Working with property consultants Donaldsons, the group is to share its experiences of dealing with property, both good and bad. The move follows research carried out by the two organisations that found almost half of respondents (48%) admitted they only took strategic decisions on property when circumstances dictated they must.

“After wages, property is the second largest cost incurred by most charities so it is vital that the sector realises the importance of addressing property issues at an early stage,” said Andrew Morgan, partner at Donaldsons.

“Without a proper strategy and procedures in place, costs can escalate out of control. When major projects like relocations come along, charities find it hard to make objective and sound decisions about their future and there is a wide recognition that serious and long-lasting mistakes can be made.”

Morgan said there was still much to be done in the third sector, and both the consultancy and the CFDG were committed to promoting best practice.