Agenda
08.30 – 09.00: Registration and refreshments
09.00 – 09.10: Introduction and welcome from the chair
 Srabani Sen OBE |
09.10 – 09.55: Keynote briefing: The charity weather report: What does the current funding environment mean for charities?
 Paul Bott |  Nadine Smith |  Aditi Thorat |
In this opening keynote panel, leaders from across the sector examine what the current funding environment means for charities, how the next five years are likely to feel and how leaders can prepare now to weather storms along the way.
09.55 – 10.20: Workshop: How to build a resilient audience for long-term growth
 Tom Ridges |
Understanding why donors choose particular charities is fundamental to fundraising. In this session, Tom Ridges unpacks the behavioural science behind why people donate, how those decisions are shaped by social influence and context, and what charities can do differently to increase donations. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of designing fundraising activity that works with human behaviour, not against it, and helps build a more resilient fundraising plan.
10.20 – 11.00: Panel discussion: From crisis to continuity: How to future-proof your income streams
 Ben Black |  Rachael Clayton-Fish |  Cat Ross |
How do you raise money for tomorrow when today is so demanding? This panel discussion shows how modern fundraising strategies can stabilise income, deepen supporter relationships and give charities the confidence to plan long term even in uncertain times.
11.00 – 11.20: Coffee break and networking
11.20 – 11.45: Workshop: Investing for a future no one can predict
Sagar Thanki |
In an era of rapid technological change and geopolitical uncertainty, charities need financial and investment strategies that don’t rely on perfect forecasting. Guinness Global Investors will explore how, drawing on their experience through multiple market cycles, long-term thinking, diversification and clear decision-making frameworks can help organisations (and their investment portfolios) stay resilient, credible and mission-focused.
11.45 – 12.25: Case study showcase: Resilience in action: How three charities rewrote their future
John May |
Othman Moqbel |
Helen Stevens |
Three very different charities share how they responded to funding shocks, leadership change or rising demand. Honest stories about what worked, what failed and what they would do differently.
12.25 – 13.05: Panel discussion: From survival to strength: Technology and the resilient charity
Christopher Brewer |
Peter Marshman |
Sam Reeve |
This panel explores how AI and innovation in tech can strengthen charity resilience; boosting efficiency, improving decision-making, managing risk, and enabling charities to adapt and sustain impact in uncertain times.
13.05 – 14.00: Lunch
14.00 – 14.30: Keynote: Holding the centre: How leaders stay steady when everything else is shaking
Dr. Sarah Hughes |
The CEO of Mind reflects on leading through sustained crisis, rising demand and emotional pressure. A deeply human exploration of what it takes to make hard decisions, protect people and keep purpose intact when the ground won’t stop moving.
14.30 – 14.55: Live Q&A: How to construct a resilient portfolio and make your money work harder
Lauren Weymouth |
Tom Yeowart |
An interactive Q&A exploring how charity leaders can build resilient investment portfolios, manage reserves wisely, and strengthen financial sustainability amid changing market conditions.
14.55 – 15.35: Panel discussion: Stronger together: How inclusive, people-first cultures build sustainable charities
Bushra Baig-Daykin |
Louise Dawtry |
Mabinty Esho |
When pressure mounts, organisational culture is often the first casualty. This panel explores how inclusive, people-centred cultures help charities retain talent, maintain trust and make better decisions, even in financially uncertain times. Through real examples, speakers will show how inclusion is not just a moral choice, but a practical driver of stability, adaptability and long-term financial sustainability.
