nfpResearch co-Managing Director, Tim Harrison-Byrne, writes:

On 21 May, the ONS published its latest net migration estimate: 171,000 for the year ending December 2025. That is an 82% fall from the 2023 peak of 944,000. In our nfpIntelligence tracking, public concern about immigration has risen from 17% to 39% over the same period.

On climate, the pattern runs in reverse. Concern peaked at 40% in 2021 and has since fallen to 22%, while the evidence for a worsening climate has only strengthened.

With elections in Scotland and Wales less than a year away – and Northern Ireland to follow in 2027 – now is a timely moment for charities to reflect on how politicians across the UK are engaging with the sector. As manifestos are drafted and campaigning begins to ramp up, it’s worth considering the current attitudes of devolved politicians. Recent surveys we conducted offer a revealing picture: Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Northern Ireland appear to lead the way when it comes to valuing and engaging with charities.

Figure 1: Attitudes towards charities

Bijal Rama

In our most recent webinar, hosted October 8th 2024, we explored the importance of effecti

Tim Harrison-Byrne

Ben Roberts

We all love an underdog story. David besting Goliath, Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League win, or the most culturally significant of all, Rocky beating Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. While the villainous Drago is put through his paces by a team of well-equipped and well-funded Soviet scientists, Rocky meanwhile is chasing chickens, punching slabs of meat, and training in a run-down Philadelphia gym. You’re already humming Eye of the Tiger.

In preparation for what will inevitably be an eventful year for charities, this week our team hosted a free webinar where we explored what to expect for 2024. From changing donor habits, shifting public trust, and an upcoming general election, we believe that it’s never been more important for the sector to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to strategy. We appreciate everyone who was able to join us for our online event, but don’t worry if you couldn’t make it: today we’re sharing our key takeaways from UK Charities: Planning your 2024 strategy. 

Ben Roberts

As we head into the Spring bank holiday – we’re told we can expect some Summer over the next few days – this week we’re recapping some of our top picks for you to read. Check out our coverage, original research, and free reports on the topics that matter to you.

We hope you enjoy!

How comms has changed over the past five years

This guest blog comes from Sarah Clarke of CharityComms, about our collaboration on the 2022 Communications Benchmark Report.

Ben Roberts