Today is a time of celebration at Intelligent Giving HQ. We’ve just published a new version of our charity-rating guide. And last night, we won the office pub quiz. A double whammy. We’re rather pleased with ourselves.

First, the charity-rating guide. This (secret) document – known to us as the ‘CHRIS Guide’ for entirely baffling reasons – sets out in excruciating detail what we mean by each of our 43 charity-ranking criteria, and gives the rationale for our Quality of Reporting scores.

It’s a long, boring read. But it lies at the heart of everything we do, and its rulings are law. This new version, which illuminates some dark corners left unexplored in the previous one, tightens up what we mean by “outcome”, “problem”, “future income streams”, and “trustee remuneration”, amongst other things. And this should mean that our Quality of Reporting scores are even more accurate in future than they are now.

By the way, if you’re wondering why we keep the Guide secret, it’s because we can’t afford to get into arguments with charities over the intricacies of the scores we award – we just don't have the time. But the Charity Commission has seen the Guide, and has approved it as an ‘objective’ means of assessing charities’ transparency. Which I hope counts for something.

On top of this milestone, our victory at the pub quiz was also a major cause for celebration – especially considering that we usually come last. For the victory, our wonderful interns – Federica, Leo, and Heather – must take a substantial share of the credit. But I was worried that my colleague Sarah knew the answer was "Adam Rickitt" in the Name That Face round. Surely the sign of a mis-spent youth?
 

 

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