The first manifestation of the Charity Commission's new, more trusting ethos is apparent in its revision of its model governing documents; a number of sector luminaries are recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours, and the bulk of the Transition Fund is awarded.   

Commission updates model documents to give trustees more control
 

The Charity Commission has revised its model charity trust deed, constitution and articles of association to give trustees more flexibility over decisions relating to financial benefits for themselves and others connected to them. 

Baroness Stedman-Scott to review government incentives for charitable bonds
 

Baroness Stedman-Scott will be leading a review to identify and recommend options for how the government could motivate greater levels of investment in charitable bonds issued by Allia, the social profit society. 

Groundwork UK chief awarded knighthood
 

Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Groundwork UK, has been awarded a knighthood for services to environmental regeneration. 

Government gives out £81m to charities from Transition Fund
 

The government has paid out a further £81m from the £107m Transition Fund to around 727 charities which are most vulnerable to reductions in public spending. 

Government announces 508 charities to deliver Work Programme
 

The government expects 508 sub-contracted voluntary sector organisations to be involved in the delivery of the Work Programme, but has also advised that prime contractors on the programme can change providers over the course of its delivery. 

Housing association launches retail bond to attract savers
 

Housing association Places for People is hoping to raise £50m through a new retail bond aimed at individual savers.  

HMRC consults on inheritance tax change
 

HMRC has opened a consultation on the proposal to incentivise charitable giving by introducing a lower rate of inheritance tax for those that leave a legacy in their will. 

Charities offered chance to receive immediate legacy payments
 

A new organisation is offering to loan charities the money they are due from legacies, helping to eliminate the 12-18 months that can elapse between notification of a legacy and receipt of funds. 

Payments Council must propose paper-based alternative to cheques, says government
 

The government is insisting that the Payments Council's proposals for an alternative to cheques must include a paper-based system, Lord Sassoon has revealed. 

Secret Millionaires offer charities free solar panels  

Green energy company Freetricity has unveiled a £500m fund to install solar panels on the roofs of buildings, and is offering charities access to the first £100m

Mencap wins overall Charity Award for Getting it Right campaign
 

Mencap has been named the overall winner at this year's Charity Awards for a campaign which highlighted the NHS's poor treatment of patients with learning disabilities and helped to change working practices. 

Sir Nicholas Young joins select group of Outstanding Leaders
 

Sir Nicholas Young, chief executive of the British Red Cross, was unveiled as this year's winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Charity Awards in London last night. 

Bethany Christian Trust picks up Effectiveness Award
 

A homelessness charity that engages volunteers to help people successfully make the transition from homelessness to independent living, has won the Effectiveness Award at the 2011 Charity Awards.