State of the Sector 2020: Why insights and understanding are vital at this critical time for the charity sector

Charities play a vital role in society but they continue to face a challenging funding environment, a higher degree of regulatory oversight and greater scrutiny by the media.

Political and economic uncertainty are rife and the need for the assistance charities can provide is growing all the time. There is increased debate around their role, how they are regulated, the services they provide and the trust placed in them.

This is why we are proud to, once again, co-sponsor New Philanthropy Capital’s State of the Sector 2020 research, at a critical period for charities.

Charities are not all the same, but a rigorous analysis of themes across the sector, which this research will provide, will help us to understand how charities are responding to the challenges around them.

Issues relating to public trust, relationships with funders, diversity and inclusion, as well as the use of technology in the sector, are just some of the topics this research will provide insights into.

We will also be able to track the progress on key issues against the first survey, published in 2017. This will develop a deeper awareness of the journey the charity sector is on, and where it is now.

Getting better insight into the priorities for the charity sector will enable fresh thinking and unlock new opportunities through collaboration and shared understanding. It can also help charities, and wider stakeholders, find practical, evidence-based solutions.

This research also relates to themes we have been exploring in our own PwC Future of Government research, where we have been looking at how to make the UK a fairer place. The charity sector has a key role to play in making that ambition a reality.

Ultimately, to navigate the challenges they face, charities need to be clear about what they do, why their work is important and the difference they make. It has never been more crucial to understand how charities can maximise impact and what the greatest barriers to this are. New Philanthropy Capital’s State of the Sector 2020 research will provide important context and understanding to help frame those conversations.