In this episode of DSC's Charity Questions Podcast, George sits down with two leading experts on philanthropy: Professor Beth Breeze, Principal of Harris Manchester College, and Theresa Lloyd, renowned adviser and researcher on major donor giving. Together they unpack the secrets behind attracting and sustaining support from wealthy individuals — and why it’s not about persuasion, but partnership.From exploring how to align values and passions, to overcoming the awkwardness of 'the ask', Beth an...
Nov 10, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode, George Knight is joined by charity consultant Rob Avann, who brings a rare perspective from having been a grant assessor, commissioner, trustee and CEO. Together, they dive into the world of fundraising and grant applications, exposing the common mistakes that can sink a bid and how to make yours stand out. Rob shares practical tips on building credibility, the importance of relationships with funders, and why listening to feedback is pure gold.But it doesn’t stop there. The con...
Sep 16, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Is artificial intelligence the sector’s new secret weapon or just another buzzword to worry about? In this lively chat, DSC’s George Knight sits down with Dan Such, Director of Innovation at CAST, to unpack how charities, social enterprises and funders can put people at the centre of the digital revolution.Dan shares his journey from the classroom to leading CAST’s mission of amplifying civil‑society voices in tech, explains why an "AI intern" might be the most helpful (and cheapest) hire you ma...
Jul 09, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 5
What happens when a career in conservation meets a calling in counselling? This week on the Charity Questions Podcast, George sits down with Mike Winstanley, Head of South and West Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, to explore the powerful intersections of ecology, eco-therapy and empathy.Mike reflects on his journey from birdwatching with his brother as a teenager to restoring rivers and now leading wildlife recovery efforts across Yorkshire. With anecdotes from decades in the field, in...
Jun 16, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode George talks with Rebecca Pooley, Talent Partner (and Founder) at RP Connections. RP Connections is a recruitment firm, specialises in assisting smaller purpose-driven organisations, such as charities and social enterprises, with their hiring needs. From how AI is affecting recruiting processes, to tips for offering better job offers and tips for those who are also looking for employment, if you are in one of these processes, you can't miss this episode! Remember to send us your ...
Apr 24, 2025•49 min
In this episode George talks with Janine Booth. She is a multifaceted individual, identifying as a Marxist, trade unionist, and socialist-feminist. She is an author, poet, speaker, and tutor. Janine is also a RMT ex-Executive member, affiliated with Workers' Liberty, and describes herself as Autie and Bi, as well as being a PUFC fan. Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Jan 24, 2025•33 min
Like every September for the last 3 years, we've had a new season of Charity Questions Podcast! In this first episode, George had the chance to speak with Sam Jayasuriya, author of The Change Flywheel and a coach who has worked as head teacher for 20 years. Don't miss out on Sam's coaching model and how it can help leaders in the charity sector create meaningful change. Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Sep 11, 2024•35 min
Struggling to hit your fundraising goals? This new episode is packed with actionable tips to help you take your fundraising to the next level! Michelle Benson, a seasoned fundraising professional, shares her insights. Learn how to: Turn Donors into Advocates: Discover the power of relationship building and how to cultivate loyal donors who become your biggest cheerleaders. Quality over Quantity: Focus on building strong relationships with a smaller group of donors rather than chasing a large num...
Jun 28, 2024•44 min
In this episode, George talks with AI expert Helen Olszowska and dives deep into the impact of AI on the charity sector. Here's a glimpse of what we learn: A Gap Between Sectors: While the commercial sector embraces AI, charities lag behind due to concerns about data privacy, transparency, and limited resources. Unlocking Potential: AI offers incredible opportunities for charities. Imagine using AI to analyze data for better fundraising strategies or automating tasks to free up staff time for im...
May 31, 2024•40 min
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, on this episode, George had the chance to speak with Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, the UK's leading mental health charity. In the episode, Sarah talks about her background and what inspired her to pursue a career in mental health, the leadership values she uses as the leader of a big mental health charity, the challenges faced by female leaders, and more! Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
May 09, 2024•41 min
Charity Questions is back! after a little break, we continue with our monthly podcast episodes! On this one, we have the privilege to chat with Giles Pegram, a fundraising consultant with three decades of experience as a Fundraising Director.
Mar 15, 2024•20 min
In this episode, George chats with Andy Ellis, Business Development Manager at Staying Put. And remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Oct 05, 2023•43 min
Charity Questions is a new podcast run by the Directory of Social Change where our guests will answer any question you have (and send us) about the charity sector. In this episode, George will be talking with Mike Hudson, author of Managing without Profit. And remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Aug 25, 2023•36 min
Charity Questions is a new podcast run by the Directory of Social Change where our guests will answer any question you have (and send us) about the charity sector. In this episode, George will be talking with DSC Senior Researchers Rhiannon Doherty and Chester Howarth and DSC Director of Policy and Research Jay Kennedy about their latest report Grants for Good. And remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Jun 30, 2023•24 min
Charity Questions is a new podcast run by the Directory of Social Change where our guests will answer any question you have (and send us) about the charity sector. In the third episode, George will be talking with James Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive of Action For Elders. And remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Apr 28, 2023•44 min
Second season, second episode! In this episode, George will be talking with Ross Hardy, researcher at Directory of Social Change about his research work and his experience working at DSC.
Apr 01, 2023•13 min
Charity Questions is back! In the first episode, George will be talking with Robert Foster about understanding and quantifying your Social value.
Mar 06, 2023•37 min
The last episode of the season! George will be talking with Michael Norton, founder of DSC, about the charity sector and his latest book: Fixing the Planet.
Jul 29, 2022•52 min
In this episode, George talks with Stephen Cook, journalist and book author about the charity sector and journalism and his latest book - What Have Charities Ever Done For Us?
Jun 28, 2022•33 min
In this episode, George talks with Eileen Browne, DSC Training Consultant, about well-being when you work remotely.
May 27, 2022•36 min
In this episode, George will talk with Neela Jane Stansfield. Neela Jane is a major gifts fundraising specialist with over 15 years of experience working with trusts, foundations and high net worth individuals. Neela Jane shares some fundraising tips and talks about her new book, Grants Fundraising.
Apr 21, 2022•42 min
This episode is dedicated to International Women's Day. Our host and DSC Senior Training Consultant, Cathy Shimmin, has a conversation with a few of the DSC female staff about gender equality and #BreakTheBias
Mar 08, 2022•31 min
In this episode, George and Debra talk about trusting your staff when they're working from home, leadership and software for monitoring remote working staff. Remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Feb 24, 2022•34 min
In our first episode of the year, we have Ken Burnett, author, lecturer and consultant on fundraising, marketing and communications for nonprofit organisations worldwide. Ken will be answering your questions about storytelling, emojis, fundraising and shared stories about hiking the Camino de Santiago.
Jan 20, 2022•1 hr 7 min
We made a special episode for this time of the year where our host George Knight gives you nine Charity facts to share at your family dinner or social gatherings when you say that you work for a charity.
Dec 09, 2021•7 min
In this episode, our host George Knight, interviews Claire Routley and Richard Sved, co-authors of The Fundraising Strategy book.
Nov 24, 2021•49 min
In our third episode, we have Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research at DSC. He will be talking about politics, research in the charity sector, and his experience working there. And remember to send us your questions for our next episode!
Oct 27, 2021•35 min
The second episode of Charity Questions podcast with Debra Allcock Tyler
Sep 30, 2021•45 min
The first episode of Charity Questions, where our host George Knight will be asking your questions to DSC CEO Debra Allcock Tyler.
Aug 24, 2021•49 min
Dr Andrew Purkis, Trustee at DSC, interviews Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO at DSC, about her new book and all things trustee related.
Nov 05, 2020•52 min
