Episode 55 kicks off the new year, and Debra and Peter are back after a Christmas break, reflecting on what it means to return to work with energy, realism and hope.

They start by talking about leadership at the start of the year, acknowledging just how tough the past twelve months have been for many charities. Survival, Debra argues, is not a failure but a success, and hope only really matters when it is matched with action.

The conversation then turns to charity governance, prompted by the very public breakdown of the relationship between the board and chief executive at Oxfam. Debra and Peter unpack what happens when chairs and CEOs clash, why governance failures often sit behind these situations, and how things can escalate when roles, loyalties and responsibilities become confused.

Drawing on years of experience, Debra shares practical advice for boards and chief executives, from one to one conversations with trustees to appraising chairs properly, avoiding over concentration of power and creating a culture where disagreement is handled well.

They also explore how organisations can rethink their structures, moving away from rigid hierarchies towards partnership models that value trustees, staff, volunteers and beneficiaries equally.

Finally, Peter brings in a live governance question from the world of county cricket, sparking a discussion about independence, lived experience and how boards can balance fresh thinking with deep contextual knowledge.

As ever, there is honesty, challenge, and a shared belief that good governance really matters, especially at the start of a new year.

If there are issues you would like Debra and Peter to explore in future episodes, do get in touch.

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More Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/

More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/

Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk

Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

In the final episode of the year, Debra and Peter wrap up 2025 with a thoughtful conversation about the less-discussed dynamics within the charity sector: toxic teams.They dig into the difficult issue of workplace toxicity and explore how pockets of negativity can undermine even the most values-driven organisations. How do you deal with staff groups who resist change, weaponise internal values, or quietly disrupt? And what happens when the toxicity is directed upwards, leaving leaders powerless?They also touch on the government's new grant feedback mechanism, asking whether it can really work in a sector where power dynamics make honesty risky. Is 'feed forward' a better approach for building trust and learning?All this, plus stories of kindness in the cold, a magical pink coat, the joy of Christmas jumpers, and the emotional importance of being the best version of yourself... even when you're just buying teabags.Have thoughts to share or feedback to give (the kind we like)? Leave a comment or drop us an email.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Kicking off with blazing rows, basset hounds and a night out with Jacinda Ardern, they explore what compassionate leadership really looks like when everything is going wrong. From Christchurch to COVID, what can charity leaders learn from a prime minister who talked openly about fear, worry and the emotional cost of big decisions.That sets the scene for the main conversation of the week. How do boards make decisions on deeply contested issues when they feel boxed in by law, money, politics or public campaigns. Using the recent decisions by the Womens Institute and Girlguiding as a live example, Debra and Peter dig into collective responsibility, disagreement on values, and the very real impact that boardroom rows have on staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.From there they move into allyship and sector solidarity. Why does a supportive letter from another part of the sector mean so much when you feel under siege. When should organisations speak up beyond their narrow charitable objects. And what on earth have Humboldt squids got to do with standing up for refugees, migrants and other unpopular causes.Along the way they talk about silent allies, the pull between evidence and moral conviction, and why separating people from decisions matters if you want your board to survive the next difficult call.If you are a chief executive, trustee, senior leader or simply someone who cares about how charities behave under pressure, this one is for you.Tell us what you think in the comments, or email your questions and ideas for future episodes.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blázquez

Episode 52! Over 50 conversations in and Debra and Peter are still taking on the most uncomfortable corners of charity life.This week they dig into a troubling new report on harassment of fundraisers by donors. With most frontline fundraisers being women, and many meetings happening over dinners, drinks and in donors' homes, the power imbalance is stark. Debra shares her own experience of serious harassment, and they talk honestly about the unspoken rules, the pressure to land a big gift, and the moral knot of turning down money when beneficiaries desperately need support. Is it finally time for a clear donor code of conduct, and for charities to be uncompromising in backing their staff when lines are crossed?From there, they turn to corporate partnerships, data and transparency, using a current campaign as an example: a tech giant offering donations to a well known men's health charity in exchange for people uploading photos. What looks like generosity is also a way to gather valuable data, and Debra and Peter ask what charities and companies owe supporters in terms of openness, consent and honesty. Along the way they grumble about oversized novelty cheques, celebrity fundraising, and whether TV formats like Celebrity Traitors miss a huge opportunity by barely mentioning the charities involved.Finally, prompted by a listener, they wade into the murky waters of tax and the charity sector. From payroll giving and inheritance tax incentives to the way government seems to overlook the economic value of charities and volunteers, they explore how policy decisions can quietly shape what charities can do, and who pays the price when the sector is ignored.Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode!YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnline More Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/ More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez

From village welcome drinks to national data debates, Peter and Debra explore what happens when good causes meet strict rules and unexpected generosity. This week they look at the ICO’s proposal to loosen restrictions on how charities contact supporters and reflect on the long shadow of the post-GDPR years.Debra argues that charities shouldn’t feel guilty for asking, while Peter recalls the fine line between smart targeting and privacy overreach. They also discuss the Molly Rose Foundation’s dramatic leap in income and the tricky ethics of anonymous donations.All that plus a new party in Peter’s honour, a mysterious sister-in-law in the annex and the perils of small-village gossip.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Golden jacket? Check. A heartfelt poem? Absolutely. It’s episode 50 of Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast, and we're marking the milestone in proper style.Debra and Peter open the episode with a nod to nostalgia: the John Lewis Christmas advert gets Peter all misty-eyed, and soon they're trading stories about childhood music, treasured books, and films that shaped their sense of self. (Spoiler: there are Hollywood musicals and Springsteen tributes involved.)But it’s not all memory lane. They also turn to the future of the charity sector with news that Julia Unwin is set to be the next Chair of the Charity Commission. Both hosts are cautiously optimistic, reflecting on her previous experience and the powerful potential of leadership teams that actually work together.From there, the mood shifts to concern: a new SORP is out, and Debra has thoughts. Are trustees being asked to do too much with too little? Is impact reporting realistic for small charities already stretched thin? And what ever happened to the Charity Sector Covenant that promised better relationships between government and the sector?It’s a packed episode full of personal warmth and professional insight. Plus: a silver cowboy boot makes an appearance.YouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

In this episode, Debra chats with the only man who insists on being called ‘Sir’ even by his Gmail account: Sir Peter Wanless himself.What starts as a bit of banter about names quickly turns into a deep (and surprisingly funny) dive into one of the toughest balancing acts in the charity world: how to pay your staff fairly while keeping your beneficiaries front and centre.Debra and Peter unpack the recent SSPCA strike, the challenge of justifying salaries in the sector, and why transparency and trust are everything when times are tight. They also explore the eternal charity dilemma — “efficiency” versus “effectiveness” — and Debra makes a strong case for ditching words like overheads in favour of essential resources.Plus, there’s chat about restricted funding, fundraising with purpose, and how not to accidentally turn your charity into a bad high street shop. And if that’s not enough, Peter rounds things off with a podcast recommendation from the Institute for Fiscal Studies: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Money, meaning, and a dash of Sir ‘Pete’ flair. It’s all here in Episode 49 of Debra and Peter are doing a Podcast.YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/ More Peter Wanless: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social ChangePodcast Producer: José Blázquez

In this week’s episode, Debra and Peter dive into some big conversations with their signature mix of honesty, humour and candour.Debra shares why bad board paperwork is her ultimate bugbear – and how her new speed read booklet is here to help charities do better. From baffling acronyms to unhelpful agendas, she explains why it’s not about paperwork, it’s about information.Then Peter brings news from the NSPCC’s annual council meeting and a powerful story from the Soldiering On Awards. The duo also reflect on the latest Third Sector podcast with Laura Kerby from Prostate Cancer UK, whose charity faced backlash for a campaign targeting Black men – despite the evidence supporting it. Debra and Peter unpack the ethics of corporate partnerships, public reactions, and standing firm when it matters.Finally, inspired by Polly Neate’s reflections on men interrupting women, Debra and Peter turn the mic on themselves to ask: do we do this too? What does it mean to be an ally, and how can leaders use their power better?All that, plus chutney, jelly, and a few leadership confessions.🔗 Resources and Mentions:Debra’s new book: Speed Read: Board Paperworkhttps://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/speed-read-board-paperwork/Third Sector Podcast: “How Prostate Cancer UK is dealing with political and ethical concerns” featuring Laura Kerbyhttps://shows.acast.com/third-sector/episodes/how-prostate-cancer-uk-is-dealing-with-political-and-ethicalYouTube Subscribe: https://YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler:https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez