CharitEpulse: Redundancies, resignations and wrangles – the charity sector battles on several fronts
In this week’s podcast, join our chatters James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji as they discuss some high profile news that recently hit the headlines: Save the Children are one of many charities experiencing budget constraints and considering redundancies amid current financial challenges; Grant makers are experiencing overwhelming application volumes, prompting some to revise…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Resilience, recognition, and regrettable rows
In this week’s podcast, our chatters James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji debate the below hot-button issues: Positive signs: three quarters of charities have maintained or increased fundraising income over the past year, defying previous expectations; Treat Civil Society as equal to businesses: a ‘hot mic’ comment by the Health Secretary has sparked controversy;…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Frustrations all round – clunky grant application processes and ‘dog-whistle’ reporting
This week our chatters James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji focus their discussion on a few controversial matters that have recently hit headlines: The challenges faced by grant-making charities and the lessons learned. The release of the Charity Investment Governance Principles – examining their purpose and necessity. The Charity Commission letter to the General…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Shades of grey – the grey areas of Gift Aid abuse and mega ‘charity’ prize draws
Our chatters James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji are back with their first podcast of 2025, bringing fresh insights and lively discussions to kick off the new year! In this episode they discuss: Gift Aid tribunal: a father and his three daughters, serving as trustees, lost a £420,000 Gift Aid tribunal, due to improper…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Charity scandals exposed – from pug rescue to Gift Aid fraud
Our chatters James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji wrap up the year by tackling pressing issues such as Gift Aid fraud, charity retail sector challenges, the government’s proposed regional funding approach, and governance issues in charities. HMRC Gift Aid fraud: clearer messaging is needed to protect the sector’s reputation, even if such fraud is…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Captain Tom’s legacy tarnished by his family, Gift Aid fraud, and banking woes
This week, our trio James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji discuss some juicy news surrounding gift aid fraud that has been keeping the press busy: Gift Aid fraud case: Two sisters have been jailed for embezzling nearly half a million pounds in Gift Aid collections over six years while allegedly volunteering for a charity.…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Government and the charity sector – a relationship reset?
Our trio James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji discuss some of the more challenging charity sector topics ahead of the holiday season, including: A Covenant rather than a Compact: will the proposed initiatives reset the sector’s relationship with government. Government/sector relations: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy’s announcement to restore charities to ‘the centre of national…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Further analysis of the budget – where do charities stand now?
This week, our trio James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji delve into the implications of the budget on the charity sector and more: National insurance increase: With a £1.4 billion rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions for charities, does this immediately signal a neglect of the sector despite the stated intentions of the new…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Precious, disjointed, or defensive?
This week, our trio James Saunders, Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji consider how coverage of speeches might not be as genuine as it could be – as well as: 700,000 charity trustees in the UK holding one million roles – as revealed by the Charity Commission CEO. The Prime Minister’s bold new ‘Covenant’ for charity…
READ MORECharitEpulse: Model trustee behaviour?
Taking to the catwalk in this episode, James poses the questions to Charles Mesquita, and Catherine Rustomji and they have a lot to cover: Charity Governance Code: Update from consultation – nearly 500 responses, but no plans to impose charges for using the Code going forward. Naomi Campbell’s charity ‘Fashion for Relief’: Three trustees disqualified…
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