Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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Charity leaders met in Southampton for a roundtable discussion on challenges and opportunities facing third sector organisations.

On the agenda at the annual breakfast time ‘think tank’, co-hosted by HWB Chartered Accountants and banking group Handelsbanken, were the latest revisions to national codes of practice on both fundraising and governance issued during the past year.

Michaela Johns, HWB Director, said:

“Our roundtable was an ideal opportunity for charity representatives to discuss the revised codes and guidance and compare notes on how their compliance and due diligence is going so far. It was really valuable to share ideas and suggestions on how best to navigate the changes to the codes alongside many other issues and opportunities impacting the sector.”

Represented at the event, held at the Harbour Hotel in Ocean Village, were charities involved in areas such as housing, wildlife protection, homelessness and dementia support. Attendees included charity chief executives and chief financial officers.

Guest speaker Kirsteen Hook, Partner and specialist charities solicitor at law firm Trethowans, explained that the revised fundraising framework places increased emphasis on trustees demonstrating active oversight of fundraising and ensuring appropriate governance, risk management and decision-making processes are in place.

Kirsteen said:

“Trustees are expected to keep abreast of changes to relevant fundraising and governance guidance and to consider what, if any, changes are required to their charity’s policies, procedures and practices.”

Kim Christopher, Corporate Account Manager at Handelsbanken, who co-chaired the event, said:

“As a relationship bank we believe there is no substitute for getting together at events like this and working together – not just discussing how to navigate the latest guidance and requirements, but also sharing best practice and learning from each other. We are delighted to continue to support our partners in this area.”

Sally Randall, founder of Abby’s Heroes, a Southampton-based charity that provides practical measures and programmes to help families presented with a childhood cancer diagnosis, said:

“Very rarely do you get a collection of charities together in one place at the same time. It was a safe space and a positive learning experience. Listening to what other charities were saying was enlightening. I really enjoyed the morning. It raised some interesting and relevant points, especially around our trustees’ responsibilities and obligations which have been fed back to them.”

The other attendees were: Laura Read, Marwell Wildlife; Josh Towers, YMCA Fairthorne; Kirsty Dennett and Steve Swift, Rose Road Association; Helen Hamblen, Dementia Support Hampshire and Isle of Wight; Tim Bissett, St John’s Winchester; Mark Ind, Heartbeat; Charlotte Fairall, Sophie’s Legacy; and Sam Fulling, Saints Foundation.

The 93-page fundraising code, which came into operation in November 2025 having been published earlier by the sector’s Fundraising Regulator, features a more ‘principles-based’ approach which places greater emphasis on trustee oversight, judgement, governance and documenting fundraising decisions.

A further 20-page update on trustee duties in relation to fundraising was issued in February 2026 with the regulator and the Charity Commission then going on to provide a ten-page document, ‘Raising money for charity: public guidance’, in June 2026.

The 47-page Charity Governance Code 2025, produced by a cross-sector voluntary steering group, is designed as a practical tool for trustees rather than a regulatory requirement. It covers essential aspects of governance such as roles, responsibilities, legal duties, expectations, ethics, standards, behaviours and processes.

Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

Photo: Charity Support - Presenters at the charity roundtable held at the Harbour Hotel in Ocean Village, Southampton, from left: Michaela Johns, HWB Chartered Accountants; Kirsteen Hook, Trethowans; and Kim Christopher, Handelsbanken.

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Jun 5, 2025
2 min read

Contractor Clegg Construction has completed an 11-storey build-to-rent development in Leeds city centre.

Delivered for property developer Rise Homes, the £40m scheme features 185 apartments and is situated on Regent Street in Mabgate.

Spinners Yard – the second build-to-rent project undertaken by Clegg Construction in partnership with Rise Homes – recently came under the spotlight at UKREiiF, the UK’s real estate investment and infrastructure forum, when delegates were given a chance to view the scheme.

Now an open house event is being held on 7th June, as Spinners Yard comes to market, with residents able to move into the studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments from mid-June.

Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims said:

“We are very pleased to have handed over our second development for Rise Homes, which follows delivery of The Ironworks in Sheffield – another 11-storey residential scheme."

“UKREiiF was the perfect opportunity to showcase Spinners Yard and we were proud to have been involved in shining the spotlight on this outstanding development which has created new homes in the centre of Leeds."

“Clegg Construction has forged a strong partnership with Rise Homes during the delivery of Spinners Yard and The Ironworks, illustrating our commitment to our clients and their developments. We hope that residents living in these two developments enjoy being a part of these respective communities.”

Rise Homes has appointed CBRE as the letting agent for the scheme. CBRE has already witnessed high levels of interest thanks to the sought-after location and high-quality amenities at Spinners Yard.

The ground floor boasts enclosed parking for cars, motorbikes and cycles, as well as an entrance lobby, reception and centre management office.

The development also offers exceptional residential amenities that have become synonymous with the build-to-rent market in recent years, including an in-house fitness suite, residents' terrace and rooftop terrace, as well as a lounge, private dining room, breakout area and workspaces, creating the ideal space for occupiers to live, work and play.

In addition, the building is connected to the Leeds PIPES district heating network - a £62m initiative aiming to reduce emissions in the city. The project saved approximately 6,467 tonnes in 2024, up from 5,900 in 2023.

Sarah Snape, MD of Rise Homes, said:

"Our Spinners Yard development has transformed the former brownfield site on Regent Street. Rise Homes is looking forward to welcoming our first residents and creating a thriving community."

“The carefully considered amenity spaces, spacious apartments and ample outdoor areas represent our company ethos - offering our residents spacious, sustainable and well-managed accommodation."

“We are focused on delivering an exceptional and connected resident experience in the BTR sector. We are thrilled to bring this new development to the area, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside our fantastic specialist partners on this project."

The project partners for Rise Homes for Spinners Yard were Clegg Construction, Gresham House, 5Plus, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Dalbergia, Leeds City Council and CBRE.

Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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