Charity Property Podcast - The Ethical Property Foundation

Hosts:Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, interviews Jade Winter,Director at Norris and Fisher Brokers, on how charity trustees can ensure theirinsurance 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 interruptioncover 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 organisationalchanges.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 consultancyand support services and check out the Norris & Fisher Insurance Brokers website forspecialist insurance solutions for charities and voluntary organisations.

Hosts:Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, and Virginia Masters,Associate Property Adviser at the Ethical Property Foundation, discuss how to evaluateshortlisted 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 rightquestions, 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 andsupport services.

Hosts:Antonia Swinson, CEO of the Ethical Property Foundation, and Virginia Masters, Associate Property Adviser, discuss how charities can approach the charity property search process and navigate the often complex world of property searches.Key topics:Starting the charity property search process: Why your charity needs internal or external expertise before diving in.Saving time and money: The benefits of professional support to guide your charity property 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 planning a move or seeking new premises, this episode offers step-by-step guidance through the charity property search process. These practical tips will help you approach the market with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and secure a space that worksfor your people and mission.Tune in for tips that could save your charity time, stress, and money!Need expert help finding or negotiating premises?The Ethical Property Foundation's consultancy team is here to support you, visit our consultancy pages to learn more. You can also explore the Weston Property Manual for more in-depth resources.

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.

HostsAntonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and ClareGarbett, 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.

HostsAntonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and Clare Garbett, Senior Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors.In this episode of the Ethical Property Foundation podcast, Antonia Swinson and Clare Garbett delve into key aspects of charity-landlord relationships and the crucial role solicitors play in managing these dynamics.Key Topics:Establishing a Strong Relationship with Your Landlord: Understanding the foundation of a positive working relationship.Landlord Priorities: Differences in goals between commercial landlords and local authority landlords at the start and end of a lease.Common Mistakes Charities Make: Insights into typical errors charities make when working with landlords and how to avoid them.Role of Solicitors in Disputes: Practical examples of how solicitors can help resolve conflicts and protect charity interests.Negotiating Clear Lease Terms: How solicitors can help ensure clarity in lease agreements to prevent future issues.Handling Lease Breaches: What to do when a breach occurs and how solicitors can help resolve it.Tune in to learn how solicitors can safeguard your charity property interests and avoid costly disputes in the future.Need expert advice on your charity's property issues?Our consultancy services can help you navigate complex charity-landlord relationships and ensure your lease agreements are sound. Visit our consultancy pages to learn more about how we can support your charity's property needs.Hosted on Spotify.

HostsAntonia Swinson, CEO, Ethical Property Foundation and Clare Garbett, Senior Associate, Russell-Cooke Solicitors discuss how charities can effectively work with solicitors to manage their property.Key topics:•Client preferences: What kind of clients do solicitors prefer to work with?•Upfront information: Essential details charities should provide to reduce costs.•Solicitor fees: Understanding solicitor fees – should you expect hundreds or thousands for lease renewal advice?•Measuring success: How to measure the success of your relationship with a solicitor.•Document organisation: Practical tips on how to organize documents for efficiency.•Managing legal fees: Ways to manage and reduce legal fees.•Maximising legal advice: How to ensure you get the most value from legal advice.•Institutional memory: The importance of keeping track of key property data and lease details to save time and costs.If you're a charity looking to navigate legal advice and property management efficiently, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions and build a successful working relationship with your solicitor.Tune in for expert advice and actionable tips!Need tailored advice on managing your charity's property?Explore our consultancy services to help you navigate legal challenges and optimise your property management. Visit our consultancy pages for more.Hosted on Spotify.

HostsSimon Taylor, Head of Property Services, Ethical Property Foundation and Sue Boyall, Partner, Excello Law.Leasing a building involves more than just rent. Many charities overlook hidden expenses, leading to financial strain. This episode breaks down key costs and how to manage them effectively.Key topics:Service charges, rates, and VAT: Unpack what these costs are, how they are calculated, and their impact on your charity's budget.Heads of Terms (HOTs): Learn the importance of detailing everything you want in the lease to avoid unexpected expenses.Understanding extra costs: Recognise the potential additional costs beyond rent, and why it's crucial to anticipate them.Variable vs. controlled costs: Distinguish between controlled rent and variable costs, and how rent reviews can affect your finances.Service charges explained: Discover what a service charge includes, how the landlord should provide a budget and balance sheet, and the importance of understanding past and future charges.Initial surveys: Conducting a survey at the beginning of a lease to understand historical and current service charge levels, and any future major plans.Lease literacy: Emphasize the necessity of reading the lease thoroughly to avoid assumptions and ensure clarity on all terms.Insurance costs: Understand how insurance is organised by the landlord, your contribution towards it, and how it might be included in the service charge or as a separate cost.Rates and relief: Clarify tenant responsibilities for rates, and explore the reliefs available to some charities.Navigating VAT: Learn how VAT applies in the context of your building lease, and the differences between VAT-liable and non-VAT-liable buildings.Comprehensive cost awareness: Ensure you are fully informed of all potential costs associated with leasing a building.Join us for a deep dive into these critical considerations, helping your charity manage its finances more effectively and avoid unexpected financial burdens.Need help navigating hidden property costs?Our consultancy services provide expert advice to help your charity manage leasing expenses and safeguard its budget. Visit our consultancy pages for tailored support. Hosted on Spotify.

HostsSimon Taylor, Head of Property Services, Ethical Property Foundation and Sue Boyall, Partner, Excello Law discuss the complexities of break clauses and your rights as a tenant.Key topics:Break clauses and knowing your rights: Understand what break clauses are, how they work, and what your rights are when invoking them.Lease termination: Learn about the different ways a lease can come to an end, including the natural expiration of the term.Handing back the keys: Discover whether you can simply hand back the keys and walk away, or if there are additional steps you need to take.Timing and notice: The importance of knowing your break dates, giving proper notice, and organising your timeline to ensure a smooth transition.Legal and suitability checks for new premises: Ensure that your new premises are legally permissible and suitable for your needs, including considerations for planning and conversion costs.Property condition and repairs: Understand your obligations to return the property in a good state of repair and what dilapidations entail.Proactive lease management: Learn why it's beneficial to consider your obligations at the beginning of the lease, including creating a schedule of conditions to limit end-of-lease liabilities.Building surveys: The importance of conducting a building survey before entering a property as a critical first step in negotiating with a landlord and understanding the state of the building.Join us as we provide essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the end-of-lease process with confidence and ease.Need expert advice on managing break clauses and lease termination?Our consultancy services provide tailored support to guide you through the end-of-lease process and beyond. Contact us today via our consultancy pages for professional assistance! Hosted on Spotify.

HostsSimon Taylor, Head of Property Services, Ethical Property Foundation and Sue Boyall, Partner, Excello Law delve into the essential aspects tenants need to understand about using their leased buildings and the importance of obtaining landlord consent.Key topics:Landlord’s Consent for Change of Use: Discover when and why you need your landlord’s approval before changing how you use the space.Building License for Alterations: Learn about the necessary licenses for making changes to the building and the implications of unauthorised alterations.Ability to Sublet or Share Possession: Understand the rules and restrictions around subletting or sharing your leased property.Consequences of Not Informing the Landlord: Hear real-life examples of tenants facing significant costs for failing to notify their landlords of changes.Tenant Obligations to the Landlord: Understand your responsibilities, repair liabilities, and who is responsible for the property.Future Proofing the Property: Plan ahead for future use. Consider what you might want to do with the property down the line.Cautious Lease Signing: Don't rush into signing the lease. Think through potential future uses and ensure the lease terms align with your long-term plans.Tune in to get practical advice and avoid common pitfalls when dealing with landlord consent and building use as a tenant.Need help understanding landlord consent and building use?Our consultancy services provide expert advice to help your charity navigate lease obligations and avoid costly mistakes. Visit our consultancy pages for tailored support.Hosted on Spotify.

HostsJoin expert surveyor Simon Taylor, Head of Property Services, Ethical Property Foundation and Michael Fahy, Trustee Lawyer, as they share invaluable insights on successfully collaborating with your local authority landlord.Key TopicsManaging your lease: Learn key strategies to navigate lease agreements and maintain positive landlord relationships.Understanding council landlords: Discover what drives local authority landlords and how to engage with them successfully.Practical tips: Get actionable guidance to avoid common pitfalls and resolve property challenges.For charities and nonprofits: Essential listening for organisations leasing or managing property from local councils.Join us for a deep dive into these essential topics, equipping your charity with the knowledge to manage local authority leases confidently and avoid unnecessary challenges.Need expert guidance on working with your local authority landlord?Our consultancy services offer tailored advice to help your charity navigate lease agreements and strengthen relationships with council landlords. Visit our consultancy pages for personalised support.Hosted on Spotify.

HostsJoin expert surveyor Simon Taylor, Head of Property Services, Ethical Property Foundation and Michael Fahy, Trustee Lawyer, as they guide charity trustees through the key steps of property disposals.Key topics:Understanding property disposals: Learn how to exit a property responsibly while meeting legal and financial obligations.Handing back the keys: Explore best practices for vacating charity properties and fulfilling lease terms.Occupancy, rent and responsibilities: Get clarity on your charity’s obligations when leaving a leased or owned property.Avoiding common pitfalls: Address common uncertainties and challenges charities face during the exit process.Maximising community impact: Ensure your charity’s move benefits both your organisation and the local community.Join us for essential insights to help your charity navigate property exits with confidence and avoid unexpected challenges.Need expert advice on exiting your property?Our consultancy services provide tailored support to help charities manage property disposals smoothly. Visit our consultancy pages for expert guidance.Hosted on Spotify.

HostsJoin expert surveyor Simon Taylor, Head of Property Services, Ethical Property Foundation and Michael Fahy, Trustee Lawyer, as they explore key strategies to help charities get the most from their property.Key topics:Maximising property value: Learn how to make the best use of your charity’s property, whether rented or owned.Effective property management: Discover essential strategies to optimise space, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.Avoiding costly mistakes: Gain insights into common property pitfalls and how trustees can navigate them successfully.Understanding your lease and ownership: Get practical advice on lease terms, maintenance, and long-term planning.Ensuring long-term sustainability: Explore ways to future-proof your charity’s property strategy for lasting impact.Join us for expert insights to help your charity manage its property effectively and avoid unnecessary financial risks.Need expert guidance on managing your property?Our consultancy services provide tailored advice to help charities optimise their property use. Visit our consultancy pages for expert support.Hosted on Spotify.