Registration / Welcome
9:00-9:30 / 9:30-9:40

CHAIR'S WELCOME - Judith Lewis, St Michael's College

Plenary
9:40-10:30

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

Andrew will contrast the breakdown in public trust that we have seen recently in both the private and public sectors with the traditional strengths of the charity sector. What lessons can these other sectors learn from charities? And how can charities further build public trust and confidence in the vital work they do by operating for the the public benefit and improving their transparency and accountability?

Andrew Hind, Charity Commission

Break
10:30-11:00

Tea & coffee break

Session 1
11:00-11:45

TAX & VAT

This session will cover tax and VAT planning opportunities in these difficult economic times. The session will be practical and relevant, highlighting the opportunities for maximising reliefs and mitigating liabilities. Denise and Debbie will also cover cashflow planning and the tax and VAT efficiencies to consider when charities are looking at more ways to raise funds.

Denise Roberts & Debbie Jennings, PKF (UK)LLP

Session 2
11:45-12:30

CURRENT ISSUES IN CHARITY ACCOUNTING

This session will look at some common issues and queries arising in charities when they apply the SORP to their own accounts. These will include accounting for fixed assets; deferring income; accounting for grants payable and merger accounting.

Kate Sayer, Sayer Vincent

Lunch
12:30-13:30

Enjoy the buffet lunch and explore the exhibition

Session 3
13:30-14:15

REPORTING TO THE TRUSTEE BOARD AND SUB COMMITTEES

In these testing times how might a Finance Director best manage their reporting to the Trustees and sub-committees? Charles will talk through both the principles and practicalities of handling these fascinating relationships at a time of economic turmoil.

Charles Nall, The Children's Society

Session 4
14:15-15:00

RISK AND RESERVES IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE

Andy will explain the Trust’s approach to evaluating financial risk and how this feeds into its reserves policy. He will also talk about how the Trust is responding to the challenge of the recession.

Andy Copestake, The National Trust

Break
15:00-15:30

Tea & coffee break and time to explore the exhibition

Plenary
15:30-16:20

MERGER - CALCULATED RISK OR SECURE INVESTMENT?

This presentation will focus on the recent merger of Age Concern and Help the Aged from a Wales perspective, reflecting on the intentions and expectations of merging and comparing them with the realities of the process and the final outcome. It will provide delegates with an understanding of the complexities and the gap between theory and reality in managing such a major change process.

Robert Taylor, Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in Wales

Close
16:20-16:30

CHAIR'S CLOSING REMARKS, Q&A.

Reception
16:30-18:00