In this episode, George Knight is joined by charity consultant Rob Avann, who brings a rare perspective from having been a grant assessor, commissioner, trustee and CEO. Together, they dive into the world of fundraising and grant applications, exposing the common mistakes that can sink a bid and how to make yours stand out. Rob shares practical tips on building credibility, the importance of relationships with funders, and why listening to feedback is pure gold.But it doesn’t stop there. The conversation shifts into leadership during tough times and the role trustees and boards play in navigating uncertainty. Rob explains why governance is never a finished job, how constructive disagreements can be a strength, and why diversity of thought around the table matters. They also touch on the human side of impact, balancing numbers with stories to show the real difference charities make.Packed with insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing funding applications or steering their organisation through challenging times. Rob also shares his passion for mentoring leaders, offering advice on staying grounded and building networks of support. A thoughtful and practical conversation for leaders, fundraisers and trustees alike.

Is artificial intelligence the sector’s new secret weapon or just another buzzword to worry about? In this lively chat, DSC’s George Knight sits down with Dan Such, Director of Innovation at CAST, to unpack how charities, social enterprises and funders can put people at the centre of the digital revolution.Dan shares his journey from the classroom to leading CAST’s mission of amplifying civil‑society voices in tech, explains why an "AI intern" might be the most helpful (and cheapest) hire you make this year, and balances big‑picture ethics with easy, low‑cost experiments any organisation can try right now.In this episode:How generative tools such as ChatGPT are already saving small charities time on grant bids, policy briefs and multilingual helplinesThe Worthwhile AI sandbox and Digital Leads Network demystifying tech for the sectorEnvironmental and privacy risks you really need to know about before hitting “Generate”Three quick wins for leaders who feel behind the curveStick around for Dan’s hopeful versus dystopian ten‑year scenarios, some myth‑busting, and a brilliant reading list if you want to dig deeper.Enjoyed the conversation?Subscribe, leave a review, and join us at DSC’s AI Conference on 17 July for more practical insights.Links and resourcesCAST: https://wearecast.org.uk/Friends of the Earth AI and Climate reportDonald Clark’s book "Artificial Intelligence for Learning"National Lottery Community Fund AI Innovator in Residence

What happens when a career in conservation meets a calling in counselling? This week on the Charity Questions Podcast, George sits down with Mike Winstanley, Head of South and West Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, to explore the powerful intersections of ecology, eco-therapy and empathy.Mike reflects on his journey from birdwatching with his brother as a teenager to restoring rivers and now leading wildlife recovery efforts across Yorkshire. With anecdotes from decades in the field, including the monumental "Unlocking the Severn" project and the life-changing "MyPlace" eco-therapy programme, Mike shares how nature can heal both land and lives.They delve into rewilding (and its real UK limitations), the deep biodiversity losses we face, and why volunteering in nature could be the best thing for your wellbeing and your CV. From seabirds to shad, from policy to personal resilience, this is a rich, heart-filled conversation on why conservation isn't just about saving species. It's about saving ourselves.Join us for a thoughtful, honest and gently provocative episode full of passion, purpose and practical insights. And yes, the beavers get a mention too.