Richard Sagar, Head of Policy, CFG
09:00 – 09:30 Registration and refreshments
09:35 – 10:20 Session 1A: Navigating the Legal and Regulatory Framework for Charity Investments
Understanding the legal and regulatory framework is essential for trustees and charity leaders who oversee investment decisions. This session demystifies the key duties, principles, and practical expectations that govern how UK charities invest their assets — ensuring decisions are not only financially sound but also ethically and legally compliant.
09:35 – 10:20 Session 1B: From Policy to Portfolio: Getting Started with Charity Investments
Perfect for those new to investing, this session offers a practical roadmap for launching your charity’s investment journey. Discover how to prepare and implement an effective investment policy, select the right investment consultant, and build a well-structured portfolio. We’ll explore key decisions such as choosing between pooled and discretionary investments, balancing liquidity and returns, and establishing processes to monitor performance and guide your investment managers.
10:20 – 10:45 Break and exhibition
10:45 – 11:30 Session 2: Climate and ESG: Investment Strategies Through Sustainable Practice
This session explores how charities can evolve their investment strategies to embed sustainability while balancing costs, governance, and performance. Our speakers will review different approaches to building sustainable portfolios and share practical insights on implementing and monitoring effective stewardship and impact.
11:30 – 11:50 Break and exhibition
11:50 – 12:35 Session 3 – Balancing Mission, Ethics, and Returns
Discover strategies to optimise your charity’s financial impact. This session explores smart investment practices tailored for nonprofit organisations, balancing risk and reward while aligning with your mission. Gain insights into ethical investing, resource allocation, and long-term planning to ensure your funds achieve maximum return for lasting community benefits.
13:45 – 14:30 Session 4: Cash – Are We Holding Too Much?
Trustees, especially for smaller charities, often favour holding cash, yet this can limit financial growth. This session challenges the misconception that investments reduce liquidity and introduces Money Market Funds as a safer, high-yield alternative to bank accounts. Learn how investments can reduce risk, boost returns, and better support charitable goals. Discover practical strategies, build confidence in investments, and explore how reallocating cash can enhance both financial resilience and mission impact. Case study insights will illustrate real-world applications.
14:30 – 14:50 Break and exhibition
14:50 – 15:35 Session 5: Skills Gap and Investment Experience in the UK Charity Sector
This session explores the investment skills gap across UK charities, its impact on governance and financial resilience, and the challenges of limited in-house expertise. Speakers will outline practical ways to strengthen capability, from targeted training to effective use of external advisers and support frameworks.
15:40 – 16:00 Charity Investment Governance Principles (CIGP) Update
Richard Sagar, Head of Policy, CFG