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FST Newsletter Issue 57: July 2026 FST Newsletter Issue 57: July 2026

LEARNED AND PROFESSIONAL

SOCIETIES NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL

Welcome to the Foundation for Science and on the value of learned societies that you would like to The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Charity Commission will ask organisations to specify
Technology July newsletter. share, and which could be cited in the piece, please Act – what does this mean for professional which of the following policies and procedures they have
email these to Lori directly by Tuesday 18 August. Lori will societies? in place when they complete their annual return:
In this edition, members will find the usual round-up
collate and share these with Lord Willetts.
of legislative changes, regulatory decisions, guidance, I was recently asked if this newsletter could cover the 1. Internal charity financial controls policy and
and pertinent news items. Key news items to be aware Events coming up in 2026 implications of the Digital Markets, Competition and procedures
of include a slew of updates to Charity Commission Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), and I am pleased to
The Foundation has an exciting programme of events 2. Safeguarding policy and procedures
guidance (including guidance on changing governing try to oblige! The DMCCA makes several changes
coming up in 2026. You can find more details, including
documents, conflicts of interest, land transfers and to consumer regulation that are aimed improving 3. Financial reserves policy and procedures
how to book, on the Events page of the Foundation
more), and changes arising from the Digital Markets, consumer protection.
website and on our social channels. In the meantime, 4. Complaints policy and procedures
Competition and Consumers Act 2024, Data (Use and
you can catch up on our recent events online, including Subscription contracts are among the targets of the
Access) Act 2025, and Crime and Policing Act 2026. We 5. Serious incident reporting policy and procedures
Science Diplomacy - Can we help the world align legislation. The DMCCA introduces requirements for,
also want to hear your views on our new strategy for
through science? at the House of Commons, UK Space among other things, a 14-day ‘cooling off’ period at the 6. Internal risk management policy and procedures
2027, and your thoughts on the value of learned and
Policy and Supporting UK Space Industry – Past, Present start of a subscription, and after a 12-month contract
professional societies. 7. Trustee expenses policy and procedures
and Future, and In Conversation with Sir Ian Chapman, renews.
A quick reminder that all Foundation guidance notes and Chief Executive of UKRI. 8. Trustee conflicts of interest policy and procedures
This has led to concern among charities that rely on
previous editions of this newsletter are available in the
Foundation Journal – latest issue now online income from membership schemes, including the 9. Investing charity funds policy and procedures
members’ area of the Foundation website. Comments
possibility of losing Gift Aid income if memberships
on the newsletter and suggestions for items that you The latest edition of the Foundation Journal is now 10. Campaigns and political activity policy and
become legally refundable. However, the Government
would like to see covered in future editions are always available on our website. This issue covers: the life procedures
has confirmed that some charity memberships, mainly
welcome. Please send these to me directly at lori. science sector and how it can become a leading force
relating to cultural and heritage organisations, will be 11. Bullying and harassment policy and procedures
frecker@foundation.org.uk. in the UK; AI and the future of work; the growing potential
exempt. This exclusion applies to contracts between
of natural hydrogen; how resilient the UK national 12. Social media policy and procedures
a charity and a consumer that allow for attending
infrastructure is in the face of cyber warfare and natural
Foundation updates disasters; and science activism for the sake of the planet performances, viewing collections, and visiting 13. Engaging external speakers at charity events policy
places related to the charity’s purpose. Other types of and procedures
FST Strategy 2027 – we want to hear from you! and humanity.
commercial subscriptions offered by a charity may still
With the FST’s 50th anniversary coming up in 2027 we’ll New podcast episodes be caught by the new rules. The Government has also Whether or not you need all of the above depends on the
be launching a new strategy, alongside a new website. Don’t forget that you can listen to the latest episodes confirmed that compliance with consumer law does not size, nature and activities of your organisation. The above
Our CEO, Dr Alex Rhys OBE, will be writing to members of the Foundation’s podcast online. Recent podcasts prohibit Gift Aid claims. The new regime for non-exempt list is also not exhaustive of all policies a charity may
shortly to ask for your views on the draft strategy, and include LGBTQ+ in STEM and meaningful allyship with subscriptions is expected to begin in spring 2027, and need; charities will also need to have a data protection
the impact we have, to ensure we continue to meet Professor Tyler Kelly of QMUL, How does science shape further guidance will be published to accompany this. In and privacy policy, and relevant policies relating to
the evolving needs of the sector. Please do keep an eye policy? with Jenny Chapman and Annie O’Brien from the meantime, professional and learned societies should employment law and discipline, health and safety and
out for his email and contribute your thoughts. The new the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, review their current membership and subscription other legal obligations. Depending on their activities,
website will help streamline how we share information and What is AI for science? with Liz Wainwright, Associate offerings to determine if they fall under the ‘charitable charities may also wish to consider developing a code of
with a new members’ area. Director of Strategic Initiatives at Edinburgh Innovations, purpose’ exclusion in the new rules. conduct for volunteers, a campaigning policy, a grant-
making policy, and others. Trustees should ensure their
The value of learned and professional societies – your University of Edinburgh. Read more: Gov.uk; ICAEW, Mills & Reeve
charity has the policies needed to comply with the law
views and evidence needed! Getting involved with the Foundation’s Journal, podcast and regulatory guidance, and their obligations to ensure
The Foundation’s Chair, Lord Willetts, is contributing to a and blog What policies does a charity need to have? their charity is managed and run effectively.
forthcoming online book on the role and value of learned We welcome ideas for blogs, podcasts and Journal
and professional societies in the 21st century. Given the articles on issues across science, technology, research I am often asked about what sorts of policies a charity
Foundation’s wide-ranging and varied membership, and innovation. If you have an idea, or would like to needs to have in place. The Charity Commission doesn’t
Lord Willetts is keen to hear from you on this important get involved, please contact Charlotte Raynsford at publish a list of policies required, but it does publish
and interesting topic. If you have any views or evidence communciations@foundation.org.uk. guidance on specific issues such as safeguarding,
reserves, conflict of interest and risk management. The
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