Insight Articles

Our straight-talking articles and guides are designed to cut through charity professional industry jargon and answer your pertinent questions.

Has your charity done all it can to prepare for the mandatory requirements to verify trustee identity?

One significant outcome of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2003 (ECCTA) is the introduction ...

Civil Society Covenant

The Civil Society Covenant was published on 17 July 2025.The Civil Society Covenant was officially launched by...

Celebrating 3 Years of the CAF ESG Funds

June marks the 3-year anniversary of the IFSL CAF ESG Fund range, a milestone for a project that was five year...

Don’t let apathy cost you money

💸 Don't Let Apathy Drain Your Charity's PotentialLearn How to Make Your Cash Reserves Work Harder for Your Cau...

New UTB Base Rate Tracking Easy Access Account for Businesses and Charities Pays 4.05% Gross* Interest with 6-Month Bonus

Charities Get 4.05% Without Tying Up Funds New! 4.05% Easy Access Savings 💰 Make your funds work!

Financial leadership: What does it take to lead well today?

Leadership is changing. Across the charity and social purpose sector, leaders are being asked to do more with ...

Five steps towards a charity merger

By Mary Wessel, Charity Digital A successful merger can give charities a more secure future, allowing them to ...

Insuring a more sustainable future

This article is designed to be thought leadership content, to offer big picture views and analysis of interest...

In conversation with David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission for England and Wales

Recently, in support of Volunteers’ Week, Stone King had the pleasure of hosting CEO of the Charity Commission...

CharitEpulse: (podcast) Government grants, global giving and governance

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss:Are governance reviews worth doing? Are Deputy Chairs n...

Report: Peace of mind in a dangerous world

We know that geopolitical risks, and the great uncertainty that can stem from them, are one of the biggest fin...

Could an allocation to Real Estate help Charities & Endowments adapt to the challenges & volatility in today’s investment market?

Following two years of poor capital performance for real estate, impacted by the sharp rise in interest rate...

Near Zero

In the film, Oppenheimer, the scientists discuss the possibility that the Trinity atomic test could destroy th...

Data (Use and Access) Act 2025: an update to data protection law - what charities need to know

In this article we assess the data protection changes contained within the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and ...

Trustee recruitment: time to review your policies

The Charity Commission has updated its guidance ‘Finding and appointing new trustees (CC30)’.The guidance has ...

Child sponsorship programmes: check you are compliant

The Fundraising Regulator (FR) has published new guidance on child sponsorship following complaints ...

Can charities invest 100% in social or mission-aligned investments?

Today, many charities are asking whether they can put all of their assets into investments that deli...

Mid-Year Outlook 2025

Welcome to our 'Mid-Year Outlook 2025', the investment strategy update from Barclays Private Bank, which is al...

CCLA's first global modern slavery benchmark exposes corporate reliance on policy over practice

CCLA has launched its first global modern slavery benchmark pilot to evaluate how global companies combat mode...

Employment considerations for merging charities

Charity sector press is full of news of mergers between charities.The government’s autumn budget placed extra ...

London & Capital and Waverton Investment Management officially combine as W1M

London, 2 June 2025 -- London & Capital (“L&C”) and Waverton Investment Management (“Waverton”) o...

The case for active stewardship in a shifting landscape

As economic, environmental and geopolitical shocks continue to test global markets, the capability of companie...

Case study: Room for future improvement found amid the impeccable

BackgroundMilestones Trust supports adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to live their be...

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Why Inclusion Matters

Understanding NeurodiversityNeurodiversity describes the natural variation in how people experience, interpret...

LGT - Is your charity at a financial tipping point?

The UK charity sector contains a very broad variety of charities, from small voluntary community groups to lar...

Annual Stewardship Report

We believe that investment has the power to grow and protect money in a way that benefits society.Furthermore,...

House Report - SECURITY: A NEW THEME SHAPING OUR INVESTMENT APPROACH

Q1 2025 began strongly but turned volatile as markets reacted to President Trump’s shift toward global tariffs...

Charities, trading subsidiaries and financial distress - what do you need to know?

What are the implications of insolvency in a trading subsidiary for a parent charity, and how can trading subs...

Can the UK reach a trade deal with the EU?

Can the UK reach a trade deal with the EU?

Trump tariffs and the morning after

What happened, what next, what should we do? Johnny Hughes, Head of Global Equity and Multi Asset Investment ...

Testing US exceptionalism? What markets have learned from Trump’s first 100 days

Considered an informal milestone, the first 100 days of a sitting US president have been closely watched – and...

Global Market Review – April 2025

Volatility and uncertainty continued to impact markets during April, as US trade policy, notably the fallout f...

Bean counters, maybe… but we make every bean count

The term ‘bean counter’ has followed Accountants around for years, and we like to think that most of us can ta...

Restricted Funds: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Understanding restricted funds and endowments for charities Most donations to charities bequeathed in a will a...

Unlock your charity’s financial potential

With the new financial year now under way, it's time to ensure your charity's investments are working as hard ...

Practical advice for charities on contract management

Exploring how charities can exploit opportunities, and manage risk, through good contract management – the pra...

100 days of Trump’s second presidency

100 days of Trump’s second presidency

Not just an ordinary cyber attack but an M&S cyber attack!

Marks & Spencer (M&S), known for its high-quality food, clothing and home products, is facing further ...

Financial oversight for UK charities

Transparency is vital for charities when it comes to having, and also providing, financial data and informatio...

Understanding the law on unfair contract terms: A guide for charities

“It’s an unfair cop!” – exploring the world of unfair contract terms for charities.In the world of charity wor...

Offshore ambitions: China’s outsized role in decarbonising the world

In the Chinese zodiac, the snake is often seen as a symbol of transformation. As the Year of the Snake gets un...

Market Perspectives April 2025

Welcome to the April edition of Market Perspectives, the monthly investment strategy update from Barclays Priv...

How to succeed as a small charity trustee

Charity Digital explore the challenges facing trustees at small charities, the main skills the role requires, ...

Charity Investment Service Award

JM Finn wins Best Charity Investment Service at 2025 City of London Wealth Management Awards

Demystifying contractual terms for charities: Limitation and exclusion of liability

Exploring the limitation and exclusion of liability in charity contracts.Background: Limitation and exclusion ...

Market Perspectives April 2025

In the latest Market Perspectives, Algernon Percy provides an overview of global bond and equity markets in Q1...

Updated Injury to Feelings Awards in Discrimination Claims

If an employee is successful in their discrimination claim, an Employment Tribunal has the ability to make an ...

Global Market Review – March 2025

Worries that plagued US equity markets in February spread to other areas throughout March, as concerns intensi...

A civil society covenant – here we go again?

Reflections from our recent Charity Leadership Forums.The new Civil Society Covenant in its final form is anti...

Quilter Cheviot: Review for Charities

We are excited to share the first ‘Review for Charities’ for 2025, featuring a wealth of insights and expert...

London & Capital and Waverton Investment Management unite as W1M as the firm pursues ambitious growth beyond £21 billion AUM milestone

Following the merger of London & Capital (“L&C”) and Waverton Investment Management (“Waverton”) in Ju...

Case study: Investment in funding support yields 31x ROI

“Working with Clare has been hugely beneficial for Faith in Later Life. Her expertise, can-do approach, strate...

Leases - key points for charity tenants to consider

There are several considerations that charities must keep in mind when entering into a new lease as a tenant. ...

How small strategies can add up for charities in 2025

By Jonathan Orchard, Partner, Sayer Vincent It’s often easy to focus on negative headlines, and sometimes, it ...

Market Perspectives March 2025

Welcome to the March edition of “Market Perspectives”, the monthly investment strategy update from Barclays Pr...

Global Market Review – February 2025

Amid a backdrop of weakening US economic sentiment, bond yields fell, and US equity markets sold off in Februa...

Government Publishes Supporting Regulations On Neonatal Care Leave And Pay

The Government has recently published supporting regulations on Neonatal Care Leave and Pay, a significant dev...

Supporting Employees Through Ramadan: A Guide for Employers

Ramadan will commence on the evening of Friday, 28 February, after the sighting of the crescent moon, and will...

E-Visas: The Transition to Digital Immigration

As the UK moves towards a fully digital immigration system, the introduction of e-Visas marks a significant sh...

Diversity, equity and inclusion: Opportunities despite the backlash

Pushback against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has been simmering since 2023, culminating ...

Private markets: Going mainstream

Long the preserve of institutional investors, new fund structures have opened up the world of private markets ...

Financial sanctions guidance for charities

Receiving overseas donations? Working internationally? OFSI guidance for charities relating to their complianc...

Case study: Fundraising towards Net Zero

By Laura TreneerThe Church of England continues towards its 2030 net zero ambitions, not least through the nat...

How to get free tech for your charity

Charity Digital explore how organisations can access free tech, discounted tech, free tech consultations, free...

10 practical tips in setting up your charity’s reserves policy

As part of our Charity trustee insights hub, we have already established the importance of reserves and having...

Active vs Passive: Geese fly in gaggles, eagles fly alone

In October 2024, we hosted an in-person event where we discussed one of the most enduring debates in investmen...

Spring into action: rethink your cash assets today

With spring around the corner, is now a timely opportunity for UK charities to reassess their cash management ...

What could derail the Bank of England’s plans for 'gradual' rate cuts?

In an interview in the Financial Times in December, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey offered a les...

How to hone your grant fundraising strategy – 5 lessons from the funders

By Sean TullyEarly in 2021, Action Planning helped a national charity to rethink its grants strategy. The clie...

Cash and treasury management - time to review your strategy?

Significant rises in global interest rates over the last year have had a large impact on investment and cash m...

New Year, New Financial Goals – Where to Start?

The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to reflect, plan, and set your Charity up for financial su...

Global Market Review – January 2025

Higher-than-expected corporate earnings revisions helped drive global equities to a 4.2% gain during January, ...

How to be the inventor of your own future

By David SaintI run a lot of Board awaydays, very often as part of the strategic planning process, and a recur...

Legal lowdown: What's in store for charities in 2025?

This was the question that Jo Coleman, charities partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, addressed at our webinar on...

The Captain Tom Foundation: Lessons for the charity sector

The Charity Commission's recent inquiry report into The Captain Tom Foundation, the findings of which have bee...

Are your Charity’s investment reviews robust enough?

Regular investment reviews are vital for charities to ensure alignment with objectives, risks, and comply with...

Guide to responsible investing

A charity’s responsible investment policy should sit within, and form a part of, the wider investment policy.W...

Investing your Charity's money for the first time

We know that investing for a financial return in not a simple or quick decision for many charities.This guide ...

Guide to conducting an Investment Manager review

Once your investment policy has been finalised, you may well be looking to select an investment manager. But, ...

Writing and reviewing your Charity's Investment Policy

Whether you are considering investing for the first time or due to undertake a review of your existing investm...

Market Reflection and EFG Harris Allday View

2024 has been another eventful year for global economies and financial markets. Key themes have included the c...

Case Study: Strategic Awayday – Actors Benevolent Fund

“Felicia was excellent. She delivered everything I hoped she would and more. Everybody has given really positi...

Five-year anniversary note: The M&G Charity Multi Asset Fund

November 2024 marked the five year anniversary of the M&G Charity Multi Asset Fund. From the initial pessi...

Global Outlook Video - January 2025 - document

This document shows the charts that we think are particularly useful to help us determine where we are in the ...

Polls apart: A review of the year of divergence

2024 marked a year of political upheaval and historic shifts in global equity markets, with the rise of the “M...

Charity facts you need to know in 2025

The team at Charity Digital share all the latest facts and statistics about the charity sector, looking partic...

Martyn’s Law – progress through Parliament

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, had its second reading in the House o...

Lessons from recent Charity Commission inquiries

Just before Christmas, the Charity Commission published its inquiry into the Quba Trust, through which it foun...