Insights for charities

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Demystifying responsible investment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The charity inspired by the father of modern computing has shown that giving old computers new life has environmental as well as social benefits.

Responsible investment – thinking about environmental, social and governance issues as an investor and shareholder – is a priority at Rathbones.

Equities – which markets?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

How businesses, societies and investors can work together to address the major environmental and social challenges facing the world through responsible capitalism.

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.

How governments, investors and businesses can make better choices to help improve our healthcare systems in the wake of the pandemic.

How smarter planning of our towns and cities can help meet sustainability goals, drive productivity and ensure more equitable wealth distribution.

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.

Equities – which markets?

Considerations when selecting an investment manager

Building resilience for challenging times

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

​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.

Equity selection – how to identify winners and avoid a permanent loss of capital

Should charities employ an income-only or total return approach?

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.

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. 

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?

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.

Understanding investing: ethical and sustainable investment

Understanding investing: CC14 and how to develop an investment policy

 Understanding investment tools: the relationship between risk and return

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. 

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.

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.

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.   

Rathbones has partnered with 5x15, one of London’s leading cultural events organisations, to run a series of online talks on climate change.

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.

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?  

The coronavirus is hurting the pockets of many charities, but the British tax system is remarkably generous to those who want to help.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rathbones is proud to be overall sponsor of the Charity Awards for the second year running. 

On 26 March, Rathbones proudly sponsored the launch of Getting on Board’s recruitment guidance at The Guardian, London.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

“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.”

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?

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.   

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.  

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.

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.

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.

When charities forecast their future - whether to support decisions on strategy, innovation or service delivery - they need to examine three kinds of data

The support of donors is important for charities but what about that of the team behind the charity? 

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.

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.

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?

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.