Meet our Sponsors: PIB Insurance Brokers
18 June 2025
Ryan Parker, from PIB Insurance Brokers– sponsors of this year’s CFG Annual Conference – shares what this year’s theme means to them and explains what makes this must-attend event so ...
CFG briefing: Spending Review 2025
12 June 2025
On Wednesday 11 June 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spending Review, and the first multi-year review since 2021. It's fair to say that the context remains politically and economically ...
The SORP Exposure Draft and legacy recognition
22 May 2025
Pesh Framjee, Special Advisor to Charity Finance Group, shares some of his thoughts around the new SORP Exposure Draft, particularly focusing on the subject of legacies and how they are ...
Charity Investment Governance Principles video series
20 May 2025
Following the launch of the Charity Investment Governance Principles (CIGP) in January 2025, specialist consultancy and investment experts, Broadstone, have produced a series of short explainer videos...
Charities SORP Consultation: Get involved!
17 April 2025
What is the SORP Consultation? Why does it matter? And why and how should you get involved? Richard Sagar, Head of Policy, CFG, answers these questions and more.
Relating the story of Relate
19 March 2025
CFG’s new Turnaround Special Interest Group held its first meeting in March and welcomed insolvency experts from FRP Advisory to share their insights and knowledge.
New fraud prevention measures will impact larger charities
6 February 2025
The Charity Commission has issued a regulatory alert highlighting significant upcoming changes that will impact larger charities. Two key developments demand immediate attention from charity leaders and finance teams.
Trustee Guide to Accessing Investment Advice
10 January 2025
This guide by the Charity Investment Consulting Partnership is for trustees looking to understand how to access investment advice. It explains the what, why, when, where and who and also ...
Financial Leadership in Small Charities
18 December 2024
There are around 170,000 charities on the Charity Commission register. Most of those are small with an annual income of less than £1m. This guide is to support the Chairs ...
Workplace safety: addressing sexual harassment
8 November 2024
Employers now have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and create a safe working environment. In this article, CFG shares what it's doing to strengthen ...
The perfect storm for charities - and a survival plan
18 October 2024
Simon Leicester poses some questions that may be affecting many charities in the sector, and also provides some potential solutions. By implementing these strategies, Simon argues that charities can improve ...
Consultation opens on draft Fundraising Code
13 September 2024
The Fundraising Regulator's long-anticipated fully redrafted Fundraising Code is now out for consultation. Charities and others are invited to view the new code, comment and join in the conversation.
The road to hell or hope?
5 July 2024
Reflecting on the results of the 2024 General Election, CFG's Caron Bradshaw OBE, shares her thoughts on making change happen in the current political landscape.
A legacy that will live on
9 April 2024
After eight years on CFG’s board of trustees, Gary Forster has bid farewell to CFG. Talking to Emma Abbott, Gary reflects on his time as chair, the many highlights, the ...
Know the law: campaigning in an election year
5 March 2024
With a general election on the horizon, the Charity Commission and Electoral Commission chairs have shared advice for charities engaging in public debate. Jane Marshall from BHP takes a look ...
CFG Briefing: Autumn Statement 2023
22 November 2023
What does the Chancellor's Autumn Statement mean for you and your organisation? Richard Sagar, Head of Policy, CFG, takes an in-depth look.
Diversity in practice: charity governance
31 October 2023
Is your charity board clear on best practice around diversity? Sung-Hyui Park and Tesse Akpeki from Bates Wells take a look at the Charity Governance Code and share its key ...
AI: opportunities, threats and policy
19 October 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly and adoption is moving at a lightening pace too. Eleonor Duhs from Bates Wells takes a look at how policy-makers in the EU, US ...
"I do feel their pain!"
12 October 2023
Recent research by CFG shows that charity audits are becoming ever more costly and complex. At the same time, auditing is fast-evolving and needs to attract more talent. What, if ...
Gift Aid 101 with Rachel Cooper
5 October 2023
Join Gift Aid expert Rachel Cooper and CFG's Richard Sagar to learn how to get going with Gift Aid and avoid common errors when making claims.
Generational diversity: how diverse is your board?
21 September 2023
How should charities structure their trustee boards to best address the societal, economic and technological shifts that they face? David Myrddin-Evans from Brewin Dolphin explores the issues.
How to avoid employment tribunal claims
11 September 2023
Defending an employment tribunal can cost your organisation dearly, in time as well as money. Rebecca Pallot from Mills & Reeve shares best practice guidance on how to avoid being ...
Property development for charities
7 September 2023
Following on from CFG's popular VAT and Tax Conference in July, Socrates Socratous from Buzzacott outlines the VAT implications for different types of property use and development.
Information and cyber security webinar
29 August 2023
Protecting your organisation from cyber security breaches is vital. Experts from Adapta Consulting shared their insights and best practice guidance with CFG's Arts Sector Special Interest Group in July and ...
Exploring the future role of charity Chairs
23 August 2023
Important research on the role of the future charity Chair and why its critical to the future of charities is underway. Read on to find out more and about how you ...
Revised guidance on investing charity money
2 August 2023
CFG's Head of Policy, Richard Sagar, takes a look at the Charity Commission's revised guidance on charity investments (CC14) and shares an update on the sector's work to develop complementary ...
Talking about... Charity reserves
11 July 2023
We're talking about... What are reserves? Does your charity need them and if so, how should they be managed? Three charity CEOs - Sarah Vibert, Jane Ide and Caron Bradshaw, ...
Part 2: Fraud - prevention is better than cure
5 June 2023
In our second and final part of Pesh Framjee's article on fraud prevention, Pesh explores lines of defence and appropriate controls, and shares a number of helpful fraud case studies.
Part 1: Fraud - prevention is better than cure
5 June 2023
CFG's Special Advisor Pesh Framjee provides practical advice on the issue of fraud. This two part series takes an in-depth look at what fraud is and isn't, the 'recipe for ...
Environmental reporting for charities
31 May 2023
What are charities required to report and where is environmental reporting likely to go from here? Simon Hughes from Crowe UK takes a look at current reporting requirements and what ...
Do you have cyber-security sense?
30 May 2023
What does the latest Charity Commission guidance on internal financial controls say about cybercrime, cryptoassets and public collections? Natalie Barbosa from Anthony Collins takes a look at the latest guidance ...
Charity law reform in Scotland: part 3
16 March 2023
In part 3 of their series on charity law changes in Scotland, Kenneth Pinkerton and Christine O'Neill KC from Brodies LLP, take a closer look at the issue of mergers.
Webinar: Getting in shape for 2023
6 March 2023
CFG partners Russell-Cooke share their recent webinar on legal and regulatory changes in the charity sector, from property to employment law through to the Charities Act 2022 and more.
How can trustees balance ethics and returns?
1 February 2023
How can trustees weigh the financial implications of an ethical policy with their charity’s values and purpose? James Flett from RBC Brewin Dolphin explores the issues.
Crowe and CFG annual round-up 2023
27 January 2023
On 12 January 2023, Crowe UK and Charity Finance Group ran an annual round-up event, highlighting key legal and regulatory changes and updates. This ever-popular event covered a wide range ...
Charity Law Reform in Scotland: part 2
21 January 2023
The Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill could make significant changes to charity law in Scotland. In part 2 of its series on the Bill, the team at Brodies LLP ...
Charity Law Reform in Scotland: part 1
17 January 2023
The Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Bill could make significant changes to charity law in Scotland. In part 1, the team at Brodies LLP sets out the background to the ...
Fifty years of VAT
9 January 2023
As the fiftieth anniversary of VAT draws near, Simon Buchan from BHP takes a look at the latest HMRC approach to determining what is a business activity - an approach ...
Preparing for a merged property portfolio
21 December 2022
If your charity is planning a merger, you may need to bring together and manage different property portfolios. Isabella Hendrie from Gerald Eve shares advice on where to start and ...
Caron's comment: thinking about reserves
9 December 2022
What are reserves for and not for? How much is too much and too little? And do charities need to better communicate their reserves policies? CFG's CEO, Caron Bradshaw OBE, ...
Writing an ethical investment policy
6 December 2022
A charity’s ethical investment policy forms an important part of the wider investment policy. But where to start when writing it? Isobel Fraser from Waverton Investment Management shares five top ...
Getting it right: holiday pay for part-year workers
2 December 2022
Does your organisation employ part-year workers? Are you paying them the correct holiday entitlement? Caroline Jones from BDO explains the impact of the recent Harpur Trust ruling v Brazel Supreme ...
Factsheet: Cash held as investment
23 November 2022
Is your charity holding cash back as an investment? If so, are you following recommended practice in your reporting? CFG's special advisor Pesh Framjee shares the guidance.
CFG Briefing: Autumn Statement 2022
17 November 2022
What does the Chancellor's Autumn Statement mean for you and your organisation? Richard Sagar, Head of Policy, CFG, takes an in-depth look.
Age is no barrier to being a charity trustee
10 November 2022
Becoming a new charity trustee can be daunting; there’s paperwork to be read, meetings to attend and legal obligations to grapple with. But it’s also hugely rewarding, especially when the ...
Getting to know you: Tim Nicholls
9 November 2022
Tim Nicholls from The Arts Society talks about his new role as a CFG trustee, his passion for volunteering (and football) and the importance of inspiring others in charity finance.
Keeping on top of National Minimum Wage
8 November 2022
What does your charity need to know when it comes to National Minimum Wage compliance? Caroline Jones from BDO shares some advice on what to consider and how to avoid ...
Bates Wells' Faith-based Organisations Update 2022
27 July 2022
Bates Wells' 2022 update for faith-based organisations contains insights from the team and guest contributors on current issues in social investment. Topics also span recent case law, recruitment and governance.
Hallmarks of a successful merger process
27 May 2022
What can make or break a charity merger? Jonathan Orchard from Sayer Vincent shares some recent experiences of charity mergers and the lessons learned.
Cash Held as Investment
5 May 2022
Factsheet on what can and should be shown as cash on the balance sheet and what can and should be shown as an investment.
What The Protect Duty means for you
26 April 2022
How does the Government's new Protect Duty affect charities and other non-profit organisations? Dr Clare Mills explains what it is and why it's time to develop a security mindset.
Finance Focus Mar/April 2022
4 April 2022
How can we connect with our purpose and empower our communities? This year's Annual Conference will explore those questions and more. Also in this edition, we take a look at ...
The Charities Act 2022: what now?
1 March 2022
The Charities Act has now passed into law. What will implementation look like and what do charities need to think about now? Dr Clare Mills, Director, CFG, takes a look.
Finance Focus February 2022
28 February 2022
How can we shape tomorrow's world? In this edition, we take a look at the issue of leadership and how charity finance professionals can play a leading role in creating ...
Finance Focus November/December 2021
10 December 2021
This month, we take a look at CRM solutions, data and fundraising and employer branding. We also explore what organisations are doing to ensure employee wellbeing.
Finance Focus October 2021
29 October 2021
This month, we consider reputational risk and what it means to charity finance leaders, and we share some of the stories of organisational change from this year's Annual Conference. We ...
Finance Focus July 2021
29 July 2021
Inclusivity - why does it matter to finance professionals? We speak to charity leaders this month about equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI). We also meet a small member charity - Jodie ...
Finance Focus May 2021
28 May 2021
Responsible investment is the focus of this month's edition. Our corporate partners share their advice and insights on how to invest responsibly and ethically. We also hear from Rachel Hewitt ...
Finance Focus April 2021
30 April 2021
Welcome to the April 2021 edition of Finance Focus. This month we take a look at mental health and wellbeing in the run up to Mental Health Awareness Week in ...
Finance Focus January 2021
29 January 2021
Welcome to the latest edition of Finance Focus! In this issue, we take a look at the subject of Risk and new ways to recognise and manage it. Plus, we ...
How to share your story through your annual report
26 January 2021
Find out how complying with the fundraising reporting requirements in Section 13 of the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 can be a great way of telling your fundraising ...
And then the world turned upside down…
9 December 2020
With the publication of their new property research, property advice charity and CFG member the Ethical Property Foundation has never been in more demand. CEO Antonia Swinson reveals how the ...
Finance Focus November/December 2020
4 December 2020
Welcome to the latest edition of Finance Focus! In this issue, we ask charities and CFG's trustees about what they've learned in 2020 and what lays ahead. Topics also covered ...
Are you Brexit ready?
24 November 2020
With the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 still front of mind for all parts of civil society, it’s not surprising that Brexit has slipped onto the back-burner. But with the transition ...
Welcome to IFR4NPO
7 October 2020
WATCH: Our welcome to the International Financial Reporting for Non Profit Organisations (IFR4NPO). This video introduces this new initiative which aims to develop internationally applicable financial reporting guidance for non-profit ...
Finance Focus July
17 July 2020
As Caron Bradshaw celebrates a decade at the helm, we ask what next for CFG?
The lessons for Oxfam and the wider sector
7 August 2019
Karl Wilding, shortly to take over as chief executive of NCVO, reflects on the lessons of Oxfam, and talks about the importance of getting your safeguarding and governance right.
CFG Annual Handbook 2019
19 June 2019
The aim of The Pink Book is to provide you and your wider colleagues, trustees and stakeholders with the resources, support and assistance to drive social change. Read it, pass ...
Seeing the wood for the trees
26 February 2019
A subject that it frequently on charities’ minds and in the public domain is transparency. Caron Bradshaw discusses how we should start re-evaluating measuring transparency in the sector and helping ...
Essential Charity Finance for Trustees Guide
28 March 2018
Charity Finance Group (CFG), sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson, have launched a new guide for trustees on their financial responsibilities. The guide is aimed to be a primer for new ...
Trustee Survey Report
13 November 2017
MHA MacIntyre Hudson and Charity Finance Group (CFG) have launched a report on the effectiveness of trustees on financial governance. This report is based on a survey of over 120 ...
Rethinking Risk: Beyond the tick box
1 March 2016
Published in partnership with Sayer Vincent, this guide for charities aims to help them to effectively manage project, operational and strategic risks. It contains practical steps to follow, case studies ...
Employment Status 2016
1 March 2016
Produced in partnership with Hempsons, this guide explains the fundamental principles behind employment status, the employment relationship, and the issues you should consider when dealing with employees. The guide is ...
World Vision UK - Open Information Policy
28 July 2011
This policy ensures that all stakeholders and interested parties can request information from World Vision UK and will receive a response within 40 days.
Reducing Liability Risk
7 June 2011
Despite continued pressure on funding, our recent research has found that public liability remains the major area of concern for UK charities.
World Vision UK - Serious Incidents Policy
1 April 2011
This Policy sets out how World Vision UK (WVUK) seeks to ensure compliance with the Serious Incidentreporting requirements of the Charity Commission (the Commission) which are set out on its ...
Internal Financial Control
1 October 2010
A comprehensive guide to the organisation’s internal financial controls, from policy statements to practical flow charts. Areas covered include petty cash, internal audit, financial reporting, receipt of incoming resources and ...
Conflict of Interest Policy
25 March 2010
This policy has an introductory section of relevance to all staff, volunteers and management committee members which defines a conflict of interest, gives examples, and outlines procedures around disclosures.
Cheque Signing and Authorisation
1 October 2009
This document begins with procedures and internal controls, including the responsibilities of trustees, employees placing orders for goods or services, employees authorising expenditure, cheque signatories and the finance manager.
Financial Regulations
6 July 2009
This document describes in detail the financial standing orders of the organisation that apply to all members of staff and council.
Investment Policy
18 June 2009
This document covers the objectives of the policy, implementation, ethical considerations, and ancillary aspects including portfolio management and structure, risk management, types of investment, restrictions, cash and short-term investment holdings ...
Charities and Insolvency
4 December 2008
Written for CFG members by Pesh Framjee, Head of the Not for Profit team at Horwath Clark Whitehill LLP and CFG Special Adviser, this is a detailed guide to Charities ...
Governance in NGOs
5 June 2006
An overview of the role of governance in non-profits and charities.
The Charity Treasurers Forum
7 February 2006
The Voluntary Sector has a number of bodies that bring key people together. They roll off the tongue CFDG, NCVO, ACVO Institute of Fundraising etc.
Code of Governance
1 July 2005
The Code of Governance is primarily aimed at the trustees of voluntary and community organisations.
The Burden of Responsibility
24 March 2003
Directors and Trustees have very distinct duties and legal responsibilities. This document outlines the implications of holding each title and the requirements of the post holder.
Remuneration of Trustees
1 March 2003
Addresses the issue of paying trustees, and considers the circumstances in which it might be possible to do so.