Insights for charities
Here we've collated our thought leadership, news and views affecting charities.
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Philanthropy for all
Charities and good causes are desperately in need of support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we consider how to make your contribution most effective.
Read time: 10 mins
Act now to plug digital capability gaps
John Fitzgerald, digital evolution manager for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), has some top tips for charities to enhance their cyber security capabilities.
Read time: 4 mins
Countering rising costs by using less energy – and cutting carbon emissions
Mark Sait, CEO of SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC), a leading UK-based money-saving and sustainability platform, tells us about some of the ways charities can cut their surging energy bills and boost their ESG credentials into the bargain.
Read time: 5 mins
Surviving the cost of living crisis: a tale of two charities
John Brady, head of fundraising at St Andrew’s Hospice and Anna Baker Cresswell, executive director of HighGround, share their thoughts on how the cost of living crisis is affecting their charities, and their response to it.
Read time: 6 mins
Five tips for fundraising during a downturn
Given the much more difficult economic environment we’re all facing, charities may be struggling to raise funds using the same techniques they’ve relied on in the past. To help, we’ve put together five top tips that charities could use to review and fine tune their fundraising strategies.
Read time: 4 mins
Charity spotlight - Challengers – the charity bringing the joy of play to everyone
We spoke to Gen Dearman, chief executive of children’s charity Challengers, to find out more about their important work supporting disabled children, young people, and their families.
Read time: 5 mins
World's Original Marmalade Awards sponsored by Rathbones
The Dalemain Marmalade Festival is the culmination of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards, with winners of the hotly contested homemade marmalade categories announced and the ‘Best in Show’ awarded.
Read time: 4 mins
Charity investment training webinar series
Demystifying responsible investment
Read time: 1 min
Lifetime gifts: Advice for attorneys and deputies
Grace Serwanga of Penningtons Manches Cooper has kindly contributed an article on what you need to consider before making a gift on behalf of a protected client.
Read time: 5 mins
Brainwave celebrates 40 years
As Rathbones joins the Brainwave 40th Anniversary Guardianship programme, find out more about the work the charity does to support children with disabilities and additional needs.
Read time: 3 mins
Rathbones’ engagement with companies on ESG issues wins recognition
Our approach to responsible investing, in particular our use of proxy voting to encourage sustainable practices among the companies we invest in, has recently been recognised with two major industry awards.
Read time: 4 mins
How Rathbones is playing its part in the journey to net zero
Helen Wilson, responsible business lead for Rathbones Group, outlines our strategy for delivering on our commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 and minimising climate-related risk in our investment portfolios.
Read time: 5 mins
Where are charities on their own net zero journeys?
A recent survey into charities’ action to tackle climate change suggests many organisations need to do more to prioritise environmental awareness and care for the planet.
Read time: 5 mins
Will the green transition help or hinder economic expansion?
The fortunes of all investors – charities included – are bound up to some extent with global economic growth. We look at how the transition to net zero could play out on the global economic stage over the longer term – and, by implication, how that could impact on investors’ portfolios.
Read time: 4 mins
Turing Trust’s work to bridge the ‘digital divide’ is also helping to tackle climate change
The charity inspired by the father of modern computing has shown that giving old computers new life has environmental as well as social benefits.
Read time: 4 mins
Our responsible investment report 2022
Responsible investment – thinking about environmental, social and governance issues as an investor and shareholder – is a priority at Rathbones.
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Charity investment training webinar series
Equities – which markets?
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Paying for care in later life
The UK government is introducing new legislation that promises to transform the way care in later life is funded in England. But it may pay clients to read beyond the headlines.
Read time: 6 mins
Live stream from COP26 – Arts and the imagination
In this special event on the final day of COP26, storytellers, artists and performers will explore the role of the arts in responding to climate change.
Read time: 1 min
Feeding the world
How consumers, businesses and investors can act together to embrace innovation in managing precious global food resources and take a bite out of climate change.
Read time: 6 mins
Good COP, bad COP?
What we are hoping for from the world’s leaders as they gather in Glasgow for COP26 at this critical tipping point for the planet.
Read time: 4 mins
Rethinking the economic ecosystem
How businesses, societies and investors can work together to address the major environmental and social challenges facing the world through responsible capitalism.
Read time: 6 mins
Can investors change the world?
Charities are increasingly, and rightly, questioning how their funds are invested. We look at how we can all make the world a better place through our investments and the best ways to have an impact.
Read time: 6 mins
A healthy recovery
How governments, investors and businesses can make better choices to help improve our healthcare systems in the wake of the pandemic.
Read time: 4 mins
Cities to the rescue
How smarter planning of our towns and cities can help meet sustainability goals, drive productivity and ensure more equitable wealth distribution.
Read time: 6 mins
Inspiring the charity trustees of the future
In conversation: Emma Watson, head of financial planning and advisory services at Rathbones and Penny Wilson, CEO of Getting on Board, discuss the rewards and challenges of being a charity trustee.
Read time: 8 mins
Charity investment training webinar series
Equities – which markets?
Read time: 1 min
Charity investment training webinar series
Considerations when selecting an investment manager
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Charity Matters Summer 2021
Building resilience for challenging times
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Taking time to listen
Alison Lowe, Touchstone’s CEO and Darren De Souza, Community Health Development Manager talk about the Touchstone Loves Food initiative, the charity’s open and trusting culture, and the power of really listening.
Read time: 6 mins
Strategic thinking in the face of adversity
Many charities have shown inspiring levels of innovation and fortitude during the COVID-19 crisis. We reflect on some of the key factors that could help organisations build resilience and adapt for the future.
Read time: 7 mins
Building funding for the future
James Banks, Chief Executive of London Funders, talks about the fortitude of civil society, passionately committed funders, and how the pandemic has paved the way for a more collaborative and resilient funding partnership.
Read time: 6 mins
Why board diversity boosts resilience
Fiona McAuslan of Getting on Board tells the story of how one charity’s journey to a more diverse board has led to transformational change.
Read time: 5 mins
Supporting vulnerable communities around the world
Just a Drop’s Head of Fundraising and Communications Brendan Hanlon reflects on the importance of acting quickly, being open to new opportunities and always personalising appeals.
Read time: 6 mins
Driving fresh board perspectives
RSABI’s CEO Nina Clancy and David Leggat, Chair of the board of trustees, talk about the benefits of engaging with and recruiting younger people to the board.
Read time: 6 mins
Charity Awards 2021
The 2021 Charity Awards took place virtually on 10 June and were a great success. Rathbones is proud to have been the Overall Awards Partner of this annual event since 2018 and we were delighted that the ceremony could continue this year with the same exceptional standards as usual.
Read time: 2 mins
Charity investment training webinar series
Equity selection – how to identify winners and avoid a permanent loss of capital
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Charity investment training webinar series
Should charities employ an income-only or total return approach?
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Reserves help to keep doors open at home-from-home for families of sick children
Trustee Carol Hart and head of fundraising Janet Pennington explain how, despite the pandemic, Alder Hey Family House Trust is still providing accommodation for the families of seriously ill children.
Read time: 6 mins
Going head to head: income only versus total return
In light of recent events and current economic circumstances, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of income-only and total return investment approaches for charities.
Read time: 5 mins
Looking ahead with purpose
While the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programme offers some light at the end of the tunnel, research published at the end of last year suggests that the short-term outlook for the UK’s charities remains very challenging. So, how can charities build resilience into their investment strategies?
Read time: 5 mins
Bonds may be causing an imbalance in charity portfolios
Given the current environment and the high prevalence of negative bond yields, we look at ways in which charities can construct a diversified portfolio that aims to provide more attractive risk/return metrics than the traditional 60—40 portfolio.
Read time: 6 mins
Charity investment training webinar series
Understanding investing: ethical and sustainable investment
Read time: 1 min
Charity investment training webinar series
Understanding investing: CC14 and how to develop an investment policy
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Charity investment training webinar series
Understanding investment tools: the relationship between risk and return
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Charity investment training webinar series
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Building your charity’s resilience in a post-COVID environment
The past six months have been times of unprecedented uncertainty and disruption for charities. This brief guide looks at how sound governance and financial planning can help charities navigate this and future crises.
Read time: 5 mins
Charity investment training webinar series
Understanding investment tools: An introduction to asset classes.
A brief overview of the main asset classes that can typically be used in a charity’s investment portfolio.
Read time: 1 min
Charity Matters – Autumn edition
Andrew Pitt, our head of charities – London, introduces the autumn edition of Charity Matters which looks at responsible capitalism and the fundamentals of ESG investing.
Read time: 1 min
How sustainable business drives long-term value at Unilever
We spoke to Richard Williams, head of investor relations at Unilever, about the company’s approach to sustainability, how large corporates need to adapt to changing investor priorities, and the lessons others can learn from Unilever’s example.
Read time: 5 mins
Join us for The Earth Convention online talks
Rathbones has partnered with 5x15, one of London’s leading cultural events organisations, to run a series of online talks on climate change.
Read time: 1 min
Do we need a more benign capitalism?
Embracing responsible capitalism and moving away from a ‘profit is everything’ philosophy can address both issues of inequality in society and improve financial returns for investors.
Read time: 5 mins
Making environmental, social and governance concerns everybody’s business
What does a greater focus on environmental, social and governance goals mean for the companies we invest in on behalf of our charity clients, and how does Rathbones encourage them to uphold ESG standards?
Read time: 5 mins
Tax-efficient ways to give
The coronavirus is hurting the pockets of many charities, but the British tax system is remarkably generous to those who want to help.
Read time: 4 mins
Charity Matters - Adjusting to the new normal
Our charities team introduce our first edition of Charity Matters, which looks at how charities are facing up to the enormous challenges of the coronavirus crisis.
Read time: 1 min
Career Connect chief praises staff’s ability to adapt and innovate
Kieran Gordon, CEO at Career Connect, reveals how the charity’s staff have shown great determination and dedication to continue reaching out to the people it supports.
Read time: 5 mins
Planning for the unplannable: adapting to lockdown at the Percy Hedley Foundation
Carole Harder, Chief Executive of The Percy Hedley Foundation, tells us about the impact of Covid-19 on the charity, how it has been adapting and the value of people and relationships.
Read time: 5 mins
ACCORD Hospice: readiness for rainy day scenario pays off
Jacki Smart, recently appointed Chief Executive of ACCORD Hospice in Paisley, Scotland shares her thoughts on adapting services, community support and financial management through the Covid-19 crisis.
Read time: 6 mins
John Huntingdon’s Charity working hard to fulfil its founder’s aims through the crisis
Charity Manager Jill Hayden and Finance Manager Hilary Seaward tell us how John Huntingdon’s Charity is coping with demand for its services as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak at a time when its income is falling.
Read time: 5 mins
Market outlook for charities
Listen to Edward Smith, Head of Asset Allocation Research, as he shares his latest views on the markets and how we are managing portfolios during these challenging times.
Read time: 1 min
The path for charities
As global stock markets dive in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, charities may be wondering what they should be doing with their portfolios, if anything. No doubt, this has been a terrible economic jolt which has made many people ill with fear. Not just about their health and their financial security, but about the potential for the whole financial system to come apart at the seams.
Read time: 3 mins
Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Charity Awards
Rathbones is proud to be overall sponsor of the Charity Awards for the second year running.
Read time: 2 mins
How to recruit trustees for your charity – a practical guide
On 26 March, Rathbones proudly sponsored the launch of Getting on Board’s recruitment guidance at The Guardian, London.
Read time: 1 min
Exploring different ways to give to charity
New technologies and shifting personal values are changing the way we donate to charities as well as the types of organisation we prefer, says James Brennan, investment director and head of business development at Rathbones.
Read time: 4 mins
Rathbones hosts Civil Society’s charity trustee governance training with Dorothy Dalton
On 17 January, Rathbones’ charity team hosted the first in a series of Civil Society’s flagship training sessions for charity trustees, Understanding governance: the trustee role.
Read time: 2 mins
Is income-only or total return investment best for your charity?
When did you last review your investment mandate? Are you taking unappreciated risks in following an income-only approach? Andy Pitt, Head of charities at Rathbones, assesses what to consider when answering these questions.
Read time: 4 mins
Rathbones are proud sponsors of the 2019 Charity Awards
Read time: 1 min
Rathbones sponsors a new guide on sustainability
The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) has launched a new guide that highlights the business benefits of sustainability and explains why it is key to the success of higher education institutions.
Read time: 2 mins
Charity Symposium 2018
Over 250 charity trustees and investors from all over the UK gathered at the annual Rathbones Charity Symposium at the IET in London on Wednesday 18 April, for an afternoon of discussion and debate on leadership and governance in challenging times. We heard presentations from seven speakers, followed by a panel Q&A hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby.
Read time: 6 mins
Helping universities and colleges navigate the fossil fuel divestment debate
“The clear and present danger of climate change means we cannot burn our way to prosperity. We already rely too heavily on fossil fuels. We need to find a new, sustainable path to the future we want. We need a clean industrial revolution.”
Read time: 5 mins
Unlocking Inner Heroes
You pace your cell. In just a few hours you'll be released. You want to make a fresh start. Being locked up isn't fun and the look on your sister's face when you were convicted still fills you with shame. But it will take guts. Where will you stay? What will you live on? You've stopped smoking weed, but can you stay stopped on the outside?
Read time: 7 mins
Supporting wounded veterans
As the ski season draws to a close, we are delighted to report on the success of the Rathbones Roosters, who skied in Switzerland in January to support and be with disabled and severely injured servicemen.
Read time: 1 min
Professor calls for new approach to food at the City Food Lecture
With Rathbones’ recent move into the City of London, we were delighted to continue our support of its livery companies with the annual City Food Lecture.
Read time: 1 min
An unsung heroine
Eleanor Rathbone was one of the unsung heroines of the 20th century. As a feminist, suffragist, MP and humanitarian activist, she influenced social and welfare reform both at home and abroad. Seventy years after her death, we celebrate her remarkable life and reflect on the enduring relevance of the qualities that made her who she was.
Read time: 7 mins
Leading with heart and head
Investment directors from our charities and Greenbank business have taken part in a film ‘Leading with Heart and Head’ for ACEVO and ITN Productions. Watch our video.
Read time: 1 min
Rathbones wins hat trick of awards
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Analysing the future: A Conversation with James Woudhuysen
At our second Conversations event in London, James Woudhuysen talked to our guests from the charities sector about how successful forecasting depends on the way that data is collected, analysed, presented and challenged.
We also received an exclusive interview with James afterwards. Videos of which can be viewed here.
Read time: 2 mins
A Conversation with James Woudhuysen
When charities forecast their future - whether to support decisions on strategy, innovation or service delivery - they need to examine three kinds of data
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A Conversation with Alan Chambers
The support of donors is important for charities but what about that of the team behind the charity?
Read time: 1 min
Charity donors of the future
We were delighted to welcome current and prospective charities clients to the wonderful Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle for the latest in our series of Conversations. Leading the discussion was Will Higham, an expert in predicting future consumer trends, who we had asked to consider how charities might appeal to the charity donors of the future.
Read time: 4 mins
William Shawcross and the Charity Commission
We were delighted that William Shawcross, the recently-reappointed chairman of the Charity Commission, agreed to lead the first in a series of Conversations between prominent speakers and our charity clients and other valued contacts.
Read time: 3 mins
A Conversation with Will Higham
The rapidity and intensity of recent technological, economic and social change is having a profound effect on the way Britons think and behave. But what does that mean for charities? Is it good or bad news? What are the opportunities – and threats – for engagement, fundraising and volunteering?
Read time: 1 min
A Conversation with William Shawcross
For our first Conversations event we were joined by William Shawcross, chair of the Charity Commission, who spoke on the theme of ‘regulating charities – promoting public trust.’ Mr Shawcross explained the Commission’s regulatory approach; focusing in particular on its work to help support the majority of well-meaning trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities.
Read time: 1 min