People and culture

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 ...

Supporting our members and the sector through change
6 November 2024
CFG has been working hard to support members and all charitable organisations following the autumn budget on 30 October. Find out how you can join us in supporting the future ...

Unsung heroes: Tim Nicholls on being a CFG trustee
6 November 2024
What's it like being a trustee? And what can we do to make charity boards more diverse? Glyn Sheldon talks to CFG trustee Tim Nicholls to find out.

A tribute to Ian Theodoreson
1 November 2024
CFG's CEO Caron Bradshaw pays personal tribute to Ian Theodoreson and invites friends and colleagues to sign our virtual book of remembrance.

Meet the CFG team: a message from Milly Durrant, Head of Membership
22 October 2024
Milly Durrant, CFG's new Head of Membership, shares what excites her about her new role and why she's looking forward to working with members in the coming year.

Inside job: Understanding and preventing insider fraud
22 October 2024
Charities are built on trust but, alarmingly, they are not immune to fraud, including from within. Sam Burne James unmasks the risks of insider fraud and shares expert advice on ...

Remembering Sharon Daley
22 October 2024
Geetha Rabindrakumar pays tribute to Sharon Daley, a 'talented' and 'passionate' charity finance professional.

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 ...

Prioritising mental health in the workplace this World Mental Health Day
10 October 2024
Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, a call to action that resonates strongly ...

The five ways to wellness with the CFG team
9 August 2024
As you will have noticed, the CFG (remote) office closed at the end of July as we paused for our summer wellbeing week. It was a time for staff to ...

Your insight matters: participate in the VCSE Barometer Survey
22 July 2024
Deadline extended! The VCSE survey is open for responses. Read more about the survey and share your thoughts on the changing landscape of the sector.

Developing inclusive workplaces in the charity sector
19 July 2024
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) was a hot topic at this year's CFG's Annual Conference. Sam Burne James reports on the latest thinking and insights.

Dismantling racism: my lived experience
19 July 2024
CFG's Deputy CEO Sarah Lomax shares her lived experience of racism, and highlights the importance of data collection and self-reflection for dismantling racism and building a more equitable workplace.

The vital role of finance leaders in charity turnaround
17 July 2024
Interim Finance Director and turnaround specialist, Simon Hopkins, shares his key insights and advice on successfully turning around struggling and failing charities.

The importance of CFG’s summer wellbeing week
17 July 2024
How our wellbeing week allows staff to refresh and recharge, and the other ways we are helping our employees to support members and partners.

Presentation: Finance as the Turnaround Leader
17 July 2024
Interim finance specialist, Simon Hopkins, shares how finance professionals can lead the way on turnaround. Read the conference report.

Getting to know you... Holly Lown
16 July 2024
Engaging charity members and supporting diverse communities is Holly Lown's main focus as CFG's Membership Engagement Assistant. Holly talks about how she's combining her passion for museums and culture with ...

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.

We're 'Shaping Tomorrow' with HSBC Global Private Banking
17 June 2024
As this year's headline sponsors of CFG's Annual Conference on 27 June, Sophie Ward from HSBC Global Private Banking invites you to attend their conference session and explains why now ...

How the RSPCA increased Gift Aid income
10 April 2024
Maximising Gift Aid income is the name of the game... Phoebe Cooper from RSPCA shares how the charity increased opt-in rates and income with behavioural economics and telephones.

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 ...

Getting to know you... Dionne Sturdy-Clow
5 April 2024
Thanks to generous funding through The Rank Foundation's Time2Shine programme, CFG has created a brand new post for an aspiring leader. Dionne Sturdy-Clow talks about her new role, how she'll ...

Cracks in the system: Is welfare still working?
2 April 2024
CFG and others have called for an 'Essentials Guarantee' to be introduced. What is it, why is it needed and what difference could it make to charities and the people ...

Employment law: is your charity ready for the update?
28 March 2024
This April sees the biggest employment law update we have had in a number of years. Emma Ferry from Bluestone HR shares a summary of all the key changes.

AI: how can charities respond to the hype?
14 March 2024
As AI technologies evolve and employees experiment, organisations should look to set out their AI strategy. Sarah Belsham from RSM UK explains how.

Team Talk: how outsourcing is working for CFG
4 March 2024
In 2022, as we headed out of the pandemic and into a cost of living crisis, CFG outsourced part of its finance function to enable the team to focus on ...

Understanding and building resilience: a step-by-step guide
19 February 2024
Part one: You need to make your organisation more resilient but where to start? In his step-by-step guide, Robin Aitken begins by exploring some tools for assessing the resilience of ...

We're celebrating The Finance Journey at 10!
13 February 2024
CFG's finance development tool celebrates its tenth birthday this year. Simon Hopkins - author of The Finance Journey - explains why it's more important than ever and shares a call ...

Risk and resilience in 2024
17 January 2024
What lays ahead in 2024? Sam Burne James speaks to charity sector leaders for their predictions, insights and advice on how to reduce risk, remain resilient and prepare for the ...

Looking ahead with fresh perspective
19 December 2023
After another challenging year for the charity sector, CFG's CEO, Caron Bradshaw OBE, shares some personal reflections on looking ahead with renewed hope and fresh perspectives.

Why I value CFG's Wellbeing Week
13 December 2023
Since 2021, CFG has been observing two Wellbeing Weeks a year. Clare Mills, Director of Policy and Communications at CFG, explains why taking extra time out to focus on our ...

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 ...

Join us! CFG's Peer Mentoring Scheme 2023 starts soon
9 October 2023
Supporting members on their leadership journey is at the heart of CFG's work. CFG's Zoe Bennett shares an update on this year's Peer Mentoring Scheme and our finance leaders network. ...

Rethinking the future
26 September 2023
CFG's CEO, Caron Bradshaw OBE, shares her thoughts on the future of the economy and the sustainability of infrastructure bodies following the closure of Children England.

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.

Creating Hope Through Action: WSPD 2023
13 September 2023
**TG: This content is about suicide, prevention and bereavement which some people might find distressing or emotionally challenging. Find out how CFG's Eve Trotman is 'creating hope through action' as ...

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 ...

World Suicide Prevention Day: Creating Hope Through Action
8 September 2023
**TW: This document contains material and discusses issues that some people may find distressing or emotionally challenging. A resource for CFG colleagues and the wider community about World Suicide Prevention ...

Volunteer's view: Making money, making jam
1 August 2023
On Yorkshire Day and the final day of National Preserving Week 2023, we talk to Ruth Bentley, Director at LAKE, about how she's turning fruit into funds for RSPCA York, ...

Don't let talent slip off the hook during your interview process!
31 July 2023
Is your charity doing all it can to snap up the best talent? In this ultra-competitive recruitment market, your hiring processes need to work even harder. Jamie Reynolds of Marble ...

How charity Keep Britain Tidy is clearing the path to net zero
17 July 2023
Ruth Jenkins, Finance Director at environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, talks about her transformative net zero work and shares the ‘easy wins’ she believes will go a long way to ...

Charity leaders must continue to challenge hostility and prejudice
7 July 2023
To be our best selves at work, we must all take a stand, says CFG's CEO Caron Bradshaw, following an inspiring conversation at this year's CFG Annual Conference: Survive to ...

Meet our conference sponsors: HW Fisher on surviving and thriving in 2023
30 May 2023
What can charity finance leaders do to help their organisation survive and thrive? Carol Rudge from HW Fisher shares her insights and reveals why she's excited to be sponsoring CFG's ...

To boldly go, into a charity merger
12 May 2023
Ben Clarkson, Chief Operating Officer at Asthma + Lung UK, explains what it takes to lead a successful merger of two charities and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Member interview: A guide star for life
25 April 2023
Steve Murrill from Philo Trust talks to Emma Abbott about being a CFG member and how CFG has helped him throughout his career, in charities large and small.

Where to begin with a pension salary exchange
5 April 2023
What is a pension salary exchange? How can you implement one? Pension schemes might be the last thing you want to contemplate, but Nick Bustin from Haysmacintyre says it's time ...

Hot topic! The pros and cons of remote working
4 April 2023
Three CFG partners come together to discuss the benefits and challenges of remote working in the charity and wider NFP sector.

Evolving leadership styles in a post-pandemic world
3 April 2023
Earlier this year, Robin Aitken shared his thoughts on how changes in our working environment are affecting styles of leadership. Here, Robin summarises his thinking and gives some tips for ...

Now's the time to invest – in your people
24 March 2023
Now is the optimum time to think about your people strategy and how your organisation can attract and retain the best talent. David Gibbens from RSM UK sets out some ...

Creating a supportive space for finance leaders
24 March 2023
Managing a charity's finances can be daunting, especially if you're new to the sector. Jon King, Head of Finance and Corporate Resources at SCIE, explains how he developed a new ...

Are you on The Finance Journey?
14 March 2023
How can your charity finance team become truly transformational? What does that even look like? Emma Abbott takes a look at CFG's flagship development tool, The Finance Journey, to find ...

The CFG community: looking ahead together
9 March 2023
Zoe Bennett, Membership and Engagement Manager, reflects on a year of membership activities and what’s in store for CFG members in the next 12 months…

Great values: the beating heart of charity
7 March 2023
CFG’s HR Manager, Laura Millar, talks about the work CFG is doing to understand the charity’s values and how these can drive the charity’s impact, culture and wellbeing.

Recruitment and small charities
7 March 2023
When small charities begin, it’s likely that everything is done by trustees and other volunteers. But in time, if your charity grows, you could be in a position to take ...

Working with local communities
27 February 2023
Following on from sessions delivered at CFG's Annual Conference and Alternative Income Generation event, Helena Wilkinson from Price Bailey explains how to improve financial sustainability by getting closer to your ...

Staff induction and probation, and small charities
8 February 2023
There are a few steps to take to make sure your new recruit makes the leap from candidate to happy and productive team member. Dr Clare Mills shares some straightforward ...

Charities’ resilience will be tested this year
1 February 2023
Facing a troubled social and economic landscape once again, Nazreen Visram from Barclays explores what charities need to do to keep delivering for their beneficiaries.

Unsettled to start, with scattered showers, followed by sunny spells and easing winds
31 January 2023
What's the outlook for charities in 2023? William Reid of Quilter Cheviot looks at how markets closed in 2022 and what's in store for the year ahead, from investments and ...

Getting off to a great start
19 January 2023
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 charity safety net is fraying fast
21 December 2022
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 ...

Collaboration: where there is a need, is there the will?
20 December 2022
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 ...

Remote working abroad: what are the risks for UK employers?
14 December 2022
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 ...

From inputs to impacts: how to map your journey for better reporting
5 December 2022
Keen to shout about your organisation's activities and impact in your next Annual Report? Do you really know how? Pesh Framjee provides a handy guide to understanding and measuring your ...

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 ...

Let's get behind Giving Tuesday!
29 November 2022
On Giving Tuesday, Clare Mills shares how charities have supported her through the darkest and brightest days, and why Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to appreciate those charitable organisations ...

Attracting and retaining staff during a recession
15 November 2022
What does the current recruitment market look like? And how can your charity attract and retain the best talent? Robbie Anderson from Altum Recruitment shares his insights.

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.

Supporting employees during the cost of living crisis
7 November 2022
What can you do to help your employees during the cost of living crisis? Luiza Jordan from HSF health plan share seven tips for employers.  

The cost of living crisis: what can your charity do?
20 September 2022
What can charities do to protect themselves at times of high inflation and soaring costs? Tracey Moore, Head of Charities and Not-For-Profit at UHY Hacker Young, provides an overview for ...

Developing a menopause policy for your charity
16 September 2022
Our charity is thinking about developing a menopause policy. Where should we start? Employment law expert Rebecca Pallot shares advice...

Charities Aid Foundation and ICAEW Report
15 September 2022
What's on the horizon for charity trustees in 2022 and beyond? Jane Marshall takes a look a new report from CAF and ICAEW.

Harness the power of ESG to boost your charity’s employer brand
1 August 2022
Jennifer Jackson from Third Sector Jobs, explores how communicating your ESG policies can help you stand out as a charity and an employer.

Long Covid – is it a disability and how should employers be managing it?
29 July 2022
A recent employment tribunal highlights that employers should be mindful when managing employees with long Covid, as Natasha Letchford, Associate, Wilsons Solicitors LLP, explains...

Remote working, works! Here's how…
26 July 2022
Does remote working really work? Presenting at this year’s CFG Annual Conference on 30 June, Kirsten Buck and Katy Stanley from PTHR, shared how they’ve made ‘remote first’ work for ...

Reflections on Small Charity Week 2022
28 June 2022
At the close of Small Charity Week, Dr Clare Mills shares some personal reflections on why she loves small charities and where our communities would be without them.

Meet our Sponsors: PIB Insurance Brokers
6 June 2022
Ahead of CFG’s Annual Conference 2022, we talk to sponsors Stewart Archdale and Laurent Falter from PIB Insurance Brokers about what this year’s conference theme – Purposeful and Empowering – ...

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.

Meet our Sponsors: HW Fisher
17 May 2022
With CFG’s Annual Conference 2022 just around the corner, we talk to Carol Rudge from HW Fisher about this year’s Annual Conference theme – Purposeful and Empowering – and what ...

How can charity employers support employees through the cost-of-living crisis?
10 May 2022
How can you help workers and volunteers facilitate the communities they serve as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, whilst ensuring they themselves aren’t caught in the grips of the crisis? ...

Building a home for members
24 March 2022
What does it mean to be a member of the CFG community? And how are members helping to shape the benefits and services CFG provides? We talk to Jit Mistry, ...

Gender equality? There's more work to be done!
7 March 2022
On this year's International Women's Day, Caron Bradshaw OBE considers how far we've come and how far we still need to go to ensure gender equality in the workplace.

Championing gender equality in the third sector
3 March 2022
Annie Hayes at Third Sector Jobs shares advice on how to implement robust gender equality strategies within the third sector as we approach International Women’s Day (IWD).

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 ...

Driving out scams and copycats
10 February 2022
In an honest account, Caron Bradshaw, CEO, CFG, shares how she fell foul of a copycat website scam and shares advice on how to avoid making the same mistake.

Finance Focus January 2022
28 January 2022
Welcome to the first edition of Finance Focus in 2022! This month, we welcome some new faces to CFG and dive into what the year ahead holds for policy and ...

Charity recruitment trends to be aware of in 2022
26 January 2022
Annie Hayes at Third Sector Jobs offers top tips for third sector recruiters on the trends to look out for in 2022 to help you recruit and retain quality talent.

Getting to know you: Dr Clare Mills
18 January 2022
CFG’s new Director of Policy & Communications, Dr Clare Mills, meets her new team and shares what led her to CFG, what excites her about the role and how CFG ...

Why the CFG team values Wellbeing Week
24 December 2021
CFG's Communications Manager, Emma Abbott, shares why dedicated time off to focus on wellbeing is the best way to kick-start a new year.

A personal appeal from Caron
21 December 2021
Can you help support CFG and the vital work we're doing right now; ensuring we're here to keep helping the sector, as we navigate these torrid times? CFG's CEO, Caron ...

Looking after our people
13 December 2021
After nearly two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, employee health and wellbeing has become a critical issue for all organisations. CFG's CEO, Caron Bradshaw OBE, explains how CFG is working ...

New to the charity sector? You’ve come to the right place!
10 December 2021
A new group to support finance directors new to the charity sector is being launched. Zoe Bennett, Senior Membership and Insight Manager, at CFG explains more.

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.

The role of employer branding in a post pandemic world
2 December 2021
Annie Hayes at Third Sector Jobs shares advice on how to ensure charitable organisations put employer branding at the fore in a post pandemic world.

Thinking about becoming a trustee? Just do it!
4 November 2021
Gary Forster joined CFG as trustee six years ago before being appointed as Chair. His career began as a volunteer at Transaid, where he worked his way up to become ...

Shifting the dial, one job advert at a time
25 October 2021
CFG reaffirms its commitment to #ShowTheSalary to end discriminatory recruitment practice.

How to create an age-diverse workforce in the third sector
7 October 2021
Annie Hayes at Third Sector Jobs shares tips on how to recruit and retain a workforce within the third sector that champions employees of all ages.

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 ...

Annual Conference 2021: Meet our Sponsors
22 July 2021
CFG is delighted to announce four sponsors for this year's CFG Annual Conference - Leading the Way: Effective, Inclusive, Resilient. We welcome HSBC Private Banking as the event's headline sponsor, ...

How to attract top charity talent in a candidate-driven market
8 July 2021
Annie Hayes at Third Sector Jobs offers top tips on how to find top talent for charities now candidates are back in the driving seat.

An enlightening experience
7 July 2021
Pascale Nicholls, Director of Finance and Governance at Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, shares a preview of her Annual Conference presentation, explaining how finance sits at the heart of ...

Facing organisational endings
1 July 2021
Charity consultant Iona Lawrence takes a look at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and explains why organisational endings can and should be good.

Member Focus: How small charity Making Music is fine-tuning to support musicians during Covid
16 June 2021
As part of #SmallCharityWeek, we speak to Helen Evans, Finance Director of Making Music, about the vital work the charity is doing to ensure musicians continue to make music during ...

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 ...

Why you should always show the salary on your job ads
24 May 2021
Jennifer Jackson at Third Sector Jobs explains why salary transparency is the right thing to do as well as an advantage for recruitment and retention.

Charity staff, mental health and the pandemic
10 May 2021
Jan Hutchinson, Director of Programmes at Centre for Mental Health, shares the charity's experiences of managing employee wellbeing and mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow...
23 April 2021
When CFG's Mentoring Scheme was launched for members in October 2019, no one could have predicted just how successful and valued it would become. Jessica Meddick, Senior Member and Insight ...

Attracting talent and creating a strong employer brand in large charities
11 March 2021
In advance of the CFG Large Charities event on 18 March, Leadership Coach and Business Mentor Nicki Deeson interviews Guy Hayward, CEO of Goodman Masson.

CFG Briefing: Budget 2021
3 March 2021
CFG's member briefing on the Chancellor's Budget Statement, 3 March 2021.

Bullying and leadership
1 March 2021
As more shocking accounts of bullying in parts of the sector unfold, Caron Bradshaw, CEO, shares her experiences and thoughts.

Inspiring people and workplaces to thrive – wherever that may be
9 February 2021
How can charities nurture engaged, productive and happy workplaces? Jo Moffatt of Engage for Success explains why employee engagement must be put at the heart of every organisation.

Collaboration is hard but a goal worth shooting for!
8 December 2020
As a difficult year draws to a close, CFG's CEO Caron Bradshaw reflects on the #NeverMoreNeeded team's efforts to get the right results...

Finance Focus October 2020
23 October 2020
Welcome to the October 2020 edition of Finance Focus. Issues covered inside: Mental health; fraud; audits; training; Brexit and much more!

Black History Month: The black people who inspire us
21 October 2020
As part of Black History Month, members of CFG's new Diversity Working Group have been talking about the black people who have inspired their lives. Read on to learn about ...

Finance Focus September
22 September 2020
Let's raise our voice to raise Gift Aid!

How to avoid bias in job advert writing
18 September 2020

Recruiting trustees from Black and Asian network organisations - it really isn’t rocket science!
6 July 2020
Malcolm John the founder of Action for Trustee Racial Diversity shares insights gained from his quest to improve racial diversity at board level.

Updated Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Guidance
22 June 2020
Richard Sagar, Policy Manager at CFG gives an update on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme update
4 June 2020
By Richard Sagar, Policy Manager, Charity Finance Group. On 29 May, at the daily press briefing, the Chancellor announced that the government’s five tests for easing lockdown measures had been ...

Are you looking after yourself during the crisis?
23 March 2020
Our everyday lives are being disrupted in so many ways, and your emotional wellbeing is really important.

Finance Focus Feb 2020
2 March 2020
Recruitment and retention How to recruit and retain top employees 1.0.0.20 1.0.0.20

The charity work force in post-Brexit Britain
5 June 2018

Accounting disclosures under multi-employer pension schemes
18 February 2014
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is replacing current UK GAAP with effect from periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. The changes affecting occupational pension schemes are set out ...

Pension Auto Enrolment Checklist
18 December 2013
Pension Auto Entrolment Checklist - an audit assessment

Auto-enrolment for Small Charities
1 November 2013
From 2015 onwards, we estimate that 22,000 charities will have to comply with pension auto-enrolment regulations. To support small charities with the auto-enrolment process, CFG has produced this guide in ...

Pension Policy
1 January 2007
Pension policy template.

New CFG report reveals more to do to maximise vital Gift Aid scheme
3 October 2024
CFG shares the findings of its 2024 Gift Aid survey of 100 charities. The report shows that more must be done to maximise every claim and reduce the £560m Gift ...

Gift Aid Awareness Day 2024 is just hours away!
2 October 2024
UK-wide campaign urges charity donors to #TickTheBox to maximise every donation for their favourite charities and causes.  

New faces at CFG: Welcome Kath and Sue!
11 September 2024
CFG announces the appointment of experienced finance experts Kath Qualtrough and Sue Hall to its leadership team.

Civil Society Group publishes statement on recent racist violence
7 August 2024

CFG unveils brand refresh
24 July 2024
New visual identity marks start of exciting era for CFG.

Get set for Gift Aid Awareness Day 2024
23 July 2024
The refreshed Gift Aid Awareness Day toolkit is here! On Thursday 3 October, let’s shout about the importance of Gift Aid and encourage all donors and supporters to #TickTheBox!

CFG announces new leadership appointments
4 April 2024
Media release: Charity Finance Group (CFG) is delighted to announce new appointments to its Board of Trustees. It is also pleased to announce changes to its executive team.

A year of purpose and empowerment
14 February 2024
Charity Finance Group publishes Trustees’ Annual Report for 2022/23.

CFG appoints two new Trustees
12 December 2023
CFG's Chair, Gary Forster, welcomes Anna Bennett and Tony Wells to the Board.

CFG has moved!
8 November 2023
In November, CFG will move to a new office in south east London.

Share your story at CFG's Annual Conference 2024!
23 October 2023

We’ll soon be on the move!
18 May 2023
CFG is on the move! The team will be saying goodbye to White Lion Street in late 2023.

Charity Finance Group welcomes new trustee
21 March 2023
Hugh Wallace joins the CFG Board of Trustees with a wealth of experience and insights.

CFG's Trustee's Annual Report 2021/22
6 March 2023
We are delighted to share with you our Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2021/22.

CFG welcomes two new trustees
8 November 2022
CFG's Chair Gary Forster welcomes Angela Linton from The National Foundation for Youth Music and Tim Nicholls from The Arts Society to the CFG Board.

September's mini-budget: Good, bad, ugly
23 September 2022
CFG comments on the new government's mini-budget statement delivered by Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

HM Queen Elizabeth II: 1926-2022
9 September 2022
A statement following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

CFG statement: Liz Truss must work with sector to deliver bold plan
5 September 2022
CFG shares its reaction to the announcement that Liz Truss is to become the UK's next prime minister.

CFG wellbeing week: why will we be closing for one week in August?
19 July 2022

CFG and partners welcome members to the 2022 Summer Gathering
8 July 2022
Making connections and bringing people together was at the heart of Caron Bradshaw's speech to members at this year's CFG Members' Summer Gathering on 7 July. Read on for her ...

Stevie Spring CBE opens CFG's Annual Conference 2022
30 June 2022
Stevie Spring CBE, Chair of Mind and British Council, shares advice with charity finance leaders as she kicks off CFG's Annual Conference 2022.

Not long now!
22 June 2022
CFG's Annual Conference Week is just days away! Dr Clare Mills, Director of Policy and Communications, shares her excitement about what's coming up.

CFG launches ‘Knowledge Hub’ for charity finance community
8 June 2022
CFG launches digital one-stop-shop for charity finance community's thought leadership, knowledge and expertise.

CFG launches new leadership tool for finance teams
11 October 2021
New edition of The Finance Journey will empower a new generation of charity leaders.

Charities should act now to avoid being overwhelmed by pension costs
9 September 2021
Charities are being urged to be proactive on pensions as new regulation edges closer.

HSBC Private Banking leads the way for CFG's Annual Conference 2021
21 July 2021
CFG are delighted to announce that HSBC Private Banking, ORACLE NetSuite, Sarasin & Partners and SmartSimple are this year's Annual Conference sponsors.  

It's time to banish the 'flexibility stigma'
30 July 2018
Frances Lang newly appointed CEO of Variety the Children's Charity, discusses her experiences of flexible working and how this has interacted with her career – and gives some tips on ...

Post-Brexit immigration rules could cause skills shortage in charities
5 June 2018
A new report from the Institute of Public Policy Research, commissioned by Charity Finance Group, has found that 82% of EU nationals currently working in the charity sector would be ...

Concerned about new charity staff disqualification rules? Help is at hand!
8 March 2018
This is a guest blog from Christopher Stacey, co-director of Unlock, an independent charity which provides a voice and support for people with convictions who are facing stigma and obstacles ...

CFG welcomes new regulations on multi-employer pension schemes
7 March 2018
Charity Finance Group has welcomed a response from government to the consultation launched last year on the draft “Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2018”.

Caron Bradshaw - Charity Finance Group Annual Fundraising Dinner Speech 2017
10 November 2017
My Lords, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our annual fundraising dinner. This continues to be a very important date in our diary, contributing significant ...

Time to review your risks? An update from the experts...
3 October 2017
Ahead of their sessions at CFG's Risk & Sustainability Conference 2017, sector experts Kate Sayer and Rosie Chapman look at risks and reserves, how they are managed and what you ...

6 simple steps your charity can take to help protect themselves from fundraising fraud
25 September 2017
Fundraising fraud is where a fraudster (who might be known) collects money on behalf of the charity but keeps some or all of the money and can be difficult for ...

CFG Chair Speech to Annual Conference 2017
18 May 2017
CFG Chair, Ian Theodoreson Speech to the CFG Annual Conference 2017 CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY CFG celebrates its 30th birthday this year. For me personally, 2017 marks my own 30th ...

A step closer to reforming Section 75
28 April 2017
If your charity is part of a non-associated multi-employer pension scheme you will be pleased - and relieved - to know that there has been some progress in reforming Section 75 ...

Better partnerships needed between finance and fundraising teams
13 April 2017
Fundraising isn’t just about fundraisers. It is about the whole organisation. One of the lessons that the sector has had to learn is that good fundraising requires the whole organisation ...

Government warned against raiding charities to fund private sector apprenticeships
30 March 2017
Charity Finance Group and 23 of the leading national charities have written to the Education Secretary calling for Government to reform the Apprenticeship Levy so that charitable funds aren’t used ...

Navigating the Charity Pensions Maze
23 March 2017
Charity Finance Group has launched the 2017 edition of Navigating the Charity Pensions Maze. This is the definitive guide on pensions for charities

Navigating the charity pensions maze
23 March 2017
Charity Finance Group has launched the latest edition of Navigating the Charity Pensions Maze - the definitive guide to charity pensions.

Auto-enrolment update from The Pensions Regulator
3 February 2017
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) provides CFG monthly auto-enrolment updates. These blogs provide the latest guidance and messages from the regulator adapted by CFG for the charity sector. This month Charles ...

Five things to look forward to in 2017
9 January 2017

Small charities and auto-enrolment: do you have everything in place?
8 November 2016

Government must get on with pensions reform
7 November 2016

Apprenticeship levy update - October 2016
25 October 2016
This morning the Department for Education announced updates to their plans for reforming the apprenticeship system. Of particular interest to charities is the extension in the time that employers will ...

Small charities and auto-enrolment: choosing a pension scheme
19 September 2016

Tony Armstrong looks at Devolution: working with local organisations to transform public services
5 September 2016

Devolution is our chance to advocate for the most vulnerable
2 September 2016
Kathy Evans, CEO of Children England highlights the important voice that the voluntary sector has and how they can use it to be a power of advocacy. 

How will the 'devolution revolution' be financed?
1 September 2016
At CFG, Locality, NAVCA and Children England's The Voluntary Sector and Devolution Summit we'll be looking at the key concerns about financing  local government under devolution deals. 

Caron asks: 'Why does the voluntary sector need a devolution summit?'
31 August 2016
Caron Bradshaw, CEO of Charity Finance Group, explains why CFG has worked with partners to organise the Devolution and the Voluntary Sector Summit and why she thinks it is important ...

CFG responds to LGPS consultation
20 August 2016
CFG has responded to the Department for Communities and Local Government’s (DCLG) consultation on draft changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 (SI/2356), and the Local Government Pension ...

CFG leads the call to delay Apprenticeship Levy
5 August 2016
CFG has led a call for a delay in the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in order to protect the quality of apprenticeships and skills investment.

Do charities need to become social enterprises to survive?
4 August 2016
Heather Black at Economic Change asks “Is charity becoming irrelevant?” - this will be the question posed at the Large Charities Conference taking place in September, hosted by Charity Finance ...

EU Referendum: What could this mean for charities?
6 June 2016
As the 23rd June appears closer and closer this Europe's Final Countdown song has never felt more relevant as the UK public decides whether they will be voting to remain ...

Is the SORP FRS 102 working for you?
5 May 2016

Apprenticeships Levy Update - Guidance for Charity Employers
22 April 2016
The government has published the an employer’s guide for the Apprenticeship Levy. This blog highlights the key issues that CFG has identified on first analysis.

Apprenticeship Levy update: what charities need to know
31 March 2016
Earlier this month, CFG organised a round table with the Skills Minister, Nick Boles MP, to discuss the challenges the Apprenticeship Levy will impose on the sector and our recommendations ...

Update on the Apprenticeship Levy
31 March 2016
CFG's policy team have been working to ensure the forthcoming Apprenticeship Levy works for charities, and that charities are aware of the impact of it.

What do we do with a problem like LGPS?
5 August 2015

What’s the latest data on charity sector income and expenditure?
10 June 2015
The UK Civil Society Almanac 2015 is here and as ever provides a wealth of valuable data.

Section 75 debt reform - an opportunity we cannot afford to miss
26 May 2015
Last Friday saw the close of the Department for Work and Pension’s call for evidence on (the catchily titled) Section 75 Employer Debt in Non-Associated Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Schemes. 

Capacity building – a dividing line in 2015?
10 March 2015

Looking back on 2014
9 December 2014
As we approach the end of 2014, it’s time for some reflection. The year has whizzed by shockingly quickly. 

Tackling the looming pensions crisis
6 August 2014
Charity Commission Chair William Shawcross recently said that the “deadliest threat” to the sector comes from Islamic extremism. I, however, disagree. I would suggest that the biggest threat the sector ...

Transparency: Finding the right balance
6 June 2014

Vision for sector post-2015. What did the politicians have to say at the CFG Annual Conferece?
19 May 2014
Following our overwhelmingly successful Annual Conference last Thursday, back at CFG-HQ we are now digesting the political nuggets that were debated in our closing plenary by the Minister for Civil ...

Making CFG fit for the future
9 May 2014

Managing in a Downturn Report Reflections....
11 April 2014
Yesterday saw the launch of the seventh ‘Managing in Downturn’ report – a survey series that we have run in partnership with the Institute of Fundraising and PwC since the ...

Accounting at the sharp end: A report from the Community Accountancy Conference 2014
10 February 2014
I’ve not long returned from a short sojourn in rain-drenched Birmingham. Several CFG colleagues and I donned both our waterproofs and chainmail armour in order to sally forth into the ...

Charities: growth or sustainability - why it matters for their pensions
3 December 2013
As the House of Lords conducts the second reading of the Pension’s Bill today, there are many valuable points being made by industry and stakeholder representatives.

Pension charges: Is transparency enough?
2 December 2013
‘Hands off our pensions’ they cried… WHICH Campaign ‘Don’t dumb down pensions’ she qualified... Ross Altman BBC Today Program ‘Don’t mess with our free markets’… Various industry bodies

How are charities faring with auto-enrolment
14 November 2013
By the end of this year, almost 215 of the largest charities will have complied with the duty to auto-enrolled their employees. Another 25,000 will do so by 2018.  We’ve ...

We're all in! Are you?
12 November 2013
‘In what?’ I hear you ask. No, I’m not referring to being in CFG’s new offices, what I mean is ‘in a pension scheme’ of course. 

Big Board Talk
8 October 2013
Looked in the mirror lately? Picked up a telescope?  We’re encouraging charities to do just that in our latest podcast, recorded with CFG’s Jane Tully. 

Why recruitment from the private sector may be increasing in charity finance teams
4 June 2013
Charity Finance Group’s latest People and Pay Survey (formerly Salary Survey) showed a significant increase in recruitment from the private sector into charity finance teams, but what are the drivers ...

The charity finance professional in 2013: insights from CFG’s latest People and Pay Survey
26 April 2013
This week sees the release of our latest People and Pay Survey (formerly Salary Survey), which tracks trends in salaries, recruitment and wider employment issues in charity finance teams.

Allen Lane
With an extensive network of contacts, ranging from local not for profit organisations to the charity super-brands, our passion and expertise makes us the first port of call for many.

BDO LLP
We understand what sets charitable organisations apart – creating social value, not profit. BDO's national charity team has a comprehensive knowledge of charity finance, which is why many of the ...

Goodman Masson
Financial recruitment business in London recruiting professionally qualified accountants and other finance professionals for over 20 years.

HSF Health Plan Ltd
Employee Benefits from a charitable group.

Ivy Rock Partners
Ivy Rock is dedicated to offering objective expertise to those looking for a role with meaning; and providing the not-for-profit and public sectors with the very best talent.

Mackie Myers
With over 40 years’ experience recruiting finance roles, we provide a down to earth recruitment approach within the charity sector.

Spence & Partners
Spence & Partners is a privately owned UK firm of actuaries, pension consultants that operate throughout the United Kingdom with a focus on providing advice with a personal touch to ...

XPS Pensions Group
XPS Pensions Group is the largest pure pensions consultancy in the UK, specialising in actuarial, investment consulting and administration. The XPS Pensions Group business combines expertise, insight and technology to ...

CFG Furlough Calculator (member-only)
We developed a spreadsheet that mirrored the HMRC calculator. This process demonstrated how complex in reality the calculations are.