Charity Perspective Summer edition 2023

With summer upon us, our thoughts and aspirations have turned to positive developments for charities, third-sector organisations and institutions across the country. Our eight regional hubs have been reporting a challenging time for the sector – with charities, both large and small, being affected by rising costs and unpredictable revenue streams. There has certainly been an increase in drawdowns as charities struggle to cope with the unpredictable inflationary landscape. Revenue streams have changed beyond recognition, and a recent industry report uncovered a 40% drop in public donations. A challenging landscape indeed.

Here at RBC Brewin Dolphin, we have been working hard with our 1,700+ charities to assist with these cost and revenue issues. Against an uncertain economic and market backdrop, we have been working closely with our RBC partners to offer security and reliability through fixed cash savings rates for charities and third-sector organisations. As of July 2023, rates for both current and new clients start at 4.65% fixed. Please email us at charities@brewin.co.uk for more details and how to apply. We hope this helps at an uncertain time.

In this season’s edition, we look at the recent CC14 debate, ESG, the makeup of charity boards, and other issues facing the sector. We also hear from our sector partner, NCVO,  on its recent “Vision for Volunteering”, especially in the light of the huge increase in volunteering due to the King’s Coronation. We also explore some of the issues raised in our recent webinars.

As ever, our teams are here to help and support you with any enquiry – be that large or small – so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the sunshine when you have time.

Head of Charities
Business Development
leslie.redwood@brewin.co.uk

Articles

	Is cash really king again? Wayne Nickels from RBC Brewin Dolphin looks at the role of cash in a time of rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.
	Could CGT changes boost your fundraising? Paul Mathias from RBC Brewin Dolphin explains why donating shares to charity could help individuals arrange their affairs more tax efficiently.
	The pressures on charity management Guy Davies, co-founder of Charity Intelligence, highlights seven key challenges facing not-for-profit organisations and what they can do to address them.
	Harness the power of artificial intelligence AI presents an opportunity to do more good with less. But what are the ethical considerations? Emma Abbott and Clare Mills from Charity Finance Group take a closer look.
	How diverse is your trustee board? David Myrddin-Evans from RBC Brewin Dolphin asks how charities should structure their trustee boards to best address the societal, economic and technological shifts that they face?
	Get involved in the Vision for Volunteering The Vision for Volunteering aims to create a better future for volunteering. Sarah Tranter, the project’s learning and storytelling officer, explains how.
	Prepare for new charity investment guidance The Charity Commission will publish an updated version of its guidance on charity investment this summer. Barbara Eze, associate at Bates Wells, explores what to expect.