Joanna Blackman, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors
Charles Mequita, Charities Director, Quilter Cheviot
Vanessa Eve, Investment Manager, Quilter Cheviot
Donna Gooby, Director of People and Culture, Inspire North
Sam Ward OBE, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Services & Volunteering, Royal Voluntary Service
Eloise Bell, People and Culture Director, Leeds Mind
09:30-09:35 Chair's welcome
09:35-10:20 Building Resilient Charities Through Strong Leadership
Join this session to explore how strong governance frameworks safeguard charities from financial mismanagement, reputational damage, and operational risks. This session will cover best practices for board management, decision-making, and accountability, along with practical crisis management strategies to help your charity respond swiftly and effectively. Walk away with actionable insights to strengthen your organisation and ensure long-term resilience.
Joanna Blackman, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors
10:30-11:15 Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers & Staff
This session will explore practical strategies to combat burnout, enhance recruitment efforts, and build a sustainable workforce in your organisation. Our expert panel will share insights on engaging and retaining volunteers for the long term, creating a positive and supportive environment, and developing future leaders from within. Whether you’re struggling to fill key roles or looking to strengthen your team’s resilience, this discussion will provide actionable takeaways to help your charity thrive.
Sam Ward OBE, Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief of Services & Volunteering, Royal Voluntary Service
Donna Gooby, Director of People and Culture, Inspire North
Eloise Bell, People and Culture Director, Leeds Mind
11:30-12:15 Rethinking Cash and Defence Investments
In this two-part session, Quilter Cheviot will explore whether you are making the most of your cash reserves, and whether you should be considering alternative strategies. In the second part, they will examine whether it's time to challenge the sectors norm of not investing in defence or aerospace. In light of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, should trustees and finance leaders reconsider the role these sectors might play in a modern investment portfolio?
Vanessa Eve, Investment Manager, and Charles Mesquita, Charities Director, Quilter Cheviot
12:15-12:30 Address from host
12:30-14:00 Lunch and networking