Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast

After two weeks away, Debra and Peter are back with plenty to catch up on.First, an important update for listeners who have been following the saga of Arthur the Basset Hound. Good news: Arthur has finally been discharged from the vet, the collar is off, and he is now charging around the house like an overexcited puppy again.Meanwhile in Peter's garden, the wildlife population is growing. What started as one pair of ducks, George and Mildred, has turned into two pairs wandering up and down the garden, plus an unexpectedly glamorous pheasant couple making regular appearances. Name suggestions for the second pair of ducks are very welcome.Once the animal updates are complete, the conversation turns to the charity sector. Debra shares her thoughts after reading Doughnut Economics and raises a big question: why do charities measure success by growth and size rather than by the impact they actually make?Debra and Peter explore whether income and expansion really tell us anything meaningful about success, or whether charities should focus much more clearly on the difference they make. They also discuss the government's emerging language around the "impact economy" and whether the term is actually helpful or simply confusing.The discussion then turns to the challenges facing small charities, prompted by news about changes to the small charities team at NCVO. If small charities are so vital to the sector, why is it so difficult to fund the organisations that support them? And what happens when the collective voice of small charities disappears?Finally, Peter reflects on the Channel 4 documentary Dirty Business and the wider debate about water companies, regulation and accountability. Who should be responsible for essential utilities and how should the public hold them to account?Plenty of big questions this week, alongside ducks, pheasants and a very energetic basset hound.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

All good things come in threes… apparently.In Episode 61, Debra and Peter explore a trio of big themes, with a few bonus threes thrown in for good measure.First up: AI and identity. After asking ChatGPT for a character assessment, Peter shares the surprisingly flattering results. But can we trust tools that are designed to please us? The conversation ranges from chatbots and child safety to horoscopes, tarot cards and the psychology of confirmation bias. When does self reflection become self deception?Then leadership. How fixed should your style be? Should leaders adapt to the people they lead, or stand firm in who they are? Debra and Peter unpack values versus personality, the danger of labelling colleagues as “difficult”, and why excellence and empathy still matter, especially when times feel uncertain.Which brings us to global politics and wellbeing. After a staff survey revealed just how much world events are affecting people’s mental health, they discuss whether working in civil society means accepting discomfort, how to reconnect with purpose, and why persistence still overcomes resistance. Is progress really going backwards, or just taking a complicated route?Along the way, we count at least three notable trios: three weeks of Debra being housebound with her poorly pup, three of Peter’s charity roles that would make anyone else lie down in a dark room, and at least three celebratory shots in Blackpool with his brother. There may have been more.We are taking a short break, but do not worry, we will be back in less than three weeks with more debate, reflection and probably another unexpected tangent.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 60. Some people retire at 60. Others keep going until at least 67. And some of us, apparently, will still be producing this podcast well into our late 80s if the pension age keeps creeping up.This week, Debra and Peter start with life updates, including a worrying but heartfelt update on Arthur the Basset Hound, reflections on ageing, retirement, and Peter’s upcoming football-fuelled trip to Blackpool.The main conversation then turns to leadership and accountability. When something goes wrong, should the person at the top resign? Or is walking away sometimes a way of avoiding accountability rather than taking responsibility? Debra and Peter explore the crucial distinction between responsibility and culpability, the dangers of victim blaming, and why boards should focus less on individuals and more on culture, systems, processes, and risk appetite.They reflect on how risk aversion can damage leadership, why perfect leaders do not exist, and how charities can build resilience by not relying on heroic individuals. There is also a wider look at public trust, media pressure, and the unrealistic expectations placed on leaders, particularly in the charity sector.In the second half of the episode, Debra and Peter tackle the government proposal to require asylum seekers and refugees to volunteer. They discuss why compulsory volunteering undermines the very idea of volunteering, the risks of exploitation, safeguarding concerns, and the importance of protecting the independence of civil society. While both agree on the value of integration, belonging, and participation, they argue these goals must be supported through funding and collaboration, not conditions tied to immigration status.As ever, this is a thoughtful, lively, and honest conversation about leadership, power, and the role charities play when government policy falls short.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 59!Debra and Peter are back with another wide ranging conversation, mixing life, leadership and some knotty charity sector issues.This week starts with travel tales, as Peter reports back from Dubai, including flooded Somerset rail lines and presenting to an international board. Debra shares a much more emotional update from home, as her beloved Arthur recovers from major surgery, complete with the cone of shame and a few sleepless nights.There is also a quietly heroic moment from Peter, who briefly believes he has lost someone else’s cat, only to discover a very large, very muddy feline marooned on the back step in the pouring rain.The conversation then turns to serious charity sector business. Debra and Peter discuss the risks of paying trustees, or trustee connected companies, for services, prompted by a Charity Commission compliance case. They explore conflicts of interest, why small charities are particularly exposed, and why “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” remains a useful rule of thumb.They also unpack the realities of pro bono support, volunteers and procurement, including the dangers of false economies, being locked into suppliers, and the management burden that comes with offers that look too good to refuse.Later, a discussion about political news and leaked information leads into a deeper look at confidentiality, trustee behaviour and governance. What does confidentiality really mean in charities? When can trustees not keep things confidential? And how should boards handle sensitive information responsibly?The episode closes with reflections on leadership, values and performance. Debra and Peter debate fear versus empathy, managing high performers whose behaviour causes tension, and why respect, kindness and clarity matter just as much as results.As ever, expect thoughtful insight, strong opinions and a few laughs along the way.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 58 sees Debra and Peter cover a lot of ground, from the practical realities of charity governance to some much bigger questions about leadership and ambition.Debra explains why board rehearsals have become one of the most valuable practices at DSC. From preparing staff to answer trustee questions with confidence, to creating the right space for honest discussion, they explore how preparation can strengthen governance without slipping into over-polish or control.The conversation then turns to ambition. Prompted by recent political manoeuvring, Debra and Peter ask whether ambition has become a dirty word in the charity sector. They unpack the difference between healthy and unhealthy ambition, why organisations need ambitious people, and how leaders can support individuals to fulfil their potential without trampling over others.Succession planning also comes under the spotlight. They challenge common assumptions about grooming the next chief executive, discuss talent development, bias, open recruitment, and why real succession planning is about building robust organisations rather than picking future leaders. Along the way, they draw lessons from politics, shared leadership models, and Abraham Lincoln’s approach to managing big egos with a clear sense of purpose.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

In Episode 57, Debra and Peter tackle a big and often uncomfortable question in the charity sector: how long is too long?Prompted by a recent post from Steve Allman, the conversation explores CEO tenure, career versus cause-led leadership, and why there is no such thing as a perfect length of service. Debra reflects on her 25 years at DSC and shares the signals she looks for when thinking about whether it is time to move on. Peter adds his own experience of leadership transitions and why choosing when to leave is often a luxury most chief executives do not get.The discussion then widens to trustees and governance. With the updated Charity Governance Code introducing clearer expectations on trustee term limits, Debra and Peter debate whether rigid rules really work, particularly for small and local charities. They look at board diversity, over representation, founder syndrome, and how boards can manage renewal without losing vital skills, commitment, or goodwill.Along the way, the episode takes a lighter turn with stories about celebrities in the charity world, including Peter’s unforgettable meeting with Dolly Parton and what it taught him about public policy, influence, and preparation. They also reflect on the risks and rewards of working with well known figures and why charisma does not always mean impact.Thoughtful, candid, and full of real sector insight, this episode is a must listen for trustees, chief executives, and anyone interested in charity leadership and governance.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 56 of Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast dives into some of the most pressing and personal topics yet.They begin with an ode to the great outdoors, tree surgery, and mental health. From Perennial: the charity supporting horticultural workers, to Debra's confession about disliking winter walks, they explore how nature and mental wellbeing intersect, both personally and professionally.Then, the conversation takes a serious turn toward the ethics of AI-generated images. What happens when powerful tools are used to sexualise images of women and children without consent? Peter and Debra react to recent controversies surrounding X/Twitter, Elon Musk, and image manipulation tech. They discuss the legal gaps, the Online Safety Act, and whether platforms can or should be banned outright.There’s even time for some segue magic. Peter sets the bar high with a smooth transition from manipulated pet photos to manipulated AI images. Debra’s attempt to link the word “emerging” to the topic of mergers... let’s just say, not quite as graceful. But it gets the job done.Finally, prompted by Kate Lee’s comments, the episode tackles charity mergers. Debra shares candid reflections from her own experience with merging organisations, the emotional stakes involved, and why collaboration might be better than consolidation. Peter adds thoughts on strategic alliances, small charity resilience, and the unspoken truth about failed mergers.It’s a thoughtful, fiery, and occasionally funny episode that covers everything from manipulated dog photos to modern-day stocks.Comment below or email us to share your views!YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnline More Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/ More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 55 kicks off the new year, and Debra and Peter are back after a Christmas break, reflecting on what it means to return to work with energy, realism and hope.They start by talking about leadership at the start of the year, acknowledging just how tough the past twelve months have been for many charities. Survival, Debra argues, is not a failure but a success, and hope only really matters when it is matched with action.The conversation then turns to charity governance, prompted by the very public breakdown of the relationship between the board and chief executive at Oxfam. Debra and Peter unpack what happens when chairs and CEOs clash, why governance failures often sit behind these situations, and how things can escalate when roles, loyalties and responsibilities become confused.Drawing on years of experience, Debra shares practical advice for boards and chief executives, from one to one conversations with trustees to appraising chairs properly, avoiding over concentration of power and creating a culture where disagreement is handled well.They also explore how organisations can rethink their structures, moving away from rigid hierarchies towards partnership models that value trustees, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries equally.Finally, Peter brings in a live governance question from the world of county cricket, sparking a discussion about independence, lived experience and how boards can balance fresh thinking with deep contextual knowledge.As ever, there is honesty, challenge, and a shared belief that good governance really matters, especially at the start of a new year.If there are issues you would like Debra and Peter to explore in future episodes, do get in touch.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

In the final episode of the year, Debra and Peter wrap up 2025 with a thoughtful conversation about the less-discussed dynamics within the charity sector: toxic teams.They dig into the difficult issue of workplace toxicity and explore how pockets of negativity can undermine even the most values-driven organisations. How do you deal with staff groups who resist change, weaponise internal values, or quietly disrupt? And what happens when the toxicity is directed upwards, leaving leaders powerless?They also touch on the government's new grant feedback mechanism, asking whether it can really work in a sector where power dynamics make honesty risky. Is 'feed forward' a better approach for building trust and learning?All this, plus stories of kindness in the cold, a magical pink coat, the joy of Christmas jumpers, and the emotional importance of being the best version of yourself... even when you're just buying teabags.Have thoughts to share or feedback to give (the kind we like)? Leave a comment or drop us an email.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Kicking off with blazing rows, basset hounds and a night out with Jacinda Ardern, they explore what compassionate leadership really looks like when everything is going wrong. From Christchurch to COVID, what can charity leaders learn from a prime minister who talked openly about fear, worry and the emotional cost of big decisions.That sets the scene for the main conversation of the week. How do boards make decisions on deeply contested issues when they feel boxed in by law, money, politics or public campaigns. Using the recent decisions by the Womens Institute and Girlguiding as a live example, Debra and Peter dig into collective responsibility, disagreement on values, and the very real impact that boardroom rows have on staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.From there they move into allyship and sector solidarity. Why does a supportive letter from another part of the sector mean so much when you feel under siege. When should organisations speak up beyond their narrow charitable objects. And what on earth have Humboldt squids got to do with standing up for refugees, migrants and other unpopular causes.Along the way they talk about silent allies, the pull between evidence and moral conviction, and why separating people from decisions matters if you want your board to survive the next difficult call.If you are a chief executive, trustee, senior leader or simply someone who cares about how charities behave under pressure, this one is for you.Tell us what you think in the comments, or email your questions and ideas for future episodes.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blázquez

Episode 52! Over 50 conversations in and Debra and Peter are still taking on the most uncomfortable corners of charity life.This week they dig into a troubling new report on harassment of fundraisers by donors. With most frontline fundraisers being women, and many meetings happening over dinners, drinks and in donors' homes, the power imbalance is stark. Debra shares her own experience of serious harassment, and they talk honestly about the unspoken rules, the pressure to land a big gift, and the moral knot of turning down money when beneficiaries desperately need support. Is it finally time for a clear donor code of conduct, and for charities to be uncompromising in backing their staff when lines are crossed?From there, they turn to corporate partnerships, data and transparency, using a current campaign as an example: a tech giant offering donations to a well known men's health charity in exchange for people uploading photos. What looks like generosity is also a way to gather valuable data, and Debra and Peter ask what charities and companies owe supporters in terms of openness, consent and honesty. Along the way they grumble about oversized novelty cheques, celebrity fundraising, and whether TV formats like Celebrity Traitors miss a huge opportunity by barely mentioning the charities involved.Finally, prompted by a listener, they wade into the murky waters of tax and the charity sector. From payroll giving and inheritance tax incentives to the way government seems to overlook the economic value of charities and volunteers, they explore how policy decisions can quietly shape what charities can do, and who pays the price when the sector is ignored.Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode!YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnline More Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/ More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

From village welcome drinks to national data debates, Peter and Debra explore what happens when good causes meet strict rules and unexpected generosity. This week they look at the ICO’s proposal to loosen restrictions on how charities contact supporters and reflect on the long shadow of the post-GDPR years.Debra argues that charities shouldn’t feel guilty for asking, while Peter recalls the fine line between smart targeting and privacy overreach. They also discuss the Molly Rose Foundation’s dramatic leap in income and the tricky ethics of anonymous donations.All that plus a new party in Peter’s honour, a mysterious sister-in-law in the annex and the perils of small-village gossip.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Golden jacket? Check. A heartfelt poem? Absolutely. It’s episode 50 of Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast, and we're marking the milestone in proper style.Debra and Peter open the episode with a nod to nostalgia: the John Lewis Christmas advert gets Peter all misty-eyed, and soon they're trading stories about childhood music, treasured books, and films that shaped their sense of self. (Spoiler: there are Hollywood musicals and Springsteen tributes involved.)But it’s not all memory lane. They also turn to the future of the charity sector with news that Julia Unwin is set to be the next Chair of the Charity Commission. Both hosts are cautiously optimistic, reflecting on her previous experience and the powerful potential of leadership teams that actually work together.From there, the mood shifts to concern: a new SORP is out, and Debra has thoughts. Are trustees being asked to do too much with too little? Is impact reporting realistic for small charities already stretched thin? And what ever happened to the Charity Sector Covenant that promised better relationships between government and the sector?It’s a packed episode full of personal warmth and professional insight. Plus: a silver cowboy boot makes an appearance.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

In this episode, Debra chats with the only man who insists on being called ‘Sir’ even by his Gmail account: Sir Peter Wanless himself.What starts as a bit of banter about names quickly turns into a deep (and surprisingly funny) dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in the charity world: how to pay your staff fairly while keeping your beneficiaries front and centre.Debra and Peter unpack the recent SSPCA strike, the challenge of justifying salaries in the sector, and why transparency and trust are everything when times are tight. They also explore the eternal charity dilemma — “efficiency” versus “effectiveness” — and Debra makes a strong case for ditching words like overheads in favour of essential resources.Plus, there’s chat about restricted funding, fundraising with purpose, and how not to accidentally turn your charity into a bad high street shop. And if that’s not enough, Peter rounds things off with a podcast recommendation from the Institute for Fiscal Studies: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Money, meaning, and a dash of Sir ‘Pete’ flair. It’s all here in Episode 49 of Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/ More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social ChangePodcast Producer: José Blázquez

In this week’s episode, Debra and Peter dive into some big conversations with their signature mix of honesty, humour and candour.Debra shares why bad board paperwork is her ultimate bugbear – and how her new speed read booklet is here to help charities do better. From baffling acronyms to unhelpful agendas, she explains why it’s not about paperwork, it’s about information.Then Peter brings news from the NSPCC’s annual council meeting and a powerful story from the Soldiering On Awards. The duo also reflect on the latest Third Sector podcast with Laura Kerby from Prostate Cancer UK, whose charity faced backlash for a campaign targeting Black men – despite the evidence supporting it. Debra and Peter unpack the ethics of corporate partnerships, public reactions, and standing firm when it matters.Finally, inspired by Polly Neate’s reflections on men interrupting women, Debra and Peter turn the mic on themselves to ask: do we do this too? What does it mean to be an ally, and how can leaders use their power better?All that, plus chutney, jelly, and a few leadership confessions.🔗 Resources and Mentions:Debra’s new book: Speed Read: Board Paperworkhttps://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/speed-read-board-paperwork/Third Sector Podcast: “How Prostate Cancer UK is dealing with political and ethical concerns” featuring Laura Kerbyhttps://shows.acast.com/third-sector/episodes/how-prostate-cancer-uk-is-dealing-with-political-and-ethicalYouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler:https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Peter and Debra kick off with a reality check on London-centric assumptions in the charity world. From senior rail cards to £100 peak trains and the admin faff of claiming expenses, they dig into how travel costs and unpaid expectations quietly exclude voices we need at the table. If you’re outside the M25 or balancing freelance income with volunteering, this one will resonate.Then it’s leadership without the hero cape. Do leaders build success or just claim it? Using the week’s headlines as a springboard, Debra questions credit-taking in public life and in charities, while Peter reflects on sharing credit, taking responsibility and the messy reality when multiple crises land at once. Culture, policies and consistency take centre stage: brief them, model them, repeat them.There’s also a warm moment as Peter heads to an annual council meeting to receive honorary recognition, plus a wry note on how big speeches get reduced to a single line in the minutes. We round off with practical tips: why you should re-brief key HR policies, the value of acting-in-absence, Christmas party conduct reminders, and why senior leaders should show their face at socials but not stay too long.In this episode: • London-centric habits, travel costs and inclusion • Should trustees and speakers always have expenses covered • Credit, responsibility and the real job of leaders: culture, culture, culture • Policy briefings that prevent tribunals • Acting-in-absence and what really reaches the top • Socials etiquette for leaders: attend, then leave • Recognition, legacy and that one-line-in-the-minutes feelingTell us what you think or share your own experiences in the comments. If you’ve got a question for Debra and Peter, pop it below and we’ll pick it up in future episodes.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 46! Debra and Peter wade into the thorny territory of when, how and whether charity leaders should speak publicly. From the right to protest and the importance of timing, to the realities of social media and the messenger effect, they explore how good intentions can collide with legal limits, organisational duty and a very online world.Curious about where you stand? Here are some of the questions we wrestle with:• Are charity leaders more constrained than business leaders when speaking out?• When should a chief executive speak as an individual and when as the organisation?• Does timing around sensitive anniversaries change what responsible protest looks like?• Why does the same idea land differently depending on who says it?• Is LinkedIn getting harsher for sector debate or just louder?• What does the law actually stop charities from doing at election time?Along the way: a few stories about recognition, memory and how social media shapes familiarity, plus a reminder that two things can be true at once — and that nuance still matters.Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode!YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock TylerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter WanlessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blázquez

One year of episodes! Number 45 finds Debra and Peter in full flow, fresh from twin birthdays and a Swiss mountain of sourdough.This week they tackle a big one for the sector: the new idea tying immigration status to volunteering. Debra argues it tramples the spirit of volunteering and risks turning a gift into a threat. Peter tests the counter case to see if there is any value in encouraging connection and community understanding, before both land on what really matters for civil society.That opens up a wider conversation about how we make up our minds. Hearts or data. Speed of thought or depth of thought. Why cut through is useful, but only if it points to the right things. There are shout‑outs to smart thinking, poor framing, and the danger of letting slogans do the heavy lifting.Finally, they look at the NHS going more digital. Online bookings and video consults can be brilliant, provided no one is left out. Debra shares practical wins and frustrations, Peter recounts an epic rearranging saga, and they both weigh up convenience against the risk of missing the human cues that keep people safe.Have a listen, then tell us what you think in the comments. If you’ve binged all 22 and a half hours since episode one, we salute you and gently suggest a cup of tea.Links mentioned:• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow • Gyles Brandreth’s Rosebud podcast conversation with Richard Osman - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/richard-osman/id1704806594?i=1000716764317 • Joanne Lockwood’s article on personal benefit bias - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jolockwood_most-people-on-linkedin-wont-click-through-activity-7378677611574538240-pZ7U?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAXFFmEBuE48r931JfDxY9By6LgWGDUJkvU• NHS plans to expand online access and appointments - https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/09/new-nhs-online-hospital-to-give-patients-more-control-over-their-care/Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blázquez

Episode 44... and Debra and Peter’s 44th birthday, right? 🎂 (well, not quite, but close enough 😉).This week’s conversation covers three big themes in the charity world:First up, party political conferences. Are they really worth the time and money for charities, or just expensive networking sessions filled with bad white wine? Debra and Peter share why these events can feel unwelcoming, tribal, and sometimes downright pointless.Next, they explore a bold move: five funders teaming up on a £15 million initiative to tackle child poverty. Is this the future of grantmaking or just a well-meaning experiment with some inevitable hiccups? Peter reflects on lessons from his Lottery days, and Debra unpacks the risks and rewards of genuine co-funding.Finally, the spotlight turns to the power and responsibility of funders. From local grant officers who truly know their communities, to the tension between AI automation and the irreplaceable human touch, they discuss how funders can use their voice and infrastructure to make lasting change.It’s a mix of sharp insights, humour, and a reminder that sometimes the best birthday treat is just a pizza in front of the telly.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 43! Debra and Peter dive into some of the toughest issues facing the UK charity sector and wider society.They begin with Peter’s joy at Somerset’s cricket triumph before quickly turning to more serious matters: the protests around Donald Trump’s state visit, the disturbing rise of racism and anti-immigration sentiment, and how politicians and the media fuel unfounded fears. Debra argues strongly against framing prejudice as ‘legitimate concerns’, and both hosts reflect on the stark contrast between attitudes to Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers from elsewhere.The conversation then shifts to leadership. How long should a chief executive stay in post? What’s the difference between a tough job and one that makes you miserable? Debra shares frank stories about her early years at DSC, including staff hostility, and gives practical advice on tackling bullying—whether from above, below or sideways.Plus: some sharp words on government reshuffles, and why constant ministerial change makes life harder for charities.What do you think: are immigration fears being mishandled, and how long is too long in a leadership role? Let us know in the comments.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez