05/07/10

By Andrew Holt

Rathbone Investment Management has announced it is to host its first charity symposium for charity clients on 14 September 2010.

The event – Charity finances under the microscope: Examining long-term prospects – will be held at the Royal Society in London.

“The importance of the charity sector cannot be underestimated, but in an era of spending cuts and economic uncertainty every penny matters and charities will need to work hard to protect their investments,” said Ivo Clifton head of charities at Rathbones.

The Symposium will provide a wide-ranging and informative discussion of key issues facing charities - from the role of the philanthropist in the current economic environment to a look at how charities can generate sustainable income from alternative sources.

Speakers on the day will include:

· Sir Peter Williams, treasurer and vice president of the Royal Society

· Dame Stephanie Shirley, the British government’s ambassador for philanthropy

· Andrew Dilnot CBE, author and economist, principal of St Hugh’s College and pro vice chancellor of Oxford University

· Julian Chillingworth, chief investment officer at Rathbones

This will be followed by an in-depth panel discussion, chaired by Rathbones’ chairman Mark Powell.

Clifton added: “The new financial and political environment will present charities with a range of challenges.This will call for increased dynamism in the sector and new drive to create partnerships with individuals, institutions and businesses to help secure charity finances for the long-term."

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