By the time this magazine is published, there will only be a few days to go before the general election. Indeed, by the time some readers find time to pick it up and read this, they may well know which party has won.
At the time of writing, the polls are still showing a clear Labour victory and it does seem likely that Keir Starmer will lead the next government. Yet, of course, polls have been proven wrong in the past so nobody will know for sure until the votes have been counted.
Whoever takes charge faces an uphill struggle and difficult decisions. There are many important issues, challenges and causes that need addressing, but the economic situation is not going to suddenly improve, so funds will remain limited.
Prioritising where to spend in order to achieve the greatest social impact at a time of limited funding and rising need is something that charities are used to – and something a potential new government will need to rapidly get used to.
Charities need to be a central part of these conversations and should play a key role in designing and delivering services that will improve people’s lives for the better. Time will tell whether there will be a reset in the relationship between the sector and the government.
Whatever happens on the political front, the need for charities will remain. This means that they need to adapt and evolve as the world arounds them changes.
This month, our cover theme looks at artificial intelligence (AI). Although AI has been around for years, it has become a part of everyday life in the past couple of years. Like much of the rest of society, charities are discussing whether they should use it and if so, how they can use it.
It is understandable that some have reservations about this technology and its dangers. However, it is here and already starting to become embedded in the way we live and work. It appears the genie is out of the lamp and charities need to make sure that they are not left behind when it comes to embracing the benefits and opportunities AI provides.
Finally, Charity Finance is taking its usual summer break. So, your next issue will be with you in September.
I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the summer and recharge.
Tristan Blythe is editor of Charity Finance
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