The Future of UK Charities: Ensuring Sustainability Post-Covid and Responding to the Charities Act

Earlier in 2021, the government revealed plans to enact a Charities Bill, aimed at easing the struggles encountered by many in the sector, receiving royal assent in February 2022. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the government’s £750 million support package for the not-for-profit sector aimed to provide assistance to those charities which needed to continue working as a part of the Covid-19 response. 

However, long-term savings are expected as a result of the Charities Act. The Act aims to tackle red tape, removing administrative and legal burdens which are currently placed on charities so as to save both money and time. Whilst the Act has been welcomed across the charity sector for the increased flexibility which it provides and the removal of much bureaucratic procedure, some have suggested that it is a missed opportunity to make fundamental reforms which could further support the sector.

This symposium is, therefore, a timely opportunity to assess opportunities for progress in the charity sector, evaluating the impact of the Charities Act and formulating strategies for a resilient future.

Key Speakers include: 

Professor Debra Morris, Director of the Charity Law & Policy Unit at the University of Liverpool

Theo Clay, Policy Manager at NPC

Cian Murphy, Co-Managing Director of nfpResearch

 Programme 

• Assess existing legislation affecting the charity sector and identify key challenges facing charities in the UK
• Evaluate the Charities Act 2022 and discuss opportunities for further legislative reform
• Examine the impact of Covid-19 on charities across the UK, and share best practice for pandemic recovery
• Discuss the support provided to charities by the government and suggest methods to more effectively address challenges
• Review the role of the Charity Commission in regulating the operations of charities and discuss ideas for strengthening the Commission's powers
• Formulate strategies for ensuring the resilience of the charity sector
• Identify methods for improving and maintaining public trust and confidence in UK charities
• Discuss how better collaboration between charities, government and business might improve resilience
• Explore opportunities for greater use of technology by charities, considering the benefits of increased efficiency

 Who Should Attend? 

• Commissioning Managers & Officers
• Finance, Procurement and Contracts Teams
• Chief Executives and Senior Management Teams
• Directors of Corporate Service
• Local Compact Officers
• Social Value Teams
• Social Value Champions
• Economic Development Regeneration Teams
• Neighbourhood Management Teams
• Localities and Communities Teams
• Voluntary Sector Partnership Teams
• Partnership & Community Development Officers
• Government Third Sector Liaison Officers
• Policy, Planning and Strategy Teams
• Local Authority Officers & Councillors
• Procurement Professionals
• Third Sector Practitioners
• Charities
• Voluntary & Community Groups
• Social Enterprises
• Charity Trustees
• Children's Trusts
• Children's Centres
• Health, Education & Social Care Providers
• NHS Trusts
• Clinical Commissioning Groups
• Fire & Rescue Services
• Police and Crime Commissioners
• Housing Organisations
• Central Government Departments & Agencies
• Equality & Diversity Practitioners
• Academics & Researchers
• Trade Unions
• Financial Sector

Find out more here.