Charity Property Podcast - The Ethical Property Foundation

The Ethical Property Foundation
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 The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the UK voluntary sector. We support hundreds of voluntary groups every year through our “Ask a Property Expert” service. Our free Weston Property Manual, nominated for two awards, and our Property FAQs are available on our website for any group seeking to acquire and run premises. 

  1. Jun 3

    CPP16 – Moving Premises? Managing Charity Energy Costs with Confidence

    Hosts: In this episode, Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Emily Berry, Partnership Director at Utility Aid, about charity energy costs and the steps organisations can take to managethem when moving premises. Key topics: Planning ahead for a move: Why energy costs should be considered before signing a lease or purchase, and how early planning can prevent unexpected expenses.Understanding affordability: How to assess potential energy costs using soft quotes, and why changes in building use can significantly impact your bills.Different buildings, different challenges: From faith buildings with subletting arrangements, to hospices with high energy demand, and offices with more predictable usage patterns.Managing shared spaces: The importance of submetering and fairly allocating energy costs when hiring out space.Key questions for suppliers: Understanding energy usage, equipment efficiency, and identifying potential red flags through energy surveys.Avoiding costly mistakes: The risks of overlooking energy during a move, including failing to review contracts, missing meter readings, and not planning for change of tenancy.Collective purchasing options: How charities can benefit from group energy schemes and negotiated contracts through Utility Aid.Tune in for practical advice to help your charity move premises with confidence while keeping energy costs manageable. Need help understanding energy terminology? Visit the Utility Aid Jargon Buster on our help pages for clear explanations of key energy terms. Looking to reduce your energy costs? Explore the Utility Aid energy switching platform on our website to compare options and find the right deal for your organisation. With thanks to our supporters: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Garfield Weston Foundation and City Bridge Foundation.

  2. Apr 29

    CPP15 – Managing charity energy costs in uncertain times

    Hosts: Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Emily Berry, Partnerships Director from Utility Aid on how charities can better manage and protect their energy costs in a rapidly changing global landscape. Key topics: Rising uncertainty and energy risk: With global events impacting energymarkets, charities are increasingly focused on managing risk, understanding when to renew contracts, and making informed purchasing decisions. Understanding your energy bills: Breaking down fixed commodity costs versusnon-commodity charges, and why the cheapest option isn’t always the best without understanding what’s included. Planning for sustainable costs: How your building type, energy usage patterns,and operational hours should shape your energy strategy and contract choices. Different buildings, different challenges: From heritage properties withlimited upgrade options to community centres with variable usage, tailoring your approach is key. Questions to ask your supplier: Key checks around contract structure, meterreadings, billing accuracy, and the benefits of smart meters. Common mistakes to avoid: Overlooking terms and conditions,misunderstanding tariffs, and failing to actively manage your energy contract. Tune in for practical insights and expert advice to help your charity navigate energy uncertainty and take control of your utility costs. Need help understanding energy terminology? Visit the Utility Aid Jargon Buster on our help pages for clear explanations of key energy terms: https://propertyhelp.org/help/sustainability/utility-aid-jargon-buster/. Looking to reduce your energy costs? Explore the Utility Aid energy switching platform on our website to compare options and find the right deal for your organisation: https://propertyhelp.org/energy-savings/. With thanks to our supporters: This podcast is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Garfield Weston Foundation and City Bridge Foundation.

  3. Feb 3

    CPP14 – Is Your Charity Trying to Save Money? The Dangers of Being Underinsured

    Hosts: Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Jade Winter, Director at Norris & Fisher Brokers, on the risks charities face when trying to cut costs on insurance. Key topics: Understanding underinsurance: How to determine if your charity isunderinsured, and why accurate building and asset valuations are essential. Risks of cutting corners: Going direct to insurers may lower premiums but canleave gaps in coverage, increased excesses, and limited support during claims. The value of expert input: Even if a charity manages insurance independently,brokers can identify gaps, guide claims, advise on risk management, and recommend appropriate cover limits. Finding the right balance: Trustees should review policies regularly to ensurethey’re neither underinsured nor carrying unnecessary cover, safeguarding both assets and finances. Tune in for practical advice and insider guidance on avoiding underinsurance, so your charity can protect its assets, manage risk, and make informed insurance decisions. Need expert guidance? Find out more about our consultancy and support services on the Ethical Property Foundation website and discover specialist charity insurance solutions at Norris & Fisher Insurance Brokers.

  4. 12/02/2025

    CPP13 – Getting the best deal from your insurer

    Hosts: Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Jade Winter, Director at Norris and Fisher Brokers, on how charity trustees can ensure their insurance policies provide adequate protection at a manageable cost. Key topics: Essential questions for trustees: Are all activities, premises, and offsite itemscovered? Are rebuild figures and contents up to date? Is business interruption cover sufficient? Top tips for keeping costs manageable: Shop around, check for discounts,review cover limits, and avoid misrepresentation. Common pitfalls: Missing essential covers such as fidelity guarantee or cyberinsurance, focusing only on price, or failing to review policies after organisational changes. Proactive policy review: Start at least six weeks before renewal, understandexclusions, compare with the market, and use a broker to test your needs. Tune in for practical advice and insider guidance on what to look for, and what to avoid, so your charity can make confident, informed decisions about insurance. Need expert guidance? Explore the Ethical Property Foundation website to learn more about our consultancy and support services and check out the Norris & Fisher Insurance Brokers website for specialist insurance solutions for charities and voluntary organisations.

  5. 11/11/2025

    CPP12 – Making the right choice: Assessing and selecting your charity’s new premises

    Hosts: Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, and Virginia Masters, Associate Property Adviser at the Ethical Property Foundation, discuss how to evaluate shortlisted properties and ensure your charity makes the right move – literally. Key topics: Shortlist decisions: How to compare property options against your charity’spriorities. Facilities and layout: Are the premises flexible, practical, and future-proof?Location matters: Will the space work for staff, volunteers, trustees, and serviceusers? Hidden costs: What’s included in the service charge? Is VAT applicable? Are theoverheads sustainable? Due diligence: Why a schedule of condition, full survey, and legal review areessential before signing. Professional advice: The vital role of surveyors and solicitors in identifying deal-breakers and securing amendments. Image and identity: Does the property reflect your charity’s brand and values?Negotiation tips: From rent-free periods for refurbishments to avoiding overlapbetween leases. Post-signing plans: How to manage fit-outs, occupancy timing, and phasedmoves. Final checks: Ensuring the property’s pros truly outweigh its cons – before it'stoo late. If you’re deciding between potential properties, this episode will help you ask the right questions, uncover hidden risks, and make a confident, informed choice. Tune in for practical advice and insider guidance on what to look for, and what to avoid. Need expert advice before signing a lease? Visit the Ethical Property Foundation website to explore our property consultancy and support services.

  6. 09/16/2025

    CPP11 – Where to look: Navigating the charity property market

    Hosts: Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation and Virginia Masters, Associate Property Adviser at the Ethical Property Foundation, discuss how charities can navigate the often complex world of property searches. Key topics: Starting the search: Why your charity needs internal or external expertise before diving in.Saving time and money: The benefits of professional support to guide the search and avoid costly mistakes.Working with estate agents: Key questions to ask, lease terms, rent reviews, break clauses, and more.Charities as tenants: Why many landlords see charities as stable, trustworthy occupants.Alternatives to commercial leases: Exploring licences, managed spaces, and flexible options for startups.Preparing for viewings: What to bring, what to observe, and how to assess accessibility and convenience.When to compromise: Deciding what’s negotiable, essentials vs. ideals.Legal protections: Why you need a commercial property solicitor and how to avoid personal guarantees.Negotiation strategies: Using a professional to maintain distance and strengthen your bargaining position.Evaluating your shortlist: Comparing options, spotting red flags, and preparing for lease negotiations. If your charity is preparing to search for new premises, this episode offers strategic, practical advice to help you approach the market with confidence and clarity. Tune in for tips that could save your charity time, stress, and money! Need expert help finding or negotiating premises? The Ethical Property Foundations consultancy team is here to support you, visit our website to learn more.

  7. 06/17/2025

    CPP10 – Moving premises: How to prepare a premises brief for your charity

    Hosts: Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, is joined by Virginia Masters, Associate Property Adviser at the Ethical Property Foundation, to explore how charities can create a strong premises brief before starting their property search. Key topics: The importance of a premises brief: Why it’s essential to plan ahead before beginning your property search.Avoiding common mistakes: Pitfalls charities face when rushing the process or lacking a clear brief.Core requirements: What to include in your brief: location, size, budget, accessibility, lease terms.Setting priorities: How to distinguish between essential needs and “nice-to-haves”.Involving stakeholders: Who to consult – staff, trustees, volunteers, and service users.Financial planning: Understanding what your charity can afford and identifying hidden costs.Engaging legal support: Why it’s never too early to involve a solicitor, and how to find one who understands charities.Asking the right questions: What to ask when viewing properties – VAT, service charges, lease responsibilities. If your charity is thinking about relocating or taking on new space, this episode is packed with expert tips to help you lay the groundwork for a successful move, starting with a well-thought-out premises brief. Tune in for practical guidance and clear advice to help you get it right from the start. Need tailored advice for your charity’s property search? Our consultancy team is here to help. Visit our consultancy pages to learn more.

  8. 05/06/2025

    CPP9 - Charities as landlords: what you need to know before letting out space

    Hosts Antonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and Clare Garbett, Senior Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors. Since COVID, many charities have found themselves with extra space and have become landlords - sometimes by accident! But what could go wrong? In this discussion, we explore the key questions every charity should ask before letting out space. Key topics: - Understanding legal constraints: What rules and restrictions could impact your ability to rent out space? - Leases and subletting: How does your lease affect your ability to share or sublet space? - Hotdesking and shared spaces: What are the risks, and how do you manage them effectively? - Covering costs and avoiding pitfalls: How can you ensure financial sustainability as a landlord? - Choosing the right person for the role: Who in your charity should take on the responsibility of managing tenants? Being a landlord isn’t just about extra income - it comes with responsibilities, potential conflicts, and legal complexities. Tune in to get practical insights and expert advice to help you navigate the challenges and make informed decisions. Need guidance on letting out your charity’s space? Managing property as a charity landlord can be complex, from lease agreements to financial considerations and tenant relationships. Our expert consultancy services can help you navigate these challenges, ensuring you stay compliant and avoid costly pitfalls. Visit our consultancy pages to learn how we can support your charity’s property needs.

    CPP9 - Charities as landlords: what you need to know before letting out space
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About

 The Ethical Property Foundation is the UK’s only dedicated property advice charity serving the UK voluntary sector. We support hundreds of voluntary groups every year through our “Ask a Property Expert” service. Our free Weston Property Manual, nominated for two awards, and our Property FAQs are available on our website for any group seeking to acquire and run premises. 

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