Employee volunteering is on the rise
Julian Lomas
Employer supported volunteering is a rapidly growing phenomenon. In our view there should be much more of it.
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Stay up to date with developments in the sector and our latest thinking on issues affecting charities and social enterprises.
Non-profit leaders should look after their own wellbeing too
Julian Lomas
Two recent events we attended have made us reflect on the importance of personal as well as organisational resilience in the non-profit sector.
Read MoreESG is irrelevant to small not-for-profits - right?
Julian Lomas
Large companies are required to publish an annual ESG report (Environmental, Social, Governance) and many medium sized businesses are also getting on board with ESG. What might this mean for small and medium sized charities?
Read MoreNew online safety laws could impact small charities
Julian Lomas
Implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023 will begin in 2024. How could it affect small charities and social enterprises?
Read MoreA recruitment crisis for charities?
Julian Lomas
Despite well documented challenges with fundraising, we’re seeing a growing number of clients for whom funding isn’t the main constraint on their growth. What‘s really holding them back is a shortage of skilled staff. This short article explores this issue in a little more depth.
Read MoreCan small charities benefit from AI?
Julian Lomas
There’s a lot of hype around about AI and how it can transform just about anything. But what could this mean for small local charities?
Read MoreIs your charity considering a merger or should it be?
Julian Lomas
The most recent Good Merger Index report shows that charity mergers are at an all time low, confounding post-pandemic expectations. Given the perfect storm facing many charities, is now the time charities should be thinking about mergers.
Read MoreAre charities doing enough on race equality?
Julian Lomas
As we approach the end of Race Equality Week 2024, this short article reflects on whether charities are doing enough to address race equality in their governance and workforce.
Read MoreWhy do people trust charities (and why do some not)?
Julian Lomas
This short article reflects on the implications of the Charity Commission’s recent report on public trust in charities and the role and experience of trustees.
Read MoreCharity reserves and fundraising
Julian Lomas
This brief article explore the impact of a charity’s reserves on fundraising and what you can do about it.
Read MoreWe wish you a peaceful and restful 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 MoreMy small charity is safe from fraud, right?
Julian Lomas
A recent report shows fraud against charities is on the rise and it’s not just the big charities that are being targeted.
Read MoreCharities: incorporated or unincorporated?
Julian Lomas
Since CIOs were brought into being in late 2012, there’s been a trend towards incorporation of existing charities, but is this always the right option to choose?
Read MoreA perfect storm for small charities?
Julian Lomas
Rising demand and falling funding: two reports release within a few days of each other suggest the perfect storm may be brewing for small charities.
Read MoreHow to convert a CIC into a CIO
Julian Lomas
We are increasingly being asked to support Community Interest Companies (CICs) to convert into Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), so we thought a short article on what is involved might be helpful.
Read MoreRunning a start up charity
Julian Lomas
There’s lots of advice out there on setting up a new charity, choosing the right legal structure and objects, finding Trustees, opening bank accounts etc, but very little on the challenges you’ll face once the charity is registered. This short articles provides some top tips for making a successful start for a new charity.
Read MoreTen top tips for small charities working with a consultant
Julian Lomas
Many of our small charity clients have never worked with consultants before and we aim to make it as easy as possible for them to do business with us. In collaboration with our associate Ruth Dwight, we have put together 10 top tips for getting the most out of a small consultancy support package.
Read MoreWhy you and we love small, local charities
Julian Lomas
We’ve long believed that smaller, local charities are the glue that binds communities together and where the sector is at its best in making a positive difference to people’s lives. Two recent reports suggest we’re not alone in that view.
Read MoreWhat is a CASC and what's the point?
Julian Lomas
Much of the debate around not-for-profit organisations centres on issues like whether to register as a charity, CIC or some other type of organisation (such as a community benefit society). The option of registering as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) is often overlooked. This short articles provides more information on that option.
Read MoreBanks and Charities just don't seem to mix
Julian Lomas
Why do charities have such trouble with banks and what can you do about it?
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