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 finance – strategy, beyond finance – personal development.

Agenda

Day one – Wednesday 12 November

09.45 – 10.00: Welcome

10.00 – 11.00:  Opening keynote: The changing face of charity finance.

Speaker: Simon Hopkins, Originating Author, The Finance Journey.

11.00 – 11.15: Break

11.15 – 13.15: Sessions – Choose from:

A) Grants and contracts made simple (1 hour) and VAT made simple (1 hour). Speakers: Ross Palmer, Senior Tax Manager, Sayer Vincent and Jon Williamson, Tax and Audit Manager, Sayer Vincent. 

B) Charities and fraud. Speaker: Jonathan Orchard, Partner, Sayer Vincent. 

C) Opportunities of AI for charities. Speaker: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC.

D) Presentations with punch. Speaker: Cathy Shimmin, Senior Training Consultant, DSC.

13.15 – 14.15: Lunch – Includes bookable 10-minute drop-in sessions with Sayer Vincent. More information on how to book coming soon.

14.15 – 15.15: Sessions – Choose from:

E) Introduction to SORP – the basics. Speakers: Eleanor Lockey, Audit Manager and Lawrence Ryden, Audit Manager, Sayer Vincent.

F) Charities and banks: Building a positive relationship. Speakers: Neil Poynton, Director of Charities, Product & Development, CAF Bank and Chief Operating Officer, CAF Financial Solutions Limited and Ben Jowitt, Relationship Director, CAF Bank.

G) Policy update – What you need to know.  Speaker: Jay Kennedy, Director of Policy and Research, DSC.

H) Managing people, projects and priorities. Speaker: Eileen Browne, Training Consultant, DSC.

15.15 – 15.30: Break

15.30 – 16.00:  Session to be delivered by Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO, DSC. Details tbc.

16.00: End of day one

16.00 – 16.30:  Attendance optional: Session by event sponsor, Total Enterprise Solutions.

16.00 – 16.30:  Bookable 10-minute drop-in sessions with Sayer Vincent. More information on how to book coming soon.

Day two – Thursday 13 November

09.45 – 10.00: Welcome

10.00 – 11.00:  Panel discussion – Your charity through the eyes of the donor.

11.00 – 11.15: Break

11.15 – 13.15: Sessions – Choose from:

I) New SORP: What’s changing and how to prepare.  Speakers: Joanna Pittman and Jonathan Coyle, Partners, Sayer Vincent. 

J) Financial strategies.  Speakers: Fleur Holden and Farrah Kitabi, Partners, Sayer Vincent. 

K) Governance pitfalls.  Speakers: Arlene Clarke, Senior Risk and Assurance Manager, Sayer Vincent and Judith Miller, Partner, Sayer Vincent.

L) Close your emails and open your task list. Speaker: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC.

13.15 – 14.00: Lunch – Bookable 10-minute drop-in sessions with Sayer Vincent. More information on how to book coming soon.

14.00 – 15.00: Sessions – Choose from:

M) Preparation for audit.  Speaker: Jonathan Coyle, Partner, Sayer Vincent. 

N) Impact of the wider economy on charity finances. Speakers: Matt Holden, Senior Audit Manager, Sayer Vincent and Philip Davies, Training Manager, Sayer Vincent. 

O) Doing fundraising “right”. Speakers: Jonathan Orchard, Partner, Sayer Vincent and Conor Gibson, Policy Manager, Fundraising Regulator.

P) Values led leadership. Speaker: Eileen Browne, Training Consultant, DSC.

15.00 – 15.15:  Closing keynote – Mark your cards for 2026 – Conference summary and what to be aware of for 2026 

Speaker: Jonathan Orchard, Partner, Sayer Vincent. 

15.15 – 15.25: Closing thank you

15.25 – 16.00: Discussion on learnings and actions moving forwards.

16.00: Conference ends.

Speaker biographies

Click here to find out more about your speakers.

View full session descriptions

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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.

Event sponsor

As the only 100% nonprofit-focused Microsoft Dynamics partner, Total Enterprise Solutions (TES) are committed to driving change and innovation in the nonprofit sector. A Microsoft Solutions Partner, they specialise in providing Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and Business Central finance solutions, tailored specifically to the needs of charities. By combining these technologies with their sector-specific IP and services, they enable nonprofits to streamline their operations, focus on their mission, and achieve their goals faster and more effectively. Find out more.

Booking

Please ensure you select one session per timeslot below.