Northern Conference 2025

Tuesday 11 November 2025

Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Floor 3
3 Wellington Place
Leeds LS1 4AP

In-person event

Our in-person Northern Conference is open to our members and non-members to give you the opportunity to network and connect, as well as attend insightful sessions on topics such as strong leadership and investments, delivered by expert speakers. 

 

Why should I attend?

The sessions will focus on issues affecting Northern charities, tailored to the current climate of the charity sector. You'll get the chance to get your questions answered, network with other charities, and enjoy a networking lunch.

See the full programme below for more information, but here's a preview of the sessions:

  • Building Resilient Charities Through Strong Leadership
  • Recruiting and Retaining Volunteer Staff 
  • Rethinking Cash and Defence Investments

 

When and where?

  • Tuesday 11 November
  • 09:00 - 14:00
  • Location: Floor 3, 3 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP

 

How do I book?

Book below. You'll receive updated event information approximately one week prior to the event date.

 

Who should attend?

This event is for charities in the Northern region. 

 

About CFG events and membership

Becoming a CFG member gives you access to exclusive benefits including event discounts, so find out more about CFG Membership before you book. Association of Independent Museums members can register for free CFG membership through our partnership.

CFG events, training and members' meetings can count towards your continuous professional development (CPD), and this event could provide you with three hours of CPD. For more details contact your association or email events@cfg.org.uk.

 
Speakers

Joanna Blackman, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors

Charles Mequita, Charities Director, Quilter Cheviot

Vanessa Eve, Investment Manager, Quilter Cheviot

Programme
09:00-09:30

Registration

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

 

10:20-10:30

Coffee break

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.

11:15-11:30

Coffee break

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

Prices
Charities - Members - Early Bird Rate£63.00
Charities - Members£84.00
Charities - Non-members£125.00
Corporate - Members£210.00

This conference is kindly hosted by