Smith and Williamson: We need to talk about reserves

Charity income is meant to be spent on the charity’s objects to benefit the charity’s beneficiaries. The current rule of thumb is charities should not hoard reserves in order for the charity to continue in perpetuity or to allow trustees to sleep better. In fact, there is a strong argument that high levels of reserves can lead to complacency and poor financial practices, such as allowing long credit terms to those who owe the charity money. Yet for many charities, their high reserves have offered a much needed safety blanket when the pandemic blindsided the sector in March 2020. 
 
How many of us feel we have a strong reserves policy?
 
Do we have a sufficient level of reserves?
 
Do funders need to change their approach to charity reserves?
 
How can charities make their reserves work harder?
  
In this workshop, we will seek the views of a range of leaders on what needs to change when considering charity reserves.
 
Speakers: 

Chris O’Neill, Smith and Williamson

Frances McCandless, CCNI

Kate Beggs, National Lottery Community Fund 

Declan Cunnane, Chest Heart Stroke

You will be sent a separate link to the workshop prior to the day. 

If you still need to register for a workshop please contact Nichola - nichola@co3.bz

Workshops are only available to those who have booked a place at the Conference.