The operating environment for charities has become less benign in recent years. Changes in state funding for charities, the need for more diverse and creative income generation and concerns about executive pay, fundraising practices and the governance of some high-profile charities have all led to a perception that public trust in the sector is in decline. While individual donor engagement remains buoyant, front page headlines and stories in the media detailing apparently unsavoury charity behaviour and culture have highlighted a lack of public confidence. A small number of charities have contributed to this perceived decline in public trust, making operations more difficult for the majority of charities, which quietly go about business helping their beneficiaries.
