Auditel Ensures That Charities Begin at Home

Auditel Ensures That Charities Begin at Home PR Newswire LONDON, December 4, 2012 LONDON, December 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, the Charities Aid Foundation reported: "Fewer people are giving to charity and those that do are giving less, resulting in a £2.3bn real terms fall in total donations in the last year. Charities with incomes of less than £1m reported total combined deficits of £306m in 2011, compared with an overall surplus of £325m in the 2007 financial year." In 2010, Accountants Baker Tilly spoke about 'managing charity finances through uncertain times' and reducing costs. "A charity needs to assess whether its staff have the correct level of skills to carry out its activities. So whilst it is good news that charities are reviewing their cost base, the bad news is that 10% are making staff salary cuts and nearly a third are deferring projects." Chris Allison, Managing Director of Auditel, the UK's leading independent Cost Management specialist, says: "At this difficult time, charities, like every other type of organisation, are looking to reduce their operating costs. But, in our experience, it is possible to retain valued personnel rather than having to rehire when things improve. Therefore, to accomplish this, charities need to take a really hard look at their business costs. "However, we find it rare for a charity to have a full-time cost management specialist on their books. It's a luxury that few can afford.