FSP Charities and Not for Profit Podcast: Recent Episodes
FSP Charities and Not for Profit Podcast
At Field Seymour Parkes, we build pragmatic legal solutions and lasting relationships to support our clients in business and as individuals.We've been based in Reading and the Thames Valley for over 30 years and over that time we have been committed to supporting the local community.This podcast will reflect that, looking at our work with charities and not for profits with the goal being to connect, inspire & inform.
On Wednesday 2nd November 2022, our head of charities and not-for- profit Ruo Wu co-hosted a seminar with William Hopkin [see bio below] on “The Charities Act 2022: What’s to come?. They discussed and shared tips on new charity registrations as well as a first look at the new Charities Act 2022 and the impact this will have on existing and new charities.
Bio:
William Hopkin is a leading charity specialist at the Bar. His clients include national charities, philanthropists, schools and universities, public bodies, specialist organisations and ancient foundations.
*William was co-chair of the Charity Law Association ['CLA'] Annual Conference in 2017 and 2018. He has sat on the CLA's Executive Committee and chaired a number of sector working parties.
Note:
This webinar is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. For advice on the new Charities Act 2022 or any of the issues discussed in the webinar please contact, head of charities and not-for-profit, Ruo Wu: ruo.wu@fsp-law.com*
In this charities and not-for-profit podcast episode, Ruo Wu had an inspiring discussion with Jon Yates (the joint CEO of the Berkshire Community Foundation (alongside Gerry Lejune OBE)). Amongst covering other illuminating topics, they spoke about how the charity provides millions of pounds to local charities.
In this Charities and Not-for-Profit Podcast episode, Ruo Wu had an animated discussion with Louise Gilmour, trustee and Chair of Rabble Theatre. They spoke about how the charity provides educational opportunities for all, from its weekly Young Company and Get Up On Stage adult acting school, to masterclasses and holiday workshops, covering an exceptional range of theatre skills. They also discussed:
- Louise’s journey with the charity, being inspired by “Matilda, the Empress” , the then Guardian Readers top 20 show for the year;
- high level productions -often new writing based and set in Reading and contemporary stories;
- how the charity serves people in and around Reading, with the mission to find a space for people to feel at home;
- impressive audience engagement throughout and post-covid;
- the importance of diversity for the charity & gender flipped Hamlet show;
- work with the Young Company and Abbey School;
- Rabble Hardship Fund with support from Reading Councill;
- the recent 3 summer school programmes for young people;
- upcoming work with John Madejski Academy and Reading Girl’s School to deliver weekly after school clubs throughout the academic year;
- launching “Finding Reading Festival” and planning the charity’s own new show; and
- celebrating Rabble’s upcoming fund matching event - The Big Give, which will be 29th November to 6th December and the link will be on their website (https://rabbletheatre.com/ ), and the Launchpad Reading’s “The Big Sleep Out” at the Abbey Ruins on Saturday 8th October (https://launchpadreading.org.uk/big-sleep-out-at-reading-abbey-ruins/) and Dingley’s Promise’s plans to expand with a new centre to support children and their families across Newbury and the surrounding area. They currently have the opportunity to receive 1:5 match funding for donations to this project, so if are interested to make a difference, please contact jo.evans@dingley.org.uk.
In this charities and not-for-profit podcast episode, Ruo Wu was touched following her discussion with Tamara Lowe, founder The Cricket Kindness Project. They spoke about how the project uses cricket as a humanitarian vehicle to support communities all over the world.
In this charities and not-for-profit podcast episode, Ruo was inspired following her discussion with Laura Brooks, Head of Adult Services at Sport in Mind. They spoke about the charity’s incredible community based projects to exploring how their creative adverts ended up on Reading buses!
In this episode, Ruo met with Ben Wood, co-founder & co-curator of the Mobile Phone Museum charity. They celebrated the charity’s humble beginnings, its exciting current and future plans, and discussed how the charity has now come to acquire arguably the most authoritative collection of mobile phones in the world.
In this episode, Ruo was deeply inspired following her discussion with founder and CEO Ross Green at the Canadian registered charity Music Seeds International. They spoke about how the charity empowers the youth and those affected by war, poverty, and disease through music as well as its future plans to help Ukrainian refugees.
An insightful discussion with Launchpad Reading's Head of Marketing & Fundraising Kirsti Wilson on the charity’s holistic way of preventing homelessness, providing vital information and support for individuals, couples and families who don’t have a stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home.
A captivating discussion with co-founder of Ethical Reading, Gurprit Singh, on, amongst other things, the importance of ethics and inspiration behind starting Ethical Reading, as an agent of positive change.
A penetrating & raw discussion with Chief Executive Jeremy Sandell and Chair of Trustees Cheryl Coppell on the wide-reaching impact of CAEB and their combined 65+ years of working in the public and third sectors.
An enlightening & informative discussion with Rewati Raman Dhakal, founder of the Nepal Centre for Philanthropy and Development.
A fascinating discussion with Felipe Alviar-Baquero, exploring his invaluable trustee role on one of the UK’s largest charity working exclusively in Colombia (which is celebrating 30 years) & his appearance on The Apprentice where he tried to instil and impart his love for entrepreneurship to the younger generation.
An illuminating discussion with Bill Feeney, exploring his own experience of running and working for charities and other not for profit entities over the past 22 years.
A penetrating discussion with Chris Norton to examine how to become more mentally fit through the work of Positive Intelligence. We also discussed:- the importance of mental fitness, especially in the wake of Covid;- the science behind mental fitness & positive intelligence;- how to utilise our under-used brains - shifting from survival to thriving brain;- the need to exercise our positive mental muscles for some ‘mental’ gymming;- our brain V an iPhone operating system;- empathy & how to better meet life’s challenges;- the interplay between positive intelligence, IQ & EQ;- the future of the Positive Intelligence project; - celebrating the incredible work of Chemogiftbags, Parenting Special Children’s Twilight challenge, and the informative Barclays quarterly charity special podcast.
An empowering touching discussion with two inspiring individuals, who in the face of adversity have set up this not for profit company to help young children to deal with everyday dangers.
A strikingly touching discussion, celebrating the work of Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust, who is making a positive difference for all through sport, physical activity and learning. We also discussed:Bringing business mentality into making the charity profitable & successful;Celebrity backing from the late Graham Taylor, Rita Taylor and Elton John;Pioneered programmes for football players to serve their local community to improve wellbeing, education and social inclusion;Pivoting charitable activities during Covid such as turning Watford Football ground into a sanctuary for NHS front-line staff;Celebrating Watford FC’s promotion into the premier league & the entry of Watford FC Women into the FA Women’s Championships;Social inclusion programmes to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and supporting community cohesion;Launch of the ground-breaking Foundation Degree programme (FdA Football Development and Coaching) in partnership with Middlesex University;Watford FC players acting as a source of inspiration to children and young adults;‘Golden Memories’ programme to help those living with dementia and their carers; andCelebrating the incredible upcoming charitable event Reading legal walk Monday 12th July 2021.
An enlivening interview with director Leon Hady of Guide Education Ltd which creates products, many of which are free that supports and provides high quality lifelong learning opportunities globally.
We also discussed:
- how Guide Education Ltd compares with the likes of Teach First and Khan Academy;
- using and piloting deep fake technology and machine learning to educate in a motivational and inspiring way in rural India;
- building scale and nurturing trust;- soft power & regulation in education;
- free resources such as other Guide Education Ltd’s Tuition Kit, Home Schooling, Parent Online Course, Guide Teacher Development & how these are funded;
- comparing education systems in the West and East;
- creating world teacher standards; and
- celebrating the incredible upcoming charitable event Reading legal walk Monday 12th July 2021 and PACT.
The current pandemic has led more of us to pause and think about our place in the universe and the impact of our actions on the natural world. With the mission to regenerate the inter-connectedness of all things, to create opportunities to empower and restore socio-ecological resilience and the balance between humankind and nature for a just and healthy planet, Ruo Wu (Head of Charities and not-for-profit, Field Seymour Parkes LLP) had a very heartening discussion with Roelie Kloppers, the Chief Executive, Lauren Van Nijkerk, Director of Campaigns & Communications and Buyi Makhoba - Dlamini, Deputy Director of Communications & Fundraising at WILDTRUST. The podcast also explores:- climate change mitigation, marine conservation and healthy oceans;using simple low-tech solutions to restore our land and sea;- helping communities to adapt to the visible impact of climate change;- how to protect endangered species such as a Rhino or lion;- helping youths as our future and stewards of our planet;- conducting vital research on the vessel Angra Pequena to learn about our ocean environment;- the Marine Protected Area Expansion Campaign ‘OCEAN IMPACT’ (see www.oceanimpact.co.za & https://oceanimpact.co.za/sa10percentappeal/ for further info);- the ‘SHARK ATTACK CAMPAIGN’ and increasing protection for sharks and rays in South Africa ( see www.sharkattackcampaign.co.za; @Sharkattackcamapaign) - and the episode also celebrates some fundraising endeavours - Wildtrust’s endangered species adoption programme, The Comrades Marathon, Sadka, CIRDIC & Smartworks Reading.
An inspirational interview with Grace Gomez who went from being homeless to become chief executive of New Beginnings, an inspiring homelessness and relief of poverty charity. Gloria and Ruo Wu (Head of Charities and not-for-profit, Field Seymour Parkes LLP) have a heart-to-heart discussion on the fantastic work the charity is doing in offering not only free clothing, food, but also compassion for those in need. They also discuss ways in which the charity is removing stigma attached to those asking for help, where in the end if someone were to peer through the charity’s window, it would be hard for them to tell who was the volunteer and who was the ‘disadvantaged’. This podcast exemplifies what can be achieved through compassion, sheer determination and faith.
We also discussed:
- how the charity helps address the real shame which is not asking for help, but where there is no help when help is needed;
- the virtuous cycle of those receiving a hand and wanting to lend a hand;
- how the charity helps those falling through the state net;
- the ‘JAM’ (Just About Managing) families & the perception of who the ‘disadvantaged’ really are;
- and celebrated the charity’s amazing volunteers and;
- the incredible work of Alana House, ReadiFood and our FSP’s very own ultimate team cycling challenge between 1st to 8th March cycling a collective 500 miles to raise money for the registered charity Smart Works and our plans to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day by interviewing the chief executive of the registered charity Berkshire Women’s Aid in our next episode.
Discussions with Ruth Pearse and Tess Eagles of the registered charity Parenting Special Children. In this podcast we also explore: - impact of lockdown.3 on parents and children with additional needs- converting passion into action- workshops & support groups to help stressed, sleep deprived and struggling parents & kinship carers- funding & virtual balloon race- useful Charity Commission guidance & updates and celebrating The Cowshed, Royal Voluntary Service’s ‘Hour of Need Programme’ & Sean’s Going the Xtra Mile for the NHS fundraising efforts.
A magnificently visible charity tackling visible differences: on Changing Faces, homelessness & our keyworkers In this podcast, Ruo Wu (charities and not for profit lawyer at Field Seymour Parkes) speaks to Susan Harrison. Susan is Deputy Incident Director of the London COVID-19 Homeless Health Response Cell (HHRC) at the Healthy London Partnership and trustee of the registered charity Changing Faces.They explore:- mental health and the effect of wearing face masks for people with a visible difference- adapting in the current climate- funding and trustee duties- useful Charity Commission guidance and updates- combating homelessness- social care and employment opportunities -and celebrating fundraising endeavours for the international charity Play Action International Susan Harrison has over 35 years' experience of working with individuals, groups and systems in the public and independent sectors in the UK. She has held senior operational, strategic, governance and regulatory roles in health, housing, social care and charitable organisations in London.She returned from retirement to working in the NHS during the pandemic as the Deputy Director for the London homeless health Covid 19 response. She is a Trustee at Changing Faces, a primary school governor and a lay research ethicist.
In this special extended episode, Alison, Jolanda, Khadeja from the Bromley By Bow Centre speak to Ruo Wu (charities and not for profit lawyer at Field Seymour Parkes) about working at this inspiring and internationally renowned charity.
We also discussed:
what it is like to work in one of the most socio-economically deprived boroughs in the UK
how to utilise opportunities in the current climate
the charity’s pioneering ‘community referral’ (a.k.a ‘social prescribing’) scheme
combating isolation, mental health, and fostering better community integration
the generosity of current funders
how to transition into working in the 3rd sector and celebrated the charity’s birthday and some charity fundraising endeavours and success stories
Discussions with chief executives Julie Green from The R L Glasspool Charity Trust (Glasspool) and Donal Watkin from The Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO). In this podcast, Ruo Wu's guests Julie and Donal discuss silver linings in the current climate, how they fund and provide unwavering help and support to individuals & charities. We also explore: - Glasspool and ACO’s wide reach and assistance- funder collaboration & innovation- creative campaigns to help the charity sector- use of charity reserves & financial planning- astute charity initiatives & useful charity resources- changing landscape of grant-giving- and celebrating some charity success stories About Julie:Julie has worked as a grant-maker, bid-writer, strategist and project manager for the last 25 years. In that time she has worked for Greenwich and Lambeth Councils, Opportunities for Volunteering, The Camelot Foundation, MS Society and HCT Group (a transport social enterprise).She has also held a number of voluntary positions. She was the treasurer of a YMCA hostel and a school governor for a primary school. She was the co-founder of Queens Boundary Community, an initiative set up in 2012 to develop community cohesion in a neighbourhood in Walthamstow. She currently volunteers at Eat or Heat, a foodbank in Waltham Forest and is a trustee of the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO), the national umbrella body for Trusts and Foundations that give discretionary grants and welfare support to individuals in need. She combines her interest in theatre and opera with the drama that is the life of the football fan. About Donal:Donal Watkins is Chief Executive of the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO), the national umbrella body for charities that provide grants and welfare support to individuals in need. ACO encourage collaboration and best practice between grant making charities through the sharing of knowledge and resources to meet shared challenges. Donal began his career with not for profit organisations in Northern Ireland and the U.S. before moving to the U.K. professional services sector. There he worked with organisations ranging from the CBI to global professional services networks, developing and supporting their growth and encouraging greater collaboration levels between members, before moving into the charity sector. He is also a trustee of both Mid-Kent MIND and Borden Grammar School in Sittingbourne.
In this episode, FSP's Ruo Wu speaks to Olivia Percival, Advice and Information Manager at Liberty (National Council for Civil Liberties)They talk about human rights issues in the current climate and Liberty’s advice and information service. They also explore:
• Liberty’s innovative and new approach for delivering legal advice and information
• adapting in the current climate
• BLM movement and protestor rights
• collaboration tips
• and celebrate some success stories of charities