State of the Third Sector, by think tank nfpSynergy, looked at the main influences and factors affecting the work of charities. Of the 300 charity professionals questioned, 33% said very big charitable organisations had a negative impact on the sector, while 92% said the public did not understand how modern charities worked.

Other findings showed seven in eight believing charities and public service delivery would still be a major issue in ten years, 73% saying Gift Aid has had a positive impact and 41% unable to say which political party has the best policies for the sector.

Commenting on the overall findings, nfpSynergy’s joint managing director Chris Greenwood said: “This survey throws up several surprises that should give the voluntary sector pause for thought. Surely it is far from a coincidence that the sector feels ‘misunderstood’ whilst spending little or no money on telling the public about itself. Or that many charities seem to adjudge themselves significantly more professional, effective, trustworthy and accountable than the sector as a whole, whilst the sector lacks a strong figurehead or united voice. And there is a staggering lack of awareness of some government initiatives; and disbelief that others have any impact at all.”

To see the full report visit www.nfpsynergy.net (registration necessary).