Northern Conference

Thursday 14 May 2026

Menzies LLP
1 George Leigh Street
Manchester M4 5DL

In-person event 

The CFG Northern Conference brings together charity finance professionals for a focused day of insight, practical learning and peer connection. Through expert panels, interactive sessions and real-world case studies, we will explore financial benchmarking, collaboration, and AI.

 

Why should I attend?

Please see the full programme below, but as a summary we will be covering:

  • Financial benchmarking
  • Collaboration and partnerships
  • Maximising your use of AI and tech with limited resources

 

When and where?

 

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 appropriate for whole finance departments including Finance directors, managers and accountants, as well as Leadership Teams in the North.

 

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 3 hours of CPD. For more details contact your association or email events@cfg.org.uk.

 
Programme
09:00-09:30

Registration

09:30-09:35

Chair's welcome

09:35-10:20

Driving efficiency through financial benchmarking

In this session, Leeds Mind shares how collaborative financial benchmarking across the wider Mind network helped uncover significant cost-saving opportunities. By conducting a comprehensive review of expenditure and working openly with peer organisations to compare key cost areas — including IT, telephony, insurance, utilities and staffing structures — the team established meaningful benchmarks that drove action. The result was renewed supplier scrutiny, smarter procurement decisions, and substantial year-on-year savings. This session will demonstrate how benchmarking can create urgency, strengthen financial leadership, and unlock efficiencies while maintaining service quality.

10:20-10:30

Coffee break

10:30-11:15

Building partnerships that deliver real impact

Effective collaboration is essential for charities navigating rising demand and limited resources. This session explores how to build purposeful partnerships that go beyond good intentions, helping organisations share expertise, pool capacity, and strengthen their collective voice. Attendees will gain practical insight into creating equitable collaborations, sustaining cross-sector relationships, and ensuring partnerships deliver meaningful outcomes for communities as well as long-term organisational resilience.

11:15-11:30

Coffee break

11:30-12:15

Maximising AI and tech with limited resources

AI and digital tools are rapidly transforming how charities operate, but many organisations face barriers around capacity, cost, and confidence. This session explores practical ways to adopt AI and technology to reduce administrative burden, improve insight, and enhance service delivery without overwhelming teams. Attendees will discover realistic tools, ethical considerations, and low-cost approaches that help charities work more efficiently while staying focused on mission and impact.

12:15-12:30

Address from host and Chair's summary

12:30-14:00

Networking lunch

Prices
Charities - Members - Early Bird Rate£66.00
Charities - Members£88.00
Charities - Non-members£131.00
Corporate - Members£221.00
Individual - Members£88.00