16 October 2025

• 8.45AM - 9.20AM
  Registration, refreshments, networking & time to visit exhibition
• 9.20AM - 9.25AM
  Welcome from Tristan Blythe, editor, Charity Finance
• 9.25AM - 10.05AM
  Opening keynote - Britain in flux: Geopolitics, markets and the future of UK-EU relations

  As the UK faces a defining moment shaped by post-Brexit realities, global economic pressures, and political instability, understanding the broader context has never been more vital. In this opening keynote, Professor Anand Menon, a leading voice on UK-European relations, will examine how international economic headwinds and domestic political turbulence are reshaping the environment in which charities operate. He will outline what these macro-level developments could mean for public trust, policy direction, and the economy, and equip you with the political foresight needed to plan - and lead - through uncertainty.

  Professor Anand Menon, Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs, King's College

• 10.05AM - 10.10AM
  Transit time
• 10.10AM - 10.15AM
  Chair's Welcome

  Stream A – Tax & Accounting
  Richard Bray, chair, Charity Tax Group

  Stream B – Governance & Leadership
  Penny Wilson, editor, Charity Finance

  Stream C – Risk & Strategy
  Ian Allsop, contributing editor, Charity Finance

  Stream D – Investment
  Diane Sim, freelance consultant, Charity Finance

  Stream E - Innovative finance and storytelling
  Tristan Blythe, editor, Charity Finance

• 10.15AM - 10.55AM
  1A. The SORP shake up: what the latest update means for your charity

  Changes to the Charities SORP and FRS 102 are on the horizon, bringing key changes that will shape how charities report and communicate their impact. This session will unpack the most important updates, including changes to revenue recognition, lease accounting and the trustees’ report, and offer practical guidance on how to prepare. 

  Steve Harper, partner and head of social purpose, HaysMac

• 10.15AM - 10.55AM
  1B. Access denied? Banking barriers and solutions

  Charities face growing challenges in accessing basic banking services, with account closures and delayed transactions increasingly disrupting operations - particularly for organisations working in high-risk regions. Drawing on the latest research from the Muslim Charities Forum, this session will explore the root causes, regulatory context, and practical solutions for charity finance professionals, including improved compliance strategies, sector-wide advocacy, and ways to build more constructive relationships with banks.

  Abdulsami Arjumand, policy and advocacy lead, Muslim Charities Forum

• 10.15AM - 10.55AM
  1C. ESG and carbon accounting: what charities need to know

  From charities looking to measure their environmental and social impact, to those that may need to increase their level of reporting in light of the proposed revised SORP regulations, ESG is a sector-wide conversation. Join Xledger’s experts as they discuss real-world case studies, including how charities can automate ESG reporting and deliver valuable insight across their organisation. 

  Xledger + client tbc 
   

• 10.15AM - 10.55AM
  1D. Strategic investment for enduring impact: rethinking longterm portfolios

  Institutional charities face the unique challenge of balancing current income needs with the preservation and growth of capital for future generations. In this session, we explore how endowments and long-term portfolios can be structured to deliver both financial resilience and mission-aligned impact. Drawing on real-world examples, we’ll examine how trustees can navigate economic uncertainty, integrate ESG principles meaningfully, and ensure investment policies remain fit for purpose. Ideal for those overseeing significant assets or planning strategic investment reviews, this session offers a practical roadmap for building portfolios that serve both todays and tomorrow’s beneficiaries.

  James Ayre, head of investments, charities, Rathbones

• 10.15AM - 10.55AM
  1E. Harnessing AI and financial insight to navigate a changing landscape

  In a world where geopolitical shifts and economic instability are redefining the landscape, not-for-profit organisations face mounting challenges in securing funding and maintaining operational transparency. This session will explore how Sage Intacct's AI-powered financial solutions can help charities adapt, thrive, and make data-driven decisions. Join us as we demonstrate how AI can unlock efficiency and insights in financial operations, enabling organisations to navigate uncertainty and achieve long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.

  Hobby Dean, senior solution consultant, Sage

• 10.55AM - 11.25AM
  Networking and refreshment break
• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2A. Legacy management matters: building confidence through clarity 

  Legacy income is a vital and growing funding stream, currently worth £4bn to the sector and expected to rise to £10bn by 2050. Yet, the absence of clear guidance on how to recognise and report this income in charity accounts has led to inconsistent practices, making it difficult for stakeholders to interpret financial information confidently. This session will explore how a consistent, sector-wide approach to legacy management could strengthen relationships with executors, enhance transparency, and improve the reliability of legacy income reporting. Following the FRC's revised guidance and the proposed SORP's refined clarity around the broader concepts, join this session to discuss the opportunity to drive change, collectively raise standards and future-proof legacy income and strategic management. 

  Dave Hawes, director, Institute of Legacy Management and director of corporate services, Devon Air Ambulance Trust

• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2B. Communicating impact, avoiding controversy – developments in Charity Commission regulation and the law

  Recent developments including the May 2025 High Court judgment in the Kids Company judicial review, a Charity Commission official warning on ‘divisive and inflammatory’ social media activity, and regulatory inquiries concerning high profile investment failures and other financial and governance concerns have highlighted the importance of communicate a charity’s activities with care – and the risk that apparently routine transactions will come under scrutiny. Join this session to hear Laura and Kara reflect on these and other recent developments in charity law and regulation and how finance professionals and trustees should respond to them.

  Laura Chesham, partner and Kara Stephen, associate, VWV

• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2C. What happens if your bank goes bust?  

  This session will discuss the risks for charities in the UK banking market, and provide strategies to mitigate potential threats. It will explore how geopolitical instability can impact the UK banking sector and how the sector remains resilient by leveraging protective measures like ring-fencing and FSCS. Additionally, attendees will learn about the advantages of modern cash management platforms and how they can help reduce the risks associated with charities' cash-at-bank. 

  Giles Hutson, executive chairman, Insignis

• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2D. The Charity Investment Governance Principles

  The Charity Investment Governance Principles (CIGP) were published earlier this year and explore best practice in charity investment decision-making, reflecting the Charity Commission's CC14 guidance and the Charity Governance code. The CIGP are relevant for all investment committee members, trustees and executives involved in investing charitable assets. In this session, attendees will hear about them directly from their lead author, Gail Cunningham and will have the opportunity to discuss how they could be applied in practice.

  Kate Rogers, global head of endowments & foundations and Gail Cunningham, independent consultant, Cazenove Capital

• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2E. The Women’s Rights Fund and Oxfam’s strategic shift

  In the wake of deep cuts to international development aid and an increasingly unstable funding landscape, Oxfam is rethinking its financial strategy through the creation of the Women’s Rights Fund (WRF)  - a bold new model that provides flexible, multi-year support directly to grassroots women’s rights organisations. This session will explore how the WRF is not only amplifying the impact of partners on the ground, but also transforming Oxfam’s own funding approach and organisational strategy. By shifting away from restrictive, project-based aid towards more equitable, trust-based finance, Oxfam is building a more resilient, agile model - one with the potential to catalyse wider change across the sector.

  Halima Begum, chief executive,

  Ragda Daboub, gender justice programme manager, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Oxfam

  Tareq Bakri, international finance manager, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Oxfam

• 12.05PM - 12.10PM
  Transit time
• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3A. Employment tax: governance and reporting

  This session will focus on the introduction of the mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind, labour supply chain due diligence, holiday pay, and pay transparency issues.

  Lewis Howarth and Simon Thurston, associate directors, BDO

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3B. Strategic ESG: the power of materiality to prioritise your resources - lessons from Wellcome

  Organisations striving for meaningful sustainability impact often face a fundamental question: where should we focus our efforts? This session delves into how a materiality study can serve as a critical foundation for defining sustainability benefits and aligning ESG strategy with organisational purpose. Drawing on the Wellcome Trust’s approach, we’ll explore how identifying what truly matters to stakeholders and operations helps clarify priorities, focus resources where it matters, surface long-term risks and opportunities, and guide impactful decision-making. Whether you're refining your ESG roadmap or just beginning the journey, this session offers a grounded, actionable perspective on moving from ambition to action.

  Charles Joly, associate director, sustainability, Wellcome Trust

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3C. Better decisions, greater impact: the financial intelligence ambitious charities need now

  Funding is tougher than ever. Donors want proof of impact. Regulators expect tighter reporting. And charities are being asked to do more with less – again. In this session, Andrew Faulkner will cut through the noise to show how smarter financial management can drive real results. From tracking restricted funds to making confident budget calls, we’ll explore how better data leads to better decisions – and bigger impact. You’ll leave with practical insights to help you close the year strong, build financial resilience, and plan with clarity for 2025.

  Andrew Faulkner, senior charity manager, AccountsIQ

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3D. Can Vietnamese rats offer insights into charity investing?

  Join our Head of Macro Strategy, Chris Jeffery, who will take look back at an unlikely event in 19th century Vietnam to provide parallels for today’s investment decisionmaker. In particular, Chris will discuss three areas where the risk of unintended consequences should be of paramount concern to charity trustees:

  • Reckless prudence: the unintended consequence of not taking enough risk
  • Path dependence: the unintended consequence of taking too much risk
  • Illusion of knowledge: the unintended consequence of opinion overload

   

  Christopher Jeffrey, asset allocation strategist, L&G

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3E. Maximising philanthropic income through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)

  In today’s complex and unpredictable funding climate, charities must explore innovative approaches to secure sustainable income. This session will explore the growing influence of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) as a tax-efficient and admin free structure for giving. The discussion will cover how DAFs work, their implications for donor engagement, and practical steps to position your organisation to access and maximise this evolving source of funding.

  Annika Greco Thompson, growth and relationship manager

  Rachel Steeden, head of legal, Stewardship 

• 12.50PM - 1.55PM
  Lunch, networking and time to visit exhibition
• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4A. Session to be announced
  Session details to be announced.
• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4B. Aligning your money with your mission

  A charity’s mission is at the heart of everything you do, but is your financial strategy working in harmony with that mission? This session will explore why having the right banking and financial support is not just a nice-to-have, but an essential part of delivering on your charitable purpose. From how you raise and spend money, to how you manage risk and choose your financial partners, we will examine the core financial principles that will help charities meet deliver on their mission.

  Alison Taylor, chief executive, CAF Bank and CAF Financial Solutions Limited  

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4C. A marginal gains approach to achieving long-term sustainability

  In this session Karen Watson will reflect on Macmillan’s recent transformation and its ongoing journey toward long-term sustainability. She will talk about the importance of seeing the bigger picture, exploring the opportunity for charities to diversify their income streams and the importance of thinking differently about strategic planning and impact measurement. Karen will also share insights on engaging colleagues and stakeholders throughout the process, and how empowerment is essential to building an impactful and resilient future.

  Karen Watson, chief finance & operations officer, Macmillan Cancer Support

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4D.The impact of geopolitics on financial markets

  Geopolitics have been dominating the investment landscape recently as both macroeconomics and company fundamentals take a back seat. What does this mean for charity investors and how can we structure long-term portfolios to minimise the risks and maximise the returns in the face of the inherently unpredictable? 

  David Goebel, associate director investment strategy, Evelyn Partners
   

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4E. Transforming charity finances: how to leverage Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to drive efficiencies and maximise impact

  Discover how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Microsoft technology stack is revolutionising financial management for charities. In this session, we’ll share practical insights into streamlining operations, improving financial oversight, and enabling more impactful decision-making. With a live Q&A, you’ll have the chance to ask questions and gain actionable advice on adopting Business Central for your organisation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how technology can empower your charity to deliver greater efficiency and focus more on its mission.

  Daniel Booth, lead pre-sales consultant, mhance

• 2.35PM - 2.40PM
  Transit time
• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5A. VAT and tax opportunities 

  As charities look to create opportunities, be it new income and funding streams or making cost savings, this session will explore how VAT and direct tax can be used to help organisations in these initiatives, as well as advising on managing their risks effectively. 

  Parul Anand, partner and Helen Berry, director, BDO

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5B. Creating space to care: valuing volunteering and wellbeing in challenging times 

  With national insurance increases and rising operational costs, many organisations are being asked to deliver the same, or more, with less. In this session, Teamwork Trust, a small but impactful charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mild mental health needs, will demonstrate the value of strategic investment in employee wellbeing and how they are using volunteering as a mental health pathway. This session will explore how non-financial levers can support mental health, improve workforce flexibility, and create a more inclusive, engaged culture - maximising impact and driving progress, even when resources are tight.

  Sarah Appleby, head of finance and Helen Burdett-Wright, chief executive, Teamwork Trust

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5C. Reframing our approach to risk 

  In today’s complex and rapidly evolving landscape, traditional approaches to risk often fall short of enabling real impact. This session invites finance leaders to rethink how risk is understood, communicated, and managed within their organisations. 

  
  Caron Bradshaw, chief executive, Charity Finance Group (CFG)

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5D. When building for the future, start with the foundations – the timelessness of quality investing

  Financial markets have had many jolts this year as they digest the news on trade policies and their possible implications for economies. During heightened periods of market volatility, investors are often told to ignore the noise and focus on quality companies with strong fundamentals. But what does this really mean? This session will explore the key characteristics of quality investments, the sources of competitive ‘moats’, and why we believe this is both a business and investment strategy that is proven over many decades, and across many different industries and markets.

  Mike Topley, head of sustainable portfolio management, Barclays Private Bank

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5E. Beyond grants: financing refugee integration through interest-free lending

  RefuAid’s interest-free loan programme - the first of its kind for refugees in the UK - has quietly become one of the most innovative models in the charity finance space. Backed by new research from LSE, the programme shows that for every £1 lent, £5.66 is generated in economic return through increased tax contributions and reduced welfare dependence. In this session, co-founder Anna will share how the model was developed and scaled, the financial and social impact it’s delivering, and what it means for rethinking how charities approach sustainable, high-impact funding.

  Anna Jones, co-founder, RefuAid

• 3.20PM - 3.45PM
  Networking and refreshment break
• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6A. Navigating the evolving landscape of employment tax

  Charities are facing growing complexity when it comes to employment tax – from the payrolling of benefits in kind to employment status and other key changes on the horizon. What are the latest developments, and how can organisations stay compliant while managing risk? This session will explore the current challenges and offer practical insights to help charities negotiate this ever-changing terrain with confidence.

  Nick Bustin, director, head of employment tax, HaysMac

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6B. Building resilient investment governance for charities

  In the current complex financial environment, establishing resilient investment governance is essential for charities to achieve sustainable growth and impact. This session will delve into how charities can design their governance framework to optimise investment decisions. Participants will gain insights into aligning investment strategies with organisational objectives and building resilience during uncertain times. Join us to discover how a well-structured governance framework can empower your charity to tackle challenges and capitalise on opportunities in the investment sector.

  Speaker from Aon Investments to be announced

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6C. Cyber shock, organisational response: lessons from the British Library

  In an era of escalating digital risk and increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks, organisations must be prepared not only to defend against threats, but also to respond effectively when disruptions occur. Robust business continuity planning is critical - yet often tested only in crisis. This session will explore the British Library’s recent experience responding to a major cyber attack.Riyaz Somani will share how the organisation managed the operational fallout and adapted in real time, offering practical lessons for finance and operations leaders looking to build resilience into their response strategies.

  Riyaz Somani, head of security, British Library

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6D. Investment strategies and sustainable drawdown – finding the balance between giving and growing

  Many charities have long relied on income from their longterm investments to fund their work and meet their charitable objectives. As investments have become more global, income streams have fallen. At the same time, however, portfolio values have risen, as share prices have increased but this growth in capital is harder to access for day-to-day expenditure.  This session will break down how charities can rethink their investment strategies to maximise drawdowns in a sustainable way.

  Lynne Lamont, senior director, head of charities – UK, RBC Brewin Dolphin

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6E. From numbers to narrative: building stronger links between finance and fundraising

  Funders care about finances  - but are your fundraising and finance teams speaking the same language? Drawing on recent research into what funders value most, this session will explore how better collaboration between fundraising, finance, and operations teams (with vital support from CEOs and trustees) can lead to stronger, more confident funding bids. Blending personal experience and practical examples, the session will offer actionable tips to help organisations get their financial storytelling right.

  Maddy Gazzard, director, ImpactEd Philanthropy

• 4.25PM - 4.30PM
  Transit time
• 4.30PM - 6.00PM
  Final reflections & networking reception: insights, highlights, and connections

  Don’t rush off just yet - join us for the final session of the day as our stream chairs come together for an engaging wrap-up conversation. This is your chance to hear key insights, standout moments, and cross-cutting themes from across the conference - all brought together in one dynamic discussion. Whether you’re looking to consolidate your learning, share reflections, or connect with peers, this session offers a thoughtful close to the day’s conversations. Plus, with drinks, nibbles, and a relaxed networking atmosphere, it’s the perfect opportunity to wind down, exchange ideas, and leave inspired.

  Chaired by Jenni O'Donovan, events director, Civil Society Media

 Tax & Accounting:

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 Governance & Leadership:

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Risk & Strategy:

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Investment:

Innovative finance:

Lanyard sponsors:

With thanks to our exhibitors: 

All prices exclude VAT.

*Limited quantity available due to restrictions in numbers at the event. Places available on first come serve, first serve.  

133 Houndsditch
London
EC3A 7BX

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• Payment
  1. Registrations will not be fully confirmed until correct payment is received. If you have any issues with payment, please contact [email protected]
• Programming
  1. Please note that speakers and topics were confirmed at the time of publishing, however, circumstances beyond the control of the organisers may necessitate substitutions, alterations or cancellations of the speakers and/or topics. As such Civil Society Media Ltd reserves the right to alter or modify the advertised speakers and/or topics if necessary. Any substitutions or alterations will be updated on our web page as soon as possible.
• Event attendance
  1. Delegates are required to observe and comply with all laws, regulations, rules and requirements relating to COVID-19 and which Civil Society Media has adopted as part of its operations. Civil Society Media will communicate the COVID-19 Measures to you from time to time including and without limitation via pre-Event emails, its social channels and the event website
  2. Civil Society Media reserves the right to alter or remove its COVID-19 Measures at any time in response to the latest guidance or legislation from the UK Government or as otherwise deemed necessary by Civil Society Media in its discretion.
  3. Civil Society Media reserves the right to eject you or refuse you entry from the event if, in our reasonable opinion, you are refusing to comply with any COVID-19 Measures without reasonable grounds.
• Cancellation or reimbursement
  1. On receipt of your booking form, your place is confirmed. Delegate substitutions are allowed. Refunds on cancellations will only be issued (less a 15% administration charge) up to and including 30 days prior to the event. Refunds will not be issued after this date. Confirmation of cancellations MUST be in writing and sent to [email protected]
  2. Individual registrants who registered as part of a discounted group registration are not eligible for refunds, unless the entire group cancels. Registrations may be transferred to another person from the same organisation at any time.
  3. Corporate tickets - Please note we only have a very limited amount of corporate delegates places available. If you would like to take up one of these places, please email [email protected]. Please do not book online at the charity rate. Any corporate bookings made online will be refunded, minus a 15% administration charge. 
• Postponement or Cancellation of the Event by the Organiser
  1. Should we have to cancel or postpone due to COVID-19 we will endeavour to give you as much notice as is reasonably possible.
  2. In the event that we have to postpone this event due to COVID-19, we will transfer your ticket to the next alternative date.