Digital transformation or digital divide?
Julian Lomas
The pandemic has dramatically accelerated the use of digital tools and digital services but what about those who can’t access services online easily or at all?
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Stay up to date with developments in the sector and our latest thinking on issues affecting charities and social enterprises.
Charity or CIC - which is right for my organisation?
Julian Lomas
Over the last couple of years we’ve worked with lots of start up not-for-profit organisations, many of whom have been struggling to decide if they should be structured as a Charity or a Community Interest Company. This post explores some of the things to consider when deciding the right legal structure for your non-profit.
Read MoreCore funding for charities is now more vital than ever.
Julian Lomas
With most charities expecting continued volatility in funding, demand for their services and volunteer capacity we argue that there needs to be more funding available for core costs over the next few years to help charities navigate these uncertainties.
Read MorePassion and Data: a winning combination for charities!
Julian Lomas
Passion plus Data could be a winning combination for many more charities. Read more about why in this guest blog from Ian J Seath, Director of Improvement Skills Consulting Ltd.
Read MoreWhat makes for effective partnerships?
Julian Lomas
Over the last 6-9 months we’ve been picking up interesting feedback from clients about how effective partnership working has been since the pandemic hit. This article explores some of the reasons behind that shift.
Read MoreWhat is the difference between governance and management in charities?
Julian Lomas
We frequently come across misunderstandings about the difference between governance and management in small and medium-sized charities, which in some cases manifests as tension or even conflict between staff and Trustees. This blog explore a little further what we believe the distinction is between these two vital functions in any organisation.
Read MoreWhat might the "new normal" look like for charities?
Julian Lomas
As vaccination increasingly looks like a route out of the pandemic most organisations are starting to ask themselves what the “new normal” might look like and could it bring significant opportunities to reduce core costs.
Read MoreWe still love small charities.
Julian Lomas
Three years on from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales The Value of Small in a Big Crisis, the Foundation has published a new report exploring how smaller charities responded during the first 6 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read MoreHas Covid-19 triggered a renaissance for voluntary sector infrastructure charities?
Julian Lomas
For over a decade we have been supporting voluntary sector infrastructure charities to reinvent themselves as public sector funding has declined. In the last 12 months they have proved themselves invaluable to statutory authorities struggling to cope with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Could this signal a renaissance for these much neglected charities?
Read MoreWhat makes a good virtual fundraising event?
Julian Lomas
Out of necessity charities have been forced to experiment with online fundraising events over the last year, with decidedly mixed results. What makes for a good virtual fundraising event?
Read MoreHow charity grant funding is changing in response to Coronavirus
Julian Lomas
Following on from our previous blog on how the charity grant funding market is responding to Covid-19, the Association of Charitable Foundations has published a report based on a survey of its members, which reveals some interesting insights into how grant making is likely to change in the short and medium term.
Read MoreFree webinars for charities from the OR Society’s Pro Bono team
Julian Lomas
The OR Society is running a series of webinars to explain how their pro-bono works and how operational research can help the third sector through post-COVID-19 recovery.
Read MoreWhat are charity reserves for?
Julian Lomas
There are many myths about what charity reserves are for and how much should be held in reserves. In this article we offer our view on a question which, in the face of a pandemic, has probably never been more important.
Read MoreFundraising in the new normal
Julian Lomas
Following the Government’s announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown, this article explores what fundraising might look like in the new normal.
Read MoreHow up to date is your governing document?
Julian Lomas
A really common issue we encounter when supporting small and medium sized charities with their governance is that many have old, often antiquated, governing documents. This brief articles explores why it’s important to review your governing document regularly and refresh it from time to time.
Read MoreCharities aren't allowed to trade - right?
Julian Lomas
It’s a common myth that charities are not allowed to trade. They are, and most do. This post provides a simple guide to the rules on charity trading.
Read MoreA fundraising success story
Julian Lomas
In challenging times when fundraising is tougher than ever it’s great to be able to share a fundraising success story. Amersham Band have recently completed their £0.5 million new band room project and now have a wonderful, purpose built rehearsal space and community asset. Congratulations to Amersham Band
Read MoreHow charities can build resilience, even in testing times
Julian Lomas
As 2021 gets underway and the environment in which charities and social enterprises operate appears to be even more volatile and uncertain than ever, the resilience of many organisations is being tested to its limits. But what makes for a resilient organisation and how resilience be improved?
Read MoreAlmond Tree wishes you a restful Christmas and New Year
Julian Lomas
We wish all our clients, and everyone working so hard to sustain vital charity services and support a restful and enjoyable Christmas and New Year and look forward to working with you in 2021.
Read MoreWhat might "levelling up" mean for charities?
Julian Lomas
Danny Kruger report Levelling up our communities: proposals for a new social covenant, released in September 2020 includes some interesting ideas on the role of civil society in rebuilding after Covid. In our view, however, while these proposals (if implemented) may offer opportunities for the sector, as ever, its destiny lies in its own hands. Now is the time for radical thinking from within the sector itself.
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