Survey aims to find the optimum spot between charity culture and financial health

Charity leaders and trustees from across the country are being encouraged to participate in a survey designed to throw light on the challenges of juggling financial sustainability, culture and delivering outcomes in the UK’s 185,000 registered charities.

The research follows a presentation at the Charity Finance Group’s Annual Conference in June 2025 when Sharon Bell, chief executive of Services For Education – a £7m turnover charity delivering music tuition to children, and expert training and development to teaching and school support staff – delivered a seminar on creating a culture that values both financial resilience and long-term impact.

“The seminar resulted in a lively discussion with most charity leaders appearing to agree that maintaining financial control whilst delivering activities and positive outcomes is one of the most demanding tasks they face - but there appears to be little research to throw light on how it is best achieved,” said Sharon (pictured) who is also a trustee of Renew Wellbeing, a charity that partners with local churches to create safe, cafe-style ‘wellbeing spaces’ for mental and emotional support.

The survey - which can take less than ten minutes to complete - examines leadership priorities, current areas of pressure and whether a shift in focus has led to significant change in the respondent’s organisation.

The survey aims to help leaders of charities of all sizes, to better meet the challenges of balancing short-term needs with longer-term sustainability whilst meeting their principal aims.

“Organisational culture is critical in navigating challenges, whether we lead paid teams or a volunteer army.

“How do leaders create an environment where people flourish and remain passionate about their mission while ensuring that the team understand issues around sustainability - including financial, resilience and long-term success?” said Sharon who is also speaking on the issue in a workshop called ‘Harmony or Headache’ at ICAEW’s Charities Conference, on 22 and 23 January, 2026.

“I am hopeful that charity leaders and trustees will take time to both complete the survey and give this issue further thought, prior to there being a round-table discussion on the issues raised.”

The survey, which closes in mid-2026, is available online.

Participants can elect to receive a copy of the results and volunteer to join in follow-up discussions.