April Policy Update
Here's some news from around the charity sector.
Welcome to your monthly roundup of key policy updates and developments across the charity sector.
In this edition, we explore a new report from the Charity Commission on trustees, a government consultation on financial thresholds, the latest wave of the VCSE Barometer Survey, and an important update on Martyn’s Law.
New research sheds light on trustees’ experiences and diversity
The Charity Commission, in partnership with Pro Bono Economics, has released findings from a new survey examining trustee motivations, demographics, and skills. Drawing on over 2,000 responses, the research highlights that most trustees feel very positive about their role and eight in ten would recommend it to others. Many also report good relationships with staff, volunteers, and fellow board members.
However, the findings also show little progress on board diversity since the Commission’s last report in 2017. While gender parity has improved (from 36% to 43% women), the average age of trustees has risen to 65–69, and 54% are retired. Trustees from ethnic minority backgrounds remain underrepresented at 8%, compared to 17% in the general population, though the gap narrows among trustees under 60 (16% vs. 21%).
The full report offers a glimpse into the motivations behind why people govern charities. Read it here.
If you’re interested in EDI and governance (or governance generally), check out this report we published from submissions to our Governance App.
DCMS consultation: Should charity thresholds rise with inflation?
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has opened a 10-week consultation following the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations. They’re seeking views on whether 21 financial thresholds in charity law should be adjusted, either in line with inflation, partially, or remain unchanged.
These thresholds cover five key areas: registration, reporting and accounting, fundraising, other regulatory matters, and changes under the Charities Act 2022. With rising costs and shifting sector dynamics, the government is inviting sector-wide input on the potential impact of these changes.
While the government has recommended that the registration threshold should remain unchanged, your feedback is vital in shaping a fair and functional regulatory framework for the future.
Click here for more information and to take part.
Latest VCSE Barometer Survey now open
The VCSE Data and Insights Observatory at Nottingham Trent University has launched the 10th wave of its Barometer Survey. This round focuses on workplace wellbeing, an increasingly urgent issue, as burnout continues to affect the sector.
The survey takes just 15-20 minutes to complete (even less if you’ve responded before), and your insights help build a stronger picture of the sector’s health. The survey is open from Wednesday 30 April to Wednesday 21 May.
Martyn’s Law receives Royal Assent
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, was passed on this month on Thursday 3 April. This new legislation is designed to improve safety in public venues and is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.
The law introduces new requirements for venue security, though a 24-month implementation period will give organisations time to prepare. While smaller charities are unlikely to be affected, larger ones that operate venues for over 200 people will need to comply with the new requirements.
Learn more about what Martyn’s Law means for your organisation here.
