Agenda
08.30 – 09.00: Registration and refreshments
09.00 – 09.15: Introduction and welcome from the chair
Srabani Sen, Founder and CEO, Full Colour
Lauren Weymouth, Editor, Charity Times
09.15 – 10.00: KEYNOTE PANEL
De-mystifying the funding crisis
Chair: Srabani Sen, Founder and CEO, Full Colour
Panellists:
James Banks, CEO, London Funders
Carol Mack, CEO, Association of Charitable Foundations
Kunle Olulode MBE, Director, Voice4Change
Pauline Redondo Etim, Senior Manager Transformation Programmes, Arts Council England
The funding crisis is heavily impacting all areas of the charity sector, but why are we in this position and how are grant-giving trusts and foundations rising to the demand? Which charities are missing out the most and how can funding become more inclusive for all? Join this panel of funders and sector leaders to find out how foundations and trusts are navigating the crisis and how it can be simplified to feel less daunting to those most impacted by it.
10.00 – 10.25: Ensuring long-term success: Financial strategies for charity leaders
Mark Fisher, Associate Director Charity and Not-For-Profit, Howden
Jake Nunn, Associate Director Employee Benefits, Howden
Join Howden (formerly Endsleigh) for an insightful session on achieving financial sustainability for your organisation. This session will dive into the latest findings from the third edition of Howden's Rewarding Industries report, exploring key challenges and trends facing the sector. Attendees will discover practical strategies to enhance their charity’s financial sustainability, including effective risk management and staff wellbeing and engagement initiatives, complemented by real-life insights.
10.25 – 11.00: PANEL DISCUSSION
How to use technology to solve a volunteer and demand crisis
Chair: Lauren Weymouth, Editor, Charity Times
Panellists:
Sam Bennett, Sales Lead for UK and Europe, Rosterfy
Sue George, Product Owner, British Heart Foundation
Linda Rogers, Chief Technology Officer, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
This panel will look at the ways in which technology can be used to help make the sector a more efficient, engaging and productive space. From tools to manage volunteer engagement, to systems that help fulfil small but time-consuming tasks; technology has the power to help elevate organisational efficiency and meet demand more easily. Join this panel discussion to learn more.
11.00 – 11.25: Coffee break and networking
11.25 – 11.55 KEYNOTE
An update from the Charity Commission
David Holdsworth, CEO, Charity Commission
What are the latest trends and developments within the charity sector? And how is the sector’s regulator, the Charity Commission, seeking to respond? Join David Holdsworth for this keynote to hear how the regulator is adapting to help the modern charity leader navigate new periods of uncertainty and demand, whilst remaining compliant with the law.
11.55 – 12.25: LIVE Q&A
Funding in the sector and Girlguiding
Angela Salt, CEO, Girlguiding
Lauren Weymouth, Editor, Charity Times
This case study Q&A will provide insight into how funding works in the sector, Girlguiding’s strategic approach to making the most of limited funding, and examples of key successes and challenges in partnerships and government-backed projects.
12.25 – 12.50: WORKSHOP
Every basis point matters: How to get more from your charity’s investments
Nigel Florence CFA, Fixed Income Treasury Sales, King & Shaxson
This session explores the critical impact of basis points on charity investments, showing why every fraction counts. Through charity case studies, you'll learn why the easy choice isn't always the best and how to navigate current market conditions and optimize investment opportunities in a challenging climate.
12.50 – 13.50: Lunch
13.50 – 14.25: PANEL DISCUSSION
The future of fundraising: Legacies, nurturing Gen Z and harnessing the power of AI
Chair: Lauren Weymouth, Editor, Charity Times
Panellists:
Natalie Chan, Freelance Fundraiser and Producer
Gabi Field, Deputy Director of Public Fundraising, Great Ormond Street Hospital
Zakia Moulaoui, CEO, Invisible Cities
Gemma Rawlins, Fundraising Innovation Officer, Marie Curie
Charitable giving is suffering, but legacies are soaring and young donors are showing positive signs of engagement. What does the future of fundraising look like and how can charities utilise the tools at their disposal to bring in more money for their cause? How can charities secure valuable corporate partnerships and what role can AI play in success? Join this panel to learn how charities are innovating and adapting.
14.25 – 14.50: LIVE Q&A
Pay disputes, strikes and a stubborn deficit: Leading through adversity with Emma Haddad
Emma Haddad, CEO, St Mungo’s
Melissa Moody, Deputy Editor, Charity Times
In this live Q&A, St Mungo’s chief Emma Haddad will share her experiences of navigating a challenging funding environment, managing much-publicised strike action at the charity and the role of collaboration in combatting a stubborn deficit.
14.50 – 15.30: PANEL DISCUSSION
Pay, career development and flexibility: Empowering employees to drive sustainable growth
Chair: Srabani Sen, Founder and CEO, Full Colour
Panellists:
Tiger de Souza MBE, Executive Director of People and Culture, Samaritans
Lucy Hardy, Senior Research Manager, CharityJob
Emily Wilton, Head of Talent & Career Development, RSPCA
As the demand for services continues to grow, charities must adapt by investing in their most valuable asset: their people. This panel discussion will explore the critical role pay, career development, communication and flexibility plays in equipping charity leaders and their teams to meet these challenges.
15.30 – 15.40: Charity quiz: how well do you know the sector?
Join us for the annual Charity Times Quiz, where we'll test your knowledge on all areas of the charity sector. The winner will be announced at the end and will take home a brand new Apple Watch.
15.40 – 15.45: Chair’s round-up and close of conference
15.45 - 16.40: Drinks reception
