Interacting with lay executors is subject of research

[THE CHALLENGE of how to steward lay executors is a subject that is rising up the agenda for many of the clients of analysts Legacy Foresight, according to its latest news release. That, they say, is why they have launched a new research project to explore how charities can manage those crucial relationships for the benefit of all parties: the family, the charity and, of course, the legacy donor.

“We will gain important insights into the decision-making process and into lay executors’ interactions with professional executors and other family members,” the Legacy Foresight team says. “Finally, we will consider the implications for legacy managers, legacy fundraisers and the wider charity team.”

Over the first six months of this year they are exploring the prevalence and process of lay executorship overall, and how interactions with charities fit into the picture.

Writing at the launch of the programme, Legacy Foresight’s director Meg Abdy said: “As charities, there are four good reasons to manage lay executors to the utmost standards: Firstly – and this is fundamental for all charities – delivering on your values by safeguarding the interests of bereaved people, providing both practical guidance and emotional support at a difficult time.

“Secondly, on a more practical level, smoothing the estate management process – ensuring that charitable estates are settled quickly, with fewer errors and less aggravation for both parties.

“In an increasingly fractious climate, reputation management is also an important consideration – at worst avoiding negative publicity, and at best creating positive word of mouth.

“And last but not least, good supporter stewardship. As every legacy manager knows, if you build strong relationships with family and friends while administering the estate, in turn they may become donors, advocates or even legators in their own right.”

The project is being funded by 27 leading legacy charities, and the results will be presented in late June.

Later in the year, in the autumn, Legacy Foresight will be working with the Institute of Legacy Management to disseminate headline findings and recommendations to the legacy sector through workshops, training programmes and best practice guidelines. q

[FOR OVER 30 YEARS the famous animal hospital known as Tiggywinkles has been working to rescue, treat and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned British wildlife. Over that time they have proved beyond doubt that most wild animal and bird casualties can be saved and returned to the wild.

Although they specialise in hedgehogs – indeed, they derive their name from St Tiggywinkles, the name of their specialist hedgehog ward, inspired by the animal character created by Beatrix Potter – their wealth of expertise in the care of a wide range of species can now be passed on to others.

In addition, their commitment to practical education plays a vital part in the conservation of wildlife. As an accredited centre, opportunities are available for students aged 16 and over to gain a City and Guildsapproved qualification via their Apprenticeship in Animal Care scheme.

Tiggywinkles was founded by Les Stocker, who sadly passed away in July 2016. In a tribute, Les was described as ‘…a steadfast ambassador, achieving his goal to turn wildlife rehabilitation into a profession’. In another he was referred to as the ‘the spiritual heart of Britain’. He was awarded an MBE by The Queen and given the title Laureate in the 1990 International Rolex Awards for Enterprise, for his work in wildlife conservation and establishing Europe’s first wildlife teaching hospital. More recently, he gained the prestigious Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The charity is happy to commemorate all who generously remember the Wildlife Hospital Trust in their will by inscribing their name on a plaque in its Remembrance Garden. Gifts are also welcome in the form of a donation or by becoming a Friend of Tiggywinkles. q

[THERE ARE TWO MILLION people in the UK living with sight loss and by 2050 the figure is set to double. Being diagnosed with any form of sight loss is lifechanging and devastating for both the individuals concerned and their families.

The Partially Sighted Society is a national charity that understands this; it has been providing help and support to anybody living with sight loss for over 50 years.

The society’s range of services includes the design, printing and provision of bespoke school exercise books for children, a specialist low-vision and sight test service, and the provision of aids and equipment to assist those living with sight loss to continue to live full and independent lives.

They are there to offer support for both the practical and the emotional impact of sight loss, by phone and in person. They also offer a range of social and support activities to alleviate the social isolation that comes with sight loss.

Leaving a gift in a will is a meaningful way of helping The Partially Sighted Society to help others. Legacies leave a lasting impact on transforming the lives of those living with sight loss. q