Date updated: Friday 1st May 2020

Since the beginning of lockdown, we have kept the focus of Charity Essentials firmly on the urgent questions and issues that charities and social enterprises are facing to provide guidance, quick answers and immediate support wherever possible. However, given that many charities are facing financial difficulties, or will in the months ahead, we felt that it was timely to emphasise the need for charities to focus on planning for survival, which now needs to be combined with planning for a sustainable future post-lockdown; making the challenge twice as hard as before.

Difficult decisions may need to be made by those in the sector but there is also the potential for creativity in the changed landscape that we are all operating in. The position remains that #everydaycounts but we are stronger together and collaboration should continue to be the key focus.

The below article by Clive Vergnaud emphasises the positive nature of planned collaboration and merger, rather than considering these options as a last resort. Many charities will not have the breathing space to think about merger in the context of a strategic opportunity at the present time. However, one of the key lessons from the article is that the earlier charities think about potential collaboration or merger, the more successful it is likely to be for beneficiaries. It is also important to remember that trustees have an overarching duty to their charity’s objects. That may seem like an obvious statement, but in these difficult times, it may be particularly hard to reconcile this duty with the emotional attachment to the charity and its history, culture and staff that trustees undoubtedly feel (and particularly strongly in times of turmoil).

Please do have a look at the Q&As on our website for lots of practical tips and advice. We have also included some non-virus related items which we hope will be of interest. For Stone King, it is very much business as usual, so please do get in touch if you need our support or advice.

  • Merging for success not survival
  • Healthworkers’ Support Foundation good news piece
  • Top 5 issues in Immigration Compliance for Charities
  • Sexual harassment... It’s time for employers to step up, and charities should lead the way
  • Upcoming webinars
Merging for success, not survival

At a time when we are all adapting to an unsettled present and uncertain future, merging is one possibility being considered by a growing number of charities and social enterprises.

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New COVID-19 charity supports healthcare workers now, and in the future

A new charity is delivering thousands of bags of fresh, nourishing food to the nation’s frontline healthcare staff to support key workers during the current pandemic.

The Healthworkers’ Support Foundation (HSF) is a new charity set up to support the physical and mental health of healthcare workers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond.

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Top 5 issues in Immigration Compliance for Charities

On 23 April 2020 Julie Moktadir, immigration Solicitor, presented a well-received Webinar on the Top 5 Issues on Immigration Compliance for Charities.

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Sexual harassment... It’s time for employers to step up, and charities should lead the way

This article is not intended to make sexual harassment simply an issue which must be dealt with because of legal obligations or best practice expectations. Let’s be clear, harassment in all its forms has a detrimental and long-lasting effect on the people who are subjected to it, in both their personal and working life, as well as having a negative impact on workplace culture and productivity.

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Upcoming webinars

All details TBC:

13.05.2020 - Practical advice for charities in the current climate

W/C 18.05.2020 - Mergers & collaborations

W/C 07.06.2020 - Insolvency & financial difficulties