The Charity AI Conference - Speakers

Cisco Systems, Inc. is a global technology leader that specializes in networking and telecommunications equipment. The company boasts an industry-leading portfolio of cutting-edge technology innovations, encompassing networking, security, collaboration, cloud management, and more. Notably, Cisco equipment handles up to 90% of the world’s internet traffic.

In the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cisco integrates AI capabilities into its networking and security products to enhance performance, automate operations, and improve threat detection. AI is also a key component in their collaboration tools, enhancing features such as noise cancellation and meeting transcription.

In his role Simon is responsible for collecting data from 32 thousand enterprise customers using 275 million devices, turning that data into meaningful insights that can help drive the business forward. AI is used in conjunction with various other tools and techniques to sift through huge quantities of information to extract the detail that is relevant and important.

Gethin has 15 years experience across all stages of the data life cycle. Before joining Blackbaud, he spent 10 years leading data and system teams in the charity and higher education sectors. As a solution architect he works with both customers and prospects to realise value from their data.

I am a commercial Partner with over 25 years’ experience. I advise clients on an array of matters including technology, the cloud, AI, ML, IP, digital transformation, media, commercial contracts, intellectual property licensing and exploitation, information law and personal data. I’ve worked with companies ranging from start-ups and small businesses to larger enterprises, including Ebix, Secondmind and Senate Grand Prix.

Jake O’Gorman is Director of Data & AI Strategy at Corndel, one of the UK’s leading providers of professional apprenticeships. His role focuses on helping organisations embed AI and AI skills in ways that are ethical, practical, and aligned with robust governance and regulatory standards. He works closely with senior leaders to ensure AI adoption is both responsible and strategically effective.
Jake has a long-standing connection to the charity sector; his family having founded Children with Cancer UK in 1989 after the loss of two children to cancer. What began as a small family charity has since raised over £330 million for childhood cancer research, becoming one of the UK’s leading funders in the field.
He has a strong track record delivering enterprise-level technology projects across sectors and holds a professional Certificate in AI Governance from the Corporate Governance Institute. He is currently studying Technology Transfer Law at postgraduate level in his spare time to deepen his understanding of the legal frameworks shaping emerging technologies.
Jake is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, an active contributor to AI4C (the AI and machine learning exchange for charities), and Chair of Judges for the Data-Driven Leader Awards, which recognise excellence in the use of data and AI across the UK.

Laura Stanley is a senior content writer at Charity Digital, covering AI, fundraising, marketing, and trends affecting the charity sector at large.

Dan Sutch is Co-founder and Director of CAST (wearecast.org.uk), a charity that works to ensure the voice, presence and influence of civil society in the technologies that affect us all. CAST works with nonprofits, charities and funders to ensure worthwhile uses of digital, design and AI across their services, strategy and governance and works with sector leaders, funders and government to make this happen. CAST initiated and incubated Catalyst (thecatalyst.org.uk/), now an independent CIC as an ambitious collective dedicated to shaping technology through building community power.

Dan is the co-chair of the Charity AI Task Force; AI Innovator in Residence at The National Lottery Community Fund, and formerly a Trustee of NCVO.

José Blázquez is the Marketing and Product Development Manager at DSC, where he has worked since 2016. He is responsible for creating, development and implementation of marketing plans for publications and Funds Online.

José also chairs DSC’s internal AI group, helping drive innovation and ethical implementation of AI across the organisation. He played a key role in developing The Governance App, a free tool supporting better board performance in charities.

He’s passionate about creating products that empower charities to help their beneficiaries more effectively, and believes in making digital tools practical, accessible, and mission-driven.

George joined DSC at the beginning of 2017 and, having previously led the sales and customer service teams, moved into training at the start of 2020.

He trains in Management & Leadership, Fundraising, Personal Development, Project Management and Wellbeing. He has extensive experience in helping organisations make positive changes to how they approach social change.

He is also qualified as a Mental Health First Aider, with additional time spent studying Psychosis.

The favourite part of his role is knowing that the work DSC performs has a major impact on both the charities and individuals that we are able to serve.

Sarah Watson is Head of Innovation at The National Lottery Community Fund, working in a small Innovation Unit that supports the Fund to deliver its strategy. The Unit approaches all its work through the Curb Cut effect, working with historically underserved communities and those most in need. Focusing on the strategy’s missions and commitments through an equity lens, the Unit is delivering on a range of projects with internal and external partners, including the development of AI. Working collaboratively, the Unit has supported the development of internal AI Principles and Policies, is experimenting with small proof of concepts to support grant making, and works across the sector to share learning and collaborate, including through an annual AI Funders Festival.

Tim is the founder of AIConfident, a social enterprise seeking to ensure that the rapid AI transformation is equitable, by helping leaders across society to responsibly embrace the transformative opportunity presented by AI.
Time brings over a decade of applying AI to societal challenges within Government, and four years as the deputy head of the Government's Office for Artificial Intelligence.
AIConfident combines this extensive AI background with leadership coaching, workshop facilitation and a passion for change, in order to empower leaders to create the environment for responsible, confident use of AI technologies.
AIConfident reinvests profits to support those organisations least likely to be able to afford AI expertise, working with charities, schools and other organisations with a social purpose.

Clare Martin is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, helping charities and purpose-driven organisations amplify their impact through digital marketing.

An experienced strategist and MCIM member, she has led editorial and marketing teams, including as UK MD of a US content agency and international editorial director at a publishing company.

Clare specialises in AI-driven marketing, content strategy, and multi-channel campaigns. Passionate about ethical AI use, she helps charities integrate AI effectively while ensuring compliance and donor trust.

Calum is an engagement specialist with experience in designing and delivering participatory processes and civic engagement across education, the arts and AI governance.

With a focus on collaborative relationships and interdisciplinary learning, Calum currently leads on Scotland’s AI Strategy’s commitments to Engagement & Participation.