15 October 2026

• 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 caught between crises

  Britain finds itself navigating a world defined less by order than by overlapping crises. The ongoing war in Europe and an escalating conflict in the Middle East are amplifying global uncertainty - affecting energy markets, shipping routes, and financial confidence. Yet Britain faces these external shocks at a moment when economic growth is weak and the political pressures of the UK’s cost-of-living crisis remain acute. The central question becomes how a medium-sized power maintains strategic influence abroad while restoring stability at home.

  David Rennie, geopolitics editor, the Economist 

• 10.05AM - 10.35AM
  Networking and refreshment break
• 10.35AM - 10.40AM
  Stream A Vat, Tax & Accounting

  Chair's welcome:

  Richard Bray, Cancer Research UK & Charity Tax Group

• 10.35AM - 10.40AM
  Stream B Governance & Leadership

  Chair's welcome:

  Penny Wilson, governance consultant

• 10.35AM - 10.40AM
  Stream C Risk & Strategy

  Chair's welcome:

  Tristan Blythe, Charity Finance

• 10.35AM - 10.40AM
  Stream D Investment

  Chair's welcome:

  Diane Sim, Charity Finance

• 10.35AM - 10.40AM
  Stream E Technology & Transformation

  Chair's welcome:

  Ian Allsop, Charity Finance

• 10.40AM - 11.20AM
  1A.The SORP shake up: what the latest update means for your charity

  The first accounting periods under the new Charities SORP and FRS 102 are imminent, bringing key changes that will shape how charities report and communicate their impact. This session will unpack the most important updates, including the new three-tier structure, changes to revenue recognition, lease accounting and the trustees’ report, and offer practical guidance on how to prepare with worked examples.

  Steve Harper, partner and head of social purpose, HaysMac

• 10.40AM - 11.20AM
  1B. Trustee governance challenges, rising risks and how to stay ahead

  Volunteering to lead a charity should be rewarding, but today's trustees face tighter regulation, shifting operating environments and an increasingly litigious culture. Legal specialists from VWV's charity law and governance team will offer practical guidance on the intensifying demands of the role, navigating uncertainty and volatile environments, handling complaints and the growing impact of AI, and will cover the steps trustee and senior teams can take to protect themselves and their charities.

  Con Alexander, partner, VWV
   

• 10.40AM - 11.20AM
  1C. Cyber security: how to protect your organisation

  This session is run by Rob Shapland, a renowned ethical hacker and cyber security expert who has spent his life breaking into organisations worldwide to help them protect against criminal attacks. Rob will give some insight as to why charities are a potential target for criminals and explain how he breaks into organisations to give useful tips that will help your organisation stay protected against cyber threats. 

  Rob Shapland, director & ethical hacker (session sponsored by United Trust Bank)

• 10.40AM - 11.20AM
  1D. Charity investment policy best practice

  Over the past decade, the investment landscape for charities has evolved significantly, with broader investment options, advances in sustainable and values-aligned investing, and higher governance expectations. Alongside these shifts, the Charity Commission updated its CC14 guidance in 2023, followed by the Charity Investment Governance Principles in early 2025. In response, we launched our peer-reviewed, best-practice Investment Policy Framework to support well-governed, mission-aligned decision-making. This session complements our written publication, with hard copies available on the day. Together, these materials offer a structured approach that trustees can adapt to their charity’s needs.

  Tom Holbrook, portfolio director and Tom Montagu-Pollock, co-head of charities, Cazenove Capital

• 10.40AM - 11.20AM
  1E. Session by Sage to be announced
• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2A. Navigating VAT, gift aid and corporation tax risks in fundraising platforms and third-party arrangements

  This session explores the growing complexity of tax considerations in modern fundraising, particularly as charities increasingly rely on digital platforms and third-party intermediaries. With evolving HMRC scrutiny and more sophisticated fundraising models, organisations must be proactive in identifying and managing VAT, Gift Aid, and corporation tax risks.

  Speakers from BDO

• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2B. Session by Mercer to be announced
• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2C. Unlocking sustainable income in challenging times

  Sustainable income doesn’t happen by chance - it’s built over time through intentional growth and learning. In this session, we’ll share how an entrepreneurial, purpose-driven approach is helping MYTIME Young Carers move towards a more sustainable income model, including early steps to scale its schools programme. We’ll explore what it means for finance leaders to adopt a ‘start-up’ mindset at an early stage, and how this evolving approach can support organisations to build resilience and lay the foundations for long-term, sustainable income.

  Krista Cartlidge, chief executive, MYTIME Young Carers

• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2D. Session by Barclays Private Bank to be announced
• 11.25AM - 12.05PM
  2E. Powering digital transformation through people and partnerships
  Xledger and Certitude 
• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3A. The evolving landscape of employment tax and National Insurance
  This session will explore how recent and upcoming changes are reshaping employer compliance.  Attendees will gain a clear understanding of key developments affecting National Insurance, HMRC’s approach to employment status and the difference between employment and self employment, and the growing complexity of compliance and risk management. The session highlights practical implications for employers, including reporting requirements and the interaction with wider labour market reforms such as the joint and several liability legislation, introduced in April 2026. The session should help attendees provide with insights to strengthen governance, and ensure employment tax and NIC positions remain robust, compliant and aligned with organisational strategy.
   
  Caroline Jones, head of employment taxes, Albert Goodman
   
• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3B. The hidden cost of carbon

  Your organisation’s biggest climate impact may not be immediately obvious—and it may sit within your finances. This session will explore the case for urgent action on finance emissions, from banking to pensions and investments. Drawing on two finance leaders’ practical experience, we'll show how organisations can uncover hidden carbon, reduce exposure to future risk, and ensure financial decisions support—not undermine—net zero commitments.

  Ben Clarkson, chief finance and operating officer, Parkinson's UK and Ruth Jenkins, finance director, Keep Britain Tidy

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3C. How to be ready today for the challenges of tomorrow

  Charities face an uncertain future. After hopes that the turbulence of recent years may soon end, the economy and geopolitics took another turn. Slow growth, stubborn inflation, interest rates are unlikely to fall, and they’re increasingly the targets of fraud—but there are positive steps charities can take to minimise risk and remain resilient. Providing insight into opportunities for philanthropic support, transforming operations, and maximising income streams, Alison Taylor, CEO of CAF Bank and CFSL, will address how charities can respond to events and keep delivering essential services, ensuring they’re ready today for the challenges of tomorrow. 

  Alison Taylor, chief executive CAF Bank

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3D. Financial resilience and investment strategy

  Financial management and investment strategy are critical to long-term organisational sustainability. This session explores current trends in third-sector finances, reserves planning, and annual review processes to ensure investment approaches remain aligned with charitable objectives. We will examine the differences between pooled fund investments and bespoke discretionary strategies, helping trustees understand which structure best suits their organisation's needs, ethical principles, and specific income or cashflow requirements.

  Ed Caswell and Paul Mtahias, RBC Brewin Dolphin

• 12.10PM - 12.50PM
  3E. From automation to impact: how AI and agents are transforming charities

  Explore how AI and autonomous agents are moving charities beyond efficiency gains into measurable impact. This session will unpack practical use cases, from intelligent automation of finance to agent-led decision support, showing how organisations can free up capacity, improve accuracy, and scale outcomes. Attendees will learn how to evaluate AI opportunities, manage risk and governance, and build a roadmap that aligns technology with mission. We’ll also share real-world examples of charities using AI to enhance insight, optimise resources, and strengthen stakeholder trust. Expect clear guidance on where to start, how to prioritise investment, and how to demonstrate tangible impact, so your organisation can move from experimentation to meaningful, mission-driven results.

  Daniel Booth, lead pre-sales engagement consultant, mhance

• 12.50PM - 1.55PM
  Lunch, networking and time to visit exhibition
• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4A. Structured business risk review – how to successfully navigate your HMRC review

  HMRC is increasing its use of structured business risk review meetings with Charities, making it essential that you are fully prepared and confident in how you engage. In this practical session, we will walk you through what to expect and how to respond effectively at each stage - before, during and after the review - so you can manage risk, present your processes clearly avoiding unnecessary challenges. You will leave with straightforward, actionable steps that help you stay in control and demonstrate strong compliance. Register now to ensure you are ready for your next HMRC interaction.

  Speakers from BDO

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4B. Panel - From numbers to narrative: strengthening finance–board communication

  Effective board communication is more than accurate reporting – it’s about insight, clarity, and influence. This session explores how finance directors can move beyond spreadsheets to tell a compelling financial story that resonates with non-financial trustees and supports better decision-making. We’ll cover practical approaches to framing risk for risk-averse boards, highlighting what really matters, and ensuring trustees have the confidence and understanding to engage with and act on financial information.

  Anupam Ganguli, finance director, Historic Royal Palances and Rajit Gholap, director of finance, governance and technology, Prostate Cancer UK

  Additional panellists to be announced

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4C. Risk & reward: rethinking cash strategy

  In an evolving financial landscape, charities are under increasing pressure to make every pound work harder. This session explores how organisations can move beyond simply safeguarding cash under FSCS protection, towards a more strategic treasury approach—balancing security, liquidity, and return to support long-term mission impact.

  Giles Hutson, co-founder, Insignis Cash

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4D. The US midterm elections… the sneeze or the cure?

  In November, all 435 members of the United States’ House of Representatives and 33 members of the 100 seat US Senate are up for election. The results will shape the remainder of Trump’s presidency both domestically and internationally. Why are these elections important to investors? How might policy disruption or a strengthened opposition affect the economy? How have equity markets responded to previous midterm elections and what sort of political noise and volatility should charity investors expect in the run up and the aftermath?

  Arielle Ingrassia, associate director investment specialist – investment strategy team, Evelyn Partners
   

• 1.55PM - 2.35PM
  4E. AI in charity finance: from caution to confidence

  Drawing on insights from charities’ responses to AccountsIQ's annual CFO Mindset Report, this session explores how finance leaders are approaching AI and automation in their day-to-day work. It considers the sector’s unique challenges and the natural caution around adopting new technologies, while highlighting how AI can streamline workflows, speed up routine tasks, and reduce errors. The session also shows why starting small and scaling gradually is often the most effective approach, alongside the need to prioritise compliance, security, and explainability when integrating AI into charity finance.

  Elaine Birch, content and comms manager, AccountsIQ  

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5A. Managing your reserves – how to calculate, discuss and report on your reserves
  As funding becomes tighter across the sector, and reporting requirements change, understanding the level of reserves that you hold and knowing how to have the discussion with your board and funders becomes increasingly important. This session will go through the ways to calculate what reserves you have, the importance of a good reserves policy and getting board buy-in as well as how you present that information to your funders to achieve the best outcome.
   
  Michelle Ferris, partner and head of charities, Albert Goodman
• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5B. Are your financial messages helping or harming your people?

  In the current economic climate, many charities are operating under considerable financial pressure and these stresses inevitably surface in internal conversations. While transparency about finances is important, emerging evidence suggests that how organisations communicate about financial difficulties can profoundly shape the mental health and wellbeing of employees - especially in sectors where emotional labour is high and remuneration comparatively low. This session will explore some practical techniques to support and strengthen your internal communications, demonstrating that financial transparency doesn't have to compromise mental health.   

  Boston Mwense, finance and support director, Blesma

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5C. Session to be announced
• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5D. To infinity…and beyond market cap!

  In this session, we explore how systematic investing brings order to the toy box by targeting proven factors: Value as the bargain-hunting Woody, Quality as the dependable Buzz, Momentum as Jessie riding the trend, and Low Volatility as Rex cautiously approaching market scares. But the real magic happens when the gang works together - combining factors into a diversified multi-factor strategy designed to navigate changing markets with discipline, balance, and a little Pixar-style teamwork.

  Raj Shah, senior quantitative and factor strategist, L&G

• 2.40PM - 3.20PM
  5E. What your finance system should be doing (but probably isn’t)

  Charity finance has evolved from back-office reporting to a strategic driver of organisational performance—yet many systems haven’t kept pace. This session explores the gap between what modern finance platforms can deliver and what most charities experience day to day. We’ll highlight how leading organisations are moving beyond spreadsheets, manual reporting, and disconnected systems towards real-time insight, integrated data, and automation. The focus is not just efficiency, but enabling better decisions, stronger governance, and clearer impact reporting. Attendees will leave with a practical framework to assess current finance capability, identify where value is being lost, and understand what’s possible—from joined-up fundraising and finance to data-led decision-making.

  Nicole Hill, BC product specialist and Dan West, non-profit solutions sales consultant, ForGood.Tech

• 3.20PM - 3.45PM
  Networking & refreshment break
• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6A. The future of employment tax & National Insurance: preparing for payrolling of benefits

  The employment tax landscape is undergoing significant change, with new rules and expectations reshaping how organisations manage compliance. This session will explore the evolving framework of Employment Tax and National Insurance, with a particular focus on the upcoming payrolling of benefits regime set to take effect in April 2027. Attendees will gain insight into what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare effectively.

  Nick Bustin, director, head of employment tax, HaysMac

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6B. Session to be announced
• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6C. Forecasting the unforecastable: managing risk, income diversification and financial resilience

  How do finance leaders build reliable budgets when some of the biggest income opportunities are also the least certain? In this session, hear how Full Fact has responded to funding shocks by rethinking its income model, working closely across finance, fundraising and board leadership to create more resilient forecasting processes. From weighted likelihood modelling to governance conversations around risk appetite, this practical session offers insights into balancing caution, ambition and sustainability.

  Caroline Gellatly, head of development, Full Fact
   

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6D. From TINA to TANIA: importance of active fixed income in portfolios

  From “TINA” to “TANIA” – shifting from “There Is No Alternative” to “There Are Numerous Alternatives” – this session explores why fixed income is regaining importance in long-term portfolios. Against a backdrop of inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting rate expectations, Bryn Jones will discuss how active fixed income can help charities build resilience, manage volatility and support long-term stewardship through diversification, liquidity and downside protection.

  Bryn Jones, head of fixed income, Rathbones Asset Management 

• 3.45PM - 4.25PM
  6E. Session to be announced
• 4.30PM - 5.00PM
  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

Risk & Strategy:

Investment:

VAT & Tax:

Lanyard Sponsor:

 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
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• 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
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  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.