Overview
The Charity Governance Conference returns to the CGI events calendar on 16 April.
Join us as we dive into the key governance challenges and opportunities facing the charity sector today. This is your chance to:
- Explore the hot topics governance professionals are eager to unpack
- Hear from leading experts and fellow peers in the field
- Gain practical insights to strengthen your organisation's governance
- Leave with key takeaway from our governance skills workshop.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the sector, this conference offers valuable takeaways for everyone committed to good governance.
Book your place today and stay tuned for speaker announcements and session details. The current agenda can be found below.
For any related enquiries please contact us at [email protected], or call us at +44 (0)20 7580 4741
Agenda
09:00 - Registration and Networking
10:00 - Welcome and Opening Remarks
Linda Ford, CEO, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
10:10 - Financial Risk, Tough Decisions, and Sustainable Charity Leadership
In a funding environment defined by volatility and rising operational costs, charity leaders are being pushed to make difficult strategic choices. This session explores how organisations can navigate financial risk while seizing the opportunities that come with change and growth.
As charities scale, they often cross critical thresholds, whether in income, staffing, governance, or regulatory oversight. This change can trigger new obligations and expose hidden vulnerabilities. This panel brings together seasoned governance professionals to discuss how to anticipate these shifts, avoid common pitfalls, and build a resilient organisation that can sustain its mission long term.
Moderator: Susan Swabey, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Youth Careers Collective
Lesley Michaelis, Chair of Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire Mind and Chair of Home-Start Berkshire East
10:55 - Regulatory Update from the CGIUKI
Stay ahead of the curve with this essential update from The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI). In a fast‑shifting regulatory landscape, governance professionals need clear, timely insight into the latest developments shaping corporate practice, reporting obligations, and board accountability.
This session will provide a concise but comprehensive overview of current and emerging regulatory changes, including updates to governance codes, company law, reporting requirements, and sector‑specific guidance.
Valentina Dotto, Policy Adviser, The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland
11:25 - Refreshment Break and Networking
11:55 - Building the Board You Need
As trustee roles become increasingly difficult to fill, charities are finding themselves competing for a shrinking pool of skilled and engaged candidates. This session explores what effective trustee recruitment looks like in today’s environment, where skill gaps are widening, expectations are rising, and governance demands are more complex than ever.
Our panel will discuss how to identify the capabilities your board truly needs, where to find diverse and qualified candidates, and how to design a recruitment process that attracts the right people rather than simply filling vacancies. From rethinking role descriptions to building compelling value propositions for prospective trustees, this conversation will equip you with practical steps to strengthen your board for the future.
Moderator: Anna Machin, Director, Lead To
Josh Dernie, Social Impact Co-Head, Nurole
Penny Wilson, Charity Governance Consultant, Trainer and Speaker
12:30 - AI and Risk
Arturo Dell, Director, Knowledge Industries
Sponsored by Azeus Convene
13:05 - Lunch Break and Networking
14:00 - Getting the Most Out of Charity Toolkits
With rising regulatory expectations charities are under increasing pressure to demonstrate good governance at every stage of their development. The CGIUKI Charity Toolkits have been designed to meet this challenge, providing practical, scalable resources that support charities from early stage organisations to complex, multi entity structures.
This session explores how charities of all sizes can apply the toolkits to strengthen governance, improve decision making, and embed best practice across their organisation. Whether you are a small team needing simple frameworks or a large charity seeking consistency across multiple functions, this session will help you unlock the full potential of these resources.
14:45 - Charity Governance Skills Workshop
Strong governance is the foundation of an effective, resilient, and well‑run charity. This interactive workshop is designed to build the practical skills and confidence governance professionals need to navigate today’s increasingly complex regulatory and operational environment.
Claire Robson, Company Secretary, NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board
15:30 - End of Conference, Refreshments and Networking
Speakers
Arturo Dell
Anna Machin
Claire Robson FCG
Josh Dernie
Lesley Michaelis
Penny Wilson
Susan Swabey
