Shows
The Charity ShowFrom buckets to brand building: What charities can learn from Müller’s approach to partnershipsWhat happens when a yoghurt brand becomes a major force for good? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley speak to Vicky Bryant, Head of Culture at Muller UK, to explore how a household name has transformed its community engagement from small donations to redistributing over 4 million meals through their partnership with food charity FairShare.Hear how Muller embeds social impact into its companyculture - and what charities of all sizes can learn about collaboration, employee engagement, and creating truly transformational partnerships.In This Episode:🥣 How a yog...2025-06-2353 min
The Charity ShowBITES#9: The Silent Supporters - Celebrities who give without recognitionWelcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your espressoshot of charity stories and sector surprises.This week, Tim and Piers turn the spotlight on those who usually avoid it: celebrities who support charities quietly, generously and without fuss. From surprise hospital visits to million-pound donations, these are the untold stories of famous faces making a real impact behind the scenes.In This Episode:🌟 George Michael – Secret donations, shelter volunteering, and a Deal or No Deal moment that changed a life.💇♀️ The Princess of Wales – Donates her hair anonymously to the Little Princess Trust.2025-06-1614 min
The Charity ShowAI, ethics & the future of charity: Inside the Charity AI Task Force - with Zoe Amar and Dan SutchAI is already transforming the third sector—but are charities ready?In this episode of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers are joined by two of the sector’s leading digital thinkers: Zoe Amar and Dan Sutch, co-founders of the new Charity AI Task Force. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is being used across the sector, the risks it poses, and how organisations can embrace it ethically and strategically.In This Episode:🤖 AI adoption in charities – With 76% of the sector now using AI, what does implementation really look like in practice?🔒 Ethic...2025-06-091h 07
The Charity ShowBITES#8: A bundle of brilliant volunteers for Volunteers' WeekWelcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your charity sector espresso shot, brewed just in time for Volunteers’ Week. This episode is packed with real-life stories of volunteers making a difference in ways big and small—from book giveaways to vegetable boxes, and one very mischievous rescue cat.Tim and Piers share uplifting, funny, and sometimes chaotic tales from across the UK—proving just how much volunteers bring to their communities and charities every day.In This Episode:📚 Doncaster's Literacy Champions – Volunteers handing out 8,000+ books and spreading a love of reading through the Doncaster S...2025-06-0211 min
The Charity ShowVolunteers' Week Special - with Flik Walls and Alice O'BoyleVolunteers are the heartbeat of the third sector—but how do we inspire and retain them in an age of changing expectations, busy lives, and digital distractions?In this special pre-Volunteers' Week episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with two of the sector’s most passionate volunteer advocates: Flik Williams from WCVA and Alice O'Boyle from Volunteer Now.Together, they explore how volunteering is evolving—from flexible, micro-opportunities to family-friendly roles—and why charities need to reimagine how they engage, celebrate and support their voluntee...2025-05-271h 15
The Charity ShowBITES#7: Biscuit days, emoji appeals and pants for a causeWelcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your bitesize charity sector espresso shot—short, sharp and packed with curious campaigns and creative ideas.In this episode, Tim and Piers roll out the red carpet for some of the quirkiest awareness days in the calendar—and the imaginative ways charities have brought them to life. From biscuit dunking to emoji donations, there’s no such thing as a dull moment when you mix fundraising with fun.In This Episode:🍪 National Biscuit Day – Free biccies and biscuit-themed fundraisers from Age UK and Winston’s Wish. Custard creams, anyone?2025-05-1910 min
The Charity ShowWe turn one + reflections and innovations in stroke care with Juliet Bouverie OBEIt’s a milestone moment for The Charity Show! In our 25th episode, hosts Tim and Piers celebrate one year of powerful conversations, unforgettable guests, and deep dives into the issues shaping the UK charity sector.This week, they’re joined by Juliette Bouverie OBE, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, to explore the remarkable Sing for Stroke campaign - an innovative initiative that highlights how music can help stroke survivors recover their ability to communicate.In This Episode:🎂 Celebrating one year of The Charity Show – reflections, highlights, and the guests who’ve shaped the...2025-05-1253 min
The Charity ShowBITES#6: Heartwarming charity tales from the 2025 London MarathonWelcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your bitesize dose of third sector inspiration - quick, energising, and packed with incredible stories.This week, Tim and Piers lace up their trainers and relive some of the most unforgettable moments from the 2025 London Marathon, the UK’s largest single-day charity fundraising event. From record-breaking runners to deeply personal tributes, this episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity and community spirit.In This Episode:🏃♂️ Rhino Boy Chris – 113 marathons in a full rhino suit to raise awareness for endangered species.🌻 Sunflower power – Martin Pritchard Howarth’s cheerful run for Scope.🦄...2025-05-0509 min
The Charity ShowFrom clichés to connection: Rethinking charity photography with Matt Mahmood-OgstonHow can charities tell authentic, ethical stories through photography — without falling into harmful clichés?In this powerful episode of The Charity Show, Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Matt Mahmood-Ogston, charity CEO, photographer, and founder of the Naz and Matt Foundation, to unpack how the charity sector can move away from tired tropes and build genuine human connections through visual storytelling.We dive into:📸 The evolution from glossy PR shots to authentic, human-led photography — and why it matters now more than ever.🖼️ The ethics of charity imagery — how to represent vulnerable comm...2025-04-281h 06
The Charity ShowBITES#5: Easter egg hunts, a chocolate mix-up & April Fools : The most memorable Easter charity campaignsWelcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your bitesize fix of charity sector surprises— this week with egg-tra insights.Join Tim and Piers as they hop into the UK's most egg-traordinary Easter campaigns, from chocolate chaos and yarn bombing to community-led raffles and accidental fundraising triumphs. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just here for the puns, this one’s got something for everyone.In this episode🥚 The Great British Egg Hunt – How a small wording change in Cadbury and the National Trust’s campaign caused a national stir.🎟️ Exeter Hospice Care’s Eas...2025-04-1412 min
The Charity ShowNavigating youth engagement: Insights from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - with Katie Bamber and Laura McIntoshHow can charities connect with young people in a noisy digital world? In this episode of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers dive into the ever-evolving world of youth engagement - and what charities need to do to truly connect with the next generation.They’re joined by Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh, the dynamic duo behind the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s (DofE) award-winning comms strategy, to explore how the charity stays relevant, resonates with young people and builds lasting impact in an increasingly noisy world.In this episode:📺 How the TV series...2025-04-0758 min
The Charity ShowBITES#4: Jackpot in the charity shop! Jaw dropping finds from across the UKWelcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your bitesize fix of charity sector surprises—quick, sharp, and packed with hidden gems.This week, Tim and Piers explore jaw-dropping discoveries made in UK charity shops in recent years, proving that treasure really can be found among the second hand books and DVDs. From a £56,000 Bible to a £1 vase worth nearly half a million, these stories show just how valuable charity shops can be when it comes to boosting income for good causes.📖 The £56,000 Bible—how an Oxfam shop in Chelmsford hit the jackpot with a centuries-old discovery...2025-03-3112 min
The Charity ShowDigital marketing for charities: Trends, challenges and opportunities – with Phil AistonThe world of digital marketing is evolving fast, and charities are under increasing pressure to keep up. In this episode, Tim and Piers sit down with Phil Aiston, Director of Digital Marketing at Manifesto, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing charities in the digital space.They discuss:The steep learning curve of digital marketing, from data analytics to social media trends.How to prioritise digital initiatives when budgets are tight and expectations are high.Emerging trends, including AI and the need to diversify marketing channels.The ethical dilemmas...2025-03-241h 07
The Charity ShowBITES#3: Unbelievable charity challenges - from fridges to naked sledding!Some people run marathons, others bake cakes… and then there are those who strap a fridge to their backs or race down icy slopes in nothing but a helmet and boots! 😳In this episode of The Charity Show Bites, Tim and Piers dive into the craziest, most extreme, and downright bizarre fundraising challenges attempted in the name of charity. From marathon-running in deep-sea diving suits to cycling across the world on a penny farthing, these fundraisers prove that there’s no limit to human determination (or creativity!).Tune in to hear about:🏃♂️ A man who ran 30 half...2025-03-1716 min
The Charity ShowCelebrity connections: How Julian House taps into star power– with Zoe ConnIn this episode of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers explore the power of celebrity involvement in charity work with Zoe Conn, Fundraising and Development Director at Julian House. They discuss how personal connections can lead to impactful partnerships with high-profile figures like Dominic West and Russell Howard, helping to raise awareness and funds for crucial causes.They cover:The strategies behind securing celebrity ambassadors and why authenticity mattersThe challenges of managing high-profile partnerships and ensuring long-term engagementReal-life examples of celebrity impact in charity campaignsHow charities...2025-03-101h 03
The Charity ShowBites#2: What's the weirdest donation you've ever received?Welcome back to The Charity Show Bites! Your bitesize charity sector fix - quick, sharp, and packed with surprises between our main episodes.This week, Tim and Piers dive into the weirdest and most unexpected donations charities have ever received. From bizarre charity shop finds to a viral Tinder date disaster that led to a fundraiser, this episode proves that generosity comes in all forms—sometimes hilarious, sometimes baffling.🎁 The strangest charity donations ever received—including a life-sized red cow sculpture and a rubber bodysuit that sparked a formal complaint.💸 David Gilmour’s epic donatio...2025-03-0313 min
The Charity ShowDomestic abuse, brain injury, and the power of charity partnerships - with Steffy Bechelet and Hannah WilliamsIn this episode of The Charity Show, Tim Beynon and Piers Townley are joined by Steffy Bechelet from Brainkind and Hannah Williams from Women's Aid to explore the critical but often-overlooked link between domestic abuse and brain injury.They discuss: The shocking prevalence of brain injuries among domestic abuse survivors and why greater awareness is urgently needed. How Brainkind and Women's Aid formed their groundbreaking partnership and the innovative steps they’re taking to gather vital data. The power of collaboration in the charity sector and how working together can amplify impact. The em...2025-02-2459 min
The Charity ShowBites #1: How many hats do you wear?Welcome to the first-ever episode ofThe Charity Show Bites! A brand-new bitesize series bringing you quick-fire insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and unexpected truths from the charity sector—perfect for keeping you going between our main fortnightly episodes ofThe Charity Show.🎭How many hats do you wear? We explore the weirdest, most unexpected tasks charity professionals take on—beyond their actual job descriptions.📢From acting in charity films to inflatable arch mechanics, hosts Tim and Piers share their own experiences of stepping far outside their job roles.🗨️Listener stories—from booking helicopter landings to climb...2025-02-1711 min
The Charity ShowThe power of charity films: Storytelling that inspires action - with Simon BurtonHow can film help charities tell their most powerful stories? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley dive into the world of charity films with special guest Simon Burton, founder of the Smiley Charity Film Awards.From viral success stories to emotional storytelling, this episode explores:How the Smiley Charity Film Awards became the UK’s biggest celebration of charity storytellingWhy the best charity films create emotional connections that drive actionThe biggest challenges charities face when making films—and how to overcome themHow smaller charities can compete with big organisations usin...2025-02-101h 02
The Charity ShowYoung people & charities: Why youth engagement matters- with Mel Kelly and Catherine HoganHow can charities better connect with young people—and why does it matter? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the vital role of young people in shaping the charity sector’s future.They sit down with Mel Kelly and Catherine Hogan, inspiring Young Ambassadors for The Brain Tumour Charity, who share their personal journeys and the unique skills young people bring to the table.Key topics in this episode:Why 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds in the UK are interested in joining charity boards—and what this means for th...2025-01-2751 min
The Charity ShowMajor donors, Meta’s shake-up & surprise charity support- with Sally WilliamsWhat do Meta’s latest changes, major donor philanthropy, and Snoop Dogg have in common? They’re all shaping the future of the charity sector—and we’re diving into it all in this episode of The Charity Show.Hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley kick off 2025 with expert insights on how charities can navigate the evolving digital landscape, build meaningful relationships with high-value donors, and capitalise on unexpected opportunities.Key topics in this episode:How Meta’s latest updates, led by Mark Zuckerberg, could impact charity fundraising and social engagementThe power of major donor phil...2025-01-1354 min
The Charity ShowChristmas quiz, mince pie debate and scuba diving Santas - with Tim and PiersEpisode 16 of The Charity Show brings a festive flair as hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley delve into the holiday season with a mix of charity news, quizzes, and heartwarming stories.
The duo celebrates the South Yorkshire Fire Rescue Service's creative fundraising efforts with their bid for Christmas number one, featuring the catchy "Fire Safety Dance" by Big Shaun and the Steel People. They also spotlight the brave souls participating in Christmas morning swims, raising funds for causes like The Alzheimer's Society.
In this episode, listeners are treated to a festive quiz with questions on charity-themed Christmas trivia, including th...2024-12-2330 min
The Charity ShowLeadership lessons, Santa runs and celebrity scandals - with Chris SherwoodWhat does it take to lead some of the UK’s biggest charities? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Chris Sherwood, outgoing CEO of the RSPCA, as he reflects on his leadership journey and his next big challenge at the NSPCC.Chris shares insights on:The rewards and challenges of leading major charitiesWhy mentoring matters in the charity sectorHis transition from animal welfare to child protection and what he hopes to achieve at the NSPCCAlso in this episode:The Santa in...2024-12-0951 min
The Charity ShowLewis Moody's challenge, Davina McCall's news and Sir Chris Hoy's legacy - with Lewis Moody MBEWhat drives people to take on extreme charity challenges—and how do they create real impact? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with former England rugby captain Lewis Moody MBE to discuss his journey from professional sport to leading the Lewis Moody Foundation.Lewis shares how his foundation is funding life-changing brain tumour research and how its challenge events have raised over £2.3 million.Key topics in this episode:The power of charity challenges in raising awareness and fundsThe Brain Tumour Charity’s recent work with Davin...2024-11-2559 min
The Charity ShowBudget insight, challenge events and Trump's impact - with Saskia Konynenburg and Tracey Anne-BreeseHow will the UK’s latest budget impact the charity sector—and what can organisations do to adapt? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley break down the key financial changes, including increased National Insurance contributions, and what they mean for charities across the UK.Featuring insights from Saskia Koynenburg at the NCVO, the discussion covers:How budget changes will affect charity operational costsWhat charities can do to push back against financial burdens, including joining sector-wide petitionsTips from Tracy Anne-Breese on organising high-impact challenge events to boost fundraising2024-11-1152 min
The Charity ShowSocial media ethics, cheeky calendars and fundraising dogs - featuring Adeela WarleyHow should charities navigate the ethical challenges of social media in an era of constant change? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Adeela Warley, CEO of Charity Comms, to explore how Elon Musk’s changes to X (formerly Twitter) are impacting the sector and what charities can do to stay ethical and effective online.Key topics in this episode:The evolving role of social media in charity communicationsHow charities can balance free speech, ethics, and reputation management onlineCreative fundraising initiatives, including:Michelle Oldfield’s cheeky charity cale...2024-10-2849 min
The Charity ShowParkrun's 20th Anniversary, Unclaimed Gift Aid, and Comedy in Charity - with Garrett MillerickHow has Parkrun grown into a global movement with over 10 million runners and nearly a million volunteers? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley celebrate 20 years of Parkrun, exploring its incredible impact on health, community, and charitable giving.Key topics in this episode:The £560 million in unclaimed Gift Aid every year—how charities can take actionSpecial guest Garrett Millerick, comedian and writer ofDo Gooders, on blending comedy with sensitive charity topics in his BBC Radio 4 sitcomThe rising cost of stamps and its impact on charity Christmas card fundraisingHonouring the legacy of...2024-10-1452 min
The Charity ShowCharity apprenticeships, AI in nonprofit Work, and fundraising trends – with Laura Thurlow BEMHow can charities make the most of government-funded apprenticeships—and what’s the future of AI in the nonprofit sector? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the latest opportunities and challenges facing the charity world.Featuring special guest Laura Thurlow BEM, former charity CEO and apprenticeship expert, this episode covers:Over 700 apprenticeship opportunities available to charitiesHow AI is transforming the nonprofit sector—both its potential and its risksWhy some charities consistently raise more than others and what fundraisers can learnThe latest third-sector news and updatesThe inspiring journey of Dr. Ca...2024-09-3044 min
The Charity ShowCharity recruitment, AI in nonprofits & unlikely fundraising collabs - with Maya BhoseHow can charities attract top talent—and what’s holding them back from embracing AI? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley return from their summer break with fresh insights and sector news.Featuring special guest Maya Bhose from The Well Placed, this episode covers:The challenges of recruiting in the charity sector and how midlife professionals are transitioning from corporate careers into nonprofitsA unique fundraising collaboration between Marmite and Elton John as part of a $1 million charity partnershipThe incredible story of a 10-year-old who cycled from Land’s End to Joh...2024-09-1648 min
The Charity ShowSeason One Highlights: Inspirational Stories and Memorable MomentsWelcome to this special highlights episode of The Charity Show! Hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley are taking a well-deserved break, but we've got a treat for you as we look back at some of the best moments from season one.
In this episode, we revisit some of the most inspiring stories and insightful discussions that have graced our show. From the incredible fundraising efforts of Alex Staniforth, founder of Mind Over Mountains, to Richard Jain's expert insights on rebranding for Brainkind, and Sarah White's journey of starting SuperShoes from her kitchen table, this episode is packed...2024-08-1937 min
The Charity ShowVoluntary Sector Manifesto, charity volunteers & sport for good - with Saskia Konynenberg, NCVOHow can charities and government work better together—and what role do volunteers play in shaping the sector? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the key issues driving the charity world today.Featuring special guest Saskia Konynenberg from NCVO, this episode covers:TheVoluntary Sector Manifesto—how it could transform the relationship between government and charitiesThe economic impact of volunteers and why they’re vital to the UK’s nonprofit sectorHow volunteers power major sporting events, from the Olympics to WimbledonThe RNLI’sFish Fridays campaign and its impact on fundraisingValleyfest—how this gro...2024-08-0546 min
The Charity ShowStrategic leadership, charity auctions & fundraising feats - with Vicki BeeversWhat makes a great charity leader—and why is strategy so vital for success? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the power of strong leadership and planning in the nonprofit sector.Featuring special guest Vicki Beevers, Chief Executive of The Sleep Charity and winner ofStrategic Leader of the Year, this episode covers:Vicki’s journey from teaching to founding The Sleep CharityThe biggest challenges of leading a charity and why strategy is key to long-term successThe dangers charities face without a clear vision and planHighlights from the Bank of Engl...2024-07-2248 min
The Charity ShowThe future of fundraising & record-breaking challenges - with Katie DochertyHow is fundraising evolving in a changing world? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Katie Doherty, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the charity sector.This episode covers:How the cost-of-living crisis is shaping donor behaviourThe rise of micro-donations and gaming as powerful fundraising toolsThe psychology behind why people give—and how charities can tap into itIncredible fundraising feats, including Dan Ives and Lloyd Gregory’s world record for the longest table tennis rally, raising funds for...2024-07-0847 min
The Charity ShowAI in charities, record-breaking fundraisers & ethical dilemmas - with Zoe AmarHow is artificial intelligence transforming the charity sector? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Zoe Amar, a leading expert in digital strategy for charities, to explore how AI is being used to enhance fundraising, boost efficiency, and create powerful storytelling opportunities.This episode covers:How charities are using AI to improve donor engagement and automate tasksReal-world examples, including a Scottish hospice using AI to preserve patient memoriesThe ethical considerations of AI in the third sectorThe inspiring story of Andy Airey, Mike Palmer, and Tim Owen, who have...2024-06-2449 min
The Charity ShowSmall charity power, Royal patronage and inpsiring legacies - with Sarah WhiteHow do small charities create a big impact? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley speak with Sarah White, Chief Executive of Supershoes, about the journey of a volunteer-driven charity that crafts custom-designed shoes for children undergoing cancer treatment. Sarah shares how a simple act of kindness grew into a national organisation and highlights the vital role of volunteers in making a difference.This episode also covers:The Fire Fighters Charity receiving Royal patronage from King CharlesThe Brain Tumour Charity’s £1 million milestone with WickesThe incredible legacy of Rob Burrow and the...2024-06-1047 min
The Charity ShowCharity rebrands, legacy & inspiring fundraisers - with Richard JaneHow can a rebrand transform a charity’s future? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the complexities of charity rebranding with Richard Jane, Director of External Affairs at Brainkind. Richard shares the strategic journey from The Disabilities Trust to Brainkind, revealing the key decisions behind the change, the role of stakeholder engagement, and how to balance legacy with a fresh identity.This episode also covers:The power of rebranding and how it can redefine a charity’s trajectoryThe hidden costs ofnot rebranding and why change can be a crucial inve...2024-05-2746 min
The Charity ShowThe Charity Show begins & how to launch a charity - with Alex StaniforthWelcome to the very first episode ofThe Charity Show! Join hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley—longstanding charity comms professionals—as they launch this brand-new podcast, diving into the most inspiring stories, innovative campaigns, and key issues shaping the third sector.In this premiere episode, we explore:The bold beginnings of new charities, featuring special guest Alex Staniforth, co-founder of Mind Over Mountains, who shares how his mental health struggles and love of the outdoors led to a charity that blends adventure with professional supportThe PR stunts making waves, from the Oddballs Foundation’s cheeky Westminster Bridge...2024-05-1340 min
The Charity ShowThe Charity Show - TrailerHosts Tim and Piers explain what The Charity Show is all about and how you can be a part of it, whatever your role in the third sector.
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2024-04-2501 min