The Charity Pages Issue 4

1

2

Charitable thoughts...

The first issue of a new year is usually taken up with a review of the previous 12 months, together with a tentative look forward to the rest of the year.

In this case there has been enough happening in recent months to keep us occupied, without any need to look back. Even without the potential tribulations of Brexit, the left-overs from previous controversies have been raising ugly heads in both the legal and charitable sectors.

• Two major issues have caused both sectors continued anguish. Since 2016 the government has been looking to raise money to fund its update of the justice system from whatever source it can. The estates of the rich seemed an uncontroversial target, but a scheme to hike probate fees had to be ditched in the face of the snap election. Its resurrection has faced a barrage of criticism – not least because of its dubious legality.

The government has ploughed on regardless, and the new rates are set to take effect in April.

• Another seeming gaff by HMCTS – that of engaging with a commercial organisation to provide information regarding legacies to charities – has also brought a back-track. The system is apparently ‘not consistent with the department’s legal duties’ and is to be ditched.

• What is still a mainstay of the first issue of the year is the look forward to conferences and awards that are to take place in the next few months. This year sees both the Institute of Legacy Management and the Institute of Fundraising holding their annual meeting of minds, with accompanying awards ceremonies.

• Among the award winners already announced is one for a fraud-prevention campaign by the Charity Commission. Fraud prevention is another perennial issue for both the legal and charity sectors.

In this issue...

CONTENTS 20

26

29

7

Courts and Tribunals Service announces change to notification system

7

The Brexit spectre haunts bequests

11

New resource will help with legacy stewardship

13

Probate fee hike attracts flack from all sides

14

New-style probate certificates issued

17

ILM Annual Conference agenda now available

17

Fundraising Convention returns to Barbican

19

Pets stand to inherit millions!

20

Wales has its first Yellow Plaque winner

23

Fundraising Awards add new categories

25

Charity fraud campaign wins government award

26

Corporate funder calls for charitable partners

29

Where there’s a will – there should be a power of attorney

30

Scotland consults on charity law changes

30

Turbulent times will see further change

In association with Your Expert Witness

Suite 2, 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AW Advertising: 0161 710 3880 Editorial: 0161 710 3881 Subscriptions: 0161 710 2240 E-mail: ian@dmmonline.co.uk

2YWBCP

Copyright Your Expert Witness. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Your Expert Witness. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company Plc www.magprint.co.uk

3

4

GETTING FROM THIS

TO THIS

TOOK MORE THAN T.L.C. Friends of the Animals is a practical and caring charity that works to alleviate the suffering of stray and unwanted animals. They specialise in ‘preventative’ work such as spays and neuters.

The charity was founded by Helen Sinclair MBE, who was honoured for services to animal welfare in 2014. She explained: “Neutering is the only humane way to reduce the numbers of unwanted animals and it improves the lives of animals already here. We work hard to ensure the areas we cover are kept stray-free and that in turn has a hugely beneficial effect on the whole community.”

The charity has negotiated much reduced ‘charity’ rates at a total of 38 veterinary practices in various parts of the country. They can also further subsidise those prices, making the cost of previously-unaffordable veterinary treatment attainable for those owners on even the lowest of incomes.

Helen Sinclair continued: “Since the charity’s inception in 1990 we have done well over 38,000 spays or neuters, and are willing to help anyone genuinely struggling to finance the cost of this vitally-important surgery: as long as they can reach one of ‘our’ vets.”

Veterinary treatment is their biggest outgoing and, dependent on funds, they also help with the cost of veterinary treatment for sick, injured and neglected animals – often finding they are an animal’s very last chance of life. They even operate a voluntary driving service that

transports owners and their animals to and from vets.

Said Helen: “Our wonderful drivers give freely of their time; all we ask is for service users to cover the cost of the driver’s mileage.”

They also help the public by loaning out equipment, such as carrying baskets and crates, free of charge. That eliminates the risks of transporting animals in cardboard boxes – which owners do all the time. They also check on owners who are struggling financially and help by donating items such as pet food and bedding.

Helen explained: “We were moved to tears when we discovered one elderly, recentlywidowed man. He had no food in the house and was feeding his much loved dog on the 'Meals on Wheels' intended for him.”

In addition, by utilising a network of capable foster homes, Friends of the Animals are able to provide a pet re-homing service. Foster carers look after mainly dogs and rabbits until a permanent home can be found. They also serve as a lifeline to the elderly and to people in hospital, or in short-term care in homes, as they provide a fostering service for their pets free of charge – usually for up to a month.

Helen concluded: “We truly appreciate that people have many choices of charities to support, but no one appreciates it more, or tries harder than we do to get the very best possible from every penny donated. Thank you for your consideration.”

5

Aiming to bridge the gap for those with clefts [CLEFT is a charity focused on providing permanent, sustainable

ways to improve cleft care both in the UK and overseas. Its tagline ‘Bridging the Gap’ illustrates the three aims of physical joining, improving information and linking care across countries.

A cleft is a congenital birth defect which happens in the womb when the component parts of the upper lip and the palate fail to join properly.

There may be a cleft just of the lip, just of the palate, or both. They can be one-sided (unilateral) or double-sided (bilateral).

It is known that one in 700 babies in the UK are born with a cleft. The figure is higher in Asia – particularly so in people from the Far East. It is estimated that 250,000 babies throughout the world are born each year with a cleft.

A core principle of CLEFT is to invest in research projects that study the cause and treatment of clefts. When it comes to clefts, there is still so much that is unknown.

The progression of knowledge and understanding of clefts is therefore a key component in improving the methods used by surgeons, speech therapists and other medical professionals, to treat and provide quality, long-term care for all those born with clefts, both in the UK and overseas.

All donations and gifts in wills help to further that research. q

Sending out an SOS for the owls [ESTABLISHED IN 2001, the Suffolk Owl

Sanctuary – known, appropriately, as S.O.S. – operates a comprehensive facility for the rescue, care and rehabilitation of owls across East Anglia.

It also promotes the need for the conservation of endangered owl species throughout the UK and beyond with its Saving Britain's Owls initiative.

The S.O.S. owl and raptor hospital at Stonham Aspal is unique in the region. It is specially equipped for the care and treatment of the many injured wild owls and other birds of prey that are brought there every year. The reasons for their being there include road traffic accidents, mishap, starvation, trauma, disease, poisoning and sometimes even shooting or trapping.

Many of the birds can be given a recuperative, short-term pick-me-up before being re-released into the wild. Those that are more seriously injured but stand a chance of recovery are given medical aid and/or surgery, as determined by their vet. The birds are then allowed space and time to fully recuperate in one of the secluded recovery aviaries, before being carefully returned to the wild.

S.O.S. also operates a wild owl nest box scheme, in conjunction with volunteers from the Thornham Owl Project. That includes building and locating long-lasting, environmentally-friendly nest boxes in appropriate locations, to replace the gradual erosion of natural nesting sites. It also involves the careful monitoring of nesting activity within the scheme, for the annual reporting of raptor population information to regulatory authorities.

S.O.S. is funded purely by donation, and like many small charities faces an on-going, uphill struggle to survive. q

6

Courts and Tribunals Service announces change to notification system [THE SYSTEM FOR alerting charities

when they have been left money in wills is to be overhauled, following the announcement by HM Courts and Tribunals Service that it is to end its current arrangement with Smee & Ford.

While the arrangement was made in good faith, HMCTS says it has since found that it is not consistent with the department’s legal duties. News of the change was carried in an open letter to charities.

HMCTS chief executive Susan AclandHood said: “I recognise the value to charities of receiving early notification of bequests left in wills and we are committed to working alongside the sector to establish a new, sustainable arrangement that works for everyone.

“Our decision to end our current arrangement with Smee & Ford is no reflection on the service provided by them, but comes as a result of an assessment of our legal position. We will continue to work closely with the company to seek to ensure that there is as little disruption as possible arising out of these changes over the next period.”

Charity representatives are being invited to help establish a new service that delivers a sustainable and efficient arrangement for the sector and HMCTS is also seeking the views of Smee & Ford, based on their knowledge of the current service, about options for a new arrangement.

Representatives of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, the Institute of Fundraising and the Institute of Legacy Management have been invited to join a working group. The working group will bring together the views of the sector, with the aim of creating a new and sustainable arrangement that will continue to work for all those using the current service.

Rob Cope, director of umbrella group

Remember A Charity, commented: “The current notification service is an essential tool for charities, giving them timely information on any forthcoming legacy gifts generously left by the public. It helps charities forecast legacy income, manage the administration of estates and plan how they spend those donations to make the world a better place. With legacy

income generating £3bn a year, this data is vital for the charity sector.

“It’s reassuring to see that government recognises how important this service is for the charity sector, that new arrangements will be drawn up and that the charity sector will have a key part in that. But next steps here will be critical.” q

The Brexit spectre haunts bequests [LEGACY INCOME has fallen victim

to Brexit uncertainties – according to the latest bulletin issued by Legacy Monitor, the consortium of charities brought together to analyse, benchmark and debate trends in the legacy market.

According to the bulletin: “In 2018 our 80 Legacy Monitor members received £1.46bn in legacy income, which equates to a 2.3% fall on the income recorded in 2017. Bequest numbers have also dropped over the last three quarters, with figures now totalling 54,325 for 2018.”

Overall, 41 consortium members saw an increase in income over the year, while 39 saw a fall.

Legacy Monitor identified three main factors behind the decline. A slowdown in the number of deaths has resulted in a downturn in the volume of bequests notified. Secondly, there has been a slight change in the bequest ‘mix’: the number of ‘residual’ bequests – which can be boosted by a small number of large gifts – has lagged behind straightforward cash gifts, which are often smaller. Last, but by no means least, the macro-economic climate has weakened as the ‘fog of Brexit’ continues to hamper economic activity.

“We estimate that, if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal, legacy incomes will be £1.2bn lower over the next five years,” the bulletin said. “The closer to the Brexit deadline we get, the higher the chance of this occurring.” q

Saving lives one sniff at a time [

HYPO HOUNDS provide a viable health care alternative for children and their families by using their family pet – training their best friend to detect the subtle changes in the child’s blood sugar levels.

The dogs are trained to alert sleeping parents when the child’s sugar levels drop dangerously low or rise too high. This not only impacts on the child but also on the family’s ability to function as a unit, with the registered carer becoming the dog.

Hypo Hounds work is becoming nationally recognised and is literally saving the lives of children – one sniff at a time. q

7

8

Is it just heartburn or cancer of the oesophagus?

[HEARTBURN AFFECTS one in 10 of us and is dismissed as being a

harmless problem. However, it is estimated that in the region of 500,000 people in the UK have the pre-cancerous condition Barrett’s oesophagus, and most are totally unaware of it. Around 10% of those cases will progress to oesophageal cancer. Despite the best modern treatments, survival rates for oesophageal cancer are appalling: 8,000 people die per year in the UK – an average of 22 a day.

Cancer of the oesophagus is the sixth greatest cancer killer in the UK and we have among the worst rates in the world. That is mainly due to diagnoses being made when the condition is too advanced to be treated, as the preceding symptoms are few and, on the whole, ignored.

Long-term persistent heartburn (lasting three or four weeks) is a significant symptom of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett’s oesophagus. People self-medicate by buying antacids or PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) such as Gaviscon, Rennies, Tums, Omeprazole and Nexium. The sale of antacids exceeds the sale of aspirin in the UK. Heartburn Cancer UK (HCUK) is a recognised and trusted authority in the field of cancer of the oesophagus and Barrett’s. However, it cannot make a difference without donations from individuals.

The charity was founded by the widow of Michael McCord, who fell victim to oesophageal cancer in 2002. Like many others before and since, he did not know at the time about the dangers of long-term and persistent heartburn. Had he done so he could have sought medical help and the outcome might have been completely different.

More recently the issues surrounding the disease were brought before the nation by former BBC correspondent Steve Hewlett, who shared his journey through the disease with a weekly report on the Today programme, from his diagnosis in March 2016 to his death the following February.

HCUK strives to make significant inroads in the prevention, detection and treatment of the disease by focusing on five key areas of action: education, research, awareness, support and evolving.

Education leads to lasting change and HCUK is working hard to

influence public and social policy, to lobby politicians, campaign for change and promote greater collaboration among the medical profession, the public and the government. They are already in the process of developing a network of effective partnerships with businesses, the pharmaceutical industry, medical professionals and other like-minded groups.

Its renowned medical professionals, all experts in the field of oesophageal cancer, are continuing to play a key role in research and trials designed to reduce the incidence of this appalling disease, aiming to significantly reduce incurable oesophageal cancer in the UK. Early detection rates are vital to ensure a positive outcome, and HCUK is creating a communication network to facilitate greater awareness of the importance of diagnosing the disease early, identifying the symptoms associated with the disease and seeking medical help quickly. Oesophageal cancer affects everyone regardless of their race, gender or age.

They are also looking to ensure consistent support is available to everyone affected by Barrett’s oesophagus, regardless of who they are and where they live. Information and advice is available to all those affected by the disease and to the people who support them on its website or by telephone.

The charity is looking for help from those who may know someone who has suffered from persistent heartburn, Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer.

Importantly, they are not content with standing still, and are determined to develop and grow a sustainable UK charity which continually re-invests to maximise the impact of its resources.

It must be remembered that most people with Barrett’s oesophagus will never develop cancer. The important thing is to be tested and diagnosed.

The outcome is so much better if diagnosed early.

Above all, don’t ignore persistent heartburn. q • For further information on donating to Heartburn Cancer UK call 01256 338 668 or visit www.heartburncanceruk.org.

9

Helping the forgotten people of Zimbabwe [ZANE: ZIMBABWE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY is a UK registered

charity working to help the most destitute, vulnerable and impoverished people in Zimbabwe. It is the largest supplier of financial aid to elderly people in Zimbabwe who lost their life savings and pensions in the economic collapse and subsequent hyper-inflation.

This includes over 580 frail veterans and their widows who fought for the Crown but have been left destitute and surviving on one meal a day. ZANE assists with rent, medical bills and food – and, crucially, also provides comfort, advice and support.

In addition, ZANE funds a clubfoot correction programme, successfully treating over 3,300 children to date. It funds the provision of prosthetic limbs for victims of landmine explosions and assists people with hearing loss. ZANE also funds education programmes including the provision of pop-up classrooms in high-density townships for children who would otherwise not receive an education. It runs creative therapy workshops for women living in extreme poverty who are victims of political violence and trauma.

Despite the change in leadership, the situation in Zimbabwe remains desperate with hunger and untreated illness commonplace. ZANE’s aid is needed more than ever by the most destitute people in Zimbabwe. q • To find out more about the work of ZANE visit www.zane.uk.com

No one should have to face MS alone [MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) is a life-long,

unpredictable, complex condition affecting the central nervous system. There is no known cure, and it is most often diagnosed in young people aged in their 20s and 30s. The impact of MS can be life changing, not just for those diagnosed but also for their family and friends.

The MS Trust exists to make life better for people living with MS. It is estimated that 77,000 people with MS do not have access to the specialist support they should expect, meaning that many are missing out on the care they need. Gifts in wills can help the MS Trust change this.

The accessible, current and evidence-based information provided by the MS Trust through their information and engagement team, and the specialist care and support provided by MS Specialist Nurses and Advanced MS Champions are vital in meeting the needs of those living with MS. The MS Trust recognise that making a will is one of the most important things we do in life. Rob Carter, Director of Fundraising and Marketing said: “Making a will allows us to recognise special relationships, safeguard our families and ensure that our wishes are carried out after we pass away.

A gift in your will to the MS Trust is not only an amazing way to support people affected by MS, but also helps to ensure we are a step closer to making sure that no one faces MS alone in the future. We simply could not provide the help and support we do without the generosity and kindness of people like you.” q • For more information email fundraising@mstrust.org.uk, call 01462 476707 or visit the website www.mstrust.org.uk/donate/ ways-donate/a-gift-your-will.

10 10

New resource will help with legacy stewardship [LEGACY FORESIGHT has launched a new online platform to

track the communications received by legacy and in-memory donors throughout their supporter journeys.

Legacy Journey is a consortium-based product and will give visibility to legacy stewardship communications across all channels and all legacy segments.

Unique seeds for each supporter segment are inserted into consortium clients’ databases, with all communication channels opted in. That includes direct mail, email, SMS and telephone. All communications sent to key legacy supporter segments, including legacy pledgers, prospects and in-memory supporters, will be monitored. The system also tracks the legacy communications that are sent to other important supporter segments, including cash and regular giving.

The communications received are scanned and uploaded to the Legacy Journey platform to be viewed immediately. Each piece of communication can be ‘clicked’ so that the entire PDF creative can be viewed.

Legacy Journey will enable legacy fundraisers to: • Ensure their planned supporter experience matches the actual • experience received • Ensure GDPR compliance is met and that internal data ownership • rules are being followed • Learn from peer charities about the breadth, frequency and • ‘quality’ of communications, and gain inspiration for creative copy • See how legacy communication trends across the consortium are • changing over time As well as access to the Legacy Journey platform, members will receive communications updates on a monthly basis, a bespoke annual review with recommendations to improve legacy

communications and an annual consortium-wide presentation, discussing best practice examples, charity case studies and wider consortium trends.

According to Legacy Foresight: “Legacy stewardship is a hot topic among fundraisers, as a way of converting, retaining and potentially growing the value of gifts from known supporters. Fundraisers are investing in cultivation activities which convert prospects to pledgers, and retention activities to ensure that pledgers keep the gift in their will over time.”

Last year’s Understanding Legacy Stewardship research project involved 29 leading UK charities. A member survey revealed that almost all of the charities in the consortium expected to be investing more resource on legacy stewardship over the next five years: 42% of them anticipated a lot more investment.

Legacy Foresight continued: “But despite the growing interest, almost half of all respondents (46%) felt that legacy stewardship does not – as yet – have sufficient priority in their charity. Our clients told us that a lack of hard evidence – about what works, the return on investment and actionable strategies – is curbing organisational commitment.

“Legacy Journey, alongside other sector initiatives including our recent stewardship research, is expected to help address that evidence gap. As the consortium grows members will gain a much greater understanding of what works and what doesn’t for legacy stewardship. Ultimately, that can only be a good thing for supporters as well as for fundraisers.”

Charities interested in joining the consortium, or finding out more about Legacy Journey, should contact Richard Hill by email at r.hill@legacyforesight.co.uk. The deadline for joining the initial consortium is 29 March. q

Education through the power of play

[ACTION FOR SICK CHILDREN is currently focusing on its two main

projects – Dental Playbox and Magical Power of Play Appeal.

The Dental Playbox project is a preventative programme to educate the under fives, through the powerful medium of play, in the importance of good oral hygiene, sensible eating and drinking – along with visiting the dentist on a regular basis. In 2017, the scheme reached almost 7,000 children!

The Magical Power of Play Appeal supports the invaluable work of health play specialists by providing play resources for hospitals across the UK. These resources help to improve the hospital journey for sick children through distraction and recovery. In 2018, Action for Sick Children hopes to provide a Magical Power of Play Appeal box to ten children’s wards across the UK. q

Supporting the maritime community [SEAFARERS UK has been helping people in the maritime

community for 100 years, providing vital support to seafarers in need and their families, as well as to those in education or training who are preparing to work or serve at sea.

They do this this by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to people’s lives, across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Last year they gave grants totalling £3.5 million to over 60 maritime welfare charities. Seafarers UK receives no government funding and is heavily dependent on public donations and legacies to maintain its grant-making. q • To support Seafarers UK or to find out more about their work, visit the website at www.seafarers.uk or email seafarers@seafarers.uk

11 11

Charity that helps kids with kidney problems [FOUNDED IN 2000, Kidney Kids Scotland supports children

with renal illness and their families and is the only Scottish charity specifically set up to do so.

The main aim of the charity is to enable children to receive treatment as close to home as possible, thus minimising disruption to the family unit. To do that Kidney Kids Scotland works closely with consultants and other medical and welfare personnel, relying on their expertise to identify where help is most needed.

In addition, the trustees believe that no family should have to worry unduly over financial problems while also worrying about a sick child, and they do their utmost to support those families in any way they can.

The charity principally supports the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, which is the only centre in Scotland where children with end-stage renal failure can be treated with haemodialysis or receive a transplant.

Kidney Kids Scotland understand that children and young people living with chronic kidney disease face a lot of challenges in living a happy, healthy childhood. Conventional treatment options such as 3-times-weekly haemodialysis in a hospital dialysis unit offer huge health gains but can be hard on children and young people who want to be at school or with their friends instead of in a hospital.

The Charity has been instrumental in setting up the first-ever home haemodialysis service in Scotland, funding a nurse to do this. As a portable, home-based therapy, it can be used more frequently and at times that suit the family as, unlike in hospital, home patients can choose when and where they wish to do their treatments. This service is now hugely successful. q

Funding helps enhance quality of life

[FUNDING AN ever-changing variety of projects which enhance

and enrich the lives of vulnerable people with learning disabilities is the function of Camphill Foundation UK and Ireland.

The foundation provides the financial support that can enable new initiatives to start-up, help to create or improve facilities, or provide vital opportunities for creative and fulfilling work. It often provides that extra bit of help needed to enhance quality of life.

Independence and freedom of choice are fine ideals, but they can only become a reality with the right level of support, both financial and personal.

True quality of life means combining individual choice and fulfilment with social belonging and responsibility. The projects supported by Camphill Foundation improve and enrich that quality of life for people with learning disabilities by providing new work or social and cultural opportunities which enhance the development and wellbeing of both the individual and the community.

For further information on leaving a legacy, enabling that work to continue, visit www.camphillfoundation.net q

12 12

Probate fee hike attracts flack from all sides [THE LEGAL AND CHARITY SECTORS reacted with equal dismay

and anger at the decision by the government to press ahead with its reform of the probate fee system – albeit in a revised form.

The proposals were approved by nine votes to eight by a House of Commons Delegated Legislation Committee. Although the vote has to go before the full House for approval, that is seen as a formality.

The Institute of Legacy Management posted on 7 February, after the vote: “We are saddened to hear that the government has today voted in favour of an increase in probate fees. We have long been campaigning against this rise on behalf of our members, as we believe it will hit charities hard and could cost them in the region of £10m annually in legacy income.

“Despite our objections the government has gone ahead with the proposals and from April the fees will increase. We were pleased, however, that eight of the 17 MPs that voted were against the changes and we look forward to seeing the improvements to HMCTS that the Ministry of Justice has promised will be funded from the increased fees.”

Under the new format, instead of probate applications being charged at a flat rate of £215, or £155 for those applying through a solicitor, the charge will be linked to the size of the estate, with those valued at more than £2m facing a £6,000 charge. Estates valued at under £50,000 will be exempt from charges.

Remember A Charity called the new measures ‘a stealth tax on grieving families that will cost charities millions’, while Cancer Research UK estimates the changes will reduce their income by £600,000 per annum, which could pay for two years of trials of a new targeted prostate cancer drug.

The method chosen to effect the change – via a Statutory Instrument rather than as a result of Parliamentary debate – provided the principal grounds for objection by a number of professional bodies, including the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). They argued that, as the new fees were out of proportion to the cost of processing applications, it should be treated as a tax and subject to Parliamentary scrutiny. Indeed, Justice Minister Lucy Frazer QC used the provision in the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act allowing fees to be set at a level to help ‘maintain the efficient and effective operation of the rest of the system’ to justify the increase.

Law Society president Christina Blacklaws commented: “It is unfair to expect the bereaved to fund or subsidise other parts of the courts and tribunal service, particularly in circumstances where they have no other options but to use the probate service.”

STEP was also alarmed by the prospect that the new fees are set to be levied on all probate applications from April. Its chief executive Mark

Walley said: “We are very disappointed that, despite our efforts and those of a number of other bodies, the changes to probate fees look set to be brought in. If they are, we hope that the government will listen to our calls to alleviate pressure on bereaved families by applying the new fees to the estates of people who die after they are introduced. This would seem to be the most sensitive and sensible way of introducing this.”

The measure had been subject to a great deal of opposition throughout its legislative journey, particularly during a consultation period last year.

The result has been a number of ‘watering down’ changes.

Justice Minister Lucy Frazer told the House: “The top band has now been reduced from £20,000 under the previous proposal to £6,000 under this order. The new banded fees structure does not amend the underlying policy rationale, and will retain the same progressive banded structure as the earlier proposal, in which the fee payable relates to the value of the estate.”

Nicola Evans of law firm BDB Pitmans urged MPs to object to the proposals when it comes up for ratification: “If MPs do not now stand up to oppose the order, they will be allowing a minister to impose a new tax which undermines the principles of the inheritance tax regime, with resulting cost to families and charities.”

There could also be a further twist. The Law Society Gazette reported on 8 February that financial advisory specialists the LEBC Group has asked the Competition and Markets Authority if it can investigate the reform on the grounds that the changes would cause ‘hardship and distress’ to the bereaved. q

Help for those with failing sight

[FAILING EYESIGHT is nothing short of a personal catastrophe.

Do you have a family member, friend or neighbour who is gradually losing their sight?

Reading, recognising friends and living skills are all affected as your sight is going – and it’s much harder if you live alone.

The National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) keeps its members in touch with general information, help and updates on what’s going on.

The charity produces bi-monthly news magazines and circulars in audio, braille or electronically, which members can read independently. It also encourages blind and partially sighted people to play a fuller part in society. q • For further information contact NFBUK on 01924 291313, email admin@nfbuk.org or vist www.nfbuk.org.

13 13

New-style probate certificates issued [AHEAD OF THE INCREASE in probate fees, HMCTS began

issuing a new style of certificate for grant of probate certificates on 4 March. The old-style grant certificates will still be valid; however, it is expected that there will be fewer of them.

Additional counter-fraud measures have been added to the new grant, including: • A digital seal instead of an embossed seal

• Digital signature instead of a ‘wet’ signature • A validation telephone number for people processing the • document to call • A high security hologram.

Grants for probate applications made online will be printed in a central location, while probate registries will continue to print applications made by paper. q

Make a lasting contribution to family life

[MOTHERS’ UNION is a movement of over four million members

who won’t stand to see families suffer. In 84 countries their Christian faith inspires them to serve their communities, helping people of all faiths and none.

Together they change the lives of over 750,000 people each year; and because they work in the heart of every community the impact lasts a lifetime.

Leaving a legacy to Mothers’ Union means helping to ensure that no family has to struggle to get from one day to the next. You will help families get the support they need, long into the future – through projects such as parenting programmes, literacy circles, family centres in prisons and much more.

Leaving a legacy of any size is a lovely way to make a lasting contribution to family life, all over the world. q • For further information on leaving a gift in your will to Mothers’ Union tel 020 7222 5533, email legacy@mothersunion.org or visit the website at www.mothersunion.org/legacy

14 14

Help give future generations the power to prevent cancer

[A STAGGERING one in two of us will develop cancer

during our lives, yet we know that around 40% of cancer cases are preventable. That’s 144,000 cases in the UK alone every year that could be prevented through our lifestyle choices.

For over 25 years World Cancer Research Fund has been a pioneer in vital worldwide scientific research into the links between our lifestyles and cancer prevention. Demonstrating that eating a healthy diet, being active each day and maintaining a healthy weight are, after not smoking, the most important ways you can reduce the risk of cancer for you and your family.

World Cancer Research Fund founder Marilyn Gentry is passionate about preventing cancer. She said: “Almost all of us are affected one way or another, yet we are not powerless. Our work couldn’t be more urgent, especially when we know that around 40% of cancers could be prevented. We hope that by spreading this good news, along with our cancer prevention recommendations, many thousands of lives will be saved.

“But there is so much more we need to do and leaving a gift in your will to World Cancer Research Fund could be your special way of rewriting the future and making a memorable contribution to cancer prevention and survival in the years to come.” q • To learn more about how you can give future generations the power to prevent cancer visit www.wcrf-uk.org/legacy

15 15

Legacies – the gift of life [ANIMAL CHARITY Wild Futures rescues

and offers sanctuary to monkeys who have suffered abuse and neglect. They are dedicated to protecting primates and their habitats worldwide – primates are endangered due to climate change, habitat destruction and the bush-meat and pet trades.

For some species, it is too late. The future of all that remains lies in our hands, so leaving a legacy to Wild Futures is the gift of life and a future for primates and our wonderful planet.

Wild Futures’ holistic approach makes them unique – providing sanctuary to rescued

16 16

monkeys, supporting projects overseas, campaigning for primate welfare, educating to protect primates worldwide and promoting a sustainability and ethical ethos.

They receive no government funding, so the generosity of those that remember Wild Futures is essential to enable them to continue their work. A legacy can be the gift of a life worth living and a wild and safe future for all. q • For more information call 01503 262532, email giving@wildfutures.org or visit the webiste at www.wildfutures.org.

ILM Annual Conference agenda now available [THE Institute of Legacy Management

(ILM) has revealed the full agenda for its Annual Conference, to be held at 155 Bishopsgate in London on 10 May. The agenda is now available to download from the ILM website.

The conference is a must-attend event for all those involved in managing legacies, with 99% of last year’s delegates saying that the conference was ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, and 90% that it was good value for money.

The ILM is delighted to announce that Ed Owen, director of communications at HM Courts & Tribunals Service, will be joining them to provide the latest updates on changes to the Wills Notification Service.

The day promises the usual mix of news, views and legal updates – as well as a great chance to network with peers in the legacy world. It will feature the ever-popular Legacy Foresight update from Meg Abdy; plus, a panel of experts will discuss a burning issue and the ILM are also planning a session on charity finance.

In a new addition to the conference, the institute’s Professional Development Working Group will also be hosting a special learning session.

The lead-off presentations for both morning sessions will be by headline

sponsors Michelmores. The law firm has a large and highly-regarded charities team that provides expert legal advice for not-for-profit and legacy management professionals, and is highly experienced in dealing with disputes relating to wills, trusts and estates.

Matthew Lagden, CEO of ILM said: “We are thrilled that Michelmores will be the headline sponsor at this year’s conference.

We know the team has some very exciting ideas for their sessions and will bring

something truly unique to this year’s event.”

Tony Cockayne, a partner at Michelmores, added: “We have been partners with ILM for many years now and so it is a real pleasure for us to be the headline sponsor of this year’s conference.

“We know the conference is always a fantastic day for legacy professionals, and we hope our partnership will bring something fresh and exciting to the day, helping make this year’s event the best ever.” q

Fundraising Convention returns to Barbican [THIS YEAR’S annual Fundraising Convention, organised by the Institute of Fundraising,

will be held at The Barbican on 1-3 July. Each year sees thousands of fundraisers gather at the largest professional fundraising event in Europe – a place to meet industry leaders, develop skills and knowledge and explore the many exhibitors.

Speakers from across the industry deliver a rich, diverse and engaging range of workshops, case studies and debates, with a programme that brings a wealth of insight and experience to challenge delegates’ thinking. And not only are the days packed with as many learning opportunities as possible, there are plenty of social and evening events available as well.

One past delegate, a community fundraising assistant at Barnardo's, commented: “I am at the beginning of my career in fundraising and found the convention to be hugely inspiring. I came away with more knowledge and practical tips, which will help me both in my current role and to develop into future promotional roles. I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend and am already looking forward to the next one!” q

Promoting Christianity changes lives [FOUNDED IN 1698, the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge

(SPCK) is a small charity, but it punches above its weight in changing people’s lives. Its Patron is HM The Queen.

It has a vision of a world where everyone is transformed by Christian knowledge; its mission is to lead the way in creating books and resources that help everyone to make sense of faith.

Its school assemblies website (www.assemblies.org.uk) helps children to have a moment of spiritual reflection. For many children, that might be the only time they get a chance to think about their inner lives and relationships with others.

SPCK also gives away specially-written easy-to-read novels in prisons.

They have helped prisoners to find a love of reading, improve their skills and employability and also to change their thinking about how they behave towards others. q

Caring for chelonia [THE BRITISH CHELONIA GROUP publishes six newsletters

a year containing details of meetings, short articles, news items and veterinary notes. Their journal Testudo is published annually and contains original articles and reviews on all aspects of turtles, terrapins and tortoises – their biology, conservation, welfare, veterinary care and husbandry. The group also organises symposia.

As well as the yearly appeals in aid of specific international causes in chelonia research and survival, the BCG assists other worthy causes in support of its aims with grants. They invite grant applications from organisations and individuals engaged on the work of chelonia conservation – such as zoos, universities, zoologists and students in this country and overseas. q

17 17

Keeping parents together with their children is the aim of this charity

[KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE safe from crime and exploitation:

that is the Herculean task set for itself by Partog – Parenting Together – a charity set up by former youth worker Gerry Hannah.

Said Gerry: “At Partog we are changing attitudes and inspiring young people towards happy, safe and healthy lifestyles. We are one of the UK’s leading innovators of advanced community projects, engaging vulnerable young people in safe and sociable activities with positive role models, youth and community workers.”

As he points out, criminals do not emerge overnight like butterflies.

The process of criminalising and ruining a young life passes through many hands. Partog’s parenting network links parents with youth and skilled community workers.

Partog are Ministry of Justice preferred suppliers and represent the best interests of young people in both Family and Youth Courts.

They believe there is no such thing as unavoidable abuse and exploitation.

They accept referrals from community police, teachers and the NHS, when young people display antisocial, disruptive behaviour – whether in their home, the classroom or community. They generally work with the parents to improve how they interact and resolve relationship issues and advocate on behalf of young people involved with the youth justice system.

Gerry continued: “We engage the most reclusive, inaccessible young people, unable to socialise or engage in activities. We work with families living in areas of high crime and at high risk of exploitation. Many years working in the residential care of young people with emotional and behavioural problems, added to our award-winning research, allows us to specialise in helping young people disadvantaged by their social and family circumstances.”

The founding of Parenting Together followed a career working with

18 18

young people. Gerry explained: “For 15 years I challenged anyone and everyone who showed less than absolute kindness to the emotionally damaged and abused children in my care.”

It was, he said: “The most rewarding job in the world without a doubt, but gradually their sadness overwhelmed me. I cried on almost every journey home from work and could not bear to read another child’s traumatic care history, wondering if I could ever make that child laugh again or convince them to trust another human being.

“Caring for young people with behaviour and emotional problems, I witnessed the emotional devastation, the life-long anxiety and many disturbing psychological consequences caused by false rhetoric presented to Family Courts as factual.

“Young people, losing the love and protection of their family for trivial irrelevant reasons, suffer appalling risks. Parenting Together is my given vow to defend the rights and emotional health of children deprived of the love and protection of both parents.”

Partog offers parents and solicitors expert witness statements and risk assessments on young people’s emotional and behavioural problems.

“No research ever showed that children are better off without parents,” declared Gerry. “I promise child-centred risk assessments and expert witness reports, morally and ethically guided towards the best possible outcomes for the youngest, most vulnerable members of your client’s family.”

In 2014 Parenting Together submitted evidence to the Commons Joint Select Committee on Human Rights for its inquiry into violence against women and girls. Later that year then-Home Secretary Theresa May requested further details of the group’s research.

The following year the NSPCC business chair described the work of Parenting Together as “…more than a good cause; it works.” q

Pets stand to inherit millions!

[TO A NATION of animal lovers it will come as no surprise to

learn that nearly two thirds of Britons plan to leave money in their will to their pet or pets. New research from Remember A Charity shows that the average owner will leave 11% of their wealth to their pets, to ensure they’re properly cared for.

That means that each of Kylie Jenner’s seven pets could be set to inherit £14m of her £900m fortune, while Barbara Streisand’s pups could receive £16.8m each!

The news comes as Karl Lagerfeld has been rumoured to have left part of his £150m fortune to his beloved cat, Choupette, and as 79% of pet owners have said they’d like a clause in their will detailing what will happen to their furry friends.

Remember A Charity has compiled a table of celebrity pet owners and how much their respective pets could inherit if left 11% of their estimated fortunes.

Shockingly, recent research from Remember A Charity reveals that six in 10 Brits don’t have a will in place at all, meaning 32 million are leaving what will happen to their estate – as well as their children and pets – in the hands of the law.

Rob Cope, Director of Remember A Charity, said: “It’s really important to have a will in place so that everything and everyone you care about are properly looked after once you’re gone, but surprisingly few of us actually have one.

“First and foremost, a will should ensure that friends and family are cared for, but it’s important to think about everything else, too.

Many of us support a charity close to our heart throughout our life, so it’s wonderful to be able to continue supporting them once we’re gone. Every gift – large and small – has a huge impact, with six in 10 lifeboat launches and two in three guide dogs funded through legacy giving.” q

This sanctuary helps donkeys from across Europe and beyond [ESTABLISHED IN 1990, NEDDI offers care and safety to donkeys –

and to a lesser degree, ponies – in Britain and Europe who have suffered neglect, cruelty or maltreatment or who are at risk of such treatment.

In addition to rescuing such animals from undesirable situations, within the financial and practical constraints prevailing at the time, they work to try to change attitudes and to educate donkey owners into better practices. For example, since 2016 they have been assisting associates in Kenya to achieve those aims for the working animals there.

Since its establishment in Cornwall, NEDDI has operated a sanctuary specifically for distressed donkeys. In 2001 the sanctuary moved to just the other side of the channel, where the resident donkeys enjoy more space and pasture than would otherwise have been possible.

Its policy is to try to offer actual, hands-on help to the animals in need, and to restore them to the maximum possible degree of fitness.

Once brought back to full health, new homes are sometimes sought for the fit animals.

Where full health cannot be achieved a safe home is offered to the donkey for the duration of its life.

NEDDI is a comparatively small organisation with limited resources, and relies heavily on support from animal-lovers. A bequest will enable more donkeys to be freed from pain and misery. q

19 19

Wales has its first Yellow Plaque winner [SHELTER CYMRU has become the first Welsh

charity to be awarded a prestigious Yellow Plaque by Remember A Charity. The award recognises the impact that gifts in wills have in helping to fund the charity’s pivotal work in preventing homelessness in Wales.

Inspired by English Heritage’s Blue Plaques, the Yellow Plaque scheme was launched in 2012 and commemorates charitable initiatives funded through gifts in wills. Last year, gifts in wills funded one in every 15 people who were supported by Shelter Cymru, helping 1,328 people with housing needs across Wales.

Throughout its 38 years, Shelter Cymru has helped more than half-a-million homeless people in Wales fight for their rights, get back on their feet and then find and keep a home. As well as providing free, independent, expert housing advice and support, the charity’s workers also attend court to defend those at risk of losing their home.

One of the charity’s key projects enabled by legacy giving is their national helpline, Shelter Cymru Live, which supports over 6,500 people each year – over 2,000 of whom are children. It is often the first port of call for anyone in housing need, providing immediate specialist support and negating the need to wait days – and sometimes weeks – for an appointment with a housing law caseworker, removing the additional distress this can bring at an already stressful time.

One in four people helped by Shelter Cymru now come through their helpline, which has grown to become a vital and integral part of the support they provide.

Director John Puzey said: “Over the past 38 years, legacy income

has played a substantial part in helping us prevent homelessness in Wales. Not only were we able to establish our national helpline, which has gone on to become such a vital part of our support services, but legacies of all sizes continue to enable us to provide free, independent expert support and advice to thousands of individuals and families each year.

“We are delighted to be the first charity in Wales to be awarded a Yellow Plaque. It is a fitting tribute to the generosity shown to us by those individuals who support Shelter Cymru through a gift in their will, which we will display with pride.” q

Surgery saves lives

[SURGEONS SAVE AND improve the quality of people’s lives

every day. Patient care and wellbeing is the heart and drive of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS). They are a registered charity (number 212808), independent of the NHS, and for more than 200 years have safeguarded the standards of clinical practice.

There are many reasons why you may find yourself under the care of a surgeon – few people have not benefited, either directly or indirectly, from advances made in surgery. The charity’s work is not limited to specific illnesses or areas of disease but supports better care for all ages, from minor day surgery and the removal of cancer, to life-saving emergency procedures and trauma care.

In every case, the patient places their trust in the hands of the surgeon. Although this trust is well founded, there is a need to invest continually in education, research and training to ensure that surgeons – and the care they provide is – the best in the world.

While the medical world continue to strive for the cure to many diseases and cancers, in many cases surgery remains the most effective treatment.

The RCS relies heavily on donations and legacies to develop and maintain its varied programme of clinical research, surgical education and heritage conservation. Operations are now safer, less invasive and more effective with better outcomes. Surgery saves lives and a gift will help those who put theirs in the hands of a surgeon. q

20 20

No amputee need cope alone [LAST NOVEMBER the Limbless Association (LA) celebrated 35

years of supporting amputees. The LA is a national charity that exists to help amputees across the UK with practical and emotional support – both pre-and post-amputation. It is a small, user-led charity that is supported by a small staff team and an army of dedicated volunteers: mostly amputees themselves.

The charity's vision is of a world where amputees of all ages are not disadvantaged by their disability, but are able to achieve rehabilitation and independence in hospital, home, education, employment and the community. Its mission is to support and empower all amputees to lead independent and fulfilled lives.

The LA provides a number of core services: the LA Helpdesk – providing information and signposting for people living with limb loss and their families – outreach support sessions, peer mentoring through its Volunteer Visitor network, group peer support opportunities with its Support and Connect Hubs and access to expert legal advice through the LA Limb Loss Legal Panel in the event of an amputation-related claim.

The quarterly magazine Step Forward, an e-newsletter and strong social media presence keep members and wider stakeholders connected and informed about key sector topics and ‘all things LA’.

LA’s services help to benefit over 700 people each year: through improved access to information, reducing isolation and loneliness, improving mental and emotional wellbeing, promoting recovery, raising awareness of limb-loss within the wider community and influencing health and social care policy and practice to benefit people living with limb loss across the UK.

The building blocks of recovery

Anger, fear, denial, grief, vulnerability and loneliness are common emotions expressed by new amputees. The Limbless Association’s mission is to support amputees in achieving full recovery and rehabilitation, and they truly love the work they do.

The members and the amputees LA supports are friends for life and many progress to giving their support in return, through awareness-raising, fundraising or participating in the Volunteer Visitor scheme – a truly continuous circle of support.

“You’re a member of a very special club when you have an amputation. Every next step is a target: when you’re in hospital the target is to get home; when you’re at home the target is to get moving again. I saw an LA volunteer visitor in hospital and she helped me to not feel sorry for myself. She gave me inspiration to move forward and something to aim for.” q

21 21

A lifeline for sick and injured swans [SWAN LIFELINE is the longest-established charity entirely devoted to

the care and needs of sick and injured swans. Their main aim is to rescue and treat swans and wherever possible release them back to the wild.

The charity was formed in the 1980’s by a group of dedicated people who had worked with Save Our Swans.

Kay Webb, one of the original committee, is current chairman of the trustees. She said: “The trustees are actively involved with the day to day running of the charity. In 1992 Eton College offered us a lease on ‘Cuckoo Weir Island’ on which to build a rescue headquarters and treatment centre.

“We have been operational on the site since 1993. It is possible for us to care for up to 190 birds at any one time in ponds and pens. We also have a specialist bird washing sink and an intensive care unit.”

The mute swan, the largest and best loved of British wild birds, which has thrived from its close proximity to human beings, suffers badly from man’s activities. Swans fly into bridges, hit power cables and land on motorways, mistaking them for water. There are also incidents involving attacks by dogs and deliberate vandalism.

Although much of the danger from anglers’ lead weights has been averted – thanks to the work of the charity, supported by government legislation and the angling community – swans still become entangled in discarded fishing tackle and plastic can holders. There is always a danger from chemical and oil pollution and collisions with rivercraft.

During the past thirty-three years many thousands of swans have been rescued and treated by Swan Lifeline. The majority are released back to the wild after treatment and the most disabled go to sheltered homes. “Our aim is to maintain a treatment centre in perpetuity, not dependent on any one person or group of people,” said Kay Webb, “legacy gifts can help us continue with our work.” q

Chronic pain is a silent epidemic crippling the country [MOST PEOPLE do not think of pain until it affects them

personally, or those close to them – yet an astonishing 43% of the population experience chronic pain, according to figures from the Pain Relief Foundation.

A staggering 28 million adults in the UK are currently living with ongoing discomfort, including nearly one in three people of working age.

Around one in ten people suffer from such extreme levels of pain that it is either moderately or severely disabling. Their pain becomes so consuming they are able to think of almost nothing else. In an ageing population those figures are set to rise.

The terrible scourge of chronic pain remains one of the last unconquered frontiers of medicine. It is defined as pain that lasts for three months or longer. It can include conditions such as arthritis, cancer pain, neuralgia, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, painful strokes, pain following limb amputation (phantom limb), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), back pain and headaches.

It is the silent epidemic because it isn't as visible or as measurable as other conditions – despite the fact that it can have a devastating impact on quality of life.

Chronic pain is costly at an individual and societal level. It is only through the research and educational work carried out by the Foundation’s Pain Research Institute that progress can be made in improving knowledge of chronic pain and its relief – and in training the specialists who will carry that work out. But that depends entirely on the support of the public. q

22 22

Fundraising Awards add new categories [

ENTRIES FOR THE 2019 National Fundraising Awards are set to close on 27 March. The awards are made by the Institute of Fundraising (IoF).

Now in their 29th year, the National Fundraising Awards are the only awards of their kind that recognise and reward fundraising excellence across the charity sector. The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony to be held at The Brewery in London on 1 July, as part of the IoF’s Fundraising Convention.

Howard Lake, chair of the awards judging panel, commented: “Fundraisers are incredible people, raising vital funds for their charitable causes with often limited resources. Large and small charities show fantastic creativity, engaging all kinds of donors, to enable their essential work to continue and grow. The National Fundraising Awards are the opportunity to shine a light on those that make the very best fundraising happen. The judging panel and I look forward to seeing your entries.”

This year’s awards will see the introduction of four new categories that will highlight and celebrate diversity and excellence across the fundraising community, in addition to the 15 established categories.

• Fundraising Campaign of the Year will recognise an outstanding fundraising campaign that the judges think deserves the merit of being the best of the year. The judges will be open to submissions that are multi-channel or discipline specific. It could be an individual giving, legacy or digital campaign, or focus on fundraising from a specific audience.

• The #ChangeCollective Award is for an individual or organisation that has championed equality, diversity and inclusion in their fundraising or within their fundraising activity, campaigns or organisational ways of working – building on the values set out in the Institute of Fundraising’s Manifesto for Change.

• Regional Campaign of the Year is for a charity that has demonstrated an innovative approach to regional fundraising. This may be for any type of activity used to raise charitable income on a specifically regional basis and may include events, volunteer-led fundraising, legacy or corporate partnerships. Nominations may be for a campaign conceived in, or targeted at, a particular geographical area, or a national campaign rolled out regionally.

• Achievement in Philanthropy recognises outstanding examples of philanthropy by an individual or organisation or a team that has achieved considerable and recognisable philanthropic impact. Entries are encouraged from trusts and foundations, philanthropy and major donor fundraising teams or individual fundraisers. Individual philanthropists can also be nominated for their philanthropic impact.

Announcing the awards in February, the IoF’s head of events and communities Katie Johnson said: “I’m delighted to announce the opening of entries for the 2019 National Fundraising Awards, and I’m pleased to reveal the new awards that will really help us celebrate the incredible work that fundraisers have done over the past year.

Here at the IoF we’re anticipating the 2019 awards to be the biggest and best yet.” q

Giving children the gift of growing up [EACH YEAR over 300,000 children

worldwide develop cancer. In low income countries, survival rates are as low as 10% – compared to over 80% in high income countries like the UK. World Child Cancer is a UK-based charity which aims to address this imbalance and support children with cancer in the developing world. They believe that every child with cancer, wherever they live in the world, should have equal access to the best possible treatment and care.

Operating in 10 countries across three continents they work to improve the diagnosis, treatment and support of children and to provide support to their families through the emotional and financial impacts of cancer.

“After my death, the legacy I leave to World Child Cancer will help to secure the future of children with cancer around the world and that of the charity itself.”

Rachel Hollis, nurse and World Child Cancer supporter

Jon Rosser, Chief Executive of World Child Cancer, said: “Over the past 10 years, the World Child Cancer team has helped more than 20,000 children with cancer and their families.

“We have a proven model of diagnosing, treating and supporting children with cancer and aim to double the number of children we reach by 2023. But with more than 300,000 children diagnosed around the world each year, we know there is so much we could be doing.”

Jon continued: “We are a small, lean and efficient organisation spending 83p in every £1 donated directly on our charitable work. Our model utilises the skills of volunteer doctors and nurses from the developed world to train, mentor and support their counterparts in the

developing world. This way we are upskilling local healthcare professionals to care for children with cancer for many years to come.

These include children like Su Su.” Su Su (pictured) was a shy 12-year-old from Myanmar who loved her dolls, drawing and playing with her younger brother. Her father noticed swelling in her left leg and took her to two different health centres but none of the doctors were able to tell them what was wrong.

Su Su was in increasing pain and was referred to Yangon Children’s Hospital which has been supported by World Child Cancer since 2014. It was here that she was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer in her leg.

In Myanmar this particular cancer is often diagnosed too late for children to be cured and survival rates in the region are estimated to be as low as 8%. Fortunately, thanks to the World Child Cancer team, Su Su was diagnosed at an early stage and is now cancer free. q • For more information visit the website at www.worldchildcancer.org/legacy, email info@ worldchildcancer.org or call 020 8176 7892.

23 23

Charity carries on the work of its founder [FOR OVER 30 YEARS the famous animal hospital known as

Tiggywinkles has been working to rescue, treat and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned British wildlife. Over that time they have proved beyond doubt that most wild animal and bird casualties can be saved and returned to the wild.

Although they specialise in hedgehogs – indeed, they derive their name from St Tiggywinkles, the name of their specialist hedgehog ward, inspired by the animal character created by Beatrix Potter – their wealth of expertise in the care of a wide range of species can now be passed on to others.

In addition, their commitment to practical education plays a vital part in the conservation of wildlife. As an accredited centre, opportunities are available for students aged 16 and over to gain a City and Guildsapproved qualification via their Apprenticeship in Animal Care scheme.

Tiggywinkles was founded by Les Stocker, who sadly passed away in July 2016. In a tribute, Les was described as ‘…a steadfast ambassador, achieving his goal to turn wildlife rehabilitation into a profession’. In another he was referred to as the ‘the spiritual heart of Britain’. He was awarded an MBE by The Queen and given the title Laureate in the 1990 International Rolex Awards for Enterprise, for his work in wildlife conservation and establishing Europe’s first wildlife teaching hospital. More recently, he gained the prestigious Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The charity is happy to commemorate all who generously remember the Wildlife Hospital Trust in their will by inscribing their name on a plaque in its Remembrance Garden. Gifts are also welcome in the form of a donation or by becoming a Friend of Tiggywinkles. q

If you Will, we will [LEGACIES MEAN SO much to the team at Last Chance

Animal Rescue. These wonderful gifts have helped them to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home so many abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits and guinea pigs who otherwise would have had no future.

The charity understand the wishes of its kind benefactors who have considered them in their Wills. A spokesperson said: “We know they want their generous gift to us to be used directly to save lives, provide the very best of care and to find loving homes.

“Legacies really do provide the gift of life and Last Chance Animal Rescue can now, after much planning and prudent use of funds, offer our life saving services to so many more needy pets. We are delighted to announce we now have a second rescue and re-homing centre in Kent, giving hope and a true A new friend for Alan last chance to so many.

“Sadly we cannot thank those who have enabled this wonderful achievement but are extremely grateful to all those who are currently considering helping us now and in the future to continue our work.” q

24 24

Charity fraud campaign wins government award [HELPING TO prevent legacy fraud was just one of a series of

subjects addressed jointly by the Charity Commission and its partners during Charity Fraud Awareness Week last October, aimed at helping the sector become more resilient to fraud. The campaign was run in partnership with the Fraud Advisory Panel and similar organisations in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. More than 40 charities, regulators, professional bodies and other stakeholders across the world worked together to help combat fraud targeted towards charities. In February it was announced that

the campaign had won a Government Counter Fraud Award for ‘Outstanding International Collaboration’.

The Government Counter Fraud Awards celebrate the exceptional work being done to protect public funds in the UK. They are hosted by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Counter Fraud Centre, the National Crime Agency, Cabinet Office and City of London Police. There are eight award categories designed to showcase a broad range of counter-fraud and anti-corruption cases, initiatives and projects.

The award winners and those shortlisted represent the very best of the public sector’s efforts to tackle the growing threat of fraud, going above and beyond in order to find new ways to fight fraud and prevent the damage it causes.

Each year the public sector loses billions of pounds to fraud and corruption. Despite stretched resources and a constantly shifting landscape, counter fraud practitioners have proven incredibly resourceful and creative in their approach.

All the resources produced for Charity Fraud Awareness Week remain available to help with protecting charities against fraud. They include a series of factsheets, including An introduction to Legacy Fraud, and a number of e-learning videos. All are available to download from the Charity Commission’s website.

The next Charity Fraud Awareness Week will run from 21 to 25 October this year. q

25 25

Corporate funder calls for charitable partners [MAJOR CHARITABLE FUNDER the VINCI UK Foundation has called for applications from charities to continue the fight against social exclusion in 2019.

VINCI businesses across the UK and the Republic of Ireland are once again calling for funding applications from projects that help people suffering from social exclusion by improving their access to employment, mobility and housing. The application process is open until 31 March 2019.

Launched in 2016, the foundation supports groups and charities local to VINCI businesses in implementing projects tackling exclusion through action, such as improving access to work or fostering community integration.

“The VINCI UK Foundation aims to permanently benefit the lives of the most excluded in society,” said Rochdi Ziyat, board director of VINCI UK Foundation and CEO of VINCI Energies UK and ROI. “These projects have made a real difference to the lives of so many in the UK, in Ireland and across Europe. I encourage any projects tackling social exclusion to apply for our funding.”

In 2018 a total of £207,000 was awarded to 24 charities via grants of between £3,000 and £20,000, and involved 27 employees of VINCI and its subsidiaries. Projects are supported through the purchasing or upgrading of assets such as the cost of equipment, tools, transport, ICT or facilities refurbishment.

Through the foundation, each charity also benefits from the support of between one and three VINCI employees, who share their skills to benefit local communities. For example, projects might receive support from a skilled engineer or experienced finance manager.

Charities that have benefited from support recently include Serenity Farm (pictured), a charity based in Stoke-onTrent that provides farming and animal care activities for people with learning disabilities and marginalised groups.

It was awarded £10,560 to upgrade its facilities and improve its range of attractions – including the building of a Sensory Garden and new toilet facility. Several Actemium employees volunteered time to work on the project, gardening and growing food, and caring for the animals.

Others include KidsOut – a Bedfordshire-based children’s charity, which was awarded £12,000 to enhance its Toy Box service through the purchase of a second-hand minivan.

An Axians employee also volunteered their time to help the charity with their telecommunication.

Maggie’s Centre was awarded £7,440 to develop an Outreach Centre in the Forest of Dean. For this project, several Actemium employees volunteered their time to organise fundraising events.

Charities or registered non-profit organisations that wish to apply for funding can do so now by visiting the foundation’s webpage at www.vinci-ukfoundation.co.uk.q

26 26

Charities merge to support those affected by muscle-wasting disease [ LAST SEPTEMBER two charities

working in the field of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – SMA Support UK and the SMA Trust – merged to form Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK (SMA UK).

SMA Support UK, formerly the Jennifer Trust for SMA, was founded in 1985 when there was no information and support for those affected by SMA, and little research into the disease. The charity took on provision of all of those as its mission. The SMA Trust was set up in 2003 specifically to fund research.

The newly-merged SMA UK retains the same combined mission: to provide information and support, fund and facilitate research, campaign and advocate so that everyone in the SMA community can access the best care, services and treatments. Although its coverage is the UK, the new charity has strong links with other SMA community groups in Europe and the USA. Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare, genetically inherited neuromuscular condition. It causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of movement due to muscle wasting (atrophy). That may affect crawling and walking ability, arm, hand, head and neck movement, breathing and swallowing. There are different forms of SMA and a wide spectrum of how severely children, young people and adults are affected, classified into a number of ‘types’.

• SMA Type 1 – children are unable to sit without support or roll over. Without intervention for breathing difficulties, most live for less than two years.

• SMA Type 2 – children always rely on wheelchairs for independent mobility, need significant support with many daily activities and are vulnerable to chest infections. The majority live long lives.

• SMA Type 3 – children walk; but as they get older many need wheelchairs for independent mobility and increasing support with daily activities. Their life expectancy is normal.

Approximately 1 in 40 people carry the faulty gene that leads to SMA, meaning there are around 1.6 million carriers in the UK. Recent studies indicate that approximately one in

every 10,000 babies worldwide are born with a type of SMA, and that Type 1 SMA accounts for approximately 60% of cases.

Although there is currently no cure for SMA, this does not mean that nothing can be done. There are a range of options aimed at managing symptoms, reducing complications of muscle weakness and maintaining the best quality of life.

Just as a will brings security to a family’s future, a legacy to SMA UK will secure a future for its vital work, providing services for babies, children, young people and adults affected by spinal muscular atrophy.

By making a will people can ensure that those they love the most are taken care of and their wishes are met. By choosing to support SMA UK, their generosity can help to improve the lives of many individuals and families affected by spinal muscular atrophy for years to come. q • For more information call 01789 267520, email fundraising@smauk.org.uk or visit the website at www.smauk.org.uk

27 27

The dream continues to offer sanctuary to abandoned animals [THE YEAR IS 1983 and it is the coldest winter for 20 years. Many

stories about horses and ponies being abandoned by their owners on Rainham Marshes in Essex were hitting the headlines.

Paula Clark, who was involved in raising money for a number of sanctuaries, was sitting at home in tears after reading the story of those poor horses. When her husband Ernie returned home from work, Paula showed him what was happening and they vowed to take action and help the animals that needed them.

Some of the horses were already dead and others were starving when the couple got to the marshes. They weren’t having their basic needs met; they had no water or food. Paula and Ernie took tanks of water to them and bales of hay and feed. They even got a vet to examine some of them. No-one was looking after the horses’ basic needs – let alone enriching their lives.

Paula and Ernie embarked on fulfilling their dream and the story of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary began. They began taking horses with the intention of fostering. They would bring them back to health and then find them nice homes.

The first horse they fostered out was Pye. Soon after they heard that the fosterers were trying to sell him, so Ernie took them to court at a cost of £4,000. Ernie finally got Pye back in a terrible state, so both Paula and Ernie promised they would never rehome again – the animals had a home for life.

As Paula and Ernie found fostering animals didn’t work out they decided to provide homes for life to their animals. One beneficiary is Juliette, a thoroughbred horse who arrived in a terrible condition.

Because of her home for life at Hopefield, and the daily care and attention she receives, she is now physically transformed.

Paula and Ernie have both now sadly passed away. Since their passing the work has been taken over by new trustees and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers look after the resident animals, old and new. Many animals arrive in a terrible condition and are completely transformed by living at the sanctuary.

The sanctuary has now been running for 35 years – it has over 50 regular volunteers, a huge amount of local and loyal support and over 20,000 followers on Facebook.

CEO Dave Schlaich explained: “We have continued to rescue horses and farm animals, but have found that over the years the type of animals we are having to help has greatly changed, with people getting more and more into exotic species through the pet trade.”

The sanctuary is now open the public from Friday to Monday each week. It has become a visitor attraction with a small tea room. All activities generate funds that go directly to the animals, making the future more secure.

Said David: “You can support us by becoming a regular donor, visit us, sponsor an animal or leave us a legacy in your will, knowing that your donation goes towards providing a home for life for one of our animals.” q

28 28

Where there’s a will – there should be a power of attorney [CREATING A POWER of attorney should be as commonplace as making a will, according to one of Scotland’s leading experts.

Failure to do so could cause needless distress and frustration for family members.

Euan Fleming, partner and head of private client law at Edinburgh-based Gilson Gray, believes that appointing a power of attorney is as important and, in some cases, potentially more important than setting up a will.

The unpredictable nature of health can leave many, irrespective of age, unable to sort their affairs for themselves. Family members with no power of attorney are left helpless and unable to step in, causing issues during what is already a distressing time.

Euan said: “It’s always been a part of culture to set up a will. It’s offered when we get our first mortgage and common knowledge for most that one is needed to distribute possessions among friends and family. However, the same cannot be said when it comes to creating powers of attorney, and if you don’t have one in place it can cause serious ramifications for your family.

“People can be struck down with illness at any stage of life with no prior warning; and with no power of attorney, it can be a costly

process to get a guardianship order from the courts, which can take up to nine months.

“Funding care can become a nightmare as next of kin are unable to sell homes without the relevant permissions in place.”

Euan believes there is a common misconception that next of kin will automatically take control of a loved one’s affairs, which is why having an award-winning law firm like Gilson Gray to guide through the process is so important.

He added: “We always suggest that people do both their will and their power of attorney at the same time, as this is good practice.

“Powers of attorney have to be created in a specific manner; otherwise, when it’s needed, the Office of the Public Guardian has the power to reject it. Finding out that a power of attorney agreement is not legal when you need it most is, of course, incredibly stressful and frustrating.

“That’s why, at Gilson Gray we guide clients through the process step-by-step to ensure it is registered correctly. We also advise on exactly what a power of attorney can legally do so that mistakes aren’t made inadvertently.”

Gilson Gray have won a number of prestigious accolades in Scottish legal awards, including Corporate Firm of the year 2018 in the ACQ5 legal awards. q

Giving sighthounds a second chance [FOREVER HOUNDS TRUST has been rescuing, caring for and

homing greyhounds, lurchers and other sighthounds for more than 20 years. These wonderful dogs desperately need help, having been neglected, abandoned, abused or, in the case of racing greyhounds, retired from the tracks.

The charity has homed over 9,000 of these marvellous dogs and relies entirely on supporters, general donations, charitable trusts and – vitally – legacies to cover the substantial costs of saving these beautiful hounds.

The charity’s Susan Kerry Bedell says: “By leaving a gift to Forever Hounds Trust in your will, you will enable us to provide shelter and care to these special dogs in future years.

“Legacies allow us to ensure shelter for dogs in kennels and foster homes while they await their forever homes. They help us to provide emergency medical care, preventative treatments, keep our vans on the road to rescue dogs in desperate situations and provide expert behavioural support.”

By remembering Forever Hounds Trust in their will, legators can help give more dogs a second chance at a happy life. q

• For more information visit the website at www.foreverhoundstrust.org, telephone 03000 125 125 or email legacy@foreverhoundstrust.org

29 29

Scotland consults on charity law changes [IN SCOTLAND a consultation on reform of the law regarding

charities ends on 1 April. The consultation has been running since 7 January and arose from a survey last year by the Scottish Charity Regulator. The survey showed that 88% of people said that seeing evidence of a charity’s achievements and knowing how much of their donation went to the cause would improve their trust in charities.

The Scottish Government is seeking views from members of the public, the charity sector and anyone with an interest in charity law.

The consultation sets out options to change the current regulatory system in Scotland that would increase transparency, accountability and public trust in charities.

Turbulent times will see further change

[BY THE TIME the next issue of this review is published the UK

may no longer be a member of the EU and the whole economic and legislative landscape could have changed (perhaps!). We may or may not have the same government and the position concerning probate and inheritance tax may be very different.

The situation regarding charities’ involvement in many areas of life may also be on the change, with government no longer bound by many of the obligations it currently has.

What won’t have changed, however, is the fact that people will continue to leave gifts in their wills to fund the work that the thousands of charities that benefit from them carry out on a dayto-day basis. Nor will the effect that that work has on the lives of millions of people in this country and worldwide.

It is likely that the income generated by those charitable bequests will be starting to show signs of strain. And the way charities have of calculating that income, and where it has come from, may have changed. We will know more in three months time.

The next issue will also, hopefully, be carrying the first information on this year’s week of activities promoting the value to individuals and communities of leaving gifts in wills. q

Options in the consultation include: • An external register of charity trustees • Publishing annual reports and accounts in full for all charities on the • Scottish Charity Register • Removal of charities from the Scottish Charity Register that are • persistently failing to submit annual reports and accounts and may • no longer exist • All charities in the Scottish Charity Register to have and retain a • connection in Scotland Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Charities play a vital role in our society, from supporting individuals and communities to informing policy at a national level; they are key to us achieving our ambition of creating a fairer and more prosperous country.

“It is therefore important that we do all we can to maintain and increase public trust and confidence in the charity sector and making sure legislation supports that. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the charity sector to share their views by responding to this consultation.” q

Holidays help boost confidence of young cancer patients

“

It’s a great experience to meet other people who have been through similar experiences in such a positive and upbeat setting, away from hospitals and cancer centres.

”

[THIS QUOTE FROM Kate sums up the value of the work undertaken by the Youth Cancer Trust. The organisation provides free therapeutic activity holidays for teenagers and young adults – those aged between 14 and 30 – from the UK and Ireland who are suffering from cancer.

Cancer can tear a patient’s world apart, and at an age where everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives – with university, relationships and careers – the diagnosis of cancer can bring all of that to a halt.

The Youth Cancer Trust helps reduce the sense of loneliness, which often accompanies long stays in hospital and time off school. Long term friendships are formed and families are given a much deserved break, knowing their child is having fun and being looked after.

The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations, such as those from legacies, to help support the needs of young cancer patients like Kate. q • For more information visit www.youthcancertrust.org.

30 30

The range of charities which depend on legacies to carry out their valuable work is a broad one. Those that are represented in this publication are listed below, grouped according to the area of activity in which they operate.

ANIMAL WELFARE

INDEX

MEDICAL RESEARCH

Seeing Dogs 2

Prostate Cancer Research Centre 1

Pet Rescue Welfare Association 2

CLEFT 6

Friends of the Animals 4/5

Heartburn Cancer UK 8

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary 6

World Cancer Research Fund 15

Heartbeat Home for Horses 13

Royal College of Surgeons 20

Wild Futures 16

Pain Relief Foundation 22

British Chelonia Group 17

Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK 32

The New European Distressed Donkey Initiative Ltd 19 Swan Lifeline 22 Tiggywinkles 24 Last Chance Animal Rescue 24

HEALTH & DISABILITY

Hopfield Animal Sanctuary 28

Multiple Sclerosis Trust 10

Forever Hounds Trust 29

Camphill Foundation UK and Ireland 12 National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom 13 Limbless Association 21

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

dDeaflinks Staffordshire 26 Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK 32

Hypo Hounds 7 Action for Sick Children 11 Kidney Kids Scotland 12 Parenting Together 18

SUPPORT & ADVICE

World Child Cancer 25

Seafarers UK 11

Youth Cancer Trust 30

Mothers’ Union 14 Victim Support 16 Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge 17

OVERSEAS AID ZANE: Zimbabwe A National Emergency 10

31 31

32 32