Report: Just my type - an archetype analysis of charity finances

This research from nfpSynergy was carried out because of the complexities and differences that exist in many charities with regard to fundraising, recognising that it's not as simple to say that "a fundraising cost ratio of x per cent is a good standard".  The report aims instead to enable charities to benchmark against those of a similar type to make comparisons more meaningful.  In the analysis, nfpSynergy looked at the accounts of over 2,500 charities with an income of over £5 million.  

nfpSynergy, 2017.  Just my type - an archetype analysis of charity finances.

Available to download.  An accompanying article, printed in the March 2017 Fundraising magazine explains more behind this research and is also available from the library

Report: How could gift aid be improved and generate more income for charities

The purpose of this report is to look at reasons why Gift Aid is not as widely taken up as it could be, and explore how Gift Aid could be restructured to increase income for charities and compensate for income falls due to changing data protection regulation.

nfpSynergy, 2017.  How could gift aid be improved and generate more income for charities

Email the library for a copy.

Article: Apprenticeship Levy

In April 2017 the government introduced the new apprenticeship levy.  This article from the Charity Finance yearbook published earlier in the year considers whether charities  can benefit from this.

Bray, R. 2017.  Apprenticeship levy.  Charity Finance Year Book. 

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

Report: Hospice board selection and recruitment

This report, updated in 2017 covers all aspects of recruitment and selection of Hospice Trustees.  It covers the recruitment process, diversity, succession planning, exit interviews, and induction.  Two appendices include an example recruitment process with 14 steps, and a sample skills and competency matrix to map your current trustees against 10 key areas to identify skills and knowledge gaps.


Hospice UK, 20107.  Hospice board selection and recruitment.  Hospice UK.

Copy available from the library

Article: Hidden Value - how charities report on reserves

This article asks if it's time to have a more standardised reporting of reserves across the charity sector.  It reports on a survey of the largest 50 charities in the Charity Finance 100 Index to see if they reported on their free reserves in line with the Charity Commission's recommendations, whether more or less funds were now available, and what typical reasons and time periods were given for holding reserves.

Bawtree, D. June 2017.  Hidden value.  Charity Finance Magazine.

Contact the library  for a copy.

Web Site: Charities Against Fraud

Launched last year by the Charity Commission, in collaboration with members of the Charity Sector Counter Fraud Group, this web site is dedicated to helping charities in the fight against fraud. It provides an initial point of reference for trustees, staff and volunteers and includes templates for an Anti-fraud and corruption policy, investigation plan, terms of reference and whistle blowing policy template.

Available at  www.charitiesagainstfraud.org.uk

Templates: Model terms of reference - the Finance Committee

An overview of the ideal composition, attendees, quorum and reporting, along with responsibilities, in particular financial, investments and pensions.

Charity Year Book, 2017.  Model terms of reference - the Finance Committee.  Pages 220 - 221
To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

Report: Charity Investment Spotlight:

This annual report examines the investment performance of the top 5,000 charities database assessing the size of the charity investment market, and the investment managers used over the last five years with a particular focus on changes in the last year.

Charity Financials, May 2017.  Charity Investment Spotlight: annual report.
To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

Guidance: Charity Finance: Trustee Essentials

The Charity Commission has updated it's financial guidelines to make them more accessible and readable to trustees.  The guidance covers best practice in managing finance, identifying and managing risk, dealing with financial difficulties, income generation, staff and volunteers.  Particularly useful for Trustees new in their role.

CC25 - Charity Finances: Trustee Essentials, Charity Commission. March 2017.  16 pages.

Available to download -  EACH Trustees, request your own bound copy to keep from the library

Model code of conduct - Charity Trustees

Prepared by the Charity Trustee Network, this model code of conduct covers general responsibilities, managing interests, meetings, governance, relationship with others and leaving the board.

Charity Finance Yearbook, 2017 Model code of conduct -  Charity Trustees, p 226 - 227.
To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

Article: Not just for a rainy day: how charities think about reserves

In 1997 Not just for a rainy day was published by NCVO and the Charity Finance Group, providing  guidance on how to develop a reserves policy and put it into practice.   This article notes that even after 20 years of debates, opinions continue to differ on how to construct a reserves policy.  It comments on the Charity Commission 2016 guidance, continued inconsistencies that still exist among charities, confusion about the term "free reserves" and provides examples from the National Trust and RNLI policies.

Allsop, I. June 2017.  Not just for a rainy day: how charities think about reserves.  Finance Magazine.

To request a copy, click here fill in form and return to library.

Report: Personal information and fundraising: consent, purpose and transparency.

This guidance has been produced by the Fundraising Regulator, the new body established in 2015 to set and maintain standards for charitable fundraising.  The aim is help charities better understand their responsibilities in relation to donor consent, data protection and legitimate interests.  An action checklist and consent self-assessment toolkit has been produced to help charities with the practical issues surrounding consent and personal data processing. 

Fundraising Regulator, 2017. Personal information and fundraising: consent, purpose and transparency.

Download guidance, checklist and consent self assessment toolkit

Article: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Should you be afraid?

This article form the Third Sector magazine looks at the EU GDPR which will supersede the Data Protection Act, bringing in tighter rules about data processing and who organisations can contact.  It discusses the changes in consent, privacy notices, third party contracts, breach reporting and data retention that will come into force and discusses how charities should be preparing for this.

Cooney, R. May/June 2017. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Should you be afraid?   Third Sector.

Contact the library for a copy.

Report: Hidden Savings: how Rainbow Trust Children's Charity saves money for the health and social care system

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-limiting illness, supporting 2,000 families across England.  Earlier this year they analysed what the impact would be on the health and social care system if their support wasn't available, and estimated the cost at £2m.

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, 2017. Hidden Savings: how Rainbow Trust Children's Charity saves money for the health and social care system.

Click here to access report along with appendices

Report: Communications Benchmark 2017: taking the sector's temperature

This report investigates how the Charity Comms sector has evolved over the last 10 years and follows on from their 2008 and 2012 benchmarks.  This year they contacted Comms professionals at 273 charities and report back on the current standing of communications in charities, resources: how much and where are they focused, what's changed in the last decade, predictions for the next decade, and the impact Charity Comms can make.

CharityComms,2017. Communications Benchmark 2017: taking the sector's temperature

Contact the library for a copy

Article: Property Strategy

From the Charity Finance Year Book, 2017, this article lists 7 ways to help managers with multiple responsibilities to effectively form and execute a proper strategy for their organisation.

Vanstone-Walker, J. 2017 Property strategy.  Charity Finance Year Book

Contact the library for a copy