The General Election in July had its effects on charities across the board. In the face of what seems to be the most challenging environment for charities for decades, the two organisations representing all the major charitable and voluntary organisations issued a Voluntary Sector Manifesto to put to the parties in the election. It carried the main messages charities wanted to pose.
• At election time charities have to be careful when campaigning that their activities cannot be construed as party political. In the case of the July election that tightrope was, in the main, successfully negotiated by charities, and the Charity Commission took the time to issue a statement to that effect. Comparing this election to that of 2019, the commission reported appreciably fewer complaints.
• Something of a side effect of the election had an unwelcome result for charities who rely on legacies for much of their income. The calling of the election automatically brought to an end the work of Parliament’s various committees. That included the Justice Committee’s Probate Inquiry, which concluded earlier than planned. Some progress had been made, however, in dealing with the unacceptable backlog of applications for
probate, both for charities and the general public.
• Legacy giving was the original raison d’etre for this supplement, and we have been consistent in our highlighting of events such as the annual Remember A Charity Week. At the time of writing the campaign is in full swing, carrying its usual message promoting legacy giving. The campaign gave rise to a new term in the charitable vocabulary: Willanthropy, which has attracted no lesser a figure in the lexicographic world than Susie Dent MBE of Countdown fame.
• Such campaigns have been boosted by a return of public trust in charities – following a low in 2018 in the wake of a number of scandals. One of the reasons for the fall in trust was negative experiences of external fundraisers. Following a market inquiry by the Fundraising Regulator, that body has issued a brace of guidance documents dealing with charities’ relationships with, respectively, external participators and professional fundraisers.
• The new focus for charities is their digital maturity, coupled with their ability to avoid cyber attacks. They also figure in a substantial part of the 2024 Status of UK Fundraising report.
EVERY DAY WE MAKE GOOD THINGS HAPPEN, BUT WE CAN ONLY DO IT WITH YOUR HELP
The photograph on the right of border collie Nipper was taken on the same day that he’d been taken to a vet’s to be put to sleep. Purchased as a ‘surprise’ gift, he was unwanted. This beautiful puppy was just eight weeks old and is just one of over 9,850 animals rescued by Friends of the Animals.
There was a happy ending as –now renamed Stanley – he was rehomed with one of the charity’s voluntary drivers, who adores him.
Friends of the Animals began in March 1990 and had very humble beginnings. Veterinary treatment is invariably the charity’s biggest outgoing and to date they have spayed or neutered 44,000+ animals. Thousands more have been wormed and inoculated – often for the first time in their lives!
Founder Helen Sinclair MBE, who was honoured for Services to Animal Welfare in 2014, takes up the story: “There have been many memorable cases, where we’ve saved animals’ lives against all the odds. Animals such as the puppy who slipped under the railings of a balcony – luckily bouncing off the conservatory roof which broke her fall. Then there was the dog who fell down a manhole in the road after someone had removed the cover, and poor Marshall, who had three broken legs and a severed ear.
“Susie, a Labrador/Staffy cross (pictured above), was badly burnt in a house fire, but made a good recovery; and the dear little cat above had everything wrong with him, but survived and thrived.
“When 11 month old Border Collie ‘J.J.’ came into our care, she had a pin / plate poking through
a badly infected front leg, a paw so badly crushed the bones had fused together and a stab wound.
“Her original owner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and was fined £2,000 and banned from keeping an animal for ten years.
“As you can see from the wonderful photo below, ‘J.J.’ went on to much better things.”
Gifts in wills fund one in two veterinary treatments and so legacies are an absolute lifeline to the rescue and spaying/neutering work carried out by Friends of the Animals.
The charity has a policy of non-destruction, unless an animal is sick or injured with no hope of recovery, and they keep admin costs to a minimum. Very importantly, 90% of their staff are volunteers, which ensures as much of your gift as possible is spent on saving animals.
Pitted against that constant battle to save lives was the action of the person who set fire to the front of the Charity’s base.
“But, happily,” said Helen, “we're a resilient team and together with the help of supporters, we barely skipped a beat and just kept on going.
“We truly appreciate that people have many choices regarding charities to support, but no one appreciates it more, or tries harder than we do, to get the very best possible use from every penny donated. Thank you for your consideration.”
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN PUTS LEGACY GIVING ON THE MAP
[THIS YEAR’S Remember A Charity Week kicked off on Monday 9 September. The campaign focuses on raising awareness about legacy giving, including educating people about the generous tax incentives and the essential funding it provides for vital services across the country – both now and for future generations.
Remember A Charity Week, now in its 15th year, brings together nearly 200 member charities, 900 campaign supporters – made up of solicitor firms and will-writers – wealth advisers and partners to encourage more people to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will. The week serves as a key moment to equip and activate all those in the consortium’s network to champion charitable legacies.
Charities Minister Stephanie Peacock and TV star Debbie McGee are among those supporting this year’s campaign.
Stephanie Peacock said: “Remember A Charity Week offers an important opportunity to reflect on the valuable impact leaving a gift can have, encouraging more
people to continue making a difference.”
Debbie McGee commented: “I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to think about how they might leave a meaningful gift to a cause that matters to them.”
This year also sees the launch of an interactive map of legacy giving, showcasing the impact of charitable gifts in wills across the world.
The Great Map of Willanthropy will display a wide range of charitable services and places that have been funded or supported through gifts in wills to UK charities, while also showing what future legacies could achieve.
Willanthropy is a term for legacy giving, introduced by Remember A Charity in 2023. It has since been used by a wide range of audiences in the UK and beyond, and even in Parliament during the Probate Inquiry.
Lucinda Frostick, director of Remember A Charity, commented: “Remember A Charity Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to inspire people across the UK to leave a charitable gift in their will, activating
SAVING LIVES ONE SNIFF AT A TIME
[ HYPO HOUNDS provide a viable health care alternative for children and their families by training a Diabetic Alert Dog to detect the subtle changes in the child’s blood sugar levels.
The dogs are trained to alert 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
our network of legacy champions to maximise reach. We’ll be sharing a mix of warm, humorous and informative content throughout the week, aiming to win both hearts and minds.
“Charities will often use the week to build organisational support and buy-in for legacies internally as well as externally. For professional advisers, it’s a chance to promote the importance of having an up-todate will and deepen client relationships with values-led conversations about the good causes they care about.”
Matthew Lagden, CEO of the Institute of Legacy Management, said: “We’re delighted to support this year’s Remember A Charity Week. In raising awareness about legacy giving, the campaign provides an excellent opportunity for our members to highlight the impact legacies make to their organisation and inspire new pledgers to consider leaving them a gift in their will.”
To find out more visit the website at www.rememberacharity.org.uk q
HEARTBEAT HORSES HAPPY IN THEIR NEW HOME
[ THE HEARTBEAT HORSES now live in a new home at Sink Farm in Woodbridge, Suffolk and are cared for alongside the wonderful Suffolk Punch horses.
Sink Farm is the colony stud for the Suffolk Punch Trust charity, who continue their important and essential work in preserving this unique breed. q
• For more information on either charity please contact Tracey Pettitt, stud manager or David Clarke, finance director, on 07768 025128. Heartbeat Homes for Horses, Sink Farm, St David’s Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3JR
TRUST WORKS TO SAVE ICONIC WORKING HORSES
[THE SUFFOLK PUNCH TRUST is a registered charity, whose aim is to ensure the survival of the famous horse breed. It was founded in 2002 to save the historic Hollesley Bay Colony Stud.
That stud brought a rich legacy of equine and agricultural history which deserves to be saved for future generations to enjoy. The trust aims to achieve that through a successful breeding programme, supported by funding, education and the outreach facility of its visitor centre.
The Suffolk Punch is the oldest English breed of working horse, dating from the 16th century. Every Suffolk horse can be traced back to a stallion, known as Crisp’s Horse of Ufford, foaled in 1768. The Suffolk horse was developed for farm work and gained popularity during the early 20th century. As agriculture became mechanised, however, the numbers fell and the breed almost disappeared completely.
The aim of the trust is to help save the iconic breed from extinction through its established breeding programme. It is working towards increasing the numbers of horses through normal breeding processes and an artificial insemination programme.
It also works to raise public awareness and is training a new generation of professionals to work with and understand the needs of the breed. The Suffolk Punch is incredibly versatile and is now often employed in forestry and ridden work.
The Suffolk Punch Trust can only continue its work with the help of donations and legacies. As David Clarke, one of the trust’s directors, explained: “Your legacy, large or small, will make a huge difference to the work we carry out, enabling us to care for our horses and continue the breeding programme to secure this wonderful breed.” q
COUNTDOWN’S SUSIE AIMS TO MAKE WILLANTHROPY COUNT
[ REMEMBER A CHARITY has partnered with lexicographer, etymologist and Countdown star Susie Dent MBE, as part of its mission to break down barriers and reframe people’s approach to giving to charity from their wills.
Harnessing the power of words with the term Willanthropy – the act of leaving a gift to charity in your will – the campaign aims to de-stigmatise conversation about wills and empower people to become Willanthropists, using their will to build a better world for future generations.
Research shows that people struggle to talk about death (29%), sex (28%) and money (18%). And over a third (35%) of respondents avoid conversations about wills because of the discomfort of talking about death.
However, the large majority (64%) of UK adults recognise that it’s important to talk about money and death with their loved ones, and those who have done so say they leave the conversation feeling far more positive. Almost 30% say the conversation gave them clarity and peace of mind, with 28% feeling more confident knowing they or their loved ones will be taken care of, and 44% feeling relieved and empowered.
By normalising the term Willanthropy, Remember A Charity aims to move away from connotations of mortality or the myth that supporters need to have considerable wealth to leave a gift. With the campaign, they hope to inspire and empower people to use their will for good, while taking care of their loved ones and joining the growing movement for Willanthropy.
Susie Dent commented: “Vocabulary is a powerful tool, and I’m excited to be working alongside Remember A Charity on their Willanthropy campaign. A blend of the words ‘philanthropy’ and ‘wills’, Willanthropy aims to bring positivity into an area that can be a source of anxiety; moving it instead towards one of inspiration and hope. Our hope is that the campaign will open up discussions about changes that could have a profound impact on the charities we love.”
Lucinda Frostick, director of Remember A Charity, said: “The Willanthropy movement is growing, with around 100 people a day across the UK now choosing to leave a gift to charity in their will. It’s wonderful to see how many people hope to leave the world a better place by including their favourite charities alongside gifts for their loved ones. Increasingly, we hear from supporters who had been apprehensive about writing their will; but having made the decision to leave a gift, they come away from the experience feeling empowered and inspired by what their donation could achieve. We all have different touchpoints with charities throughout
our lives and a gift in your will – no matter how big or small – really can make a vital difference.”
The power of words extends far beyond Willanthropy. Research found that nearly 60% of adults say they believe that words can transform hearts and minds and inspire significant change. Remember A Charity and Susie Dent hope to do the same with Willanthropy by inspiring the nation to consider leaving a gift to charity in their will. q
LEGACY CONFERENCE RETURNS TO LONDON
[ THE 2024 Chartered Institute of Fundraising Legacy and In Memory Fundraising Conference will be taking place at 229, Great Portland St, London, on 19 November.
The Legacy and In Memory Conference 2024 promises to be an unmissable event for professionals and newcomers alike in the field of legacy and in-memory fundraising.
The comprehensive one-day conference is designed to provide insights, strategies and practical advice to help those attending enhance their fundraising efforts and maximise their impact. The programme features a diverse range of sessions, including innovative approaches to legacy giving, effective use of in-memory content, strategic planning for long-term success and tips for making the most of your budget.
Additionally, there will be a special focus on faith-based giving, offering unique perspectives and strategies for engaging religious communities.
The conference is open to everyone, from those who are new to legacy and in-memory fundraising to seasoned professionals in senior roles. Join your peers at the Legacy and In Memory Conference 2024 to gain the knowledge and tools needed to elevate your fundraising efforts to new heights.
As part of the CIoF’s commitment to supporting fundraisers, they are offering four bursaries for professionals working in the charity fundraising sector to attend the conference. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 13 September. q
IMPROVING ANIMAL WELFARE BEYOND THE FARM GATE
[ AT The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA), a crucial part of their work is to advance and promote the use of humane methods for the transport and killing of farmed animals globally through research and education.
One of the ways that they do this is by funding research that aims to improve animal welfare beyond the farm gate.
At the end of 2023, HSA awarded £10,000 of funding to a project aiming to improve chicken welfare during transportation in Malawi.
What are the current welfare issues?
Traditionally in Malawi, groups of up to 50 live chickens are transported to markets upside down whilst suspended from the handlebars of bicycles. The chickens often continue to hang upside down from the handlebars in excessive heat for several hours after reaching the market.
Such methods of transport and handling can result in broken wings and legs, weakness and at least a 10% mortality rate.
What does the project aim to achieve?
In the current project, the Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA) are working to replace the traditional method of transporting chickens with welfare-friendly crates. This simple change allows chickens to be transported far more humanely.
Twenty local craftspeople from various areas of Lilongwe will be trained to make bamboo-woven crates to ensure a consistent supply.
What impact will this have?
In a pilot study conducted by the LSPCA, the locally-produced crates proved so popular with chicken vendors that the trial had to be doubled to accommodate the increased interest. It is hoped that with HSA funding, a further 500 chicken vendors will receive both the training and crates. This has the potential to improve the welfare of hundreds of thousands of chickens annually.
Will you help make practical and lasting improvements to animal welfare beyond the farm gate?
HSA is an independent charity and receives no government support or statutory funding. They rely solely on the generosity of donors and supporters.
With your support, HSA can create lasting and tangible change for food animals all over the world. To help improve animal welfare beyond the farm gate, please donate by visiting www.hsa.org.uk/springappeal q
The crates will then be distributed to local chicken vendors who will be educated about chicken welfare at the same time.
ELECTION LEADS TO EARLY END TO PROBATE INQUIRY
[
THE CALLING of the General Election led to the early closure of the Justice Committee’s Probate Inquiry. While many in the sector were disappointed to see the inquiry end soon, it has nonetheless been an important process that helped to deliver significant outcomes for charities.
The inquiry shone a light on the impact of probate delays on charities, with sector representatives from Remember A Charity, the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM), Cancer Research UK and Devon Air Ambulance Trust called to present evidence in Parliament.
In the days that followed the Parliamentary hearing, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) also agreed that shareable projections on probate outputs would soon be provided for legacy forecasting purposes. That data is now available via both ILM and Remember A Charity.
It’s important to note, too, that probate outputs have improved considerably in recent months, with grant outputs now exceeding application levels on a monthly basis since September 2023, reducing the volume of unprocessed estates in the system.
Wrapping up the Probate Inquiry earlier than planned, Sir Robert Neill KC MP, Chair of the Justice Committee, wrote a letter to Mike Freer MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, which has been published on the Probate Inquiry webpage. The letter outlines the committee's key findings and suggestions for improvement of the probate service: emphasising how delays at probate have impacted charities’ ability to fund key services.
Drawing on evidence provided during the charity hearing, the letter from Sir Robert Neill explained that the ‘sustained period of uncertainty’ makes legacy forecasting incredibly difficult, preventing charities from making informed investment and budgetary decisions.
Recommendations from the Justice Committee to HMCTS include:
• Providing additional resourcing, if needed, in order to sustain a
• ‘well-functioning Probate Registry’
• Publication of performance targets, inspiring confidence in the
• Probate Registry and the expected standards
• Releasing more probate data and with greater frequency, increasing
• confidence and trust through transparency
The letter highlights that publishing more data would allow the charitable sector to create robust financial forecasts that enable charities to spend money on their charitable purposes.
While the inquiry has come to a premature end, the Institute of Legacy Management and Remember A Charity will continue meeting regularly with HMCTS, ensuring the sector is well represented in key discussions and factored into on-going service developments. q
CHARITY REFLECTS ON TWO DECADES OF ANIMAL-FREE CANCER RESEARCH
[FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS oncology researchers at Manchester University have been funded by Caring Cancer Trust (Stopcancer. health), which funds ethical, animal-free research into cancer, its non-invasive treatment, cure and prevention. They have discovered potential new causes of children’s cancer, developed new treatments for early-stage cervical cancer and are now working on cancer prevention for children and senior adults of older-age.
Increased life expectancy – people are now living longer than ever before – has been accompanied by an increase in many agerelated disorders, including cancer. Age-related damage to cells has by far the greatest influence on human health, promoting development of not only cancer, but also cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Novel treatments inhibiting cellular ageing have the potential to reduce the development of cancer and all those ailments simultaneously, rather than having to treat each separately. Such treatments will not just be for the benefit of older people. They will also benefit children and younger adults, since the use of chemotherapy and radiation for cancer treatment artificially accelerates the ageing process.
More recently Caring Cancer Trust has funded Ravan Bio Ltd, Manchester University’s spinout company, to develop a novel anti-aging treatment to prevent cancer and the other agerelated diseases. Indications for Ravan Bio’s
new therapy are that it is extremely successful, resulting in an 80% reduction in the biological age of test subjects, and has potential for cancer prevention and other age-related ailments.
Cancer support
Caring Cancer Trust provides support for children, adult and senior cancer sufferers from England through Exeter, Southampton, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, Oxford and Manchester hospitals.
Now they are providing London support via North Middlesex University, Royal Free Hospital and Barnet Hospital. A number of charity ticketed concerts are scheduled at Edwin Lutyen’s magnificent St Jude’s Church in Hampstead with the Royal NHS Foundation Truust.
A cancer-free future
Stopcancer.health funds research that will increase understanding of how silent infections, lifestyle, diet, genetic predisposition and environmental pollution can lead to cancer in children and adults. Simple changes in lifestyle and diet, combined with avoidance of exposure to environmental pollution, will prevent the incidence of cancer in all age groups.
Caring Cancer Trust’s Stopcancer.health aims to identify and understand hitherto unknown cause-and-effect relationships to either limit
exposure to such carcinogenic factors or devise therapies which suppress their effects before a cancer has developed. Their research mission for cancer prevention involves:
• New life-saving cancer prevention medicines
• New therapies for early-stage cancers
• New therapies for children and later-life
• cancers
• Cancer avoidance lifestyle, diet and
• environmental changes
• Heightened cancer awareness by all
Your funding
Caring Cancer Trust’s programme is entirely managed and run by unpaid volunteers. q
Dame Nancy Rothwell, University Vice Chair, with Caring Cancer Trust’s Hon.Chair Ian MacWatt
Professor Ian Hampson and Dr Lynne Hampson of Manchester University
Interior of Sir Edwin Lutyen’s St Jude’s Church, Hampstead
UNRAVELING THE STRANDS OF GENETIC WELFARE PROBLEMS IN COMPANION ANIMALS
[THE Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)’s vision is of a world where the welfare of every animal affected by humans is maximised through a scientific understanding of their needs and how to meet them.
UFAW promotes a scientific approach to advancing animal welfare by:
• discovering what matters to animals
• developing scientific solutions to animal welfare problems
• disseminating evidence-based information as widely as possible so that it can be used to make real-world improvements to the lives of animals.
One of the ways that they have been doing this is through their work on genetic welfare problems of companion animals.
What’s the issue?
In recent years, the problem of health issues related to genetic diseases and unsuitable breeding has been cited as a top welfare concern for the veterinary profession, animal welfare professionals and others. Some genetic diseases arise due to random mutations that become established in a breed, but in other cases welfare problems can occur as a direct result of features being selected. Perhaps the most obvious example is the breeding of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs.
What are we doing to help?
Despite a number of organisations highlighting the potential issues faced by flat-faced breeds such as breathing, neurological, skin, ear and eye problems, the number of these dogs in the population
is rising. UFAW recently funded a study that aims to understand why such animal welfare campaigns may fail, with the aim of laying the foundation for more effective educational material and campaign strategies for breeders and potential owners.
Using the results of this and other studies, they will continue to update their existing website dedicated to providing information for prospective pet owners, breeders and others with the aim of reducing the severity and incidence of breed-related welfare problems in companion animals.
How can you help?
UFAW is an independent charity and membership society. They receive no government or statutory funding and rely solely on the generosity and support of donors.
This study is one of many supported by UFAW which uses science to create quantifiable, significant change.
If, like UFAW, you believe in science in the service of animal welfare, please consider making a donation. Your donation, however big or small matters, just as the welfare of every animal does too. Visit www.ufaw.org.uk/springappeal q
LEGACY GIVING AWARDS RETURN FOR 2025
[THE Smee & Ford Legacy Giving Awards will be returning to London on 24 April 2025.
The event will once again showcase the outstanding achievements, talent and dedication of UK legacy giving professionals, while highlighting the crucial income that gifts in wills provide. Last year the awards brought together an exceptional gathering of legacy professionals.
Now in its 3rd year, the unique awards aim to inspire charities and their partners to think bigger and aim higher, and to raise the profile of the valuable work of professionals within their own charities, while also providing a platform to benchmark the progress made through collaboration and innovation across the sector.
Combining a morning Excellence Forum with an afternoon award ceremony, the day promotes talent, partnerships and creativity in legacy giving, provides insight and inspiration from the award-winning entries, encourages lively discussion on the direction of the sector and brings together this brilliant community to share their pride in working in this incredible sector.
Opening for entries on 9 September, the awards are free to enter.
This year’s category groups will identify three specific elements of the legacy giving sector:
• Partnerships – Outstanding examples of working together on long
• or short-term legacy projects, campaigns or strategies
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 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 it receives every year as a result of road traffic accidents, mishaps, 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. operates a wild owl nest box scheme that includes building, locating, curating, and repairing environmentally friendly nest boxes in appropriate locations to replace the gradual erosion of natural nesting sites.
S.O.S. is funded purely by donations and as a small charity, the legacies it receives play an important role in enabling it to sustain the resources needed to actively promote the conservation of owls and other birds of prey throughout the UK. q
• Achievements – On-going
• examples of best practice and
• best-in-class processes
• leading to the achievement of
• a legacy strategy
• People – Outstanding effort for
• their charity or organisation in
• the field of legacy giving Entries will be reviewed against three main criteria:
• Ambition – The challenge and
• context within which a legacy
• project, individual or
• organisation has been set
• alongside an organisation’s goals and targets
• Excellence – Best in class example of what you’re doing, how
• you’re doing it, and why your processes reach the highest standard
• Outcome – The measurable metrics of your entry, eg increased
• number of pledgers, increased actual income, increased
• engagement with audiences.
Whether a charity is large or small there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
To register your interest to receive updates on the awards and for information on how to participate in the 2025 Legacy Giving Awards, visit legacygivingawards.co.uk/register-your-interest-2025
To hear from 2024 finalists and winners about what it was like to enter and win a Legacy Giving Award, what winning meant for them and why attending the awards ceremony was a highlight of their year, visit smeeandford.com/events/our-events/legacy-giving-awards/ q
THE ISLE OF WIGHT DONKEY
SANCTUARY; A LOVING
REFUGE
FOR DONKEYS IN NEED
[ AT THE Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, we provide a caring haven for donkeys, mules and ponies in need, whether from maltreatment, loss of grazing, rescue from slaughter, or simply when their owners can no longer care for them. We welcome these beautiful, inquisitive animals, caring for them with love and kindness throughout their lives.
Leaving a gift in your will is a heartfelt way to show your love and support for our donkeys, ponies and mules. Legacies from compassionate supporters enable us to continue providing the highest levels of care and welfare for every animal in our care.
The bonds between donkeys and humans are truly unique. Simply being in their presence can bring joy and comfort. We support many people to develop skills, build confidence, or simply to help them experience a loving connection with our animals. Your gift in a will can help ensure a happy and healthy life for the animals under our care, leaving a legacy of love, not only for our donkeys but for the many lives they touch.
Our mission is to provide refuge, exceptional care and new beginnings for donkeys and other equines in need. Can you support us by leaving a gift in your will? q
NON-STOP RESCUE GIVES HOPE TO UNWANTED DOGS
[THE ANIMAL RESCUE SECTOR is facing unprecedented challenges at the moment. According to dog rescue charity Hope rescue: “More dogs are coming through our doors than ever before, and more owners are struggling to cope and seeking our help. It’s non-stop, but we don’t stop.
“Our experienced team meets the challenges every day, providing the care, compassion and commitment that transforms the lives of vulnerable dogs.
“Our work to help stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs continues. It’s not an option to reduce services and put the lives and welfare of the most vulnerable dogs at risk. Too many dogs and their owners are in desperate need.
“We currently have 167 dogs in our care across the rescue centre and our foster homes. This includes stray dogs abandoned by their owners, dogs relinquished by their owners and dogs that have been seized or signed over from illegal breeders. We have never been this busy in our entire 19-year history and it really is our most challenging time.
“We won’t stop transforming the lives of dogs and desperate owners in our communities – we can’t stop. Because every day, for every dog, there’s hope.” q
• Find out more about Hope Rescue at www.hoperescue.org.uk or get in touch via enquiries@hoperescue.org.uk
PARTNERSHIP OFFERS PROSPECT OF STREAMLINED LEGACY SERVICE
[LEGACY FUTURES has announced a new partnership with MiExact, owners of Smee & Ford, enabling them to work together and help more charities grow through legacy giving.
The newly-formed group will offer charities the most comprehensive service to support the entire legacy journey: from notification data that first alerts them to a gift in a will and expert legacy administration support, to market insights, strategic fundraising programmes and consultancy services.
Ashley Rowthorn, CEO of Legacy Futures, explained: “Legacy giving presents one of the biggest growth opportunities for charities in a time of significant challenge. Aligning the market-leading knowledge and experience from across both organisations allows us to provide more joined-up solutions for the benefit of the sector. By working together, we believe this new partnership will be a force for good, enabling charities to realise their growth potential and achieve their missions.”
Polly Avgherinos, CEO of MiExact, added: “We are eager to explore the opportunities our new partnership will bring to help charities grow their legacy income. By combining our
expertise we will create greater insight and clarity, innovations and new collaborative products and services. For our clients, knowing they can access the full complement of legacy services from one organisation makes the whole process simpler, and much more streamlined and efficient.”
To make the partnership possible MiExact has made an investment in Legacy Futures. Both companies will continue to operate their respective brands under their current leadership, with Ashley Rowthorn remaining as CEO of Legacy Futures and Polly Avgherinos as CEO of MiExact. A collaborative board will bring together expertise and services into an integrated and
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
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
market-leading offer for charities.
Matthew Lagden, CEO of the Institute of Legacy Management, welcomed the new partnership. He commented: “We would like to congratulate both the Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford teams on the launch of this new partnership, which brings together two giants of the legacy sector.
“We have no doubt this will create a raft of exciting opportunities for both charities and wider legacy professionals and, with the interests of our members and corporate partners at the heart of what we do, we look forward to hearing how the new offering will help support the amazing work our members do every day.” q
BACK ‘THE BUILD’ AND HELP MARTIN HOUSE PROVIDE VITAL CARE TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
[MARTIN HOUSE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE is undergoing its biggest transformation since opening in 1987. The hospice has launched THE BUILD, to extend and refurbish the building, so they can continue to be the lifeline that families need in the future.
Martin House is Yorkshire’s centre of excellence in paediatric palliative care –supporting children and young people with life-limiting conditions along with their families – but the building no longer matches the expertise of their specialist staff.
Clair Holdsworth, chief executive of Martin House, said: “Advances in medicine mean children and young people with life-shortening conditions are living for longer and with more complex needs. Our building needs to adapt to meet the changing needs of children, young people and their families.
“We are asking the people of Yorkshire to help us raise £2m, to help us complete THE BUILD, to improve and update the hospice building. But we also need your support in the future, to ensure we can continue to care for children and young people when they need us most.”
The exciting project will see new and improved facilities for children, young people, their families and for staff. These include:
• A new children’s wing with bigger, woodland themed bedrooms, fitted with piped oxygen, integrated hoists and accessible en suite bathrooms, to give a home-fromhome experience with all the specialist equipment to provide the care they need.
• A new hydrotherapy and sensory pool, where therapy to relieve symptoms such as pain and muscle spasms can be provided,
as well as giving families the chance to experience swimming together.
• A wellbeing centre including a new immersive sensory room with cinema experience, complementary therapy and counselling rooms, alongside a space dedicated to day care and group sessions for parents, grandparents and siblings.
• Improved family space with communal living spaces, new parents’ bedrooms, art room, music room and playroom to enable truly holistic family care.
• An extended teenage wing, refurbished to give young people more freedom and independence.
• A new education centre to provide education and training in specialist palliative care to health and social care professionals across Yorkshire and beyond.
For three-year-old Thomas’s family, THE BUILD will mean they can take him swimming for the first time. Thomas (pictured) has a rare genetic disorder which has affected his development, and means he is prone to severe chest infections.
His parents, Bethany and Jack Harrison,
said: “Martin House is a lifeline to us – we don’t know what we’d do without it. But we are looking forward to all the new facilities THE BUILD will bring.
“We’ve never been able to take Thomas swimming because it would be too much to manage in a normal pool, with our other children as well. So we can’t wait to experience the new hydrotherapy pool, as he loves water.”
Supporting Martin House now by backing THE BUILD can help give families like Thomas’s the hospice they deserve. Supporting Martin House in the future, by leaving a gift in your will, means they can continue to be there for families for years to come.
Every year, Martin House cares for over 550 babies, children and young people with a life-shortening condition, and provides bereavement support to more than 200 family members.
It costs around £10.5m a year to run Martin House. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year, providing free of charge care to families at the hospice, in the community and in their own homes. q
• You can find out more about THE BUILD and how you can get involved to help Martin House build the children’s hospice of the future at www.martinhouse.org.uk/thebuild
[TODAY, ONE IN 700 BABIES in the UK are born with a cleft lip and palate, the most common form of birth defect.
The impact on a child’s life as they grow is profound. It may affect not only the way they look, but also their speech, hearing and dental development. And it can leave deep psychological scars.
In the developing world, patients with clefts are frequently not operated on until later in life, if at all. As a result, they may be malnourished and unable to talk well or hear properly. Often, they will be social outcasts.
At CLEFT, our vision is of a future where clefts are preventable. Until we get there, we want to improve the lives of those born with cleft lip and palate – in the UK and in poorer countries around the world.
Join the research effort
By funding research, we continue to make headway into understanding why clefts occur and to deliver pioneering new treatments that deliver kinder, more effective and more efficient care for children with cleft lip and palate.
Help us support cleft care worldwide
By supporting the development of cleft centres in low and middle-income countries we aim to give children born with clefts in these poorer countries the same opportunities available to children in the UK. Each donation takes us a step closer to reaching our goal. All gifts could have a direct impact on changing the lives of many hundreds of thousands of babies and children around the world. q
A small charity with a huge heart
[KIDNEY KIDS SCOTLAND, a very small charity with a huge heart, has for the last 24 years supported Scottish children with renal and urology conditions. The main aim of the charity has always been to enable these children to receive treatment as close to home as possible and minimise disruption to the family unit.
In addition the charity helps hospitals all over Scotland, supplying them with much needed equipment and funding posts recognised as being essential. Chronic Kidney disease is a condition that has no cure and that children and their families must learn to live with.
IMAGINE your child only being able to drink 400mls in one day. That’s less than two cartons of juice – a can of juice is 500mls.
IMAGINE being a parent where you must be home before 8pm every single night to ensure your child gets their daily home dialysis.
IMAGINE not being able to take your family abroad or too far away from the hospital because your child cannot go without their dialysis. This HAS to happen in hospital 3 or 4 times EVERY week.
IMAGINE your child missing out on school education, social activities, family members’ birthday celebrations, a sibling’s sports day or a family wedding because you need to make sure they receive their life saving dialysis treatment.
IMAGINE your child spending their birthday and/or Christmas Day in hospital and not being able to see their friends from week to week. q
IMAGINE LIVING WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
For more information about Kidney Kids Scotland please visit our website at www.kidneykids.org.uk, call 01324 555843 or email office@kidneykids.org.uk
Kidney Kids Scotland can help in many ways
GET THE LATEST LOWDOWN ON FUNDRAISING IN THE UK
[
BLACKBAUD’S LATEST Status of UK Fundraising report is now available.
The US-based Blackbaud Institute is a research lab that explores topics essential to the operations of non-profits, charitable foundations and educational institutions.
This year sees the seventh annual Status of UK Fundraising report, packed with more than 40 pages full of insights and data for charities to benchmark their performance against.
Over 850 non-profit professionals shared details about their recent fundraising performance and experiences operating in the sector. The report looks at income trends and drivers, digital maturity, artificial intelligence, technology ecosystems and much more.
Readers will discover:
• How income is trending – and what
• drives growth
• The average digital maturity score – and
• how it links to performance
• Common fundraising challenges and
• opportunities to boost strategies
• Non-profits’ attitudes to AI and the state of AI usage in the sector
• CRM satisfaction and the state of social impact technology
• ecosystems
• Detailed industry expert insights on key topics
In the Foreword Phil Hunt, senior manager for marketing at Blackbaud International Markets, wrote: “The importance of effective fundraising cannot be overstated as we navigate an era marked by economic uncertainty, social change and severe political events.
“The non-profit sector is in a constant state of change, with many non-profits challenged to deliver on important missions and make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.”
He singled out the role of AI in shaping the sector as a ‘significant factor’ for the research.
Key findings were:
• The economy continues to challenge,
• but public perceptions are a growing
• concern
• Improved data management would bring
• the biggest value to fundraising strategies
• Non-profits are using AI but only a few
• prioritise or have the resources to explore it
• Tech-savvy and innovative non-profits
• are more likely to experience income growth
• Integrated tech stacks are a rare thing in the sector, with only a
• fifth fully leveraging their CRM
To download the 2024 Status of UK Fundraising report visit www.blackbaud.co.uk/industry-insights/resources q
CARERS NEED SOME TLC, TOO
[ JOANNA LUMLEY, Patron of The Respite Association (TRA), recently paid this tribute to carers: “Carers are my heroes: caring 24/7, week-in and week-out, often for years on end, with no breaks or holidays and no complaints.”
Across the country there are thousands of unpaid carers; and since its formation in 2001 TRA has been supporting them to get a desperately needed break.
John Turner, one of the charity’s two part-time staff, explained: “It doesn’t take a great deal to have an enormous impact on the lives of carers. They don’t see what they are doing as a burden because they are caring for someone that they love; but they just need a little rest.”
“One lady, whose son is on the autistic spectrum, explained that he only sleeps for two hours per night, so that is all the sleep she gets, too. That lady just wanted a normal night’s sleep to catch up – while a gentleman in his seventies, caring for his wife who has dementia, wanted a weekend so he could go to his granddaughter’s first piano recital.”
TRA also have three holiday facilities - in Cornwall, Wales and Yorkshire - where they give carers a week-long break by the seaside. A carer who had a break in the charity’s caravan at Rhyl
wrote: “We had the most amazing time on holiday – gutted to be home in fact. Whilst I was there I couldn't help thinking of you and what an amazing opportunity you gave us. Me and my family are extremely grateful and always will be.
“The caravan was filled with lots of board games and books for both adults and children and we loved it. I usually don’t have time to read with my children or sit and do a jigsaw with them, but on holiday I did – everyday. And instead of dishing out medication of an evening I spent that time in the park with my family.
“It was so good to just be out in the fresh air and actually taking in the sky! You allowed me to have uninterrupted quality time with my children and for that I’m truly thankful.”
John explained “TRA offers something that you and I take for granted: a little bit of normality; enough to recharge the batteries and carry on caring. We have been incredibly fortunate that people have been very generous to us over the years, which has helped us to support thousands of carers and their families, and has provided a legacy of hope.” q
LOVE LIVES ON WHEN YOU LEAVE A GIFT TO ANIMAL ACTION GREECE
[
UNFORTUNATELY many animals in Greece have a very short and miserable existence. There are millions of stray, sick and injured animals with no access to things we take for granted in the UK such as food and water, shelter, vaccinations and basic veterinary care. Although there are animal welfare laws, they are seldom, if ever, enforced and therefore thousands of animals suffer needlessly. In the face of this suffering, Animal Action Greece has been working to improve the lives of Greece’s homeless and vulnerable animals since 1959.
We care for street cats and dogs; provide vital veterinary, dental and farrier services to working and abandoned donkeys, horses and mules; and rescue, treat and rehome animals affected by emergencies.
Since we were established, we have relied on the generosity of animal lovers to undertake this vital work, including gifts left in wills. By supporting us with a legacy today, your love of animals will live on and allow us to:
• Deliver our unique equine outreach programme, which provides
• vital veterinary care to working horses, donkeys
• and mules.
• Support stray cats and dogs, ensuring they are
• neutered, vaccinated and fed and that they have
• access to veterinary care when they are injured
• or ill.
• Where possible, provide support in emergencies
• and in support of specific cases to rescue and
• rehome abandoned or neglected animals.
In December 2023 we were called to a critical situation in Topieros, in Northern Greece, where more than 600 stray dogs were living on a rubbish site in horrendous conditions (pictured right). Many
of the dogs were reduced to skin and bone, covered from head to tail in fleas and ticks, and suffering terribly from deadly injuries and ailments. It was a horrific sight.
We responded immediately, providing urgent veterinary care and food and implementing a campaign to ensure all of the dogs were sterilised, stopping the birth of more homeless puppies.
Our efforts had an immediate impact and many of the dogs managed to recover and have been supported by our local partner to find new forever homes. Jimmy (pictured above), once scared and alone desperate for scraps of food, is now happy and healthy in his forever home in the Netherlands. By supporting us with a gift in your will, you’ll be creating a better future for animals just like Jimmy. It’s the perfect way to ensure that your lifelong love of animals lives on. q
RESEARCH SHOWS PUBLIC TRUST IN CHARITIES IS RETURNING
[ THE CHARITY COMMISSION has published fresh research that shows public trust in charities at its highest level since 2014. The research reveals that information about how money is spent by a charity is the single most important factor for most people. That is followed closely by knowing that the charity achieves its purpose, that it makes a difference and that it operates to high ethical standards.
Overall, trust in charities is high and continues to recover. Charities now score 6.5 out of 10 for trust: up from 6.3 in 2023, from a low of 5.5 in 2018 following a series of scandals. Over half (58%) of people have ‘high’ trust in charities (seven out of 10 or higher), placing the sector among the most trusted groups in society, second only to doctors.
The online Register of Charities can be accessed by visiting the government website at www.gov.uk/find-charity-information
In a challenging financial environment, the research illustrates a growing reliance on charities for support, alongside a declining percentage of people donating to charities. Nearly half (47%) of people say they donated money or goods or raised funds for charity, compared with 62% in 2020.
By contrast, there has been an increase in people saying they have received charitable services, such as financial help, food or medical support from a charity: 9%, up from 3% in 2020.
Around half of people say they have heard of the Charity Commission, with 19% knowing it ‘well’. Awareness of the Charity Commission is associated with higher trust in charities, with those who have heard of the regulator being more likely to report high trust (63% vs 52%). Around four in 10 people are aware of the online Register of Charities.
The Charity Commission’s chief executive David Holdsworth commented: “These findings are encouraging, demonstrating that charities collectively are once again firmly trusted by the public, making a visible, essential difference locally, nationally and globally.
“But there is no room for complacency, for charities or for us as regulator. The new findings point to the challenging financial environment charities are operating in, with a decline in the number of people giving to charity, whilst the high cost of living appears to be driving more people to access charities’ services.
“In these financially challenging times, charities must continue to show people how they deliver on their purpose, including how every penny makes a positive difference.
“Anyone can look up this information on our public Register of Charities, which gives details of each charity’s purpose and spending.”
RE-HOMING IS THEIR MISSION
[THE MISSION of Three Counties Dog Rescue is to accept, care for and find homes for unwanted, lost and stray dogs and cats and to ensure their wellbeing afterwards. The charity was founded in 1971 and since then they have improved the lives of over 7,800 dogs and cats. Before rehoming, all animals are vet checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and kept in suitable conditions. Rehabilitation costs are a major part of the charity’s annual expenditure of over £200,000. Healthy animals are never put down. As part of that non-destruction policy, several elderly dogs are kept in long term foster care. However, this means that the charity can incur large veterinary costs to maintain a dog’s health while they await a new permanent home. They now provide boarding and cremation services with profits supporting the Rescue.
Every penny raised goes to improving the lives of dogs and cats. Three Counties Dog Rescue is run entirely by voluntary and unpaid helpers, who also meet their own expenses. q
Research into trustee attitudes
At the same time the Charity Commission published the findings of a survey into charity trustees’ attitudes towards their role. The research found that most trustees share the public’s high expectations of conduct in charities: 61% agree that, because of its registered status, their charity’s standards of behaviour and conduct ought to be higher than that in other organisations.
Overall, trustees have high-stated levels of confidence in their responsibilities and generally understand what they should do when making decisions, with those who are aware of the Charity Commission demonstrating they are better informed. But the research, conducted by BMG, finds that trustees are less clear on things they should not be doing, including making decisions based on their personal views or avoiding awkward questions. They are also less confident about dealing with conflicts of interest and overseeing charity finances.
For the first time the commission asked charity trustees about their charity’s use of artificial intelligence. Only 3% of trustees said their charity has used AI; however, that rose to 8% in larger charities – those whose income exceeds £1m.
Previously published data from the research confirms how widespread problems with banking services are for trustees: two out of five trustees said their charity has experienced a banking issue over the past year. The commission has previously spoken out on its concerns about the impact on charities of poor service from the banks. Earlier this year the commission said it was “shocked, but not surprised” by “undeniable evidence of the extent and impact of the appalling service charities receive from some banks.” q
FAIRNESS IN THE FAMILY COURT MAY HELP REDUCE CHILD
SUICIDE RISK, CHARITY FOUNDER BELIEVES
[ PROMOTING AND ASSISTING in access to justice in the Family Court is the aim of Parenting Together, a charity set up by former youth worker Gerry Hannah.
Gerry points out suicide is the most common cause of death among young people – often prompted by the depression caused by family break-up. He believes that in many cases the break-up of the family is avoidable if parents are able to present their version of events.
Said Gerry: “British Family Courts sit in private and they convict parents merely on the ‘balance of probability’. In some cases a judge is persuaded to make a misinformed decision based on race, gender, heritage, beliefs and social status – often causing serious depression which can have lethal consequences.”
Gerry formed his association with humanitarian experts and professionals to ensure low-income, disadvantaged parents involved with social services or Family Court proceedings receive fair and equal justice.
He added: “We mostly provide specialist legal services, advocacy and reports for disadvantaged parents in Family Court proceedings. Our experts, professionals and associate solicitors often work pro
bono to help us resolve exploitation and unlawful abuse of the family law and child protection systems. We framed our projects on the government’s Every Child Matters report, published in 2003, that recommended engaging families in the care and protection of children.”
He points to cases of parents with learning difficulties asking people on social media for advice when they cannot understand the legalese, acronyms and procedures.
“They are usually misguided, posting views and comments that go against them in court. Their social media ‘friends’ are often predators who exploit single parents with young children. We recently submitted evidence to the CPS against a few of these sexual predators targeting our vulnerable parents and their children.”
The current project is a continuation of Honeypot Families , a work-in-progress study comparing families in the safest happiest regions of the UK with families in what Gerry describes as ‘the most dangerous city in Europe’.
“We concluded that Judeo-Christian families functioned efficiently to provide the best outcomes for everyone because they are based on a mutually agreed contract where adults vow to love, care and respect each other until death.” q
REGULATOR PUBLISHES GUIDANCE ON WORKING WITH EXTERNAL BODIES
[ THE FUNDRAISING REGULATOR has issued two guidance documents for charities working with other organisations: Guidance for charitable institutions working with commercial participators and Guidance for charitable institutions working with professional fundraisers
Writing on the Fundraising Regulator’s website, its policy officer Oliver Bayer said: “In autumn 2023, we ran a public consultation as part of our review of the Code of Fundraising Practice. Some respondents said they were unclear about what they needed to do when working with commercial participators and professional fundraisers, and felt that they would benefit from some guidance in this area.
“We also regularly receive enquiries about commercial participators and professional fundraisers through our Code Advice Service. Many enquirers are unclear on the difference between professional fundraisers and commercial participators.”
The new guidance documents point out that working with commercial participators, which it describes as an individual or business which promotes their goods or services on the basis that they will make contributions to one or more charitable institutions, or with professional fundraisers can be beneficial to charities. Such partnerships offer opportunities to access new funding sources and increase public awareness on the one hand and help to meet fundraising goals while accessing external skills on the other.
“However, there are legal requirements with which the charitable
PRACTICAL SUPPORT HELPS TO ALLEVIATE THE IMPACT OF SIGHT LOSS
[THERE ARE TWO MILLION people in the UK living with sight loss and by 2050 the figure is set to double. Being diagnosed with any form of sight loss is lifechanging and devastating for both the individuals concerned and their families.
The Partially Sighted Society is a national charity that understands this; it has been providing help and support to anybody living with sight loss for over 50 years.
The society’s range of services includes the design, printing and provision of bespoke school exercise books for children, a specialist low-vision and sight test service, and the provision of aids and equipment to assist those living with sight loss to continue to live full and independent lives.
They are there to offer support for both the practical and the emotional impact of sight loss, by phone and in person. They also offer a range of social and support activities to alleviate the social isolation that comes with sight loss.
Leaving a gift in a will is a meaningful way of helping The Partially Sighted Society to help others. Legacies leave a lasting impact on transforming the lives of those living with sight loss. q
institution and the commercial participator need to comply,” both documents caution, while pointing out that the guidance is not exhaustive.
In Guidance for charitable institutions working with commercial participators the regulator describes examples of commercial participators, such as authors donating a sum from book sales to a charity or a musician donating profits from a performance.
The document Guidance for charitable institutions working with professional fundraisers offers a workable definition of a professional fundraiser: “an individual or business who is paid by a charitable institution to fundraise on their behalf.”
Both documents describe examples of businesses or people who do not fall into those categories. They then go on to explain what the charity needs to do to comply with the law, and what the partner needs to do. This includes:
• Carrying out the necessary due diligence before entering a
• relationship with any commercial participators or professional
• fundraisers
• Having a written agreement in place with all commercial
• participators and professional fundraisers before fundraising takes
• place
• Monitoring that commercial participators and professional
• fundraisers are complying with the terms of this agreement
Both documents can be downloaded from the Fundraising Regulator’s website at www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/more-from-us/resources. q
COMMISSION PRAISES CHARITIES’ CONDUCT DURING ELECTION
[THE CHARITY COMMISSION has published a report of its casework during the recent General Election, revealing a significant decline in serious concerns about a charity’s campaigning activity compared with previous elections. The regulator praised the sector for its conduct during the election, with its chair Orlando Fraser KC restating the sector’s right to campaign and reminding everyone that it is a right enshrined in charity law.
The report found a rise in proactive efforts by charities to seek advice from the commission and a 60% decline in high-risk cases compared to the 2019 election. It features illustrative case studies relating to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Big Help Out run by The Together Initiative, the Trussell Trust, Age Concern Wolverhampton and British Alevi Federation.
The law is clear about the right of charities to campaign, provided it is in support of their purposes and that they take a neutral stance on party politics. That is something that the commission has made clear in its published guidance, which helps charities campaign within the law, and which it continued to reiterate as the General Election approached.
The report reveals that, out of more than 170,000 registered charities, the regulator opened just 34 new compliance cases to
assess concerns and responded to 35 advice requests between 22 May and 4 July 2024.
That figure relates specifically to activities around General Election campaigns. Only 14 of those were high-risk cases – fewer than half the number seen during the 2019 election – which the regulator said represents a positive and significant decline.
The cases opened came from a variety of sources, such as complaints to the commission, charities proactively reporting incidents via the commission’s Serious Incident Report process, and proactive monitoring by the regulator.
The report carries reflections from the Charity Commission on how charities can speak up for causes they serve while engaging in debate lawfully, in line with the regulator’s guidance on campaigning and political activity. It goes on to thank the sector for engaging with its guidance.
The regulator identified three key themes in its engagement with charities during the period:
• Charity leaders expressing support for a
• political party or candidates
• Visits to charities by prospective
• candidates
• Charities’ use of social media in
• campaigning
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 around 465 frail veterans and their widows who fought for the Crown. 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 5,900 children to date. ZANE also funds education programmes including the provision of pop-up classrooms in a high-density township 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.
Zimbabwe remains a country in crisis. With some of the highest inflation and unemployment rates in the world, Zimbabwe’s economy teeters on the brink of collapse. Coupled with a woefully inadequate healthcare system, the need for ZANE is greater than ever for the most destitute people in Zimbabwe. q
• To find out more about the work of ZANE visit www.zane.uk.com
The commission took a proactive approach ahead of the election to help charities to get things right, promoting its guidance on campaigning and political activity. That included specific guidance when operating during an election and its 5-minute guide on campaigning for those in need of a quick refresh of their knowledge.
Orlando Fraser KC said: “A General Election is a critical moment for charities, which provide vital insight on how to address issues facing our society. From the outset we’ve highlighted the valuable role of charities. I have also set out our expectation that they take the lead in encouraging debates that are held with respect, tolerance and consideration of others at a time when, sadly, this is not always the case in public discourse.
“This election has seen some of our lowest case numbers, which is true testament to the constructive and lawful way the sector has engaged with debates on the issues they champion.
“Many charities have effectively used their voices with confidence while following electoral and charity law – supported by our published advice and guidance. We will continue to use our voice to explain charities’ right to campaign lawfully.” q
THEIR PROJECT IS TO REINTRODUCE FOXES TO THE WILD
[IT WOULD BE TEMPTING to try to explain all that is The Fox Project, but that would look a little like a shopping list: wildlife information bureau, humane fox deterrence consultancy, wildlife ambulance service, wildlife hospital etc.
Indeed, it would be more straightforward to concentrate on what’s going on right now, as we approach the end of the annual UK red fox breeding season, having received something approaching 350 sick, injured and orphaned fox cubs.
Gilbert was one of our first cubs this year. He is pictured gazing thoughtfully out of his pen at the setting sun, perhaps quietly wondering how he can get out into the big, wide world and do what he wants, rather than what we want.
Founder of The Fox Project Trevor Williams takes up the story: “Gilbert was picked up by a member of the public and handed into a vet surgery, who called us to take him on. It is possible he shouldn’t have come in. Sometimes, folk pick up what appears to be an abandoned cub when it may simply have strayed a short distance from the breeding earth and, if left alone, will soon be recovered by the parents. However, once in, we found he was a keen bottle feeder and, because baby animals need the company and warmth of others, he was grouped with Marshall, Betsy, Helle and Miss Heversham!
“Cubs grow fast and a brooder will only hold them for so long before their accommodation needs to be upgraded to steel vet cages. And they, too, are soon inadequate for curious, active youngsters who are developing speed and agility –albeit wobbly speed and agility!
“The next step was day release in a two-storey chicken run and back in the warm at night for a bedtime bottle and a bowl of dog food. They loved that! And then they were moved to a larger foster pen, where muscles could develop and they could feel the weather.
“As soon as Gilbert and Co were weaned off the bottle, the bond with their feeder was broken and they were transferred to one of our team of fosterers. These volunteers have pens in their gardens where they can look after the needs of a litter of cubs without getting directly involved with them.
“And that is where the serious work begins in encouraging cubs to revert to wild in preparation for late summer release. Given all the changes, our cubs should be growing suspicious of people in general; and their first instinct when a fosterer approaches is to run into the hutch provided. If they begin to get ‘waggy’ with the fosterer, we move them to another. And we keep doing that right through the summer.
“From mid-June, we start to move them onto pre-arranged rehab sites – no more than five cubs per site. Those are predominantly rural: often farms and smallholdings.”
The cubs are now the responsibility of the rehabber that owns the property. Their job is to feed, water and clean out the pen and never to speak. A cautious cub is a cub that will live the longest: if you’ve made a cub tame, you’ve undermined their potential for a safe and long life.
After four to six weeks on site the cubs are used to the sights, sounds and smells of every other animal in the area and vice versa. That means they can safely be released without danger of attack. Come the night of release, the rehabber simply leaves the door open and walks away.
Trevor continued: “Timing for this final part of the procedure is governed by nature. Just as the breeding season fluctuates a little every year, so does natural dispersal, when wild-raised cubs – by now around five months old – will fan out from their home territory to locate their own: a vital process to avoid in-breeding and necessary if they’re ultimately to find a mate. Release of our cubs is timed to coincide with that point.”
Gilbert and his chums were released from a smallholding in East Sussex. Initially, they all returned for support feeding, but it’s seldom needed for long. As they begin to use the instincts nature provided them with, the cubs return less and less frequently.
“When they no longer return,” said Trevor, “we must hope they’re doing well. And we generally know they are, because we often see them around for months, or even years. Not that it’s any of our business. We’ve given them that all-important second chance and whatever befalls them, good or bad, is down to them.” q
ANNUAL CYBER REPORT SHOWS CHARITIES CONTINUE TO BE TARGETED
[AROUND A THIRD of charities (32%) report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months, according to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey: a research study for UK cyber resilience published on 9 April jointly by the Home Office and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. The figure is much higher (66%) for high-income charities with £500,000 or more in annual income.
By far the most common type of breach or attack is phishing (83% of charities). That is followed, to a much lesser extent, by others impersonating organisations in emails or online (37%) and then viruses or other malware (14%).
Among those identifying any breaches or attacks, the researchers estimate the single most disruptive breach from the past 12 months cost each charity approximately £460.
The research found that the most common cyber threats are relatively unsophisticated, so government guidance advises charities to protect themselves using a set of ‘cyber hygiene’ measures. A majority of charities have a broad range of such measures in place. The most common are updated malware protection, password policies, cloud back-ups, restricted admin rights and network firewalls – each administered by at least half of charities.
Only 23% of charities deployed security monitoring tools and a third (34%) report being insured against cyber security risks. Compared to the 2023 survey, the proportion has remained stable among charities, whereas commercial businesses with some form of insurance has increased from 37% to 43%.
More than six in 10 charities (63%) report that cyber security is a high priority for their senior management. The proportion is higher among high-income charities – 93% of those with income of £500,000 or more compared to 63% overall.
The proportion that say cyber security is a high priority has remained stable since 2023, following an apparent decrease in prioritisation in 2023. The qualitative interviews suggest that, despite economic conditions, many organisations have continued to invest either the same amount or more in cyber security over the last 12 months. This is in part a response to the perceived increase in the number of cyberattacks and their sophistication.
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 visit www.nfbuk.org
Three in 10 charities have board members or trustees explicitly responsible for cyber security as part of their job role: no change in the overall figure since 2023.
Qualitative data shows a similar set of issues to previous years that prevent boards from engaging more in cyber security, including a lack of knowledge, training and time. It also highlights a contrast between more structured board engagement in larger organisations, compared with more informal approaches in smaller organisations, where responsibility was often passed onto external contractors.
Four in 10 charities report seeking information or guidance on cyber security from outside their organisation in the past year, most commonly from external cyber security consultants, IT consultants or IT service providers.
While a large majority of organisations say that they will take several actions following a cyber incident, in reality a minority have agreed processes already in place to support that. Those findings are consistent with previous years. The most common processes, mentioned by around a third of charities, are having specific roles and responsibilities assigned to individuals, having guidance on external reporting and guidance on internal reporting.
Some cyber security breaches and attacks do not constitute cyber crimes under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the Home Office Counting Rules; therefore, the statistics on prevalence and financial cost of cyber crime differ from the equivalent estimates for all cyber security breaches or attacks.
The least commonly identified types of cyber crime are ransomware and denial of service attacks – 2% or less of charities who experienced cyber crime in each case. When removing phishing-related cyber crimes, it is estimated that 2% of charities have experienced at least one non-phishing cyber crime in the past 12 months. q
LEGACY GIFTS PROVIDE A LIFELINE
For 140 years gifts in Wills have provided vital funding to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, helping to keep its doors open. It costs almost £3m a year to run the Home, and in the absence of any regular government funding, donations and fundraising initiatives are essential to keep helping dogs, cats and the people who love them.
One of the most powerful ways that the community has supported the charity is by leaving gifts in their Wills. An astounding one in three animals cared for at the Home each year has had their care funded by legacies.
Head of Fundraising, Gillian MacAulay explained: “We simply couldn’t keep going without this lifeline and there really are no words to describe what it means to us when we discover that someone has made that decision to include us in their Will.
“This support can transform the lives of the hundreds of vulnerable animals who need our help each year – for as long as they need it. By leaving a gift, your love and compassion for animals can live on.”
To find out how to make a lasting contribution, please contact Aiste Klisyte, Legacy Officer at Aiste@edch.org.uk or visit edch.org.uk/support-us/gifts-in-wills.
CONCERN FOR WORKING HORSES’ WELFARE LEADS TO CHARITY’S CAMPAIGNING ROLE
[THE HORSE RESCUE FUND was founded at a time when many deliveries were still being carried out using horses – which at that time were destined for a bleak fate after they finished their working life
That history explains why, as well as rescuing horses, ponies and donkeys in desperate need, the fund has campaigned for improvements at horse sales, in transit and for equine welfare generally. Indeed, they often work in conjunction with their fellow organisations on some of the largest equine welfare cases.
The charity’s byline is: Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome
A spokesperson for the charity commented: “All of our rescued horses are treated as individuals and – being one of the smaller welfare charities – our staff get to know the likes, dislikes and foibles of each horse in our care, so their treatment can be personally tailored to their needs.”
After rehabilitation and when they are fit, their animals are placed on loan in private adoptive homes to lead happy, useful lives. Some have gone on to win at prestigious shows, and even appeared on television!
They continued: “We never sell them, so we are able to ensure their wellbeing for the rest of their lives; and if their loaners’ circumstances change, they can always be returned to us. Horses do so much for humans – we try to repay some of that debt; they cannot speak, but we can.”
Funds are urgently needed to continue that work: legacies, covenants, individual donations or corporate funding are all most welcome. Supporters receive a biannual newsletter keeping them up to date with all the happenings on the yard at Woodstock Farm in Norfolk.
For more information visit the website at www.horserescuefund.org.uk or email info@horserescuefund.org.uk q
WHY BOARDS NEED TO LEAD ON DIGITAL
[WHEN IT COMES TO digital transformation, a charity’s leadership has a big role to play in driving it. If the boardroom isn’t all in on the change, how can they expect anyone else to be?
That is the message from a recent article by Laura Stanley of Charity Digital. Laura explores how the skill set of a charity’s board of trustees can lead that charity in its journey into the digital age, and references a recent webinar from OnBoard with Charity Digital on how trustees can drive digital from the boardroom.
Laura wrote: “Whether it’s adopting a new fundraising platform or changing the way you deliver services, the chief executive might make the final decision; but if they lack the time to actively lead on it, the chain between them and the rest of the organisation is broken. Digital transformation comes to a halt.
“This is where the board steps in. Charity boards are there to guide the organisation down the correct path and drive changes where they need to be made. They ask strategic questions and make informed decisions that determine the direction of the charity.
“However, to be able to do so, they need to be literate in the issues they are trying to address. And while boards tend to have plenty of experts in finance and law, digital trustees are few and farther between.”
Laura asserts that, in this day and age, digital expertise should be a priority for charity boards. Trustees with digital expertise have knowledge and experience on such matters of digital and can ultimately help charities better plan for their digital journey.
She goes on to explore the issues boards need to consider when bringing a trustee with digital expertise on board, with insight from the experts at OnBoard – the creators of boardroom software.
Nearly seven in 10 charities say their board’s digital skills are low or have room for improvement, Laura points out.
“But having someone on the board who has gone through a similar journey can make the transition or digital implementation much more effective. The addition of a digital trustee will ensure that boards are able to ask the right questions about tools they adopt and consider whether there are better ways to deliver services, fundraise and govern their organisation.
“While digital remains within the remit of the entire board, a digital trustee can provide valuable insight they otherwise might not have. If they come from the world of digital, they likely have good contacts in that space, too: so double the expertise.”
To read the article in full visit charitydigital.org.uk q
RESCUE CENTRE OFFERS A LIFELINE TO
INJURED
WILDLIFE
[HESSILHEAD WILDLIFE RESCUE TRUST is situated near Beith, in North Ayrshire. It was set up as a charity in 1986, although its founders Andy and Gay had been caring for injured and orphaned wildlife since 1970, when they rescued a fox cub from a gamekeeper and his dogs. As the number of casualties increased year on year, Andy and Gay needed financial and practical help.
Once the trust was set up, new aviaries and enclosures were built. A membership scheme proved popular and many volunteers were recruited. The centre now occupies a 20-acre site, including woodland, marsh and open water. That gives a variety of release sites for its patients.
Approximately 3,500 wildlife casualties are now treated each year, with the aim of returning them to the wild. Among the many hedgehogs, foxes and familiar garden birds there are deer, otters, badgers and seals. All have been rescued and are rehabilitated. In addition, swans are treated regularly, along with buzzards, peregrines, herons and sea birds.
The centre operates a 24-hour rescue service and there are more than 60 enclosures and aviaries, a hedgehog hospital, a seal/swan unit and intensive care facility. It also offers training courses on the handling, care and treatment of wildlife casualties.
Spring and summer are especially busy, with hundreds of nestling birds being hand reared. Care is taken to rear all youngsters with minimum human contact. That prevents wild birds and mammals becoming too used to people, so giving them a good chance of survival in the wild.
Hessilhead is primarily a voluntary organisation. Its volunteers help in many ways: fundraising, building and maintenance, driving patients to the centre and daily cleaning and feeding. q
BROTHERLY LOVE...
[INTRODUCING chimpanzee brothers Fergus and Twmi – they are the reason Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary began back in 1998.
Even though they are brothers, their personalities are quite different! Fergus (36) is very mischievous and loves the camera – and apart from hoarding bananas and eating onions, winding the other chimps up, he loves to be in every single photo you try to take.
Twmi (38) is more cool, calm and collected. He likes to oversee and watch what the other chimps are getting up to but also makes his presence known if needed. He loves head bopping to Queen – his favourite band –
and loves his food. Iceberg lettuce and grapes are a firm favourite.
Fergus and Twmi have a great relationship with Nakima, Bili and Ronnie, the other chimps they live with. You will see them on sunny days relaxing in their hammocks and grooming each other.
The brothers are both very popular amongst visitors. Children often get smiles from Fergus which makes their day! q
• For more info call 01639 730276, email info@ape-monkey-rescue.org.uk or visit the website at www.ape-monkey-rescue.org.uk
SUMMIT HAS ALL THE DIGITAL ANSWERS ONLINE
[TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for the annual online Digital Fundraising Summit, organised by Charity Digital. The summit is a free, one-day, online event, taking place on 7 November, with informative webinars, interactive workshops and plenty of time for networking.
Delegates will be able to explore fundraising trends and fads: and how to spot the difference, examine the impact of AI and where it can help with fundraising, investigate how fundraising can be made more accessible for donors – and much, much more.
Session details will soon be announced, but in the interim make a note of the date and register your interest to attend at charitydigital.org
For the sixth year in a row Charity Digital is bringing an action-packed event of digital fundraising insights from across the charity and tech sectors. The Digital Fundraising Summit 2024 will offer charities a chance to consolidate those fundamental elements of fundraising, while discovering opportunities to innovate and develop for the future.
Is this summit for me?
The summit will be particularly beneficial to those with a fundraising, marketing, communications or a digital innovation role. There will be sessions for all seniority levels.
Previous job titles include:
• Senior partnerships manager
• Head of marketing
• Digital marketing officer
• Giving and engagement manager
• Project assistant
• Digital lead
• Fundraising and engagement lead
• Regular giving manager
• Head of commercial development
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 rehoming centre in Kent, giving hope and a true 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
• Senior digital and social media officer
• Chief executive officer
• Head of education and training
• Community fundraising co-ordinator
Last November the Digital Fundraising Summit 2023 addressed ‘the future of fundraising’ and provided those attending with the latest information on emerging digital fundraising ideas and empowered charities to try new things. The event comprised eight sessions and workshops, with 15 speakers and hosts. The overall event experience rating reached four out of five stars and an NPS rating of +37. The event hosted speakers from Alzheimer’s Research UK, CAST, Charity Excellence Framework, CAF and Greater Change, to name but a few. q
A new friend for Alan
LEGACY REFLECTS DECADES OF EPILEPSY CARE
[“I’VE HAD EPILEPSY all my life, so I thought I’d leave something for The National Hospital because of all the treatment I’ve received over the years,” said Richard Atterwill, 79, who has decided to make a legacy pledge to the National Brain Appeal, having been treated at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London, for more than six decades.
“I first visited The National Hospital in 1958, when it was still called The National Hospital for the Relief and Cure of the Paralysed and Epileptic,” recalls Richard who was 13 when he received his diagnosis at the hospital. “I remember it having heavy, ill-fitting wooden doors that didn’t close properly. We sat outside on a row of chairs waiting for our names to be called. So, if you were keen at listening, you could hear other people’s appointments! But treatment at The National Hospital has aways been outstanding.”
The first consultant to treat Richard was celebrated neurologist Professor MacDonald Critchley, one-time president of the World Federation of Neurology and author of 20 books and more than 200 published articles on neurology.
“He was an eccentric man,” said Richard, “He always used a ledger for writing and used to dip his quill into an inkwell. He was very smartly dressed generally, but he used to cross his legs and – bless him – he didn’t realise or didn’t want to realise that the soles of his shoes were coming away: like alligators, both of them! He was very nice.”
Since those early days Richard has been under the care of numerous
consultants, most recently Professor Matthias Koepp, whom he still sees for bi-annual checkups. He has seen a lot of changes in prescribed treatments and medications over the years as well.
“Originally the only drugs were Luminal and Tofranil. In those days I was taking about 12 tablets a day. I used to wake up in the morning and feel a bit tired, and then I’d take my tablets and be knocked out for the day.”
Richard had attended St Benedict’s School in Ealing since the age of eight, but the impact of his epilepsy, including violent bouts of vomiting, led him to leave school aged 13.
“There was a meeting between the council and psychologists and so on; and they voted about five to three that I should no longer be at school and could work at my father’s business with no pay. He was a turf accountant and had offices in Jermyn Street, London. I did clerical work there or talked on the phone to customers.”
Today, Richard’s epilepsy is well-controlled and he has learned to live with what he named ‘The Unwelcome Visitor’, or ‘TUV’.
“There have been ups and downs: with epilepsy, one minute you’re there and one minute you’re gone; and you wake up with a paramedic each side of you,” he said. “Sometimes I get lots of auras or attacks out of the blue; but I always aim to look on the bright side of life. It hasn’t stopped me holding down jobs over the years.”
For 21 years Richard worked for a manufacturer of car accessories, TriCo Folberch, where he met his wife Lorna in 1985.
“I’ve been lucky, apart from two jobs, where I was sacked because I had epilepsy,” he explained. “In those days there was no protection for people with disabilities.”
His final role was with the Metropolitan Police and he retired in 2010 to care for Lorna, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at Queen Square some years before.
“My dear wife’s gone now,” he said. “She died in January 2014, but I lost her before she died because she had developed Alzheimer’s in 2004, and you don’t get another decade with someone who’s got Alzheimer’s; you just drift further apart.”
Making a legacy pledge allowed Richard to make provision for his own future care before making a charitable gift.
“I had a second stroke three years ago, and if I ever need care at home I have to put that before anything else. So I’ve got a certain amount put aside in my bank to cover care costs; and now that’s in place I can put an amount towards The National Hospital. I’ve left it up to the National Brain Appeal to decide what it goes towards. It was just a thank you to the hospital.” q
• To find out how you can leave a gift in your will, visit www.nationalbrainappeal.org/giftsinwills
Richard Atterwill
The National Hospital as it was in the 1950s
THEY RESCUE ANIMALS –AT HOME AND ABROAD
[MAYBE YOU LOVE ANIMALS: maybe you have given a loving home to dogs or cats in need. Perhaps the suffering of animals through neglect, abuse or abandonment causes you pain. If you would like to help create a world that is kinder to all creatures, remembering Paws2Rescue in your will means you will help to alleviate the suffering of animals for years to come.
The mission Of Paws2Rescue is simple: to help animals in need wherever they are. As they are entirely staffed by volunteers, every penny they raise enables them to fulfil that mission over and over again.
Paws2Rescue’s Alison Standbridge explained: “Although we are a UK-based charity, we recognise that too many animals overseas suffer appalling neglect and cruelty. That’s why, as well as finding loving UK homes for unwanted dogs and cats, we undertake a variety of international projects to reduce the suffering of animals, with a particular focus on Romania and Moldova –countries where animals continue to suffer the most distressing abuses.
“We aim to alleviate the day-to-day misery of these unfortunate animals by meeting their basic needs – food, medical treatment and sanctuary – and by supporting shelters in rural areas where resources are desperately needed.”
But the key to truly ending the misery is to tackle its root causes. Therefore, Paws2Rescue also provide free neutering services for both stray and owned animals, encouraging owners to take responsibility for their pets’ health by preventing unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. Their Veterinary Scholarship Programme funds young Roma before and after being rescued
people through their university studies to encourage more local vets to work in rural areas in Romania where the need is greatest.
Alison continued: “Education is crucial to our mission: if future generations are brought up to hold the same antiquated, cruel attitudes towards animals as many of their elders, then the horrible abuses will continue. To break this negative cycle, our successful schools programme uses purpose-made educational materials to foster compassion, teaching children to love and respect all living things.
“So, although our current aim may be to help animals in need wherever they are, our dream is to create a world where no more animals need our help.
“By leaving a legacy to Paws2Rescue, no matter how small, you can rest assured every penny of your kind donation will be helping dogs, cats and other animals in desperate circumstances both now and in the future. Thank you.” q
[ FUNDRAISING EXCELLENCE from across the UK was recognised at the National Fundraising Awards 2024 on 3 July at the QEII Centre in London. Winners from across the full range of charities were recognised for their remarkable achievements in fundraising, in 13 categories.
The winning fundraisers, charities and organisations were announced at a ceremony hosted by comedian and TV ‘Chaser’ Paul Sinha.
The National Fundraising Awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, celebrate the very best of fundraising, and the quality of this year’s entries proved that professional fundraisers are doing incredible things for their communities and making a lifetime of impact.
Katie Docherty, chair of the judging panel and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, said: “The judging panel was blown away by the outstanding quality of entrants, and everyone who was shortlisted and our brilliant winners should be extremely proud of the incredibly high standard that has been set.
“The awards provide a platform to share best practice, showcase hard work, to learn from each other and most of all to inspire. All our winners are truly inspiring, and show others that a career in fundraising is a lifetime of impact.
“A huge congratulations to all the winners and thank you for all your hard work and commitment to the fundraising sector.” q
FINDING FOREVER HOMES FOR ABANDONED ANIMALS CHAMPION FUNDRAISERS HAILED AT AWARDS CEREMONY
[FOR OVER 80 YEARS Ferne Animal Sanctuary has given hope to animals in desperate need, working tirelessly to find forever homes for those who have never known warmth and safety or offering lifelong care for sanctuary residents.
Much of the support their animals receive – including food, a comfortable bed and veterinary care – is only made possible thanks to the generosity and support of those who believe that every animal deserves a second chance.
By leaving a gift in your will to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, you create a lasting impact that extends far beyond your lifetime. Your legacy will ensure that countless animals receive the love and care they deserve, providing a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn.
Not only will your gift secure a brighter future for those who need it most, but it’s also a testament to your unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of animals. Consider leaving a gift to Ferne Animal Sanctuary and help to give every animal a chance to feel safe, happy and loved. q
DEMANDING HOPE, DEMANDING CHANGE, DEMANDING IT NOW: HOW LEGACIES GIVE HOPE?
[BEFORE YOU TURN OVER this page, there are two or three things the people at Heartburn Cancer UK want to say to you:
One is for you, and the people you know and love. If you – or they –have persistent heartburn, please get it checked by a GP. Not everyone realises it, but it could be a sign of a cancer.
Cancer of the oesophagus is a killer that hides in plain sight. It’s the fourth most deadly cancer in men, which is often diagnosed late – sometimes because people ignore the common warning signs of heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux and mask them by the long-term use of over-the-counter treatments, such as Gaviscon or Rennie.
So, do yourself a favour; if you often suffer regularly from heartburn, get it checked. Ring your doctor today: it might just save your life.
The second thing they want you to know is for your clients: supporting HCUK with a legacy is a way of passing on hope. They’re currently working with some of the UK’s top experts to get an early warning test – called the capsule sponge test or heartburn health check – into every GP surgery in the country.
They have the test; they know it works; but it is still not yet widely available, and people are dying while they wait. A legacy, large or small, can help change that.
Legacies can help run campaigns to challenge policymakers and support research, or pilot projects to help prove both the effectiveness and need.
SOME RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
[ TO MARK Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month in February, HCUK took one of their mobile diagnostic units to Lanesborough Hotel on London’s Hyde Park Corner, and provided free capsule sponge tests for people who suffer from persistent heartburn.
The project – which was an incredible collaboration between HCUK, The Lanesborough, The Cleveland Clinic and Cyted, the test developers – attracted an enormous amount of attention in national newspapers and from passers-by.
The results are still being analysed, but first indications are that around 20% of the people who had the test will now either get treatment to save their lives or will join monitoring programmes to make sure their conditions don’t develop into something more life-threatening.
The capsule sponge test also picks up a common potentially pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, which has no specific symptoms but which can be regularly monitored when it’s found. q
The third thing is for you both. HCUK are demanding change to save lives now and in the future.
Heartburn Cancer UK was started 21 years ago by its chair Mimi McCord, after her husband Mike died aged only 47, nine weeks after being diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus.
Mike had suffered from heartburn almost all his adult life. But had no idea that it was a sign of the cancer that would kill him before he was 50, when he still had dependent children. Mimi couldn’t save her husband, but she’s been determined to change other lives.
The charity focuses on raising awareness that not all heartburn is harmless, so people know to go to the doctor; and if there is a problem will start getting help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis means better survival rates and the need for less traumatic treatment.
They’re working hard to bring about the change they need; but the fight is long: it’s already been 21 years. With the help of their supporters, however – including those who generously leave legacies – and by arming people with more knowledge of the symptoms, they are helping to save lives every day.
Noddy Holder supports HCUK with ‘Get It Checked’ Oesophageal cancer survivor, the legendary Noddy Holder, has supported HCUK’s Get It Checked campaign.
The campaign explains that persistent heartburn is not normal and should always be properly checked. You can find the video on their You Tube channel.
If you want to know more, or if you have a client who might want to support HCUK, visit their website at www.heartburncanceruk.org or email Legacies@heartburncancer.org.uk and they’ll help provide you with anything you need. q
YOUR LEGACY – THEIR LIFELINE
[ALFIE’S OWNER, Pam, had been diagnosed with a degenerative disorder which affected her ability to care for him. She was also trying to leave an abusive relationship but would not do so until she had secured a safe place for Alfie.
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity managed to safely remove Alfie and brought him to their sanctuary in Carlisle. This enabled Pam to move to a more suitable and safe home, and the charity arranged for Pam to see Alfie again before he went to his new home.
Alfie and Pam are just two of the thousands of animals and owners helped by Oak Tree Animals’ Charity each year. In 2022, Oak Tree hit a new record of 4,300 animals helped and, unfortunately, this number keeps rising every year.
Their ‘A Helping Paw’ service offers pet fostering to victims of domestic abuse and the homeless. The service is run by dedicated volunteer fosterers, and since 2019 they have helped over 60 pets and 40 families. Without generous gifts in wills, the vital work to help animals and owners, like Alfie and Pam, in these devastating situations just wouldn't be possible.
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity and its wonderful supporters have been helping animals since 1909. One supporter who chose to leave a legacy to Oak Tree explained her decision: “I wish more people would support animal charities like Oak Tree and be part of their incredible work. I want to help Oak Tree Animals’ Charity continue its wonderful work for many years to come. It is comforting knowing that I will still be able to support animals long after I am gone.”
More than half of the work at Oak Tree is funded by legacies – including veterinary treatment, food, bedding, heating, enrichment, water and general maintenance, plus so much more. Every donation received means they can open their doors for another day, providing a lifeline to animals across their region. q
• If you would like to find out more about leaving a legacy, please email legacy@oaktreeanimals.org.uk or visit www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk/getinvolved/ways-to-donate/your-legacy.html
UK LOSES GROUND IN GLOBAL GENEROSITY TABLE
[THE UK IS NO LONGER one of the most generous countries in the world, according to the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index 2024. It is now placed at 22nd in the global index – its joint lowest ranking, having fallen to the same level in 2020 when charitable activity was severely limited by the COVID 19 pandemic.
The CAF World Giving Index is one of the biggest surveys on giving ever produced, having interviewed millions of people around the world since 2009, and this year’s research covering 142 countries. This year the most generous countries in the world are Indonesia, Kenya and Singapore.
The UK’s overall global rank and scores have been declining over the past decade. In 2014, it was the sixth most generous country in the world, achieving an overall score of 57%; but that has fallen to 49% this year.
Furthermore, the UK’s score has fallen significantly in each of the three individual measures people are asked about. The CAF World Giving Index asks whether people have helped a stranger, given money or volunteered for a good cause over the past month. In 2014, 75% in the UK donated money, compared to 67% in this year’s report. Fewer people now help strangers – declining from 63% to 55% – and volunteer their time – 26% compared to 32%.
The UK is also behind other high-income countries that saw a decline in their index score during the pandemic but returned to a high ranking in 2022. This year’s top 10 includes the United States in sixth place and Australia in eighth, while Canada is 11th, Ireland is 15th and New Zealand is in 17th place.
In separate polling for the Charities Aid Foundation, only a quarter of the UK public thinks the country has become more generous over the past 100 years, while two in five (41%) think the UK's generosity has declined or was never especially generous to begin with.
Neil Heslop, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, commented: “The long-term decline in the UK’s overall generosity shows we seem to
have increasingly fallen out of the habit of giving: both of our time and our money. Building a giving society is crucial to connect us to one another in communities and strengthen our social fabric.
“While we can still be a generous country even when times are so tough, more needs to be done to prevent this downward trend from continuing. We can learn from other countries that have taken proactive steps to harness charitable giving such as Singapore and Australia. That is why we are calling on the government to lead a national strategy for philanthropy and charitable giving that renews our British culture of giving.”
The Charities Aid Foundation, which marks its centenary this year, connects donors to charitable causes around the world. CAF distributes over £1bn to charities every year. q
MANIFESTO HAS A LIFE BEYOND THE ELECTION
[IN THE RUN-UP to the General Election in July, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), together with the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), issued a Voluntary Sector Manifesto describing its aspirations for the new government, taking its cue from the slogan “Charities and volunteers exist to make communities stronger: for everyone, everywhere”.
Following the election the manifesto acts as a wish list for the new government. It begins: “The UK is facing challenges that no political party can solve alone. To bring about a new era of success and growth across the country, the power and commitment of the voluntary sector must be realised.
“Government should invest in the voluntary sector as an equal partner of the state. This will unlock talent, expertise and innovation that is embedded in communities.”
It references the times: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to forge a new and innovative relationship with the voluntary sector. We can trailblaze a new model of delivery and create a powerful partnership that builds a fair and thriving society.
“We are a force for good, and a force for change.”
Why the voluntary sector is essential
“The voluntary sector isn’t a ‘nice to have’. Charities don’t exist for handouts; and volunteers shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“Charities underpin the country’s social infrastructure. They deliver public services. They meet needs, connect communities and individuals and help address systemic inequality. Through decades of hard work, they’ve earned deep-rooted trust.”
The manifesto describes the voluntary sector thus: it helps solve challenges with integrity, drive and dedication, has far-reaching knowledge about the people and causes they support, works innovatively and responsibly for people instead of profit, builds trust with those who are often not heard and mobilises, develops and empowers volunteers.
“The opportunity is here to forge a renewed and strengthened partnership between the voluntary sector and government to drive change, innovation and growth.”
The Voluntary Sector Manifesto presents a range of ways the government can work with charities to make a positive difference. It was shaped by NCVO and ACEVO’s 17,000 plus combined members, who were given opportunities to provide feedback and input at every stage.
Voluntary organisations and charities can:
• Use the manifesto as a framework to start conversations with ministers,
• policy makers and parliamentarians
• Use the ‘our vision and our asks’ sections to understand the issues
• affecting the sector
• Use the manifesto alongside political campaigning guidance for charities
• to develop relationship-building and influence strategy.
Saskia Konynenburg, executive director of NCVO, explained the value
of the manifesto: “It’s a tool for all of us in the sector to use to set out our collective and brighter vision for the future. It allows us to demonstrate to the next incoming government how we can work together in partnership to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our society.
“However, the value of a manifesto doesn’t end after election day. The task of influencing a new government and forming a stronger partnership is a long-term goal. A manifesto sets out your stall to start constructive conversations and build working relationships.
“Because we’re so busy supporting our communities, we don’t normally take time to think about our sector as a whole and its contribution to social, economic and environmental progress. The Voluntary Sector Manifesto is a single document that provides this big picture and makes sure every corner of our sector is considered by policymakers.
“The policy recommendations it puts forward are the result not only of recent workshops and consultations but of years of careful thinking in our sector about how we can have a bigger impact. It allows us to speak with one clear voice up and down the country and over and over again about the improvements we would like to see in society.
“That gives us the best starting point for achieving our policy goals over the long term.”
The manifesto is available to download in PDF version at both the ACEVO website www.acevo.org.uk and the NCVO website www.ncvo.org.uk 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
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
Catholic Concern for Animals 2
Tiggywinkles 2
Friends of the Animals 4/5
Heartbeat Home for Horses 8
The Suffolk Punch Trust 8
Humane Slaughter Association 10
The Retreat Animal Rescue 11
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare 14
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary 15
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary 16
Hope Rescue 16
Wild Futures 17
Animal Action Greece 24
Three Counties Dog Rescue 25
The Fox Project 30/31
Shire Horse Society 32
The Lord Whisky Sanctuary Fund 32
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home 34
The Horse Rescue Fund 34
Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 35
Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary 36
Last Chance Animal Rescue 37
Paws2Rescue 40
Ferne Animal Sanctuary 41
Oak Tree Animals’ Charity 44
Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society 45
British Chelonia Group 46
MEDICAL RESEARCH
Prostate Cancer Research 1
Pain Relief Foundation 6
The British Association for Cancer Research 6
Caring Cancer Trust 12/13
CLEFT 20
Cancer Prevention Research Trust 21
Sight Research UK 28
Brain Research UK 32
The National Brain Appeal 38/39
Heartburn Cancer UK 42/43
FRAME 48
ZANE: Zimbabwe A National Emergency 29
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Hypo Hounds 7
Martin House Children’s Hospice 18/19
Kidney Kids Scotland 20
Parenting Together 26
HEALTH & DISABILITY
The Respite Association 22/23
The Partially Sighted Society 27
National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom 33
