The Charity Commission has highlighted the important role that infrastructure organisations play in helping charities manage financial pressures, strengthen governance and respond to emerging risks.
In a blog published on 30 October 2026, the regulator recognised that charities continue to deliver essential services despite facing considerable financial and operational challenges.
The Commission’s latest Charity Sector Risk Assessment found that although overall charity income and expenditure increased during 2024, financial margins have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
The regulator also reported a 57% increase in cases involving internal disputes within charities over the past year, including disagreements concerning trustee elections, governance and property.
Recognising the Importance of Infrastructure Support
The Charity Commission acknowledged that while it provides regulatory guidance to help trustees understand their responsibilities, infrastructure organisations provide practical support to help charities address everyday challenges.
This includes advice on governance, trustee training, opportunities for collaboration, access to resources and support with organisational development.
The blog featured contributions from Liz Lowther, Chief Executive of the Association of Chairs, who explained how infrastructure organisations help charities access specialist knowledge and support that they may otherwise struggle to afford.
Research from the Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics’ 2025 national trustee survey also found that only 48% of trustees felt confident they had access to the training needed to fulfil their role.
These findings highlight the continued importance of accessible training, guidance and practical support for charities of all sizes.
Supporting Charities Across the East Riding and North Lincolnshire
The findings reinforce the importance of local infrastructure organisations such as Community VISION, which supports Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Community VISION works with local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to provide information, advice, training, networking opportunities and practical support to strengthen their capacity and sustainability.
For smaller organisations, particularly those relying on volunteers and trustees, access to this support can be invaluable.
Infrastructure organisations help groups understand their responsibilities, improve governance arrangements, identify funding opportunities, develop partnerships and respond to changing community needs.
They also provide opportunities for organisations to share experiences, learn from one another and work collaboratively to address local challenges.
Concerns About the Sustainability of Infrastructure Organisations
The Charity Commission also recognised that infrastructure organisations themselves are experiencing increasing financial pressures, with funding becoming more limited at a time when demand for their services continues to grow.
The blog referenced the announced closure of the Directory of Social Change and the financial challenges experienced by Reach Volunteering, which subsequently reversed its planned closure following support from funders.
These examples demonstrate the financial uncertainty affecting organisations that provide essential support to the wider charity sector.
The Commission emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong network of infrastructure organisations to help charities remain resilient and effective.
Charity Commission Chair Julia Unwin described infrastructure organisations as:
“The rich web of organisations that provide support, bring organisations together, provide the scaffolding that keeps charities running effectively and efficiently.”
Strengthening the Local VCFSE Sector
For Community VISION, the Charity Commission’s message reinforces the importance of investing in local infrastructure support and ensuring that charities and community organisations can access the guidance and resources they need.
As organisations continue to face financial uncertainty, increasing demand for services and growing governance responsibilities, effective infrastructure support remains essential to maintaining a strong and sustainable VCFSE sector.
Community VISION remains committed to working alongside local organisations, partners and stakeholders to strengthen the sector across the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Further Information
Read the full Charity Commission article, published on 30 October 2026:
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