The Charity Management Conference 2026 - Online on Thursday 5 March

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please email [email protected] for more information.

This year’s one-day online conference is designed specifically for managers working in charities of all sizes, who are leading teams through unprecedented change and pressure.  

Across the day, you will hear from expert speakers and sector leaders on the future of management, AI, governance, policy, EDI, and wellbeing in the charity workplace. 

The programme blends big picture insight with practical tools you can take back to your organisation. You will gain clarity on emerging legal and regulatory changes, explore how AI can support rather than overwhelm your work, and hear honest reflections on managing on less while protecting yourself and your team. 

You will also have opportunities to connect with peers, build your network, while sessions on embedding equity, diversity and inclusion will help you strengthen culture as well as performance. Whether you manage services, operations, people, projects or a whole organisation, this conference will give you renewed energy and practical ideas.   

Book your place now to secure your spot and invest in your development as a charity manager in 2026 and beyond. 

Who should attend:  

• Service and operations managers
• HR or people leads
• Project managers 
• CEOs of smaller charities  

What is included in the price?  

Attendance to the conference, keynote sessions, session talks and a networking session.  

You will also have access to the post conference hub, which will consist of:

• Digital copy of: Speed Read: Networking
• All presentations and handouts
• Links to other useful resources 

Agenda

Conference Chair: Eileen Browne, Training Consultant, DSC.

09.40 – 09.55: Networking 

Start the day by connecting with other charity managers in an informal networking slot. This is a chance to meet peers facing similar challenges and begin building relationships for learning and support throughout the conference. 

09.55 – 10.00: Welcome 

A short introduction to the day, including housekeeping, how to use the platform, asking questions and post conference resources. 

10.00 –10.30: Opening Keynote – Management in 2026 and Beyond  

This keynote will explore what leading a team in a UK charity will look like over the next few years, including funding pressures, workforce expectations, technology, and politics. Attendees will hear practical insights on how managers can stay resilient, values-driven and future-focused in a rapidly changing environment. 

10.30 –11.15: Charity Management and AI 

AI is rapidly reshaping how charities work, from fundraising and service delivery to back office operations. This session will unpack what AI means for managers, highlight practical tools that can support day-to-day management and how you can use AI confidently and responsibly.

Speaker: George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC. 

11.15 –11.30: Refreshment Break  

Time to step away from your screen, take a comfort break and recharge before the next session. 

11.30 –12.15: Operational Strain and Pressures: Boundaries, Support and Performance

Many managers are being asked to deliver more with tighter budgets, stretched teams and rising demand. This session will explore practical ways to manage operational pressures while protecting your own wellbeing and that of your team, including prioritisation, boundary setting, and supportive leadership practices.

12.15 –13.00: Efficient and ethical fund distribution: Practical approaches for charities

Charities are the heartbeat of local support, yet the logistics of fund distribution can often be a burden and distributing funds efficiently and ethically is a growing operational challenge for many. From administrative burden to the speed of delivery and beneficiary experience, the way funds are distributed can have a significant impact on both staff capacity and outcomes.

In this session, we’ll explore how charities are approaching fund distribution in practice, drawing on real-life examples and case studies. The session will include reflections from charities already working with digital distribution tools, followed by a Q&A discussion focused on what has worked well, what to watch out for, and what charities should consider when reviewing their own processes.

Session objectives:

• Understand common challenges charities face when distributing funds
• Learn about different fund distribution models currently used across the sector
• Identify practical considerations for improving efficiency, speed and dignity in fund delivery
• Hear real-world insights from charities implementing digital approaches to fund distribution

Speaker: Evouchers.

13.00 –14.00: Lunch and Break 

Time to have some lunch, rest and process the morning’s learning. Attendees can also use this time to network informally with other delegates. 

14.00 –14.45: Key Legal, Regulatory and Governance Updates for Managers

This session will give managers a clear overview of key legal, regulatory and governance changes affecting UK charities, and what they mean in practice for day to day management. You will leave knowing the priority areas to watch, questions to ask your leadership and trustees, and how to build these updates into your planning.

Speaker: Julia Nwaneke, Associate, Russell Cooke.

 14.45 –15.30: Protecting Your Charity’s Voice and Reputation: Practical Communication Skills for Managers 

Learn how to communicate clearly in challenging moments, protect your charity’s reputation and stay aligned with your values. This concise, practical session gives managers simple tools for handling complaints, difficult emails and public scrutiny with confidence across teams, partners and funders. 

15.30 –15.45: Refreshment Break  

Another chance to pause, stretch and reset before the final session. 

15.45 –16.15: Closing Keynote – Lessons on Management 

Our closing keynote speaker will share personal lessons from leading in the charity sector: what they have learnt from successes, setbacks and change and what gives them hope for the future of charity leadership. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice and leave with renewed energy and practical ideas to take back to their organisations. 

16.15 –16.20: Final Remarks 

A brief wrap-up to reflect on the day’s key themes, next steps and signposts for further resources. 

16.20: Conference Ends 

Check out speaker biographies here.

Join the conversation

LinkedIn: DSC Charity
#ItsMurderInManagement

#TheCharityManagementConference

Thinking of attending more DSC conferences?

A season ticket for all 11 events in 2026 might be just the ticket – Find out more here.

Prices

Early bird booking to Sunday 1 February.

Regular pricing from Monday 2 February.