Knowledge Hub

Ongoing uncertainties and challenges can make us worry about the future. But with the right support, networks and advice, 2023 can get off to a great start, writes Emma Abbott.

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 Bill and how it will become law.

The government has unveiled how it will support charities and other non-domestic customers with the cost of their energy bills. CFG's Richard Sagar takes a look at the new scheme and shares some initial thoughts.

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 that all charities should be aware of.

New research shows that charities and community groups are now facing a very difficult winter and some very hard choices. Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Business School share the results from their latest sector survey.

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 what to look out for when merging property portfolios.

Collaboration might be a solution to stretched services and resources, but working more closely with another organisation can be daunting. Ian Hempson and Helen Hirst from Hempsons share advice on how to get your collaborations off to a flying start.

With one eye on the rising costs of living, James Field from Smartdesc has produced a short guide to reducing and eliminating unnecessary IT costs and optimising your systems.

Working remotely abroad can give rise to a variety of tax and legal issues. Tim Stovold and John Williams from Moore Kingston Smith take a look at what to bear in mind when you or your employees are not based in the same country as your organisation.

What can you do if your board is in dispute or unable to manage a disagreement? Rob Oakley and Tzara Cheung from Bates Wells share some sage advice on conflict resolution and minimising the associated risk to your organisation.

The risk of fraud from within is a growing concern for charities, with the cost of living crisis and economic downturn becoming catalysts for fraudulent behaviour. BDO and Fraud Advisory Panel share insights from the latest Charity Fraud Survey 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, shares some thoughts.