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 28, 2023
2 min read

Mulberry Homes is extending its existing Key Workers scheme to include employees who work at Magna Park business park, close to its Kingsbury Park development in Lutterworth.

Kingsbury Park is a stunning development comprised of beautifully designed two, three and four-bedroom homes, located off Coventry Road in the heart of one of Leicestershire’s most sought-after market towns.

Magna Park is home to a number of leading names in logistics, retail and ecommerce.

Employees of the businesses on site who reserve a Mulberry home on or before Sunday 18th June can now benefit from the Key Workers scheme, which previously applied only to people who work in local schools, hospitals, doctor’s surgeries, emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance) and armed forces personnel.

As part of the scheme, Mulberry Homes will contribute £500 for every £25,000 spent towards a new Mulberry home, up to the value of £12,000. The contribution can be put towards Stamp Duty, a flooring package, legal or mortgage broker fees, or specification upgrades in the chosen home*.

Kerry Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Mulberry Homes, said: “We have always been very proud to offer a wide range of offers and incentives to help people find the perfect Mulberry home for them. We are delighted to be extending our Key Worker scheme to employees at Magna Park, to help them connect with an exceptional high-quality home within convenient and easy reach of their place of work.”

Lutterworth is host to an array of enthralling leisure activities, including a cricket club, golf course and Manic Minors Adventure Playground.

Families settling into their forever home at the development will be welcomed with highly-rated educational options for all ages, such as Lutterworth High School and Lutterworth College.

Perfectly positioned between the A5 and the M1, committed commuters have excellent transport links, with the connecting A4303 acting as the gateway to both major roads. The motorway being less than a mile away is a real asset for working professionals needing to travel.

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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