Welsh Charities Week 2026 – Day 3: Key Characteristics of a Resilient Charity

We are halfway through Welsh Charities Week – if you have not already, remember to show a charity some support this week using the hashtag #WelshCharitiesWeek.

Whilst we are celebrating the successes of Welsh charities this week, it is important to reflect on the foundations of a successful charity. During these difficult times, it is important charities are able to remain resilient – to weather the storm.

Today we are highlighting what we believe to be just some of the key characteristics of a resilient charity.

Strong and effective leadership

Leadership plays an integral role in how well a charity can not only maintain its strength but also seize opportunities. The role of the board of trustees is to provide strategic oversight and ensure legal compliance. Trustees are collectively responsible for decision-making.

In addition, a diverse board with a wide range of skills, experience and perspectives bolsters a charity’s resilience and gives it the best chance of fulfilling its purposes into the future. The Charity Commission has guidance on the importance of getting the right people with the right skills on your charity’s board

Financial resilience

Your charity should have a clear picture of its financial position, including the charity’s budget, current funds, anticipated income and turnover and likely future expenditure. Trustees must be confident that charity money is properly secured, collected safely and managed well. All charity money must be put towards it charitable purposes, so trustees must ensure they are able to comply with the terms of any grants.

Financial resilience can be achieved through regular monitoring and effective budgeting. This in turn may highlight areas in which costs can be minimised or diverted to support the functioning of the charity. Specialist advice can be obtained to help trustees understand the options available to the charity, which may include collaborating or merging with other similar charities.

Accountability and transparency

We know that accountability and transparency are crucial to securing public trust and confidence in the charity sector. Donors, beneficiaries, regulators, and the public must have confidence that your charity is responsible, effective, and ethical.

A high level of transparency provides assurances that resources are being used wisely and appropriately, and that the charity is being organised and managed properly. It can also attract donations and funding to enable the charity to continue its activities. If you have the trust of the public, your stakeholders, and the Charity Commission, your charity is more likely to be resilient.

For advice on all matters of Charity Law and Governance, contact the Geldards Charities Team below.