The Charity Commission has published its Charity Sector Risk Assessment 2026, warning trustees and charity leaders about an increasingly complex range of risks facing organisations across England and Wales.
The assessment highlights financial pressures, fraud, safeguarding, governance challenges, social tensions and emerging technology and cyber threats as some of the key issues charities need to consider. The Commission is encouraging trustees to use the findings when reviewing their own risk registers and organisational safeguards.
Financial resilience remains a particular concern, with around two in five charities (41%) spending more than their income in 2024. The Commission has also seen increases in cases involving financial difficulties and concerns about charitable status being abused for private benefit.
Cyber security is another growing risk. 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber attack in the past year, with phishing remaining the most common and disruptive type of attack. The assessment also highlights the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence, reminding trustees that they remain responsible for ensuring appropriate safeguards, oversight and risk management are in place.
The Charity Commission is encouraging trustees to consider which of the identified risks could affect their organisation and take proportionate action to prepare and protect their charity.
Find out more:
Read the Charity Commission press release
Read the Charity Sector Risk Assessment 2026
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