Charity Chief Exec's Customer Update 11/04/2026

·12 min·1 clip

RNIB's CEO Simon Antrobus reveals how the charity navigates tough budget planning in an uncertain fundraising environment.

This episode of RNIB Connect Radio features a weekly catch-up with Simon Antrobus, the CEO of RNIB. The host, Alan, introduces the discussion focused on the start of the financial year and its implications for charities. Antrobus begins by explaining the importance of budget planning for RNIB, noting the challenging fundraising environment and the need to secure income to support services for blind and partially sighted people. He details the timeline of budget preparation, starting in September 2025 for the financial year ending in March 2026, emphasizing the extensive work involved in aligning funds with activities like helplines and campaigning. Antrobus acknowledges the reliance on donor support, including legacy donations, and the pressure on reserves many charities face. He discusses the need for RNIB to live within its means, making tough decisions on priorities while expressing gratitude for recent donations. The conversation then turns to employment issues, with Alan highlighting RNIB's See Work Differently programme, which offers 10 weeks of paid employment to blind individuals. Antrobus connects this to recent news about government policies allowing people with disabilities to try work without losing benefits. He stresses the frustration that many blind people are not employed despite wanting to work, citing systemic barriers like discrimination and benefit risks. Antrobus explains RNIB's efforts to champion employment through initiatives like the Visibly Better Employer standards, which guide corporate partners like Tesco on accessibility. He shares an anecdote about a corporate partner pleased with RNIB's advice on making offices user-friendly for blind people. The episode concludes with contact information for RNIB's helpline and website, inviting listeners to learn more about employment support.

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