Member Survey Offers Snapshot of Impact of Pandemic
The Wheel's most recent survey provides an important snapshot of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on charities and the community and voluntary sector in key areas such as income, fundraising, staffing and services.
The survey findings indicate that the pandemic is having a very uneven impact across the sector. Over half of respondents said their organisation’s income fell in 2020, with charities relying on public fundraising most severely affected. Of the nearly two-thirds of organisations in receipt of statutory funding, only 7% reported a reduction in funding in 2020. More than a third (38%) increased their service provision in 2020, while 32% cut services and 30% maintained the same level of services.
The overwhelming majority of respondents said they are confident that they will be in a position to declare compliance with the Charities Regulator’s Governance Code in 2021. In relation to challenges: over half of respondents believe that their organisations will be affected by Brexit. Most say this impact will be manageable, but a small number expressed serious concern. Respondents also voiced concern about a range of other issues including the State’s funding model for the sector and the need for a coherent Government Strategy for the sector. Members expressed a high level of satisfaction with The Wheel, our services and performance. Feedback from this survey will be used to enhance and develop our member services, supports and representative work.