Let's Talk Fundraising

Let's Talk Fundraising, the official podcast from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, comes to you this month live from Fundraising Convention 2026 at the QEII Centre in London. Host Tim Beynon spent two days at the UK's biggest gathering of third sector fundraising professionals, capturing conversations with the people shaping the future of fundraising, from experts and sector leaders to those just starting out on their fundraising careers.

This episode explores what's changing across UK fundraising, and why it matters for charities of every size. Katie Docherty, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, explains why 2026 marks the last Convention in its current two-day format before a move to two dedicated flagship events from next year. Tobin Aldrich of AAW and Sophie Carre of Trussell unpack the headline findings from the 2026 Fundraising Benchmarking Survey, now in its third year and covering data from over 100 charities. Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, reflects on ten years of regulation since the body's launch in 2016, and looks ahead to the challenges AI and outdated legislation pose for fundraisers. Elsewhere, Matt Smith of THINK Consulting Solutions and Rebecca Bednall of Mayhew discuss why being small can be a genuine fundraising advantage, and career coach Matt Middler joins early career fundraiser Caitlin Scott to explore the "inner game" of building a sustainable career in the sector.

There's loads to listen to and you can you jump to the sections you'd like to listen to first via the chapters below.

Meet the guests

Katie Docherty is Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, having joined in October 2021 after roles including Chief Executive of Scouts Scotland and senior fundraising positions at Anthony Nolan and Age Scotland. She brings a leadership perspective on how Convention, and the Institute's wider events programme, is evolving to meet fundraisers' changing needs.

Tobin Aldrich is Principal Partner at AAW, where he leads the Fundraising Benchmarking Survey delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Now in its third year, the survey is one of the most comprehensive data sets on UK fundraising performance, and Tobin brings deep expertise in what the numbers reveal about sector-wide investment and returns.

Sophie Carre is Director of Public Engagement at Trussell, the UK's largest food bank charity network. She brings first-hand experience of using benchmarking data to navigate a fundraising programme shaped by rapidly shifting external circumstances, including legacy giving and new acquisition channels.

Gerald Oppenheim is Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator, a post he has held since 2018 having been with the regulator since its creation in 2016. He brings a decade of insight into rebuilding public trust in fundraising, the introduction of GDPR, and the regulatory challenges still ahead for charities.

Matt Smith is Managing Director of THINK Consulting Solutions, advising charities on fundraising strategy and innovation. He brings a strategic lens on how small and medium-sized organisations can diversify their fundraising portfolios without losing focus.

Rebecca Bednall is Head of Fundraising at Mayhew, the animal welfare charity serving five London boroughs. She brings practical experience of making bold portfolio decisions in a small fundraising team, including the discipline of saying no to legacy activities that no longer serve the organisation.

Matt Middler is a transformative coach working with charity sector leaders and fundraisers across the sector. He brings his "inner game and outer game" framework, helping fundraisers build self-awareness and resilience alongside technical skills.

Caitlin Scott is an early career professional currently seeking her first fundraising role, having moved into the sector from a background in performing arts and community engagement. She brings a fresh perspective on what it feels like to start a fundraising career today.

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Produced by The Good Studio - thegoodstudio.co.uk
  • (00:06) - - Welcome and introduction
  • (02:10) - - Katie Docherty on the future after Fundraising Convention
  • (08:11) - - Tobin Aldrich and Sophie Carre on the findings of the 2026 Fundraising Benchmarks Survey
  • (20:32) - - Gerald Oppenheim on the Fundraising Regulator's first decade
  • (40:20) - - Matt Smith and Becky Bednall on the small but mighty impact of the UK's small charities
  • (01:01:44) - - Matt Middler and Caitlin Scott on the 'inner game' for early career fundraisers
  • (01:19:50) - - That's a wrap for Fundraising Convention

Creators and Guests

Host
Tim Beynon
Tim has spent 20 years heading up charity comms teams and today runs The Good Studio, producing content - including this podcast - for charities and purpose-led organisations.
Guest
Caitlin Scott
Early career fundraiser
Guest
Gerald Oppenheim
Chief Executive, Fundraising Regulator
Guest
Katie Docherty
Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Fundraising
Guest
Matt Middler
Transformative Coach, Matt Middler Coaching
Guest
Matt Smith
Managing Director, THINK
Guest
Rebecca Bednall
Head of Fundraising, Mayhew
Guest
Sophie Carre
Director of Public Engagement, Trussell
Guest
Tobin Aldrich
Principal Partner, AAW

What is Let's Talk Fundraising?

Let’s Talk Fundraising is the official podcast of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, the charity that champions a lifetime of impact, a career in fundraising. Exploring the issues, ideas and debates shaping fundraising today - it's hosted each month by Tim Beynon, together with a rotating co-host. From sector news and current affairs to ethics, wellbeing, leadership and best practice, each episode brings practical insight and thoughtful discussion with fundraisers and experts from across the UK. Whether you work in fundraising, lead a charity, sit on a board, or simply want to understand how fundraising supports charities to change lives, Let’s Talk Fundraising is your place to listen, learn and be part of the conversation.