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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Jul 16, 2025
2 min read

London Gatwick has further expanded its African network with the launch of Kenya Airways’ new direct service to Nairobi. The route, starting July 3, marks the only non-stop connection between London Gatwick and the Kenyan capital.

The new service is a key milestone in London Gatwick’s strategy to enhance connectivity with high-growth markets across Africa, with the airport now serving 19 destinations across the continent. It follows the introduction of routes by Ethiopian Airlines and Uganda Airlines, strengthening the airport’s role as a gateway for trade, tourism and investment between the UK and Africa.

The Nairobi route will provide onward connections to more than 40 destinations across Africa such as Johannesburg – home to the continent’s largest stock exchange - the white sands of the Seychelles and Zanzibar, and mountain treks at Kilimanjaro, supporting business and leisure travellers.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to welcome this new service from Kenya Airways, providing a vital route to Nairobi and onward connectivity across the region."

“Following the recent addition of flights between London Gatwick and Uganda, alongside the existing service to Ethiopia, the new Kenya Airways route further demonstrates our commitment to growing connectivity across the region. It also shows the growing demand for key long-haul services from London Gatwick and the breadth of opportunity for the South East and beyond.”

Allan Kilavuka, Group MD and CEO, Kenya Airways, said: “This inaugural flight to London Gatwick is not just about adding a new destination; it's about opening more doors for trade, tourism, education and strengthening the vital connections between Kenya and the UK."

Lord Collins, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, said: "The launch of the new, first-of-its-kind direct flight between Kenya and London Gatwick is fantastic news - bringing a welcome boost to tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections between our two countries."

"The flight represents further evidence of our strengthening partnership for economic growth."

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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