Charity Policy Round-Up – September 2026

This month’s news and policy update looks at some important developments across the charity sector, from the future of charity infrastructure to a new Minister for Civil Society and a welcome boost in public support for the RNLI. 

Reach Volunteering’s decision to remain open has highlighted the vital role infrastructure organisations play in supporting charities, while also raising wider questions about how this essential support is funded. Meanwhile, the appointment of Vicky Foxcroft as the new Minister for Civil Society provides an opportunity for the sector to engage with government on issues including sustainable funding, volunteering and the role of civil society. 

There is also some positive news from the RNLI, which has reported a significant increase in donations despite facing hostility towards its volunteers. The response is a reminder of the strength of public support for charities and the people who give their time to help others. 

Read on for the latest news and policy developments affecting the charity sector and what they could mean for your organisation. 

New civil society minister welcomed by sector leaders 

Vicky Foxcroft has been confirmed as the government’s new Minister for Civil Society, replacing Stephanie Peacock. Her responsibilities within the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport include charities, the National Lottery, youth, loneliness and digital inclusion. 

The appointment has been welcomed by sector leaders, who have called for greater clarity about the government’s priorities and for civil society to be treated as a strategic partner. Foxcroft’s brief includes responsibility for the Civil Society Covenant, while Peacock will now lead the Office for the Impact Economy, which brings together charities, businesses, social investors, philanthropists and community leaders. 

For charities, the focus will now be on how these responsibilities translate into action. Recent discussions between Foxcroft and NCVO have included sustainable funding for charities delivering public services, volunteer safety, Gift Aid, charity independence and the importance of strong national and local infrastructure. Read more on the new civil society minister, Vicky Foxcroft, here. 

Infrastructure charities: what Reach’s reversal tells us about the sector 

Reach Volunteering’s decision to remain open after announcing plans to close has highlighted both the value of charity infrastructure and the financial pressures facing organisations that provide vital support to the sector. After Reach announced its closure in September, a group of nine funders and donors came together to provide enough funding to secure its future until the end of 2028. 

Reach’s experience has prompted wider questions about how the infrastructure that supports charities is funded. Infrastructure organisations provide advice, training, research, volunteering opportunities and other services that help charities strengthen their work, but much of this support is funded through earned income, memberships and paid services. When charities themselves are under financial pressure, they may have less capacity to invest in this support, creating further pressure on the organisations they rely on. 

The response to Reach shows what can happen when funders work together, but it also raises questions about whether organisations should have to reach the brink of closure before their value is recognised. For charities and funders, it is an opportunity to think more broadly about the role of infrastructure, including the value of longer-term and unrestricted funding and support that goes beyond individual grants. Read DSC’s articles on why infrastructure matters and what Reach’s experience can tell us about the wider sector. 

RNLI sees significant increase in donations despite abuse of volunteers 

The RNLI has reported a “significant” increase in donations and welcomed new supporters following a difficult period in which its staff and volunteers have faced abuse and protests over its role in rescuing people attempting to cross the English Channel. The charity said it had also received messages from some people withdrawing their support, but the overall response included a notable rise in donations. 

The response highlights the continued public support for the RNLI’s lifesaving work and the volunteers who deliver it. The charity has reiterated that its role is to save lives at sea, regardless of nationality, and that its crews respond to requests from the coastguard. The RNLI has also taken additional steps to protect staff and volunteers following incidents of online and physical abuse. 

The story is a reminder of the strength of public support that can emerge when volunteers and organisations come under pressure. It also highlights the importance of making sure staff and volunteers have the support and protection they need to continue their work safely. 

For charities facing racism, hostility or hate, knowing how to respond can be difficult. Our Charities Against Hate resource looks at practical ways charities can respond to racism, support their people and communities, and stand up against hate.  Take a look here. 

Don’t want to miss a monthly update? Follow us on LinkedIn here or sign up to our newsletter!