Carol Rudge from HW Fisher talks about what CFG's 2026 Annual Conference theme – 'Empowering Change, Inspiring Progress' – means to her and her team, and shares why she's excited that HW Fisher are once again supporting the event.
EA: Hi Carol, good to see you again ahead of CFG's Annual Conference! What does this year's theme – ‘Empowering Change, Inspiring Progress’ mean to you, on a personal level and as a sector leader?
CR: First of all, I can’t quite believe we’re already talking about the next Annual Conference – the year has flown by. We’re delighted to be sponsoring again, so thank you for having us.
At HW Fisher, we’ve spent a lot of time in recent years focusing on our culture, particularly around psychological safety. For me, that’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to bring ideas to the table, to innovate and to feel genuinely empowered to be part of change.
Against a backdrop of significant global events, rapid technological advancement and the growing impact of AI, it’s more important than ever to encourage teams to take ownership of new ideas and see them through. Diversity is a key word for me here – and not just in the traditional sense. Diversity of thought is where real progress happens.
EA: We’ve seen significant changes at the micro and macro level for the charity sector this past year. What changes or events stand out for you, in terms of risks for charities, but also opportunities?
CR: The new SORP is clearly one of the most significant technical changes charities will need to get to grips with. I’ve been closely involved in this as a member of the Charity Commission’s SORP Committee, and it’s an important period for the sector.
While change of this scale can feel daunting, charities that engage early will be far better placed to manage the transition smoothly. We’re encouraging clients to start preparing now so they understand how the changes will affect them specifically and can plan accordingly. Done well, this early engagement becomes an opportunity rather than just a compliance exercise.
EA: What advice do you have for charity leaders and finance professionals in terms of staying focused on their objectives and remaining inspired by their vision?
CR: Staying focused and inspired starts with continually reconnecting to purpose. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day pressures, but stepping back and reminding teams why the organisation exists and who it serves is incredibly powerful.
Clear, achievable goals also help leaders prioritise what really matters and avoid being overwhelmed by competing demands. And inspiration often comes from progress rather than perfection. Celebrating small wins, learning from challenges and maintaining open dialogue with trustees, staff and advisers all help sustain momentum.
EA: What should charities be looking out for or thinking about in the next six to nine months?
CR: Once again, the SORP changes are front of mind. These will affect all charities, so it’s important that finance teams keep up-to-date with the training, guidance and resources available.
Understanding the nuances of how the changes apply to your own organisation is crucial, and investing time now will pay dividends later when the requirements come into force.
EA: How does HW Fisher work with charities to inspire progress and help them to adapt to or bring about change?
CR: Adding value for our charity clients has always been central to what we do. We invest significant time in building relationships and really understanding each organisation – its people, drivers and challenges.
That depth of understanding allows us to support charities through immediate pressures while also helping them think strategically about long-term impact and sustainability. By working alongside clients as trusted advisers, we can support meaningful and lasting change.
EA: What do you find inspiring in your day-to-day and what advice do you have for charities that are feeling the pressures of a fast-changing world?
CR: What inspires me most is the commitment and creativity we see across the charity sector every day. Even in incredibly challenging circumstances, organisations continue to innovate, often with limited resources and under significant pressure.
For charities feeling stretched by the pace of change, my advice would be: don’t try to do everything at once, and don’t do it alone. Be clear about your priorities, focus on what you can control and seek advice when needed. Small, well-considered changes can have a significant impact over time.
EA: You’ve attended nearly every CFG Annual Conference since it began and HW Fisher has generously sponsored the event for more than five years. What keeps you coming back?
CR: I think I’ve only missed one conference in more than 20 years – and that was because it clashed with my wedding anniversary!
On a serious note, it’s a fantastic event and it genuinely gets better each year. We love the opportunity to catch up with existing clients, meet new ones and hear first-hand about the incredible work being done across the sector. I always leave feeling encouraged and inspired by the impact charities continue to have.
Thanks for your time and sharing so many great insights, Carol. We look forward to seeing you at Annual Conference!
Have you booked your tickets yet? Don't delay - they're nearly sold out! Book now.