Due to exceptional demand, we are launching a second annual Charity Finance Investment Forum & Dinner on 2-3 December 2024.
The Winter edition will follow the same format as the spring event.
The pre-forum reception and dinner provides the perfect setting in which to network with peers from other charities. This is complemented by a full day's programme of expert sessions giving insight analysis into a range of investment strategies and crucial investment topics.
Designed for finance directors, chairs, trustees and chief executives responsible for investment portfolios, the forum helps charities shape their strategies and maximise returns.
The Charity Investment Forum is an invitation only event for charities with investment assets in excess of £5m. If you are interested in attending, please contact our events team via email at [email protected]
Programme
02 December 2024
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3.00PM - 5.00PMArrive and check in
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5.15PM - 6.20PMNetworking drinks reception
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6.20PM - 6.30PMWelcome address: Matthew Nolan, chief executive, Civil Society Media
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6.30PM - 7.00PMOpening keynote: Post-election power shift
Join Claire Jones, international economy news editor at the FT for an analysis of the recent US election and its potential impact on both the UK and the global economy. Drawing on her experience covering the US economy from Washington DC, and her expertise in European and UK economic matters, Claire will explore the ripple effects of the election outcome, addressing key issues such as trade relations, monetary policy shifts, and geopolitical risks.
Claire Jones
international economy news editor, FT
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7.00PM - 9.00PMDinner
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9.00PM - 12.00AMInformal networking
03 December 2024
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7.00AM - 8.30AMBreakfast
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8.30AM - 9.10AMWorkshops
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9.10AM - 9.20AMTransit time
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9.20AM - 10.00AMWorkshops
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10.00AM - 10.40AMRefreshment break and networking
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10.40AM - 11.20AMWorkshops
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11.20AM - 11.30AMTransit time
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11.30AM - 12.10PMWorkshops
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12.10PM - 12.20PMTransit time
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12.20PM - 1.00PMWorkshops
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1.00PM - 1.15PMTransit time
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1.15PM - 2.30PMLunch & networking
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2.30PM - 3.30PMClosing keynote: The Invisible Hand: How digital technology is reshaping power and influence
In an era where every click, like, and share can have global repercussions, the invisible mechanisms of digital technology are increasingly shaping our world. Drawing from over a decade of research, Carl will delve into the hidden forces that influence political systems, financial markets, and even our daily lives. Through real-world examples, he will unveil how online campaigns can subtly sway elections, how state-sponsored information warfare is becoming a cornerstone of geopolitical strategy, and the immense risks that unregulated digital technologies pose to the stability of societies worldwide.
Carl Miller
founder of the centre for the analysis of social media, Demos and author of Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab
Workshops
W1: CCLA - Goldilocks and the three soft landings
Everybody loves a good fairy tale, especially when it ends with the words ‘and they all lived happily ever after’. Nine of the last twelve interest rate cycles were immediately followed by a recession, yet the market confidently expects another soft landing. For now, so do we. All will be revealed in this session.
Ben Funnell, head of investment solutions
W2: Cazenove Capital - Decarbonisation, demographics and deglobalisation: the 3D reset & AI We recognise that the global economy is in a phase of considerable transformation. As we navigate through these significant shifts, we have identified three key trends - deglobalisation, decarbonisation, and demographics, collectively referred to as the "3D reset". These trends are shaping the global economy and influencing long-term investment opportunities. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in the 3D reset – it is a critical enabler and catalyst for each of these forces, facilitating innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in various sectors. It empowers businesses and societies to adapt, innovate, and navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by these forces. In this session we will explore what the 3D reset entails, its investment implications, and current trends. Tom Montagu-Pollock, co-head of charities W3: Newton - Broader horizons: findings from the 2024 Newton Charity Investment Survey This year’s survey suggests that, while still a concern for charities, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and inflation on the charity sector is starting to ease, although there is continued pressure from increased demand for charities’ services. Nevertheless, charities are adjusting their focus to longer-term issues. In this session, we will cover investment resilience, diversity and investment policy statements. Can charities sustain their level of spending? Do trustees think their charity boards are diverse enough? How have charities reacted to CC14? Join us to discuss these issues and the investment implications. Lucy Hyams, client director W4: LGT - Expanding horizons: harnessing the growing accessibility of private markets Private markets are becoming increasingly accessible, offering unique opportunities for charitable organisations to diversify and strengthen their investment portfolios. Join us for an insightful session where we will explore how charities can effectively integrate private market investments into their portfolios. We'll discuss the potential benefits, such as enhanced returns and reduced volatility, while also addressing key challenges including liquidity constraints, higher fees, and the need for specialized expertise. Ben Turner, senior investment manager W5: Rathbones - AI and the future of charity investments: opportunities and challenges ahead In this insightful presentation, we will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reshape the landscape of charity investments, presenting both opportunities and challenges. From optimising portfolio management to enhancing impact measurement, AI has the potential to drive more effective and mission-aligned investment strategies. However, its rapid evolution also brings uncertainty. Through the lens of the charity trustee, we will examine the ethical considerations, risks, and practical ways AI can be harnessed to maximise both social impact and financial returns, equipping charities to navigate this emerging frontier with confidence. Andrew Maxwell, investment director
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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
Testimonials from Spring 2024
- It really is a brilliant event. Beautiful location, excellent venue with an efficient way of meeting the FMs, hearing interesting and stimulating topics & networking with Trustees from other charities. - Bill Lane, Diocese of Rochester
- I enjoyed attending and gained valuable insights from both sponsors and attendees. - Tim Askham, Cheshire Community Foundation
- I really enjoyed the scope and breadth of the conference and meeting new people. - Chris Fyfe, Stroke Association
- Really enjoyed the event - excellent presentations and organisation. - Sarah Case, The Waterloo Foundation
- Always a mix of interesting people. - Wayne Cooper, Hestia Housing and Support
- Excellent dinner, excellent breakfast, excellent lunch - no complaints at all. - Mark Stubbings, The Fishermen’s Mission
- Always stimulating, always challenging and always motivating. - D’Arcy Myers, Smallwood Trust
- The workshops for this forum were a diverse topic range and well presented. Great to talk to five different investment managers in one day. - Simon Ward, Royal Entomological Society
- Great opportunity to meet the management teams of the charities' wealth managers to compare and contrast their styles and performance. - Philip Davies, Okehampton United Charities
- An excellent event that delivered in every respect. Great content, speakers who were prepared, answered all questions and delivered really insightful presentations. I take my hat off to the team for being so conscious of providing really good networking opportunities and for providing an excellent, all round experience in a wonderful venue. Well done all. - Vipan, Quakers
- Excellent informative and thought-provoking presentations with very good networking opportunities. - Paul Whitehouse, Quakers in Britain
- Good mix of individuals to network with I thought excellent value adding workshops. The venue was great, with outdoor space and facilities to enjoy. – Anonymous
- Excellent - well organised event that enabled access to very timely and informative workshops from industry experts. - Dariel Burdass, The Physiological Society
- Well worth attending. - P Gravestock, Lichfield Diocese
- It was a thoroughly worthwhile event which gave me the chance to hear some industry thoughts on the issues as well as to meet and pick the brains of other trustees and staff working in the sector. - David Fullman, Norwich Charitable Trusts
- An excellent event to combine networking with peers and managers, along with interesting educational content. Of the conferences I attend this is the one not to miss. - Andrew Wimble, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
- Great opportunity to network and take away a few new and fresh ideas about the investment markets. - Ian Larkham, Versus Arthritis
- Excellent event and networking opportunities. - Boston Mwense, Blesma
- Excellent, every time, it gets better - Velou Singara, Coram
- Well organised in a great location and great networking opportunities. - Simon Hussey Clifton Diocese
- It was a valuable use of time; good networking opportunities and the workshops were nicely varied - Eve Hartrick
- A good selection of current and interesting topics and perspectives. - Wayne Cooper, Hestia Housing and Support
- Invaluable with great insights into the investment universe, macro-economic trends and ESG. - Chris Fyfe, Stroke Association
- Fantastic opportunity to deep dive into investments and talk to likeminded organisations. - Sarah Case, The Waterloo Foundation
- The forum is a unique way to catch up on the latest issues in the Charity investment world and meet the main investment managers and is invaluable. - Richard Williams