On Thursday 22 October 2020, professionals from across the wills and probate sector came together to celebrate the successes and achievements of the industry is what has been a challenging year, at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2020.
The awards, which was back for it’s third year, took to the virtual stage and was hosted by ex-Royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, alongside headline sponsor Arken.legal (UK), and champagne sponsor Executor Solutions.
500 people watched the winning organisations take the crown this year. The full list of winners is available here. The online event is available to watch here.
Let’s hear from Charity Legacy Team of the Year Award winner, Cancer Research
About the Charity Legacy Team of the Year Award
This award recognises those that combine the best traditions of the charity sector with a deep legal knowledge and sensitivity to administer part of the £3.1bn that is left to charity each year.
The winning team or individual demonstrates a commitment to maximising charitable income while maintaining good relationships with the estate administrators they deal with, as well as ensuring that the reputation of their charity is upheld with their supporters and the general public.
The winner will be able to show a commitment to high quality supporter care as well as achieving the highest standards of technical excellence.
The winner of this award must demonstrate:
- High levels of legal and professional knowledge
- High levels of supporter engagement, placing supporters at the heart of all their actions and procedures
- Excellent relationships with their professional counterparts, commanding respect from probate professionals
- Support for other charity staff either through taking the lead in complex cases or supporting the sector more generally, through mentoring, training etc.
- Investment in their people through training and development
Cancer Research were shortlisted alongside:
- The British Heart Foundation (Highly Commended)
- Save the Children
During the judging process, the judges decided that Cancer Research were the worthy winners saying:
“Care and collaboration was at the heart of this submission in legacy income exceeding targets despite difficult circumstances.”
How did you feel winning the Charity Legacy Team of the Year Award this year?
As a team, we were absolutely delighted to hear Jenny Bond announce that CRUK’s Legacy Team were victors in the Legacy Team of the Year category. We pride ourselves on excellence in everything that we do. The strategy that we have shaped and embedded is far-reaching and pushes the boundaries of both legacy fundraising and administration and it’s wonderful to be recognised in this way for our ambitions.
So, who are Cancer Research charity legacy team? What do you do?
The creation and personification of stakeholder relationships has been key to our success; providing opportunities to have individual conversations and share the impact of Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work has been critical in getting to this point with all our audiences.
How has your organisation developed in the last 12 months and navigated the added complexity of the coronavirus pandemic?
Obviously the introduction of virtual communications as a mainstay was our first step in overcoming the challenges the virus presented. Providing the same level of support to stakeholders and supporters through these evolving technologies was indeed a challenge and we now find ourselves in a position where we are able to provide a very similar level of service to those that support the charity.
What’s next on the cards for you?
Continue to engage supporters at all levels, ensuring their needs are met; the impact of our life-saving work is showcased and we continue to strive to beat cancer sooner with their support.
What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the Wills and Probate sector?
Now is a time when your support and services are needed, perhaps more than ever.
Why is the British Wills and Probate Awards event, which recognises excellence and highlights achievements in the industry, so important to the industry, especially this year?
The opportunity to showcase and recognise excellence in industry, particularly the fantastic work carried out in the wills and probate arena has never been more welcomed and we thank the organisers and entrants for supporting and making these awards something special to aspire to now and into the future.
Everyone at Today’s Wills and Probate congratulates all those who were shortlisted in this year’s awards.
More information about the British Wills and Probate Awards can be found here.
