Not for Profit eNews
The sector enters 2026 facing a continuation of many of the pressures that have defined recent years. Financial constraints remain acute, demand for services shows little sign of easing, and charities are operating against a backdrop of ongoing regulatory, governance and workforce change.
Trustees and senior leaders are increasingly required to balance short-term financial sustainability with longer-term strategic resilience, often in an environment of limited certainty. Alongside these challenges, expectations of charities continue to grow. Funders, regulators and stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on good governance, transparency and inclusivity, while operational and compliance requirements are becoming more complex. At the same time, organisations are being asked to adapt to changing workforce dynamics, technological developments and evolving approaches to service delivery.
In this edition of NfP eNews, we explore a selection of developments that reflect these themes. We consider a major funder’s new initiative to address long-standing diversity gaps on charity boards, examine the closure of a well-established international development charity’s UK office amid sustained economic pressure, and outline forthcoming changes to payroll reporting that will affect many charities which employ staff. We also look more broadly at the strategic priorities facing charity leaders in 2026, as organisations navigate cost pressures, workforce wellbeing and emerging risks and opportunities.
Taken together, these articles highlight the importance of forward planning, strong governance and adaptability. As charities look ahead to the year, careful consideration of strategy, resources and risk will be essential in supporting continued delivery of charitable objectives in an increasingly complex operating landscape.
Articles from this edition
Henry Smith Foundation launches “Better Boards” to tackle board diversity gap
In December, the Henry Smith Foundation launched its Better Boards Initiative, designed to support more representative and inclusive governance across the charity sector.
International development charity closes UK office amid intense economic pressures
In early January, Motivation Charitable Trust, a charity that has supported people with mobility disabilities through partnerships and equipment provision for more than three decades, announced the closure of its UK office.
Mandatory payrolling of benefits: what charities need to know ahead of April 2027
Charities employing staff will face a significant payroll and compliance change from April 2027, when the payrolling of most benefits in kind (BiKs) becomes mandatory.
Charity leaders’ 2026 to do list: navigating costs, staffing and emerging priorities
As charities enter 2026, leaders face a demanding agenda shaped by financial pressure, rising service demand and long standing strategic issues that can no longer be deferred.If you would like further information on the topics covered, please get in touch.
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