What our 2025 event delegates said

“Overall, a fantastic couple of days which provided a wealth of information and provided much food for thought for improvement and development both in systems and my job role. Thank you all.” – Rose Giles, Alcohol Change

“Best finance conference for charities around – I recommend it to many other organisations.”– Janine Bradley, B:Music Ltd

“I have been attending these conferences for many years, and haven’t missed any since the first one I attended which was in Chester. Most of which were held on my birthday. I am retiring at the end of January and could only dip in and out of the conference this week. It will seem strange without this event. I hope that the conference continues for many years to come.”– Linda Robertson, Love Music Trust

“I felt quite overwhelmed initially as I am in a management position (with very little financial background) at a new charity. However, with the way the conference was presented, the range of topics explored, and the care and attention to detail (and Debra Allcock Tyler’s fantastic session!), I feel armed with more knowledge to ask questions, drill down on detail and to ensure the strategic objectives align to sound financial knowledge and planning. Thank you for making a newbie feel welcome.”– Sarah Reay, Patoss Dyslexia Charity

Join us for an inspiring charity finance conference

Gain valuable insights from industry experts and motivational speakers as they share best practices, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the charity finance sector.

Our diverse programme features a mix of breakout sessions, panel discussions, and thought-provoking keynotes all designed to expand your knowledge and help you drive success within your charity.

This conference brings together professionals from across the sector, offering a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and engage with peers and experts in meaningful discussions.

Who should attend?

This conference is ideal for finance professionals, executives, board members, and anyone involved in charity operations looking to enhance their knowledge and impact.

What is included?

Your ticket grants access to two days of expert-led sessions, including:

• Keynote speeches
• Panel discussions
• Breakout sessions
• Discussion rooms

You’ll also receive post-conference access to:

• Recordings of the opening and closing keynote sessions
• All session recordings
• Access to breakout session presentations and handouts
• Certificate of attendance

Sessions cover four different streams: Made simple, strategic finance, beyond good governance, beyond finance – personal development.

Agenda

Day one – Wednesday 11 November

09.45 – 10.00:  Welcome

10.00 – 11.00: Opening keynote: The reality of being a Trustee

Drawing on experience as a trustee, adviser and current Charity Commission board member, Kate Sayer reflects on the realities of the trustee role, and the motivations, challenges and responsibilities it can bring. Exploring how trustees can navigate difficult decisions, work constructively with management, and contribute effectively to the organisations that they serve.

Speaker: Kate Sayer.

11.00 – 11.15: Break

11.15 – 12.15: Sessions – Choose from:

A) Made simple – Introduction to SORP

B) Strategic finance – Closing the assurance gap

C) Beyond finance: Good governance – Trustees’ reports: Demonstrating impact and accountability

D) Beyond finance: Personal development – Managing wellbeing at work

Speaker: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC.

12.15 – 13.15: Sessions – Choose from:

E) Made simple – Grants and contracts

F) Strategic finance – Financial warning signs

G) Beyond finance: Good governance – Emerging stronger – turning challenge into opportunity

H) Beyond finance: Personal development – Ask more, tell less: Coaching skills for managers

Speaker: Cathy Shimmin,  Senior Training Consultant, DSC.

13.15 – 14.00: Lunch

14.00 – 16.00: Sessions – Choose from:

I) Strategic finance – SORP 2026 in practice: Worked examples and common pitfalls

J) Beyond finance: Good governance – Where next for risk management?

K) Beyond finance: Personal development – Make your first AI Agent

Speaker: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC.

Day two – Thursday 12 November

09.45 – 10.00: Welcome

10.00 – 11.00:  Panel discussion – A Treasurer’s perspective on risk, resilience and finance leadership

11.00 – 11.15: Break

11.15 – 13.15: Sessions – Choose from:

L) Made simple – VAT and fundraising in practice: what charities need to get right

M) Strategic finance – Financial strategy in uncertain conditions

N) Beyond Good governance – Effective governance in practice

O) Beyond finance: Personal development – Stop chasing results – Start building purpose

Speaker: Eileen Browne, Training Consultant, DSC.

13.15 – 14.00: Lunch

14.00 – 15.00: Sessions – Choose from:

P) Made simple – Preparing for your audit 

Q) Strategic finance – Mergers, closures and strategic reset 

R) Beyond Good governance – Why is trustee recruitment so hard right now?

S) Beyond finance: Personal development – Making insight heard: Communicating beyond the numbers

Speaker: Cathy Shimmin, Senior Training Consultant, DSC.

15.00 – 15.30: Closing keynote: Finance leaders as stewards of trust 

15.30: Closing thank you

15.35 – 16.00:  Discussion on learnings and actions moving forward.

16.00: Conference ends.

Speaker biographies

Speaker information will be arriving in June.

View full session descriptions

Full online brochure will be arriving in June.

Ticket prices

Event partner

Our long-time friends and event partners, Sayer Vincent, are an audit and advisory firm working exclusively with charities and social purpose organisations. Find out more about them here now.

Booking

Ticket prices are for both days only.

Please ensure you select both days below and you select one session per timeslot.