Let's Talk Fundraising

Fundraiser wellbeing sits at the heart of this very first episode of Let’s Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising - the charity that champions a lifetime of impact, a career in fundraising.Regular host Tim Beynon and guest co-host Harpreet Kondel - Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising - are joined by Alan Clayton, Chair of Revolutionise International and Research and Creative Director of EmPower Mental Fitness, for a deep, evidence-led conversation about what wellbeing really means in fundraising, and why it is one of the strongest predictors of high performance, retention and long-term sustainability in the sector.Drawing on the largest research project ever conducted into wellbeing and fundraising, Alan explores the early warning signs of burnout, the pressures uniquely faced by fundraisers, and why connection, purpose and resilience matter more than quick fixes or surface-level wellbeing initiatives. The discussion challenges some of the most common myths around stress, resilience and self-care, offering practical insights for fundraisers, leaders and boards alike.Alongside this, Harpreet reflects on the Institute’s strategic priorities and the growing recognition that wellbeing is not a “nice to have”, but a core part of supporting fundraisers to thrive, particularly in challenging economic and social conditions.The episode also shares a personal wellbeing story from within the Institute, highlights practical support available to fundraisers, and rounds up key sector campaigns and opportunities to get involved.Guests and contributorsHarpreet Kondel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpreetkondel/Chair, Chartered Institute of FundraisingAlan Clayton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjohnclayton/Chair, Revolutionise InternationalResearch & Creative Director, EmPower Mental FitnessAuthor and wellbeing researcher specialising in fundraising performanceUseful linksChartered Institute of Fundraising https://ciof.org.ukEmPower Mental Fitnesshttps://em-po.com/Revolutionise Internationalhttps://www.revolutionise.com/ UK Giving Reporthttps://www.cafonline.org/insights/research/uk-giving-report Payroll Giving Month: https://www.payrollgivingmonth.com/ The Great Gift Aid Hunt: https://www.swiftaid.co.uk/charity/ggah/ Chartered Institute of Fundraising and AAW Benchmarking Survey:https://www.aawpartnership.com/fundraising-benchmarks-survey-2026 Be a part of the showWe really want to hear what you think of the show and what you'd like us to cover. So if you have thoughts on this episode or ideas for future topics, here's how to get in touch...Use the contact form HERE - https://letstalkfundraising.transistor.fm/contact-usSend us a voice message HERE- https://www.speakpipe.com/LetsTalkFundraisingProduced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk

In our fifth conversation in this series of Chartered Institute Podcast focusing on 'A Lifetime of Impact, a Career in Fundraising' we were joined by, Samir Savant, a CEO fundraiser at St George's, Bristol; Elvira Morrison, Director of Fundraising & Communications at The Maudsley Charity; Daryl Upsall, President of Daryl Upsall International and Emma Low of Nova Fundraising. In this conversation we're chatting about the importance of mentoring and how it could be used to support a more equitable, inclusive and diverse fundraising workforce. We also chat about what mentors and mentees get from the process.

Paul McKenzie, Director of Engagement  at Teenage Cancer Trust joins Anne Hughes for a conversation about his 20+ year career in Fundraising. How did it all begin; what inspired and motivated him on his journey; what it's like being a Director? Paul also shares his thoughts on recruitment; team building; EDI; wellbeing; and what changes he considers could be ahead for our fundraising community.

Donna Young, Director of Income Generation of the Air Ambulance Service & Mark Hughes, Director of MCH Positive Impact, join Anne Hughes for this conversation about recognising & nurturing talent.This conversation focusses in on areas such as the CIOF Rising Stars Programme and the importance of celebrating new talent as well as reflecting on what leadership in fundraising looks like and how it can best be supported.

In this episode of the Chartered Institute Podcast we are looking at 'Careers in Fundraising' with Mickella Lewis-Purvis, the Network Grants Fundraising Manager at MIND; Harpreet Kondel, a Fundraising Consultant; David Burgess, as well as being a Consultant is chair of the Cultural Sector Network; and Graham Sumeray, CEO of Charity Link. 

A ‘state of the sector’ conversation Where we are now in fundraising? What are the challenges career fundraisers are experiencing and what are the opportunities are for the future? We're all chatting about what the big picture is like,  and what to focus on to keep fundraisers in the sector and attract more. Joining host Anne Hughes for this conversation are: Katie Docherty,  CEO of Chartered Institute of Fundraising; Jayne George, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Media at RNLI; Rob Cope, Exec Dir of Membership & Charitable Giving at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and Alan Clayton, CEO of Revolutionise.

Welcome to the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Podcast trailer! A brand new podcast will be landing soon, please do subscribe to the podcast so you can be the first to hear it.