The British Charity Awards and The Charity Power 100 serve as a reminder of the outstanding talent and ambition that exists within the UK and plays a significant role in showcasing some of Britain’s highest achieving charity and third sector organisations and their leadership teams.
THE BRITISH MARK FOR EXCEPTIONAL ORGANISATIONS & LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE CHARITY SECTOR
The British Mark for Exceptional Organisations and Leadership is both a seal of approval and the benchmark achievement for the charity and third sector’s highest performing charities. It is a standard of excellence, an agreed rating for organisations who are doing something exceptionally well.
The basis for the Exceptional Organisations and Leadership Five-Star Mark provides a detailed look at a charity, enabling identification of which organisations are the best in their specific sector, taking into account projects delivered, donor satisfaction, quality standards, employee satisfaction, sustainability and best practice. For an organisation to be shortlisted, its programs and its impact must extend further than the basics. The selection criteria looks at important factors that a charity with a solid foundation
in the core criteria might target to advance to a higher level of
performance and recognition.
A GAME CHANGING GLOBAL INITIATIVE
Four unique opportunities in one high profile initiative to celebrate the best of British charity and third sector organisations.
This high-impact global campaign positions the UK as a world leader in Charity and Third sector innovation, leadership, and influence. It features four interlinked initiatives, each celebrating and connecting the people and organisations driving British Charitable excellence forward:
The Exceptional Organisations and Leadership Five Star Mark – A symbol of excellence awarded to organisations demonstrating outstanding achievements within the charity sector.
The Charity & Third sector Power 100 – A definitive guide to the UK’s most influential Charity & Third Sector leaders, Game changers, Gatekeepers and Power Brokers.
The British Charity Awards – A prestigious event bringing together senior leaders to honour excellence and strengthen connections across the Charity ecosystem.
The UK Charity Parliamentary Report – A strategic publication engaging key UK and international decision-makers to highlight the opportunities and impact of British charities worldwide.
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THE CHARITY & THIRD SECTOR POWER 100
The Rainmakers and Game Changers within the British Charity Sector
The Charity & Third Sector Power 100 recognises the most influential leaders and organisations shaping the future of the UK’s charity landscape. This prestigious list honours individuals and teams who are driving innovation, implementing transformative strategies, and delivering impactful solutions across the sector. It celebrates those individuals whose outstanding contributions are setting new standards across the UK charity and third sector.
At the core of this list are the true game changers, individuals whose vision, leadership, and expertise not only push boundaries, but also shape their sectors, influence political discourse, and spark fresh ideas. Their impact reaches far beyond the UK, propelling British charities onto the global stage and cementing the UK’s reputation as a leader in charitable innovation.
Power 100 is a recognition of those organisations and individuals whose vision and leadership are propelling the rise of Global Britain across the world.
THE BRITISH MARK FOR CHARITY EXCELLENCE
The Exceptional Organisations and Leadership Five-Star Mark represents a rigorous, in-depth evaluation of the highest-performing organisations in the charity sector. This comprehensive assessment examines key areas including service, quality, donor satisfaction, employee engagement, sustainability, environmental impact, and adherence to sector best practices.
To earn a place on the shortlist, organisations must demonstrate excellence that goes beyond the norm, showcasing innovation, forward-thinking leadership, and a transformative impact within their field.
The British Mark for Exceptional Organisations & Leadership offers a powerful lens into the charities and individuals redefining the UK’s nonprofit landscape and setting new standards for excellence.
THE BRITISH CHARITY AWARDS
The British Charity Awards celebrate the trailblazers, innovators, and organisations that are reshaping the Charity sector within the UK and beyond. These are the individuals and companies who, through vision, resilience, and groundbreaking solutions, are driving deep-rooted change and setting new benchmarks of excellence within the industry. From disruptors to industry leaders, these game changers are creating lasting legacies and proving themselves on both the national and international stage.
The British Charity Awards Reception will be the most anticipated event in the UK’s Charity & Third Sector calendar, bringing together senior power brokers, leading organisations, and influential decision-makers. Attendees will not only celebrate their achievements but also have the unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow within an exclusive network of like-minded pioneers and thought leaders.
THE UK CHARITY PARLIAMENTARY REPORT
The UK Charity Parliamentary Report is the ultimate showcase of the UK’s game-changers. This high-impact, high-quality report celebrates excellence, innovation, and leadership across the charity and third sectors within the UK.
The UK Charity Parliamentary Report offers a premier platform for the UK’s most innovative, high-growth organisations by shining a spotlight on their remarkable success stories while delving into the challenges they navigate in today’s dynamic fundraising landscape. Each organisation featured in The UK Charity Parliamentary Report shares inspiring narratives of success, resilience, and the pivotal decisions that have shaped their remarkable journeys.
The UK Charity Parliamentary Report publication will provide an unparalleled look into the heart of Britain’s charity & third sector powerbase, especially focusing on those organisations that hold a transformative influence within their sectors. This project promises to deliver a fascinating and revealing exploration of where true power lies within the British charity sector.
THE CHARITY & THIRD
SECTOR POWER 100
THE GAMECHANGERS & RAINMAKERS POWERING THE RISE OF THE UK CHARITY SECTOR
THE GAMECHANGERS & RAINMAKERS POWERING THE RISE OF THE UK CHARITY SECTOR
THE BRITISH MARK
FOR CHARITY EXCELLENCE
AWARDED TO THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL CHARITY ORGANISATIONS & LEADERSHIP TEAMS WITHIN BRITAIN.
AWARDED TO THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL CHARITY ORGANISATIONS & LEADERSHIP TEAMS WITHIN BRITAIN.
BRITISH CHARITY AWARDS
RECOGNISING THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OF CHARITY & THIRD SECTOR PIONEERS TO THE SECTOR AND PROMOTING THE BEST OF UK CHARITABLE PROJECTS GLOBALLY
RECOGNISING THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OF CHARITY & THIRD SECTOR PIONEERS TO THE SECTOR AND PROMOTING THE BEST OF UK CHARITABLE PROJECTS GLOBALLY
UK CHARITY
PARLIAMENTARY REPORT
AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE UK CHARITY SECTOR AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRITAIN AS A CENTRE OF CHARITY & THIRD SECTOR EXCELLENCE.
AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THE UK CHARITY SECTOR AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRITAIN AS A CENTRE OF CHARITY & THIRD SECTOR EXCELLENCE.
A £96 BILLION SECTOR
The UK charity sector is a cornerstone of civil society, comprising over 184,874 registered charities and contributing significantly to the economy and social welfare. Despite facing financial challenges, the sector remains resilient and continues to evolve. In the 2023–24 period, the total income of registered charities was £96 billion, with total expenditure at £94 billion
BRITAIN LEADS THE WORLD IN CHARITY EXCELLENCE
1
UK CHARITY
THE GROWTH OF THE UK CHARITY SECTOR
2
GAMECHANGERS
THE LEADING CHARITIES WITHIN THE UK
3
CHARITY REVENUE
THE GROWTH OF DONATIONS
INCOME
4
CHARITY EMPLOYMENT
THE CHARITY WORKFORCE
WITHIN THE UK
5
DIGITAL FUNDRAISING
THE OPPORTUNITIES OF A NEW DIGITAL AGE
THE GAME CHANGING CHARITY COMPANIES
The United Kingdom has established itself as a global leader in the charity sector, home to a diverse and dynamic ecosystem of charitable organisations that are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from poverty and inequality to climate change and mental health.
Among the standout organisations making significant impact is ShelterBox, which provides emergency shelter to families affected by disaster and conflict worldwide. FareShare, another transformative force, tackles food waste and hunger by redistributing surplus food to charities and community groups across the UK. Mind, a leading mental health charity, continues to change the national conversation around mental health, providing critical support and advocacy for those in need.
Innovative approaches are also being pioneered by organisations like Social Bite, which uses social enterprise to tackle homelessness, and Mermaids, which supports gender-diverse children and their families and advocates for inclusive policy change. Meanwhile, The Trussell Trust, with its nationwide network of food banks, has become a vital safety net for families facing hardship, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.
These organisations, along with a new wave of high-impact charities and social enterprises, are redefining what it means to drive social change. Backed by increased public engagement, strategic partnerships, and growing philanthropic investment, they are not only addressing immediate needs but also influencing systemic reform and long-term policy transformation across the UK and beyond.
THE GROWTH OF DONATION INCOMES
Total sector income (England & Wales) reached £90.3 billion in 2022, with spending at £87.4bn—both showing year-on-year growth.
Public donations and fundraising remain the largest income source at 48%, followed by government funding at 26%, and investments at 9%.
Small and micro-charities make up ~80% of all UK charities but have limited income; micro-charities’ median income is £9,365, while small charities average £106k.
Large charities (over £1 million) make up just 4% of charities but control 83% of total income, relying heavily on public (51%) and government (27%) funds.
Super-major charities (over £100 million) number only ~60 yet account for a massive 83% of sector income, with growing support from voluntary sources.
Charities with over £5 million income represent 75% of total income (~£67.6bn), while those under £100k account for just a fraction.
Income for charities over £500k includes £28.65bn from donations, £49.05bn from charitable activities, and £5.19bn from investments.
Gift Aid relief to charities reached £1.6 billion in 2023–24, contributing to total annual tax reliefs of around £6 billion (including business rates and inheritance relief).
The sector includes about 185,000 registered charities, with 1.29 million staff, 924,000 trustees, and 6.8 million volunteers.
Government grants dropped to £7bn, but contracts increased to £9.3bn, indicating a shift in funding mechanisms.
Small charities are under pressure, seeing minimal income growth (+0.84%) while facing a sharp 8.95% rise in expenditures.
Public generosity rebounded post-Covid, with £13.9bn donated in 2023 and the average monthly donation rising to £65 per giver.
THE CHARITY WORKFORCE WITHIN THE UK
Total Workforce: Approximately 978,000 individuals were employed in the UK voluntary sector in 2024, accounting for about 3% of the nation’s workforce .
Gender Representation: Women continue to dominate the sector, comprising 68% of the workforce, a slight increase from previous years.
Age Distribution: The charity sector has the oldest workforce among UK industries, with 28% of employees aged 55 and over. In contrast, only 6% are under 25, highlighting challenges in attracting younger talent .
Disability Inclusion:The proportion of disabled employees in the charity sector has risen to 28% in December 2023, up from 23% in 2021, surpassing both public and private sectors .
Ethnic Diversity: 13% of charity employees identify as from a Global Majority background, an increase from previous years but still below the UK population average of 18% .
Educational Attainment: : 57.8% of charity sector employees hold a degree or equivalent, higher than the national average of 44% .
Social Mobility: In 2020, 55% of charity sector jobs were held by individuals from more advantaged backgrounds, indicating lower upward social mobility compared to the UK overall .
THE DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY
The top digital priority for charities is building online presence and social media engagement (54% of charities see it as a priority). However, this has decreased significantly from 79% last year to 54% this year.
48% say that growing reach is a priority.
Almost a third (29%) of charities are poor at making the most of their website. This has barely changed since 2023, indicating untapped potential.
A third (31%) say they are poor at website and analytics data.
Nearly a third of charities say their skills are poor (30%) at search engine optimisation (SEO).
Despite volatility on X (formerly Twitter), almost half (48%) are continuing to use social media as they always have.
Just 14% are taking steps to protect staff using social media, only 14% are spending more time monitoring social media (e.g. for misinformation) and a mere 10% have developed their crisis management plans.
THE GROWTH OF THE UK CHARITY SECTOR
The United Kingdom has established itself as a global leader in the charity and third sector, demonstrating remarkable expertise in fundraising, governance, and social innovation. With a deep-rooted culture of giving and a highly professionalised charity workforce, the UK’s non-profit sector continues to set international standards in transparency, efficiency, and impact.
British charities play a vital role in addressing local and global challenges, from poverty alleviation and mental health support to climate action and international development. Their ability to mobilise resources, engage communities, and deliver evidence-based solutions is increasingly seen as a model for other nations.
The charity sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, with an estimated Gross Value Added (GVA) of over £20 billion annually. Employing nearly one million people and supported by millions of volunteers, the sector is a key pillar of civic and economic life. Moreover, innovations in digital fundraising, data use, and cross-sector partnerships are strengthening the sector’s resilience and reach.
Number of Charities : As of January 2025, there are 170,713 registered charities in the UK, with an additional 14,161 linked charities, totalling 184,874 entities.
Income and Expenditure : In the 2023–24 period, the total income of registered charities was £96 billion, with total expenditure at £94 billion.
Economic Contribution: The voluntary sector contributed approximately £18 billion to the UK economy in 2020/21, equating to 0.8% of GDP.
Workforce: The sector employed around 925,000 people in 2023, representing about 3% of the UK workforce.
Volunteers: Approximately 6.7 million people volunteered for charities in the UK.
UK BUSINESS DONATED £4.29 BILLION TO CHARITY IN 2023
In 2023, the UK’s largest FTSE 100 companies contributed a total of £1.82 billion to corporate giving. However, charitable support extends well beyond these major firms. Many smaller businesses across the UK also donate through cash contributions, in-kind support, and employee volunteering. According to research, 25% of UK businesses with an annual turnover of at least £250,000 made charitable donations in the last financial year. Collectively, this group is estimated to have donated £2.26 billion over that period.
UK CHARITY INSIGHT REPORTS
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JOIN OUR GLOBAL BRITAIN CAMPAIGN
In an ever-evolving global landscape, the United Kingdom stands as a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and world-class leadership. The Global Britain Campaign is our bold initiative to promote the very best of British industry, entrepreneurship, and leadership across all sectors, attracting inward investment and encouraging exceptional leaders and visionaries to establish and grow their businesses in the UK.
OUTSTANDING PARTNERSHIP & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PARTNER UP WITH THIS INCREDIBLE INITIATIVE
Sponsorship and Partnership provides an unrivalled opportunity for your organisation to steer this incredible initiative from the outset.
For information on how your organisation can play a part in the UK’s largest Charity & Third Sector initiative, please contact us and let’s build this initiative together.