Why can't the charity sector get I'd act together on EDI?
Julian Lomas
Despite years of intensified focus on equity, diversity and inclusion in the charity sector, the evidence continues to suggest that charities can and must do better.
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Stay up to date with developments in the sector and our latest thinking on issues affecting charities and social enterprises.
In tough times merging with another charity is worth thinking about.
Julian Lomas
The most recent Good Merger Index report shows that charity merger activities has recovered to pre-pandemic levels and that, with a perfect storm facing many charities, now is the time charities should be thinking about mergers as a path to sustainable growth.
Read MoreGuest blog: Funding alone is no longer enough.
Julian Lomas
The guest blog from Shelley Hathaway-Batt, Head of Strategic Partnerships & projects at Clarion Futures, reflects on recent experience on the work we have been doing with their partners through The Resilience Programme.
Read MoreWhat is your charity's 'risk appetite'?
Julian Lomas
We hear a lot about ‘risk appetite’ as a concept in risk management for charities and social enterprises. but what is it and how do you work it out for your organisation?
Read MoreTrends in Trust & Foundation Fundraising
Julian Lomas
Gifted Philanthropy have recently published the 2025 Trusts and Foundations Insights survey, which include some interesting information about how things are changing in this area of fundraising.
Read MoreAnd still the woes of charity banking persist
Julian Lomas
Despite guidance from Charity Commission to help charities navigate banking issues and UK Finance’s Voluntary Organisation Banking Guide, banking for charities seems to continue to be a nightmare. What can you do to avoid the troubles other charities have faced?
Read MoreShould charities use AI for bid writing?
Julian Lomas
There’s a lot of hype around about AI and how it can transform just about anything. Can Ai help with bid writing and what are the pitfalls.
Read MoreBoost charity fundraising campaigns using behavioural science
Julian Lomas
A recent report suggests that most individual campaigns (including event fundraising) could be boosted by adopting a few simple lessons from behavioural science.
Read MoreWe wish you a peaceful Christmas and New Year
Julian Lomas
Wishing you a peaceful and restful Christmas and New Year from everyone at Almond Tree Strategic Consulting Limited
Read MoreIs there a crisis in volunteering in the UK?
Julian Lomas
The 2023/24 Community Life Survey reveals that the number of people volunteering in England has fallen to a record low. How could small charities navigate this apparent crisis?
Read MoreWhy charities should work together
Julian Lomas
As competition for funding in the charity sector gets ever more intense, we offer some thoughts on how collaborations could give your charity a competitive edge.
Read MoreTrustees' Week 2024
Julian Lomas
Trustees’ Week is an annual celebration of trustees and everything they contribute to charities. Ongoing learning and development for Trustees is essential and Trustees week provides a good way for Trustees to do just that.
Read MoreWhy compliance matters for charities?
Julian Lomas
With whistleblowing complaints to the Charity Commission at all time high, and charity law feeling ever more complicated by the day, compliance is more important than ever. How can small charities cope?
Read MoreIndividual giving to charities: emerging trends
Julian Lomas
Blue State have recently published their UK Giving Behaviours Tracker: 2024 report. What does it tell us about emerging trends in individual giving?
Read MoreThe challenges of corporate fundraising for charities
Julian Lomas
A recent report suggests corporate fundraising is getting tougher. What can small charities do to maximise their chances?
Read MoreA new fundraising code of practice
Julian Lomas
The Fundraising Regulator has launched a consultation on the proposed new Code of Fundraising Practice. Is it an improvement on the current code?
Read MoreA mixed picture for charity regulation
Julian Lomas
Are more charities behaving badly? Are more being found out? Or is something else going on?
Read MoreWhat to do about a badly behaved charity trustee?
Julian Lomas
We’ve all come across them, right? The difficult, controlling, dominant or just downright rude trustee who everyone knows is a problem but no-one does anything about? This short article explores what can be done about it.
Read MoreIs there light at the end of the tunnel for charity banking?
Julian Lomas
After making a lot of noise about charity banking difficulties, the Charity Commission has issued new guidance to help charities navigate banking issues and avoid difficulties and UK Finance has issued a new Voluntary Organisation Banking Guide.
Read MoreThe changing landscape for charity fundraising
Julian Lomas
With so many conflicting signals about trends in charity fundraising, it can be tough for small charities to decide on their fundraising plans. This articles aims to give a few helpful pointers.
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