Fewer than one in two members of the public believe that the chief executives of charities should be paid a wage, according to a report by nfpSynergy.

The results from a sample of 1,000 people found that only 48% of people thought that charity chief executives should be paid. The survey sample was also divided on whether or not frontline charity staff should be paid. Half of people said that street fundraisers should not receive a salary and 60% thought that tin collectors should also work for free.

The research consultancy’s report found that there is still a large amount of confusion amongst members of the public as to who within a charity draws a wage. Over 65% of people think that charity chairs are paid, while 16% believe that trustees also earn a wage.

Charities looking at ways to develop may find it helpful to discuss their options and financial issues with professional advisers that specialise in this area. For more information on how Milsted Langdon’s charities team can help, please contact us.