Looking back, and planning for the future

There is guidance on offer for the sector to help identify the issues that affect them. And which need to be considered when setting future strategy.

Fortunately, there are ways Trustees and others in  charities are able to benefit by learning from the mistakes of others.

The Charity Commission’s report on the collapse of the high-profile charity Kids Company sets out a number of issues. These issues focus on concerns in  effective governance and financial stability. The sector as a whole can take these on board.

Also learning how other organisations have been affected by fraud can help. Charities can ensure that adequate controls are in place to best prevent similar instances arising.

Sadly the conflict in Ukraine will be an issue that will also be occupying charities at present. Guidance has been issued from the sector’s regulators on matters that need to be considered. This covers both on how charities can best help support the Ukrainian people but also one what steps charities need to take to protect themselves.

The range of challenges faced by the sector unlikely to diminish for the foreseeable future. But the practice of needing to adapt and evolve to the changing environment remains an ever-present issue for charities.

One thing that we have learned from the pandemic though is that the ability to embrace change is a feature of many charitable organisations. The sector’s response to the latest issues that it faces will enable charities to continue to perform the essential role that they play.

How Mercia can help

For further guidance on issues currently affecting the charity sector, see our Spring 2022 Charity Newsletter. It has been designed to keep your charity clients up to date on the major issues they face.

Although issues related to the pandemic take centre stage, it also issues of interest for the charity sector. This includes the latest accounting, taxation and governance guidance. Matters covered include the recent legislative developments across the UK, protecting charities from fraudulent activity and cyber-attacks. Finally, other recent guidance issued by the regulatory bodies are also covered.