12 March 2025

• 8.45AM - 9.20AM
  Registration and networking
• 9.20AM - 9.30AM
  Chair's welcome
  Chair: Stephen Cotterill, editor, Fundraising magazine
• 9.30AM - 10.15AM
  Opening panel - Who are the disruptors?

  In this opening session, we will discuss the brands, movements and technologies that are disrupting traditional fundraising models, shaking up funding practices and keeping the charity sector on its toes. 

  Panellists to be announced.

• 10.25AM - 11.05AM
  1A. Mind case study: Crafting transformative corporate partnerships with Asics, Netflix and beyond

  Gain exclusive insights into Mind’s corporate partnerships strategy, featuring lessons learned from high-profile collaborations with Netflix, Asics, and Buxton. This session will share both the successes and challenges of building partnerships that balance risk and innovation while driving awareness and fundraising. Discover how creativity and a 'blank sheet' mindset - where both sides are open to new possibilities - have been pivotal in creating impactful initiatives. Through transferable examples, discover how Mind is navigating the complexities of aligning partnership goals with its mission to make a meaningful difference in mental health.

  Andrew Berrie, head of corporate partnerships, Mind
   

• 10.25AM - 11.05AM
  1B. Charity rebrands: An important fundraising investment?

  Charities can spend thousands of pounds changing their name and visual branding but is it worth the investment? In this session, two charities share the reasons and strategy behind their recent rebrands and how they expect their new identities to deliver. National anti-poverty charity Trussell recently shortened its name and changed its logo as part of efforts to become more accessible. Meanwhile, Survivor Space Oxfordshire found its previous name was proving to be a barrier to some potential funders. With contrasting budgets and ambitions, leaders from both charities share their rebranding stories so far.

  Speakers: Amy Crosweller, fundraising and communications manager, Survivor Space Oxfordshire and Emma Revie, chief executive, Trussell

• 10.25AM - 11.05AM
  1C. Unlocking talent: How Maudsley Charity recruits, retains, and champions a diverse workforce

  We are in the midst of a charity recruitment and retention crisis, with a shortage of skilled candidates, salary dissatisfaction, lack of career progression and burnout all cited as key issues. Maudsley Charity has actively overhauled its recruitment and induction processes, with a sharp focus on advertising for diversity, recruiting for potential not perfection, identifying emotional intelligence and employee engagement. As a result, they are attracting engaged, high-performing people. Join this session to gain insight into the processes they employ and take away practical examples and  templates to assist wherever you are on your own journey.

  Speakers: Tanya Sutton, business support manager and Elvira Morrison, director of fundraising and communications, Maudsley Charity 

• 10.25AM - 11.05AM
  1D. Session details to be confirmed
  Speaker(s) from m-hance
• 11.35AM - 12.15PM
  2A. From prospects to partners: Qualifying your major gifts caseload
  Talking to donors who don’t want to engage is exhausting and disheartening. Yet most caseloads are filled with donors who have made it clear they don’t want a personal relationship with your organisation. This workshop will teach you a proven, relationship-driven approach to build a caseload of donors who genuinely want to connect with your organisation. You’ll gain tools to identify and qualify donors more effectively and start crafting actionable next steps to strengthen your major gifts programme.
   
  Andy Milligan, managing director, Veritus UK & Europe
• 11.35AM - 12.15PM
  2B. Digital acquisition – unlocking the power of multichannel strategies

  In an increasingly challenging economic environment, finding and engaging prospective supporters is more difficult than ever. This session explores how charities can stay ahead by blending the strengths of digital and offline channels to create optimised, multi-channel campaigns that drive results. It will include practical tips for identifying the best possible prospects including building a model on clean, accurate, client data and then adopting a contact strategy across multiple channels (DM, Display, Meta). Learn how to navigate the complexities of digital acquisition while leveraging traditional offline methods, like direct mail, to amplify your reach and build meaningful connections with your audience. 

  Tony Munday, head of digital and Dean Standing, chief revenue officer, Sagacity

• 11.35AM - 12.15PM
  2C. Donor-led revolution: the rise of the flexible fundraising event

  Post-pandemic, fundraising events are evolving to meet the changing needs of both participants and organisations. The rise of flexible fundraising events, virtual challenges and adaptable activities, is reshaping how charities engage with supporters. Whether it’s running a virtual marathon, cycling a chosen route, or completing a challenge on your own terms, these flexible formats have opened up new avenues for fundraising, making participation accessible and inclusive for a wider range of people than ever before. This session will debate the opportunities and challenges that come with navigating such a fast-changing area of fundraising.
   

  Speaker(s) to be announced

• 11.35AM - 12.15PM
  2D. Navigating AI in fundraising - balancing innovation and integrity

  AI is now part of our daily lives, from tools like ChatGPT to the AI built into CRMs and email systems. For fundraisers, managing these tools effectively is essential to maintaining the public trust.  Mismanaging AI could lead to a loss of this trust - and with it, vital fundraising income. This session will highlight the key questions to ask, the rules to follow, and how to develop an AI policy that aligns with your charity's values. We will cover AI transparency, regulatory requirements, and the importance of data quality. Whether you're new to AI or using it regularly, this session will be relevant to you.

  Speakers: Stephen Shirres, fundraising governance & compliance manager and Stacey Wood, head of data & analytics, Cats Protection

• 12.25PM - 1.05PM
  3A. Trust over transactions: Navigating funder relationships in a resource-strapped sector

  The reality of the current funding landscape is challenging; oversubscribed programmes, funders pausing grantmaking due to a surge in applications and the overall need for funds far outweighing the available resources. The relationship between grantor and grantee is more crucial than ever to sustain support, leverage influence and maximise impact. Join this session to hear directly from the funder on the importance of thinking beyond the financial transaction to unlock ancillary benefits and cement an effective partnership. 

  Speaker: André Clarke, director of charity development, Lloyds Bank Foundation

• 12.25PM - 1.05PM
  3B. Periods, Puns, and Power Moves: Constructing bold campaigns to drive change

  Join this session to discover how Bloody Good Period’s bold Halloween and Christmas campaigns redefined conversations about menstruation. The 'Periods Unmasked' campaign used humour and bold visuals to challenge stigma and elevate awareness, paving the way for the 'Festive Period' campaign, which turned this momentum into impactful fundraising. In this session, discover the strategic drivers behind these campaigns, including the use of humour to reclaim space and power, the importance of lived experience in effective storytelling and the art of balancing awareness with actionable fundraising asks.

  Speaker: Jo Atkins-Potts, head of campaigns and communications, Bloody Good Period

• 12.25PM - 1.05PM
  3C. Give to Go Green: Empowering volunteers and local communities to fund the Church of England's net zero vision

  The Church of England's ambitious goal to achieve net zero by 2030 involves more than just top-down directives and large-scale funding. With over 32,000 buildings under its stewardship, including churches, schools, and offices, the church is turning to its greatest resource - its communities - to help bridge the funding gap. From the culture change and upskilling required to adopt new technologies through to techniques for mobilising widescale grassroots support, join this session to learn more about the challenges and successes behind the "Give to Go Green" initiative.

  Speaker: Helen Simpkiss, national fundraising advisor, National Church Institutions of the Church of England 

• 12.25PM - 1.05PM
  3D. Fundraising for the ages: Data insights on generational habits and preferences to drive your success

  How can we understand and harness the giving habits of different generations to drive social impact? With rapid changes in the fundraising landscape—like AI and digital-first approaches—charities face new opportunities and challenges, especially in a tough economy. Digital adoption is essential, but knowing your supporters is key. This session will explore fundraising trends and generational giving habits, focusing on the unique preferences of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Boomers. By understanding what drives engagement—whether impact, efficiency, or trust—you can better connect with supporters to advance your mission. 

  Speaker: Rebecca Williams, senior customer success manager, Blackbaud Europe & Pacific

• 1.05PM - 2.05PM
  Lunch
• 2.05PM - 2.45PM
  4A. Unlocking grassroots potential: Innovative grantmaking for small charities

  The charity sector faces an ongoing funding crisis that has hit small charities especially hard, forcing many to close or scale back essential services. In this context, Mary Rose Gunn, founder of The Fore, leads a movement toward more sustainable funding by providing small charities with unrestricted grants and skills that support long-term impact and resilience. In this session, she will share insights on how flexible funding models can help small organisations weather financial challenges and continue driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. 

  Speaker: Mary Rose Gunn, founder and chief executive, The Fore

• 2.05PM - 2.45PM
  4B. Insights from Oxfam GB's 'Stay in the Fight' legacy campaign

  Explore the journey behind Oxfam GB's first major legacy campaign, including its groundbreaking TV ad. In this session, we’ll unpack how the campaign navigated sensitive yet powerful messaging, such as the use of the word 'fight', while aligning with the charity's wider decolonisation efforts. Learn how authenticity became the cornerstone of this legacy ask, framing it as a bold and enduring act of support - a final fight for justice and a symbol of immortality for supporters. Hear how the campaign’s insights and successes have not only driven meaningful results but also influenced Oxfam GB's broader brand strategy. This is a must-attend for anyone looking to create legacy campaigns that inspire and resonate.

  Speaker: Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo, head of legacy engagement, Oxfam GB

• 2.05PM - 2.45PM
  4C. The role technology is playing to supercharge engagement and fundraising potential within volunteer communities

  Volunteering communities are the backbone of many charities, providing essential support that extends far beyond donated time. In today’s challenging fundraising landscape, connecting with and mobilising supporters is more critical than ever. This session will share a real-life example of a charity that has been using Rosterfy's innovative mobile app to revolutionise volunteer engagement, driving deeper connections, and unlocking new fundraising potential. Join us to understand how technology can be used to amplify volunteer engagement, creating a ripple effect of greater reach and impact. 

  Speaker: Sam Bennett, head of sales UK, Rosterfy 

• 2.05PM - 2.45PM
  4D. East Anglian Air Ambulance case study - using real-time data to drive fundraising growth

  East Anglian Air Ambulance is leading the way as the first UK air ambulance service to harness live mission data, transforming it into a powerful fundraising tool. By enabling supporters to make micro-donations in real time, they are turning lifesaving moments into personalised donor experiences. This innovative approach connects mission impact directly to supporters’ passions, setting a new standard for fundraising in the digital age. Discover how this pioneering initiative is reshaping donor engagement, demonstrating the untapped potential of data-driven storytelling to foster deeper connections and drive meaningful support.

  Speakers: Simon Judd, head of individual giving and supporter engagement, East Anglian Air Ambulance, Speaker TBC, East Anglian Air Ambulance
  Speaker TBC, IfGive

• 2.55PM - 3.35PM
  5A. Unpacking accessibility - The win-win of Scope and Evri's partnership

  Discover the power of mutually beneficial corporate partnerships as Scope and Evri join forces in a 3-year collaboration focused on meaningful social impact. In this session, we’ll outline our shared vision to improve accessibility for disabled consumers, couriers, and colleagues. With an initial £125,000 commitment from Evri, this partnership will drive an in-depth audit and staff training programme to ensure lasting change. Join us to learn about our phased approach and ambitions for the future to maximise co-branding, retail opportunities, fundraising and shared reach. Ideal for those invested in accessibility and developing impactful partnerships.

  Grace Coffey, key partnership lead, Scope and Jacob Webb, senior PR manager, Evri

• 2.55PM - 3.35PM
  5B. LinkedIn: Exploring a shifting social media landscape

  Recent controversies surrounding X (formerly Twitter) - from sweeping changes in content moderation to shifts in user demographics since Elon Musk's acquisition - have left many charities questioning their social channel strategy. This session will explore how LinkedIn is emerging as a powerful alternative for charities seeking stability and credibility in their social media presence. We'll delve into how LinkedIn's emphasis on peer to peer storytelling, individual engagement, and professional networking positions it as a vital platform for outreach, lead gen and relationship building. Join this session for practical advice on how to leverage LinkedIn's audience as part of your content strategy.

  Athar Abidi, head of social media and Izzy Boulton, senior social media officer, Cancer Research UK 

• 2.55PM - 3.35PM
  5C. Flying solo: Navigating the challenges of DIY fundraising

  The reality is that many charity fundraising teams consist of a single person. This session will explore the unique challenges faced by solo fundraisers, from managing limited resources to juggling multiple responsibilities. We’ll discuss practical strategies for maximising impact with minimal support, staying motivated, and building a personal network to overcome the isolation that often accompanies DIY fundraising. Join our panel to learn tips, share experiences, and find new ways to thrive as a one-person fundraising powerhouse!

  Speakers: Shofa Miah, founder, Ashok's Vision International, Kim Thursfield, communications and fundraising manager, CASPA

• 2.55PM - 3.35PM
  5D. Maximising donations in a cashless society

  As the UK continues its transition to a cashless society, charities of all sizes must adapt and streamline their donation processes to maintain and grow their fundraising opportunities. The use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for digital payments is growing day by day.  This session will explore  how this cutting-edge payment technology is transforming donation collection and gift aid management. Featuring a case study  from Bolton Wanderers FC in the Community, we’ll showcase how NFC technology can empower corporate supporters, reduce costs, enhance the donor experience, and streamline data management. Learn practical strategies to increase income, simplify operations, and maximise impact with innovative, affordable, hardware-free solutions.

  Richard Bradley, chief executive, Accept Cards Ltd, Alastair Petrie, managing director, BMc Azurri and James Mullin, charity fundraising consultant

• 3.35PM - 3.55PM
  Afternoon coffee
• 3.55PM - 4.20PM
  Plenary - Navigating the new fundraising Code of Conduct
  Join the Fundraising Regulator for an essential overview of the updated Code of Conduct, designed to support transparency, integrity, and trust in fundraising practices. This session will outline key changes, explain their impact on fundraising operations, and offer guidance on compliance to help you and your team uphold high standards and public confidence.
• 4.20PM - 4.55PM
  Closing keynote: The Love Project - How compassion and connection drive donor engagement and wellbeing

  Relationship fundraising, a term first introduced to the sector over 30 years ago has evolved in how it is understood and employed by fundraisers. This session will present the latest research by the Institute of Sustainable Philanthropy examining how different forms of love - compassionate and companionate - can transform the donor experience.  Professor Jen Shang will draw on research and practical examples to discuss how identity, connectedness, and communication shape feelings of love, impact donor wellbeing, and influence future giving. Discover how even small changes in messaging can deepen supporter relationships, elevate donor engagement and unlock greater philanthropic potential.

  Speaker: Jen Shang, professor of philanthropic psychology, Institute for Sustainable Philanthrop

• 4.55PM - 5.00PM
  Chair's closing remarks
• 5.00PM - 6.00PM
  Drink's reception

With thanks to our sponsors: 

With thanks to our exhibitors:

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The building is situated on St Andrews Place opposite Regent’s Park. It is a five-minute walk from Regent’s Park station or Great Portland Street station. There is a lift platform for wheelchair access at the entrance.

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For speaker queries contact Jenni O Donovan

For media partnerships and marketing queries contact Kirsty Brown 

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