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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Jan 26
2 min read

The UK Agri-Tech Centre is excited to announce its dedicated Growth Week from 2-6 February, as part of its ‘Grow Your Own Way; We Mean Business When it Comes to Agri-Tech’ campaign.

The campaign aims to champion pioneering and innovative agri-tech businesses that are redefining the agricultural industry with new solutions, ideas and products to drive economic growth for the agri-tech sector.

As part of the campaign, the UK Agri-Tech Centre recently announced its new FASTA initiative, giving businesses access to a network of technical specialists, industry leaders and sustainable advisors to gain insights and guidance to refine MRV solutions, accelerate commercialisation and grow their business—all through one programme.

In addition, the Centre is introducing its Agri-Tech Solution Sprints, which deliver specialist, expert support to tackle business growth challenges and move innovation closer to market more quickly.

Registrations for the Agri-Tech Solution Sprints open on 9 February for forward-thinking micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

The Growth Week programme combines in-person events, virtual networking and expert-led discussions designed to tackle the challenges and unlock the potential of agri-tech innovation.

It will demonstrate the role of agri-tech in the supply chain as well as exploring international markets, providing insights and practical steps to help businesses succeed.

One element of Growth Week is the opportunity to explore export strategies, focusing on opportunities in the Middle East and New Zealand and sharing practical advice on scaling technology globally.

James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “International demand for high impact agri-tech has never been stronger."

“The Centre provides UK ventures a unique platform to showcase solutions that can also scale globally, opening the door to new export pathways in markets that are actively seeking sustainable, data driven technologies."

“We’re particularly excited to welcome a Canadian delegation to the UK during Growth Week through the Twin Pastures programme; their visit highlights the strength of UK–Canada collaboration and the real opportunity for businesses on both sides to accelerate knowledge exchange, collaboration and commercial growth internationally.”

As part of Growth Week, the UK Agri-Tech Centre will be hosting a networking breakfast at the Dairy Tech event on Wednesday 4 February from 9am, which will include a session on ‘Global Dairy Innovation: Emerging Technologies and Trends from Canada’, from 1.15pm, as well as a session on how to ensure agri-tech is fit for farms at 1.30pm.

Join us online or in person across the week.

Helen Brookes, Engagement Director at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said:

“We really do mean business when it comes to agri-tech. Our ambition is to help the sector to grow through supporting agri-tech businesses; ensuring technology solutions are tested and trialled on-farm to be robust and relevant to meet industry challenges."

“This campaign celebrates the ingenuity and ambition of those in agri-tech who are committed to creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.”

For those who wish to learn more about the new campaign and how the UK Agri-Tech Centre has supported businesses to grow, visit here.

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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