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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Mar 25, 2024
2 min read

Funerals can now be held in a stunning location among Dorset’s Purbeck Hills thanks to an exclusive partnership. Kingston Country Courtyard has partnered with Douch Family Funeral Directors to offer its 16th century barn for services.

Magnificent views from the location look out over Corfe Castle to Poole Harbour beyond. With people’s expectations of funerals developing, this partnership provides a memorable location for final farewells.

Kingston Country Courtyard is a hotel with fine dining and hosts a variety of events. Its facilities are now available for those organising funerals through any of Douch Family Funeral Directors’ branches.

Malcolm Green, manager of the James Smith branch in Swanage, said:

“People’s expectations and choices are changing. This has accelerated since Covid and our new partnership offers people a place where the service and wake can be held in the same, stunning place."

"The burial or cremation will usually take place privately at a separate location either after or before the funeral and this is becoming a more common choice. Many people request that their funerals be held in a specific place and we aim to cater for them."

“The facilities at Kingston Country Courtyard are superb including audio-visual equipment. While James Smith and the Albert Marsh branches are closest we expect clients from all our branches to be interested in holding a funeral at this location.”

Tony Edwards, director of Kingston Country Courtyard, said:

“We host a variety of events and welcome the partnership with the funeral group. Our 16th century barn can accommodate gatherings of 140 seated or 175 for a buffet. We have 26 rooms and our location is between Swanage and Wareham in the Purbeck Hills.”

Douch Family Funeral Directors has branches in Wimborne, Parkstone, Swanage, Wareham, Blandford, Corfe Mullen and Ferndown.

Malcolm Green from James Smith Funeral Directors in Swanage, Emma Byron from Albert Marsh Funeral Directors in Wareham and Tony Edwards, director of Kingston Country Courtyard.

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Roundtable Gives Charity Bosses Chance To Discuss New Fundraising Rules

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