CharitEpulse

Hosted by Quilter Cheviot

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Exploring the latest issues affecting charities, trustees, not-for-profit organisations and the voluntary sector, hosted by Charles Mesquita of Quilter Cheviot, Catherine Rustomji of Shakespeare Martineau and James Saunders of Moore Kingston Smith. This commentary has been produced for information purposes only and isn’t intended to constitute financial advice; investments referred to may not be suitable for all recipients. Any mention of a specific security should not be interpreted as a solicitation to buy or sell a specific security. This material is not tax, legal or accounting advice and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting purposes. Quilter Cheviot Limited does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting adviser(s) before engaging in any transaction. Investors should remember that the value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and that past performance is no guarantee of future return. You may not recover what you invest. Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Cheviot Investment Management are trading names of Quilter Cheviot Limited, Quilter Cheviot International Limited and Quilter Cheviot Europe Limited. Quilter Cheviot International is a trading name of Quilter Cheviot International Limited. Quilter Cheviot Limited is registered in England and Wales with number 01923571, registered office at Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AB. Quilter Cheviot Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and as an approved Financial Services Provider by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa. Quilter Cheviot International Limited is registered in Jersey with number 128676, registered office at 3rd Floor, Windward House, La Route de la Liberation, St Helier, JE1 1QJ, Jersey and is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission and as an approved Financial Services Provider by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa. Quilter Cheviot Europe Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, and is registered in Ireland with number 643307, registered office at Hambleden House, 19-26 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin D02 WV96.

Listen to episodes

50 recent

August 11, 2026Episode 4727 min

CharitEpulse: No rest for the charitable

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Charity Commission in contempt of Parliament: leading to an unreserved apology and an independent review led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom. High Court win for charities: Freedom from Torture and the Helen Bamber Foundation successfully challenged the Home Office for unlawfully removing protections for survivors of torture and trafficking without consultation — an early test of the civil society covenant. Banking burden grows: UK charities spend an estimated 12 million hours per year on banking admin (equivalent to 6,000 full-time workers), with rural access, fees, and trustee verification among the top concerns. EHRC compliance gap: the Charity Commission urged charities to comply with the Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice now, while admitting its own revised guidance won't arrive until autumn 2026 at the earliest — leaving many charities without clear direction. Local authorities in default: 45 local authorities are failing their legal duties as charity trustees, with concerns over transparency, asset double-counting, and a lack of proper accounts. Have a topic you'd like our panel to explore in a future episode? Email us at charities@quiltercheviot.com For the latest charity sector news, insights and events from Quilter Cheviot, subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter, trustEnews: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

August 10, 2026Episode 4625 min

CharitEpulse: Trust, turmoil and trustees

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Public trust in charities 2026: the latest public trust research indicates that overall trust in charities has remained broadly stable for a third consecutive year. The discussion explores participation trends, including reported declines in volunteering and charitable giving, and considers the challenges facing larger charities in maintaining public engagement. Charities operating in a divided society: recent sector research suggests that around one in four charities have experienced the impact of wider societal divisions. The panel examines reported issues, including protests, vandalism and disruption to services, and considers the implications for charity leaders and trustees. Trustee disqualification and governance lessons: The Charity Commission's disqualification of a trustee following regulatory investigations is discussed, including findings relating to the transfer of charitable funds, Gift Aid claims and governance concerns. The conversation focuses on the wider lessons for trustees regarding financial oversight, accountability and good governance. Who should set charity strategy? responding to a listener question, the panel considers the respective roles of trustees and senior leadership teams in developing organisational strategy. While trustees retain ultimate responsibility for the charity's direction and governance, the discussion highlights the importance of collaboration with executive leadership in developing and delivering strategic plans. Have a topic you'd like our panel to explore in a future episode? Email us at charities@quiltercheviot.com For the latest charity sector news, insights and events from Quilter Cheviot, subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter, trustEnews: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

July 6, 2026Episode 4525 min

CharitEpulse: Budget pressures, pay gaps, and governance concerns

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Politics & funding: charity sector funding may face pressure in light of potential shifts in government spending priorities, including increased defence expenditure. The discussion considers whether charities risk being overlooked in this environment. Pay inequality: a recent Pro Bono Economics report highlights a potential structural pay gap between charity sector employees and private sector counterparts. City & Guilds investigation: the Charity Commission is investigating the sale of a training business to PeopleCert. Reports of undisclosed executive bonuses have prompted questions around governance and trustee oversight. Trustee appeals: there has been an increase in appeals against Charity Commission disqualification decisions, including a high-profile case. Card Factory Foundation grants: a move towards awarding 25 unrestricted grants of £10,000 has been broadly welcomed, although it may have implications for smaller organisations previously supported. King’s birthday honours: the recent honours list included recognition for individuals working across the charity sector. To suggest topics you’d like the trio to explore in upcoming episodes, please email charities@quiltercheviot.com Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

June 26, 2026Episode 4418 min

CharitEpulse: Faith, funds & sector frustrations

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Church of England investment fund reaches £11.6bn: marking 17 consecutive years of growth. Larger charities dominate public procurement: research indicates that charities with incomes over £1m (around 5.5% of the sector) secure a significant proportion of contracts, while smaller organisations face barriers due to complexity and cost. Trustee social media use under scrutiny: the Charity Commission has had to intervene repeatedly over controversial trustee social media posts; the core tension is whether individuals can separate their personal views from their organisational roles. Understanding of fundraising at board level: sector commentary suggests some charity boards may lack familiarity with fundraising dynamics, including the time required to realise returns on investment. To suggest topics you’d like the trio to explore in upcoming episodes, please email charities@quiltercheviot.com Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

June 9, 2026Episode 4422 min

CharitEpulse: Charities under pressure - policy, governance and commissioning challenges

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Policy and sector support: recent government announcements offered limited detail for the charity sector, with little clarity on social care funding or cost-of-living support, highlighting ongoing questions around sector advocacy. Conflicts of interest in focus: updated Charity Commission (CC29) guidance reinforces the importance of robust governance, including clear declaration of interests, appropriate management of conflicts, and awareness of reputational considerations. Challenges for small charities: research from the Charity Excellence Framework highlights the pressures facing smaller organisations, alongside the need to recognise their value and explore opportunities to strengthen capacity and resilience. Public sector commissioning : concerns remain around complex and resource-intensive bidding processes, short contract cycles, and funding constraints, raising questions about how commissioning can better support sustainable partnerships. Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

May 11, 2026Episode 4326 min

CharitEpulse: From legal pressures to culture concerns

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The Government’s £1m roadmap for place‑based philanthropy Sentebale’s defamation case involving Prince Harry and a founding trustee Allegations of a toxic workplace culture at NCVO Duke of Edinburgh’s Award a great British success story Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

March 30, 2026Episode 4219 min

CharitEpulse: Trustees wanted - Are expectations [being set] too high?

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: The scale of the charity sector: headline figures that underline the importance of charities and trustees across the UK The Charity Commission’s powers: its role in tackling extremism and whether further powers are needed The voice of small charities: concerns that smaller organisations are being overlooked in government debates Trustee recruitment and training: informal appointment practices and whether greater structure is realistic for voluntary roles. Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

March 18, 2026Episode 4136 min

CharitEpulse: Boards, CEOs & Culture

In this special episode of CharitEpulse, the trio are joined by Sharon Davies, founder of The Good Place Co and former CEO of Young Enterprise, who brings over 30 years of experience in the not for profit sector. Sharon shares insights from her work at The Good Place Co, whose mission is to strengthen organisational impact for small to medium-sized charities by co‑designing sustainable leadership support systems. The episode features a Q&A discussion, exploring: Building effective and trusting relationships between CEOs and trustee boards The importance of robust pre‑boarding and onboarding processes Team dynamics and what helps make relationships truly effective The distinction between coaching and mentoring, and when each is most valuable The invisible thread between organisational culture, values, and leadership behaviours. Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

February 20, 2026Episode 3924 min

CharitEpulse: From CEO conflict to cryptocurrency challenges

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Railway charity leadership dispute - CEO resigns after governance tensions around non‑executive and executive roles Prime Minister's proposed regulatory powers - Plans to give the Charity Commission stronger powers to close charities Growing focus on impact reporting - David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission, urges charities to deliver more meaningful impact reporting under new SORP Fraud trends shifting - Reported decrease in fraud incidents but expectations of increased cyber‑related risk grow Crypto donations and "semi-unrestricted" funds - Mind receives $10 million donation, challenges of accepting cryptocurrency, and confusion over "semi-unrestricted" terminology. Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/

February 4, 2026Episode 3824 min

CharitEpulse: Regulatory delays and filing failures

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss: Government launches £11.59m Local Covenant Partnerships Fund targeting 15 disadvantaged areas Charity Commission uses extremely rare legal powers to merge two mosque charities Late charity account filings surge 51% to 17,773, raising governance concerns Charity Commission recruiting 80 new staff as budget rises 27% to address ‘extraordinary’ demand Fundraising Regulator reports Community Interest Companies (CICs) related complaints rising to 18%, driven by door‑to‑door and street fundraising issues. Subscribe to our monthly charity newsletter (trustEnews) for more sector news and Quilter Cheviot insights: https://www.quiltercheviot.com/subscribe/