Survey: The Charity Shops Survey 2018

71 charities, of which 36 were hospices took part with a total of 6,482 shops included in the survey. It showed profits increasing for the first time in two years, the price of rag going back up, and a fall in shop numbers.    It includes key findings, shop numbers, income and profit, paid staff, volunteers, rent, collection costs, rag, common concerns and a league table.  The survey includes data from EACH shops.

Copies available both as print or PDF from the library

A Guide to Children's Palliative Care: supporting babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life threatening conditions and their families

Now in it's 4th edition, The Guide is an essential read for all those with an interest in planning, commissioning and delivering services and care for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families.  The guide seeks to establish and realise a vision that ensures children have access to and receive comprehensive, high quality, evidence-based services delivered by an appropriately training, experienced and integrated workforce.   It includes a new and enhanced section on research and the need to expand the evidence base.

Together for Short Lives, 2018.  A Guide to Children's Palliative Care, 4th edition.

Download a version here or request a copy from the library

Article: Annual reports - charities should re-think their approach to annual reporting

An article from Civil Society Finance magazine argues annual reports and accounts are focusing too much on achievements and not the difference charities actually make.  150 charities with income ranging between £28m and £64m were looked at.   Only 5 per cent reported very thoroughly on their strategy, how they measured success and what it meant.  It provides advice on what should be annually reported and cites examples of the best reports.

Contact the library for a copy

Report: Hospice trustees - engagement and communication

In September 2017 Hospice UK commissioned research to ascertain awareness amongst hospice trustees of the role of Hospice UK and the benefits and support offered to hospice members.  The responses came from 67 hospices, consisting of chairs, deputy chairs and trustees.  The report notes the challenges facing hospice trustees and the responsibilities that come with their position are probably greater than ever and provides a range of recommendations for Hospice UK to implement to support hospice trustees.

Hospice UK, 2018.  Hospice trustees engagement and communication: final report.

Contact the library for a copy

Article: The modern CEO: Perspectives from four charity leaders.

Being a charity chief executive in today’s world is a challenging, demanding, but ultimately rewarding role. The Governance and Leadership magazine asked four of the sector’s leaders to share their insights about the skills and attributes needed to be an effective CEO in a modern charity. It includes an interview with Julia's House Children's Hospice Chief Executive Martin Edwards who advocates being a CAO - A Chief Agitating Officer.

Copy available from the library

Briefing Paper: The Code of Good Governance: how to put it into practice

The Charity Governance Code is a statement of best practice, with the third version released in July 2017 including updated thinking on governance and discussion about the standard of governance in the charity sector.    This briefing paper outlines advice and recommendations on how charity trustees can put the Governance Code into practice.

Download here

Article: Why hospices must collaborate to acquire goods and services

This opinion piece in e-Hospice UK, has been written by the Chair of Trustees at St Catherine's Hospice, Crawley following his first attendance at the Hospice Quality Partnership (HQP) meeting .  He comes from a business background and notes that the 200 UK hospices across the UK spend around £500 million annually – excluding salaries – on the goods and services needed to deliver care.  His organisation is joining HQP to explore the benefits and financial savings of collaborative purchasing and encourages other hospices to consider this as an option.

See full article

Book: Its tough at the top: the No-fibbing Guide to Leadership

It's tough at the top is a practical, no nonsense guide to upper level management from a respected leader in the voluntary sector.  It combines leadership theory and models with personal anecdotes and real life situations.  This 2nd edition includes updated material on working with trustees, practical examples and tools, and feedback from experienced sector leaders.

Debra Allcock Tyler, 2018. It's tough at the top: the No-fibbing Guide to Leadership.  Directory of Social Change.

Contact the library for a copy.

Article: How to bring your risk register to life

In an article first published in October 2016, the author argues that your risk register should be a powerful tool to build communication and consensus.  "Don't start by making a list" she says, but identify with your trustees what your key areas of potential risk strategy are and work from there.

Article available from the library

Guide: Risk governance for charities: risk management structures and accountability

The guide examines the structures charities can use to make effective risk decisions and presents options for small, medium and large charities.   

Institute of Risk Management, 2018.  Risk governance for charities: risk management and structures.

Download here

Report: Information Commissioners Office (ICO) Information Risk Review at 8 Charities

In April 2018 the ICO published a report on it's findings from an ICO information risk review at eight charities, based on the eight principles of good information handling.   The report is intended to help charities to recognise where they can make improvements in the same areas.  It lists the areas of good practice, along with areas for improvement including governance, policies and procedures, monitoring and reporting, training, consent, fair processing and data sharing, business continuity, incident reporting, and retention and disposal.

View report here