially of smaller charities, who may need help when facing difficult decisions about their charity’s financial position. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 15th December 2022 Trustees’ Policy Checklist Trustees, as part of their governance duties, are required to ensure that their charity has the appropriate policies and procedures in place, from those that relate to the employment of people to those that ensure the financial safety and security of your organisation. But you may not have to write them! (Remember CAN can help with policies). Useful reminder from DSC of how trustees can best carry out their duty. Charity removed from register after ‘conflicts of interest’ in property sale found There was evidence of both poor governance and poor financial management of the charity and its affairs. The inquiry concluded that the trustees had not complied with or fulfilled their duties as trustees under charity law. There was a failure to: exercise reasonable care and skill in the execution of their roles and to manage the charity’s resources responsibly solely in the best interests of the charity ensure that conflicts of interest were identified, recorded and managed ensure proper decision-making processes were followed and to properly record their decision making ensure sufficient financial controls and procedures to protect the charity’s property file annual accounting information, in accordance with their statutory obligations, on time Although perhaps an extreme case it does point out the need for trustees to deal with conflicts of interest and use of property. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 8th December 2022 Charity inquiry Recent report emphasises need for trustees to hold its staff to account and should have appropriately tailored internal policy documents which address the specific risks associated with the kind of activities that are undertaken, and that they are followed. Most charities using reserves to cover core costs Most charities are worried about whether they can survive the cost-of-living crisis and are using reserves to cover core costs, according to research. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 1st December 2022 17 action points for your trustee practice Useful ideas from Getting on Board. Circulate to all your trustees. How to Diversify your Charity's Board Also, from Getting on Board a comprehensive guide. Financial Governance for Trustees All trustees have a responsibility to look after the finances of their charity. But what does that mean and how should trustees carry out they role legally and responsibly? This course will go into detail about roles, responsibilities and good practice using presentations and activities to help you develop better knowledge and skills in this area. It is suitable for any trustee who wants to know more about financial governance especially if they are a treasurer or sit on a finance committee. There will be plenty of chances for Q&A. December 5th, 7-9pm on Zoom. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Thursday 24th November 2022 Trustees and fundraising: a practical handbook This free guide from COIF will help you ensure your approach to fundraising meets your charity’s legal and ethical responsibilities as well as best reflect the values of your organisation. Failed fundraising appeals As the new Charities Act is implemented, you might be interested in this blog from the Fundraising Regulator examining how the Act could make life easier for trustees dealing with defective trustee appointments; seeking remuneration for providing goods to charity or payment for work already done where payment was not authorised; as well as reducing red tape for corporate trustees needing trust corporation status. Update on investment guidance The Charity Commission has published an update recognising that some charities may feel uncertain as to whether the recent High Court judgment (Butler-Sloss and others v Charity Commission) has changed trustees’ legal duties. They consider that the judgment offers welcome clarification of how existing legal principles should be interpreted by trustees in a modern context, but that it does not fundamentally alter those principles. Financial Governance for Trustees All trustees have a responsibility to look after the finances of their charity. But what does that mean and how should trustees carry out they role legally and responsibly? This course will go into detail about roles, responsibilities and good practice using presentations and activities to help you develop better knowledge and skills in this area. It is suitable for any trustee who wants to know more about financial governance especially if they are a treasurer or sit on a finance committee. There will be plenty of chances for Q&A. December 5th, 7-9pm on Zoom. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 14th November 2022 Trustees Week This was last week and here are some interesting resources that various organisations highlighted to support trustees, so circulate this to yours: Refresh your knowledge. Whether you’re an experienced trustee or new to the role, the Charity Commission’s 5-minute guides are a handy way to help you be sure of your responsibilities and confident you’re doing the right thing for your charity. 7 finance questions every charity trustee should ask Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts: how it can boost fundraising Campaigning and political activity guidance for charities (CC9) The Commission’s guidance has been reviewed and updated following the passing of the new Elections Act 2022. Charities and terrorism Although may seem relevant to many of you but this guidance from the Commission gives advice and information on key aspects of the UK’s counter-terrorism legislation and how it may affect charities and their work. So worth a quick look to make sure you don’t need to understand it in depth and in fact the Commission expects all trustees to have read the short, one page summary. The Commission has updated Compliance toolkit chapter 1: Charities and Terrorism, to signpost to new guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service on proscription offences and terrorist financing offences and cases involving humanitarian, development and peacebuilding work overseas. Financial Governance for Trustees All trustees have a responsibility to look after the finances of their charity. But what does that mean and how should trustees carry out they role legally and responsibly? This course will go into detail about roles, responsibilities and good practice using presentations and activities to help you develop better knowledge and skills in this area. It is suitable for any trustee who wants to know more about financial governance especially if they are a treasurer or sit on a finance committee. There will be plenty of chances for Q&A. December 5th, 7-9pm on Zoom. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 7th November 2022 First set of changes from Charities Act 2022 come into force On Monday 31st October 2022 the first set of changes being introduced by the Charities Act 2022 come into force, introducing a range of provisions including new powers for trustees. These provisions include: An extended power for charities to pay trustees for providing goods to the charity under certain circumstances, in addition to services, and goods connected to services (see below) A reduction in the administrative complexities surrounding fundraising appeals that do not reach, or exceed, fundraising targets (often known as ‘failed appeals’). See below. A new statutory power for Royal Charter charities to change sections of their Royal Charter which they could not previously change, with the approval of the Privy Council. Trustees and payments The Charity Commission has updated its summary guidance and full guidance to reflect changes (introduced by the Charities Act 2022) that enable trustees to be paid in certain circumstances for providing goods to their charity using the statutory power. It has also updated its guidance on conflict of interests to reflect the changes. What to do if your charity appeal raises more than you need or not enough In the past, if it was not clear to donors what would happen in these circumstances, it was difficult to use the money for another purpose. The new Charities Act has simplified this. You can decide on new purposes which as far as is possible and desirable should be similar to the original ones and the need for the new purposes to be suitable and effective in current social and economic circumstances. If the funds are less than £1,000 you can go ahead and use them, if over £1,000 you will need permission from the Charity Commission first. The Commission has updated its guidance on Charity fundraising appeals for specific purposes, Charity emergency appeals: starting, running and supporting charitable emergency appeals (CC40) and Charity fundraising: a guide to trustee duties (CC20). Making a difference in changing times Helen Stephenson (CEO, Charity Commission) thanks trustees leading their charities through changing, and challenging, times and invites all trustees to join in Trustees’ Week 2022 (7-11 November). Inquiry into religious charity over serious regulatory concerns The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Saint George Educational Trust over serious regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. In particular, concerns have been identified in relation to activities carried out by the charity that do not appear to further its religious purposes, including material it had posted online and political activity or campaigning. The Commission also has significant concerns that the charity has associations with an extreme right-wing organisation and how this furthers its religious purposes, something that the Commission has previously investigated. Protecting charities from abuse for extremist purposes The Charity Commission has updated its guidance to signpost to safeguarding responsibilities and relevant guidance. Being a Charity Trustee training Steve Place is running his next highly regarded course on 8 February 2023 online from 7-9pm. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 31st October 2022 How to build trust on social media Looks at how charities can use their social media presence to inspire public trust in response to the charity Commission saying pubic trust has plateaued. Trustee Survey MHA and Charity Finance Group have launched a survey to help explore the financial competency of trustees. The outcome of the survey will determine gaps in trustee knowledge and identify opportunities for further training and support. Please encourage your trustees to complete the short survey Being a charity trustee training A simple but comprehensive introduction to being a trustee, on Wednesday 8th February 2023. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions throughout. Hosted by Steve Place, CAN's Senior Advisor. Book your place here. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 24th October 2022 Charity Fraud The Charity Commission has warned charities that they are at risk of ‘underestimating’ online fraud as a new survey has found around one in eight charities (12%) had experienced cybercrime in the previous 12 months. It notes worryingly that just over 24% have a formal policy in place to manage the risk. Similarly, only around half (55%) of charities reported that cyber security was a fairly or very high priority in their organisation. How to protect your charity's reputation A charity’s reputation is very important to it and can impact on donations of time and money. Indeed the Charity Commission says that trustees should protect it. Charity Digital explores the value of a charity’s reputation, the risks that challenge it in the eyes of donors and beneficiaries, and how organisations can mitigate risks effectively for the future The proud history of charitable campaigning Read this keynote speech from Directory of Social Change. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 17th October 2022 Top free financial planning resources for charities Cranfield Trust has put together these to help charities manage the current financial situation: Step-by-step guide to preparing your charity's cash flow forecast 3 Risks to Charity Cashflow at Time of Economic Uncertainty (and how to manage them) How to Manage your Charity's Finances in a High Inflation Environment Top 10 Financial Ratios for Charities 7 Finance Questions Every Trustee Should Ask Forecasting in a Time of Economic Uncertainty - 7 tips to help you budget (Watch the webinar here) Political activity and campaigning by charities Guidance from the Charity Commission on the rules for charities that want to support, or oppose, a change in government policy or the law. There has been some criticism of the guidance. Many trustees unaware of their responsibility for basic duties, says regulator At a recent conference the Charity Commission made this statement and talked about its new and upcoming service. Remember that CAN regularly runs trustee training and is here to give individual advice. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 10th October 2022 Over £100k in charitable donations to be recovered for Wrexham charities The High Court of Justice has ruled in favour of the Charity Commission following its decision to take legal action for restitution against the sole trustee of the Frank Wingett Cancer Relief Fund. Simon Wingett has been ordered to repay £117,100.32 which, subject to recovery, will be distributed by the Commission to local charities supporting the relief of cancer patients treated in Wrexham. Its funds were misused to support the creation of a 210ft (over 60m) Welsh dragon statue as a tourist attraction. This project has no connection to advancing the charity’s aims and to date, no statue has been built. Whistleblowing report The Charity Commission has issued a report on whistleblowing disclosures it received during the reporting period 2021-22. The commission received 281 disclosures (down by 150 on the previous reporting period). The majority of disclosures are from employees and involve governance, safeguarding or financial management issues. Charity trustees do not reflect the communities that they serve The Charity Commission has said trustees do not always reflect the communities that they serve, following calls for it to improve the monitoring of board diversity. Festival of Trusteeship The is a week-long (7-11 November) online series of events, stuffed with exciting options for ordinary people who want to become trustees, committed trustees who want to keep learning and developing, and for charity leaders who want to understand best practice in trustee recruitment and diversity. . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 3rd October 2022 Protect your charity from fraud and cyber crime The Charity Commission has updated its guidance. It just seems to be the dates for Charity Fraud Awareness Week 2022 i.e. 17 – 21 October 2022. Trustee Week New to trusteeship, or looking to hone your skills? Book your place on one of NCVO’s free Trustees' Week webinars: Monday 7 November: Being a charity trustee in the current climate Tuesday 8 November: Setting direction in changing times Wednesday 9 November: Leading tough conversations Thursday 10 November: Specialist skills and how to find them Friday 11 November: Trustees and continuous learning . Edition Week Commencing: Monday 26th September 2022 Double defaulter charities The Charity Commission continues to publish lists of charities that have not filed their accounts and/or annual return for two or more consecutive years. So not good publicity for any of these and one this year has had a formal warning and another a full inquiry. If you are unsure about your legal obligation get in touch with us.