It's Tough at the Top: Good Leadership Matters - Online conference on Wednesday 27 November

It’s Tough at the Top: Good Leadership Matters – Online conference

Leading a charity is incredibly tough. You are constantly facing tough challenges, making difficult decisions, trying to do more with limited resources all while balancing needs and expectations. It’s not easy but you keep going, motivated through your organisation’s mission and goals. 

We are calling all leaders in the charity sector to join us as we look at the key areas of leadership through a mix of panel discussions, keynotes and insightful sessions. 

Attendees will leave inspired and motivated with new knowledge, taking practical actions and hope for the future. 

Who should attend? 

This conference is critical for anyone in a senior leadership role in a charity including CEOs, Deputy CEOs, Chief Operating Officers and Directors of departments. 

What’s included in the price? 

• Attendance to the online conference
• Access to all presentations and resources after the conference (note only breakout sessions at 12.00 will be recorded and accessible after the event)
• Digital copy of Managing Without Profit 

Agenda

09.30 – Welcome

Join us for introductions and housekeeping rules.

09.35 – Keynote: Leading in a crisis

Charities are facing challenges that feel bigger and harder than before and for this opening keynote we will hear from a speaker who has led in a crisis. We will look at the challenges and opportunities in a crisis and explore knowledge and skills to lead effectively in challenging times. Speaker: Lizzie Kenyon, Chief Executive, The Bike Project and DSC Trustee.

10.15 – Panel discussion: Working effectively with your board

CEOs and senior leaders need to work closely with Trustees – making sure they are helping the board to navigate crisis, stay strategic and trust in the Exec. This session explores how to do this with practical tips on navigating challenges, building trust and fostering constructive partnerships. Speakers: Sherine Wheeler, Chief Exec, Firefighters Charity, Khalid Javid, CEO, Muslim Aid and Sophie Tebbetts, CEO FoodCycle

11.00 – Break

11.15 – Building a united senior management team

A charity’s senior team is crucial for providing strategic direction, ensuring effective management, cultivating valuable relationships and driving the organisation towards its goals. They are involved in innovation, key decisions, securing funding and demonstrating and communicating your charities to values to all staff, helping to create a positive workforce and culture. It is therefore essential your senior team are united and working effectively with each other. In this session, we look at how to do that and what to do when facing difficult conversations or relationships. Speaker: Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO, DSC.

12.00 – Breakout sessions (recorded). Choose between:

Leading a small charity 

Leading a charity is not for the faint hearted and those leading small organisations, face their own unique challenges with fewer resources, limited funding and the battle to compete for visibility in a crowded space. In this session we will hear from a leader of a small charity on the challenges they face, and lessons learnt on the way. We will discuss effective leadership strategies for small charities and discover innovative approaches to maximise impact and build sustainable growth. Speaker: James Lewis, CEO, Action for Elders.

Driving change 

Each day, many charities are facing tough challenges to thrive and survive and so driving change and diversifying income has never been more important. This session will look at innovation for long term success and strategies to manage change. By attending this session, you will leave inspired with practical actions you can take back to your organisation. Speaker: Michelle Hill, CEO, Talk Listen Change.

12.45 – Lunch

13.30 – Panel discussion: The changing workplace

In the last few years the workplace has changed significantly as more and more organisations offer remote and home working. Furthermore, many organisations offer a 4 day working week, giving staff a longer break from work. Those that have made the switch from office to home (or a mix of both), and a shorter working week, have reported improved productivity and a more positive workforce with a better work-life balance. However, it is not for all, and for some, there is a growing need to return to office working. Join our panel discussion as we hear different viewpoints and experiences and what benefits this has given their staff and organisation. Speakers: Alison Dunn, CEO, Citizens Advice Gateshead; Fadi Itani, CEO, Muslim Charities’ Forum and George Knight, Training Consultant, DSC 

14.15 – Managing your own wellbeing

It’s a tough job leading a charity and at times, it can get overwhelming, but it’s important to recognise when we need a break and to take care of our own wellbeing to prevent burnout and exhaustion. In this session, we look at the importance of managing your own wellbeing and how to do this for yourself and your team. Speaker: Mike Findlay-Agnew, Managing Director, Rising Fox and CEO, International Network of Street Papers. 

15.00 – Break

15.15 – Networking

15.30 – Closing keynote – A values-led approach

An organisation’s values are extremely important and help to define and shape your culture. When you put your values at the heart of what you do with your beneficiaries, your staff, trustees, volunteers and everyone else you encounter, you are able to enhance and support performance. Hear from a leader who has taken a values led approach and how this has transformed their charity. You will also gain key actions to be able to implement something similar in your own organisation. Speaker: Matt Hyde, Chief Executive, Lloyds Bank Foundation.

16.10 – Closing remarks

16.15 – Conference ends

Your speakers

View speaker biographies here.

Join the conversation

Follow us on X/ Twitter here @DSC_Charity and on LinkedIn here.

#ItsToughAtTheTop

#GoodLeadershipMatters

Regular price bands from Tuesday 1 October (early bird has closed)

Band A: £144

Band B: £154

Band C: £174

Free spaces available

This event is available free, as part of our funding programme from City Bridge Foundation, for small-income London-based charities. Find out more here.