A recent report from the Charities Aid Foundation has revealed that 61% of Hertfordshire residents donated to charitable causes in 2023, highlighting the region's strong commitment to philanthropy.

The data, part of a broader study on UK giving trends, underscores a national focus on health, medical research, and environmental causes.

According to the Centre for Cities survey conducted the same year, 40% of donations in the South of England went to health and medical research charities, while just over 30% were directed toward animal, environment, and conservation organisations. While regional variations exist, the UK-wide trend shows a strong inclination toward health and wellbeing, as well as environmental protection. London, however, stands out, with donations more evenly split across these categories and poverty prevention charities.

With Hertfordshire donors showing strong support for these causes, safeguarding the vital organisations they support has never been more important, according to Ansvar Insurance. The specialist insurer for the charity and not-for-profit sectors is emphasizing the need for charities to protect their operations just as carefully as they fundraise.

Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, commented:

"Charities across Hertfordshire do vital work every day, and the generosity of local communities is commendable. However, it's crucial they recognise the importance of protecting what they have built.

"Not-for-profits often operate with limited resources and rely heavily on volunteers. A single incident, such as a fire, theft, or accident, could have devastating consequences, both financially and reputationally.

"Whether it's safeguarding a rescue centre, a community health initiative, or organising a major fundraising event, charities need to protect their people, funds, and beneficiaries to maintain their operations without disruption."

Ansvar recommends four key actions that charities can take to ensure they are properly protected:

• Risk assessments – Charities should regularly identify potential risks. Knowing what to protect against is the first step in ensuring safety.
• Cybersecurity measures – With the rise of digital fundraising, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols is essential to safeguard sensitive donor information.
• Tailored insurance cover – Standard business insurance may not be sufficient. Charities should protect physical assets and consider sector-specific risks, such as volunteer injuries, trustee indemnity, and loss of donations.
• Safeguarding policies – Regularly updating policies and ensuring all volunteers and staff are trained in best practices is crucial, especially when working with the public and vulnerable groups.

"Charities must be proactive, not just reactive," adds Sarah Cox. "Protecting their operations means that the generous contributions from local residents can drive long-term change, allowing organisations to focus on their missions without fear of disruption, and ensuring every contribution makes a lasting difference."

For more updates on local charity efforts and fundraising initiatives, stay tuned to Hitchin Nub News.