A new blog from the Charity Commission for England and Wales highlights the growing risks of unmanaged conflicts of interest in charities. While conflicts are common, failing to properly identify and manage them can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory action. The Commission stresses that trustees must be proactive; declaring conflicts, keeping clear records, and following proper procedures, to protect both their charity and public trust.
Access to affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing rural communities. New insights highlight how stronger partnerships between organisations, communities, and housing providers are helping to unlock solutions, while reinforcing the vital role of Rural Housing Enablers in making schemes happen on the ground.
The UK Government has published a new policy paper, Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom, setting out its vision for a fair, tolerant and resilient society.
Our funding search service is now back up and running. Following the closure of the previous funding portal, we’ve secured a new provider and can once again help members find suitable funding opportunities, with access to up-to-date information on a wide range of grants and social investment options.
Read a statement from Chris Scott, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Market Development at Norfolk County Council about the Government's announcement on Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk.
Devolution is often seen as a way to give local areas more control over decisions that affect their communities. But the Rural Services Network (RSN) has warned that rural areas could be at risk of being overlooked. With smaller populations and higher costs for delivering services, villages and towns outside cities may not get the attention or funding they need, potentially widening the gap between urban and rural communities.
After a challenging period for the voluntary sector, there are signs that fundraising may be turning a corner. New digital opportunities, changing supporter behaviours, and a renewed focus on relationships are creating a more positive outlook for charities in 2026.