Opening plenary - Economic update: What finance leaders need to know for 2027 

This panel discussion will provide a practical look at the economic outlook for 2027 and what it could mean for charity finance teams. Our speakers will explore the direction of interest rates and inflation, the wider investment and banking environment, economic growth, consumer confidence, and the key risks and opportunities charities should be considering. 

Session 1 - Think like a bank  

Strong relationships with banks and financial institutions are essential for effective financial management and organisational resilience. This session explores how charities can strengthen those relationships through "thinking like a bank" and focusing on good governance, clear communication and robust financial controls. Delegates will consider what it means to be "bank fit", including maintaining accurate governance information, regulatory filings and financial procedures. The session also examines risk management, fraud prevention and the practical steps charities can take to demonstrate good stewardship, navigate regulatory requirements and engage confidently with banking partners.

Session 1 - Investment strategy in 2027: What should charities be investing for? 

This session will explore how charities can develop an investment strategy that balances income, growth, risk, and liquidity. We'll consider how charities should approach short-, medium- and long-term funds, determine an appropriate risk appetite, diversify their portfolios, and decide how much they should be looking to generate from investments.

Session 2 - Treasury without a treasury team 

This practical session will explore how finance teams can strengthen their approach to cash and treasury management without needing significant additional resources. From cash visibility and forecasting to banking structures, counterparty risk and interest-rate management, we'll explore the policies, processes and controls that can help charities manage their money effectively. 

Session 2 - Cash v. investments: Where should your charity's money sit? 

With interest rates, inflation and investment markets constantly changing, deciding where to hold your charity's money can be challenging. This practical session will explore how charities can think about the balance between liquidity, security, income, and long-term growth. We'll consider different types of cash and investment options, how the timing of your financial needs should influence decisions, and the questions finance teams and trustees should ask when deciding where their money should sit.

Session 3 - Banking update 

This session sets out the latest research and findings from CFG, including sharing insight from CFG's Charitable Sector Banking Forum. We'll look at CFG's impact so far and strategy for improving the banking landscape for charities and ask delegates for their views to help shape our workplan. We'll also look at the current landscape and issues on the horizon that charity finance professionals need to be aware of.

Session 3 - Should charities be taking more investment risk? 

For charities with long-term financial needs, taking too little investment risk can have consequences, but taking too much can put financial resilience at risk. This session will explore how charities can determine an appropriate level of investment risk and whether current approaches adequately balance risk and return. We'll examine how trustees can assess their organisation's capacity and tolerance for investment risk, respond to market volatility and think about the trade-offs between protecting capital and generating long-term returns. 

Session 4 - Panel discussion - The charity-bank relationship: Are you getting what you need?

In this panel discussion, charity finance leaders and banking experts will explore what a good charity–bank relationship should look like. We'll discuss negotiating better rates, challenging fees, managing multiple banking relationships, accessing the right products and services, and knowing when it may be time to consider a change. The panel will also consider how charities can build stronger, more strategic relationships with their banking providers and ensure they remain 'fit to bank'.

Session 4 - The rise and fall of ESG 

This session will examine the changing ESG landscape and ask what comes next for charities and their investment strategies. We'll explore whether ESG has lost momentum, how approaches to climate and other environmental risks are evolving, and whether traditional approaches remain effective. The session will also consider how charities can balance financial returns with their values and mission, while navigating changing expectations from trustees, stakeholders and the wider investment market.

Closing plenary: How finance directors are balancing cash, risk and return in 2027 

In this closing panel, finance leaders will share how they are approaching the balance between cash, reserves, investment returns, and financial resilience in 2027. Drawing on the themes explored throughout the conference, the panel will discuss how economic conditions, interest rates, banking relationships, investment markets and organisational priorities are influencing real-world financial decisions.