Charity Finance Investment Forum & Dinner 2025

02 June 2025

3.00PM - 5.00PM

Arrive and check in

Hotel reception
5.15PM - 6.20PM

Networking drinks reception
6.20PM - 6.25PM

Welcome address: Matthew Nolan, chief executive, Civil Society Media
6.25PM - 7.00PM

Opening keynote – Atlantic ties, European Bonds: The UK’s role in a fractured world

With the war in Ukraine reshaping European security and the return of Donald Trump to the White House challenging transatlantic relations, where does the UK position itself in this evolving geopolitical landscape? In this talk, Professor Anand Menon, a leading expert on UK-European relations, will explore how the conflict in Ukraine, shifting EU dynamics, and US foreign policy under Trump are influencing Britain’s role on the world stage.

David Rennie, geopolitics editor, The Economist
7.00PM - 9.00PM

Dinner
9.00PM - 12.00AM

Informal networking

03 June 2025

7.00AM - 8.30AM

Breakfast
8.30AM - 9.10AM

Workshops
9.10AM - 9.20AM

Transit time
9.20AM - 10.00AM

Workshops
10.00AM - 10.40AM

Refreshment break and networking
10.40AM - 11.20AM

Workshops
11.20AM - 11.30AM

Transit time
11.30AM - 12.10PM

Workshops
12.10PM - 12.20PM

Transit time
12.20PM - 1.00PM

Workshops
1.00PM - 1.15PM

Transit time
1.15PM - 3.30PM

Lunch, networking and closing keynote

Workshops

W1: CCLA

Hot wars, trade Wars, tariffs and tax – how can we navigate Trump?

Elon Musk/DOGE and Scott Bessent want smaller deficits while Germany does a screeching fiscal U-turn to raise its deficit. So we have fiscal tightening in the US, fiscal loosening in Europe. Can US equity outperformance of the rest of the world possibly continue its 17-year run? Also, is Trump inflationary?

Ben Funnell, head of investment solutions

W2: Cazenove Capital

Trump, tariffs & turmoil: navigating geopolitical risks

Trump’s re-election prompted much debate over whether his more disruptive campaign pledges would come to fruition. Whether tariffs, deportations or the war against woke, it seems the administration are prepared for some economic discomfort to get their priorities done. This session will explore the impact of Trump’s trade policies, focusing on tariffs as an economic tool and their broader geopolitical consequences. We will assess how protectionist policies are shaping global markets, supply chains, and diplomatic relations as well as examining the risks and opportunities these policies might pose for your charity investment portfolio.

Tom Montagu-Pollock, co-head of charities

Grace Lavelle, investment strategy director

W3: Rathbones

Navigating the backlash against ESG investing

For decades, trustees have had the ability to align their investments with their charitable objectives and values. Over time, this approach gained momentum, influencing a growing number of investors and shaping market dynamics. However, in recent years, a backlash has emerged against ESG and values-based investing, raising new challenges for those committed to sustainable and responsible investment strategies. In this session, we will examine the roots of this backlash, its implications for ESG investors, and how the investment community can respond. Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of values-driven investing in an evolving landscape.

Laura Hobbs, investment director, Greenbank Investments

W4: Quilter

War, what is it good for?

For a long time, aerospace and defence companies have been persona non grata as an investment within the charities sector. However, in recent years, with the war in Ukraine and the shifting geopolitical landscape, trustees are challenging the status quo. In this session, we will explore the investment case for defence companies, whether their inclusion in charity portfolios can be justified and can they be viewed as a ‘responsible’ investment.

Speaker tbc

W5: Evelyn Partners

Accurate at time of printing: the impact of geopolitics on financial markets

Geopolitics have been dominating the investment landscape recently as both macroeconomics and company fundamentals take a back seat. What does this mean for charity investors and how can we structure long-term portfolios to minimise the risks and maximise the returns in the face of the inherently unpredictable?

David Goebel, investment strategist

W6: Newton Investment Management

W1: CCLA – as above

W2: Cazenove Capital – as above

W3: Rathbones – as above

W4: Quilter – as above

W5: Evelyn Partners – as above

W6: Newton Investment Management – as above

W7: CCLA

What is better? A conversation about hopeful ideas, fresh alternatives and positive change

CCLA believes the way things are isn't the way things need to be. As an asset manager our aim is to meet our clients' financial objectives in a way that aligns with their values and furthers their mission. By doing this we help build a better world. But as times change, what is better changes too. Join us as we reveal some of the early findings of CCLA's tri-annual sustainability survey, "What is Better?" and learn from you about how you would like your money to do more than just generate a financial return.

Elizabeth Carter, client investment director

Dr James Corah, head of sustainability

W8: Cazenove Capital

The Charity Investment Governance Principles

The Charity Investment Governance Principles (CIGP) were published earlier this year and explore best practice in charity investment decision-making, reflecting the Charity Commission's CC14 guidance and the Charity Governance Code. The Principles are relevant for all investment committee members, trustees and executives involved in investing charitable assets. They have been created following collaboration between a number of sector bodies. In this session, attendees will hear about the CIGP directly from the lead author and will have the opportunity to discuss how the Principles could be applied in practice.

Kate Rogers, global head of endowments & foundations

Gail Cunningham, independent consultant

W9: Rathbones

Peace of mind in a dangerous world

We know that geopolitical risks, and the great uncertainty that can stem from them, are one of the biggest financial concerns that keep investors awake at night. The Ukraine war is a reminder of how much difference hard-to-foresee geopolitical risks sometimes make to investors. The war was an important reason why even the most sophisticated forecasters grossly underestimated how much inflation would rise, how much equity markets would struggle and how bonds would suffer their worst year in decades. The world has probably become more dangerous over the past few years and the future is unpredictable. But there are things we can do to prepare for the unknown. Join this session as we consider what we can do to prepare for the unknown by identifying, monitoring and responding to geopolitical risks.

Speaker tbc

W10: Quilter Cheviot

Why cash is still not king?

Cash has understandably become far more attractive as an investment position as interest rates jumped up sharply (0.1% in 2021 peaking at 5.25% in 2023 to 4.5% as at March 2025). Added to which the economic outlook is as uncertain as it has ever been. So why take market risk when you can have certainty over returns? In this session, we will explore the current macro-economic backdrop and the different investment strategies available to trustees when looking at shorter term funds.

Speaker tbc

W11: M&G

Managing income in a changing world: opportunities in UK equities

With market volatility and interest rate uncertainty still lingering, many portfolios are reassessing where reliable, sustainable income can come from. This session will explore how the UK equity income market is evolving and where we see opportunities for long-term, resilient dividend generation. We will cover the outlook for UK-listed companies, sector dynamics, and how a focus on dividends and valuation can help investors, including endowments and foundations, meet income objectives without stretching on risk. Expect practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on where the UK market can deliver value.

Michael Stiasny, fund manager & director of UK equities

W12: TBC

W7: CCLA – as above

W8: Cazenove Capital – as above

W9: Rathbones – as above

W10: Quilter – as above

W11: M&G – as above

W12: TBC

W13: CCLA

We really need to talk ...about cash

To hold cash or to invest? The former comes across as though it is a passive activity when, actually, particularly at a time of economic uncertainty, cash should be seen as a strategic investment, capturing high interest rates, enhancing returns, bringing increased security, accessibility and liquidity. As CCLA celebrates 40 years of managing cash for charities (and 67 years for churches) it seems a good time to share the challenges, the highlights and the lowlights, lessons learned and what investors might expect in the future. This session will feature a case study of an imaginative partnership between CCLA and NHS Charities Together.

Daisy Mannifield, client investment director

Stuart Freeman, director (investments, cash)

W14: M&G

Exploring senior asset-backed securities as a highly liquid option: How does it measure up against traditional out-of-cash solutions?

Institutions are increasingly using liquid, senior asset-backed securities as an alternative to money market funds and short dated government and corporate bonds. Some misconceptions persist with this asset class. However, in this session we explore how the safe, diversifying, and strong relative value fundamentals of this market make it a compelling alternative to the traditional cash/cash-like investments for charities.

Scott Ellerby, director - structured credit

W15: Baillie Gifford

Why growth, why now?

It’s been a torrid couple of years for growth investors. A nasty cocktail of rising rates, extreme risk aversion, and most recently Trump’s tariffs, has driven huge market swings and a sharp dip in performance for many active managers. People are understandably asking whether growth investing can still generate attractive returns from here. This session will explain why the answer is an emphatic yes – especially from the current starting point, which feels like a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

We have seen this movie before – many times. Those who have ridden out previous reversals in investment style have historically enjoyed superb returns. While we can’t say for certain, there is every reason to believe that this time will be no different. The world is swinging from an era of abundance to an era of limitation: in the supply of capital, environmental resources, trust between society and corporations, and between old and new superpowers. We will explore the characteristics of the companies that will thrive in this new era.

Alasdair McHugh, investment specialist director

W16: Barclays Private Bank

W17: Swiss Life / PITCH

Why now is an opportune time to invest in real estate

This interactive presentation will provide an overview of what an allocation to real estate can provide charities and endowments as part of a wider diversified investment portfolio.

We will explore why now is an opportune time to invest with the economic cycle turning in favour of real estate, the outlook for returns (projected long-term returns of property vs. other asset classes) and where we see the opportunities. Finally, we will look at how charities and endowments can gain exposure to the asset class, both directly and indirectly

James Lloyd, head of charities & endowments

Simon Martindale, fund director, Property Income Trust for Charities (PITCH) Charlotte Eversfield investment associate, charities & endowments

Laura Sweet, fund manager, Property Income Trust for Charities (PITCH)

W18: TBC

What to expect at the Forum...

Welcome drinks reception
Formal three course dinner
After-dinner networking reception
A choice of 16 expert sessions
Opportunity to network with leading sector professionals
A complimentary room and access to venue facilities

Your invitation to the Charity Investment Forum

We are delighted to announce the return of our annual Charity Investment Forum and Dinner on the 2nd-3rd June, hosted by Charity Finance.

For Summer 2025 we will be moving to the beautiful Oatland Park Hotel in Weybridge. The pre-forum reception and dinner provides the perfect setting in which to network with
colleagues from other charities. This is complemented by a full day’s programme of 16 expert sessions giving insight and analysis into a range of investment strategies and crucial investment topics.

As with previous years, we have incorporated your feedback into designing a thought-provoking and educational learning programme. You will be able to select the most
appropriate sessions for your personal needs and objectives, providing a rare and highly time-efficient opportunity to compare and contrast different investment approaches and styles in a peer-supported and non-pressured environment.

Thanks to the support of sponsors, your place will be complimentary. It includes the pre-forum drinks reception and dinner on 2nd June, accommodation for that night, and entry to the seminar sessions on 3rd June.

Please RSVP via email at [email protected] to secure your place. You can find out more information at www.civilsociety.co.uk/SummerCIF.

Tristan Blythe
Editor, Charity Finance

New venue: Oatland Park Hotel

We are delighted to announce for Summer 2025 we will be moving to Oatland Park Hotel in Weybridge.

Set within 10 acres of picturesque Surrey parkland and only a 20-minute drive from London Heathrow airport, Oatlands Park Hotel offers a countryside escape with fast transport connections to central London.

Oatlands Drive
Weybridge
Surrey
KT13 9HB

Oatlands Park Hotel is on Oatlands Drive, directly opposite Oatlands Park Recreation Grounds and between Weybridge High Street and Oatlands Village.

Getting there:

By train: The nearest railway stations are Weybridge (1 mile) and Walton-on-Thames (1.8 miles). South West Trains take 30 minutes to Weybridge and 26 minutes to Walton-on-Thames from London Waterloo. Taxis are available from the station.

By Car: Oatlands Park Hotel is 2 miles from the M25 (Junction 11). Continue to Weybridge High Street and follow signs to Walton-on-Thames. At Monument Hill roundabout, take the second exit onto Oatlands Drive (A3050). Drive 40 yards and turn left onto Churchill Drive and then follow the road to Aspen Square. We are also minutes from the A3 and M3 motorway.

The hotel has a secure, private car park with plenty of parking.

There are 4 points for charging electric vehicles located at the parking bays at the front of the hotel. To pay for electric parking, simply download the EVC Plus app from the App store. Plug your electric vehicle into the charge point, scan the QR code on the side of the charger, and select ‘start charging’ on the app. Wait for the icon on the charger to turn blue and your electric vehicle will now begin charging.

Oatlands park hotel, Weybridge

Charity Finance Investment Forum & Dinner 2025

Programme

02 June 2025

03 June 2025

Workshops

What to expect at the Forum...

Your invitation to the Charity Investment Forum

Sponsors

New venue: Oatland Park Hotel

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Charities SORP consultation webinar

Faith Charities Forum 2025

Charity Finance Summit 2025

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