Opening keynote - The leadership our planet needs now
As the climate and nature crisis accelerates at a terrifying scale and pace, and extreme weather events across Europe make its impacts an ever more tangible reality, the need for courageous leadership has never been greater. In this opening keynote, Craig Bennett will explore how leaders can respond with integrity, resilience and relentless optimism in the face of unprecedented challenges. Drawing on his vision for a more interconnected approach to conservation, society and the economy, Craig will challenge us to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace the collaborative, systems-wide leadership needed to protect both people and planet. This is a call to lead with purpose, recognising that the solutions to our greatest environmental challenges lie in working together across sectors to create lasting change.

Craig Bennett OBE, chief executive, the Wildlife Trusts

From ambition to action: ESG in all shapes and sizes
What does ESG really look like in practice for charities? From smaller organisations with limited resources to larger charities with more established strategies, this panel will explore how organisations are interpreting and embedding ESG in ways that work for their own context. Drawing on real-world examples, we’ll look at what good practice looks like across the sector, the challenges charities are encountering, and the practical steps they can take to make ESG meaningful and achievable.

Chair - Richard Litchfield, chief executive, Eastside People
Panellists - Vivian Allen, founder and chief executive, DorPIP, Caroline Lee-Davy, chief executive, Bliss and Ciaran Moran, governance and compliance lead, Avenues Group
 

How do we build bridges in a polarised world?
As political and social divisions deepen, charities are facing growing pressure over how they speak up, advocate and build public trust. This session explores how charity leaders can navigate an increasingly polarised environment while staying true to their mission. Drawing on the Refugee Council’s experience, this session explores how charities can build unity, protect the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and communities, and maintain their ability to advocate in a polarised environment. It will share practical lessons for strengthening cohesion, communicating across divides and building support for mission.

Katie Ghose, chief executive designate, Refugee Council

Stewardship: The Power of Not So Passive Investing
As demand for passive strategies continue to grow, who is stewarding the companies we own? This session explores how passive investing can leave gaps in shareholder engagement, weakening accountability and long-term value creation. Discover how active stewardship and responsible voting can influence corporate behaviour, and cover key market developments including pass-through voting and regulatory changes. This practical workshop will equip you to engage wealth and fund managers on voting practices, exercise your shareholder voice, and embed stewardship in your Investment Policy Statement. Leave ready to act. Your engagement as a shareholder, however modest, is not passive. It's powerful.

Kelly Eva, stewardship manager and Lynne Lamont, senior director, head of charities, UK, RBC Brewin Dolphin

Can stewardship activities advance your charity's values?
Join this session for an exploration of how engagement and voting activity aims to drive positive change on social and environmental issues that matter. We will showcase highlights from Evelyn Partners' 2026 stewardship programme, illustrating how active ownership can span a diverse range of topics. Case studies will include engagement on assessing pollution risks in the Strait of Hormuz, reducing biodiversity impact on aquatic ecosystems, and improving corporate disclosures relating to AI red-teaming and governance. Discover how investment managers can work beyond financial returns to aim to achieve broader outcomes that align with your values.

Katrina Brown, head of responsible investment, Evelyn Partners 

Panel: AI, Technology and Digital Sovereignty
AI and digital technologies offer clear opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase impact — but what are we giving up in return? This discussion will explore the wider social, environmental and strategic consequences of our technology choices, from automation and the future talent pipeline to growing dependence on predominantly US-based tech providers. Are we making choices that are intentional, considered and defensible — and having the difficult conversations about what we might gain, and what we might lose?

Chair - Tree Hall, chief executive, Charity IT Leaders
Panellists - Avril Chester, author, Leading with Humanity in an AI World and Stuart McSkimming, chief executive and founder, Virtue Chain

Closing keynote - From Boomers to Gen Z: Maximising the potential of a multigenerational workforce
Today's charity leaders are managing the most age-diverse workforce in history. With careers spanning longer than ever and Generation Z becoming an increasingly influential part of the workforce, organisations must rethink how they lead, communicate and develop talent. This thought-provoking session examines what each generation brings to the workplace, dispels common myths about generational differences, and shows how inclusive leadership can turn diversity of age into a competitive advantage. Discover how to create a culture that attracts Gen Z while valuing the experience of longer-serving colleagues - building a resilient, engaged workforce ready for the future.

Alex Atherton, speaker, leadership coach and author of The Snowflake Myth 

More sessions to be announced in November 2026. 
 

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Great ways to save!

1. Be an early bird!
   Book your place now to save up to £150 off the ticket price.
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   Ensure your whole team benefits from a great day's learning. With the Charity Team Ticket you can send up to four people  

The above prices all exclude VAT. 

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