It's Tough at the Top: Good Leadership Matters - Online conference

It’s Tough at the Top: Good Leadership Matters – Online conference on Thursday 23 November

We know how tough it is to lead a charity in ordinary times. For most of us, these times are far from ordinary. Even the usual challenges that we face feel heightened and riskier than ever before. It’s hard, it’s lonely, but it’s incredibly important to get leadership at senior level right.

This conference will look at the key areas you should be thinking about and is a mix of panel discussions, keynotes and plenty of opportunity to network with fellow attendees.

You will hear from a range of speakers on key areas that leaders are dealing with, including dealing with burnout; working with the board; getting the strategy right; influencing policy-makers, and staying connected to the vision and the cause when financial pressures seem overwhelming.

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 is included in the price?

Attendance to the conference, keynote sessions, panel discussions, session talks and networking sessions.

• Digital copy of It’s Tough at the Top, by Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO, DSC
• Access to all presentations and handouts
• Certificate of attendance for CPD hours

Prices start from £109 for voluntary and community organisations with an annual turnover up to £500,000

Agenda

09.30 – 09.35:  Welcome – Join us for introductions, housekeeping rules and some audience polls to get started.

09.35 – 10.15:  Keynote – Leading in a time of permacrisis – Charities are facing challenges that feel bigger and harder than ever before. From culture wars to funding, from increased risk to a decline in volunteers. For this opening keynote, we will hear from a speaker who has been there, done it and survived. Includes Q&A. Speaker: Catherine Johnstone, CEO, Royal Voluntary Service

10.15 – 10.30: Break

10.30 – 11.15: Working effectively with your Board of Trustees – 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 leadership team. This session explores how this can be done with a group of very different, often senior people with strong views on how things should be done. Includes Q&A. Speaker: Tim Stockings, CEO, Haig Housing

11.15 – 12.00:  Getting your strategy right – We will hear from a leader who has implemented new strategies during their career – what worked, what didn’t, what to definitely not do and what to do. Includes Q&A. Speaker: Kate Lee, CEO Alzheimer’s Society

12.00 – 12.15: Break

12.15 – 13.00:  Panel session:  Influencing policymakers – Our charities don’t operate in a vacuum. We need to influence decision-makers at national and local levels. This panel session explores the tricks and tips that will help you get heard. Speakers: Bronwen Edwards, Head of Strategy, UK Space Agency, formerly Senior Policy Officer, DCMS; Kathy Evans, CEO, Children England

13.00 – 14.00: Lunch and networking

14.00 – 14.45:  It’s tough at the top – This session is a facilitated conversation which creates an opportunity for attendees to discuss together how they are tackling these issues, share ideas and come away with practical actions and hope for the future. Facilitator: Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO, DSC, Author of It’s Tough at the Top and It’s a Battle on the Board

14.45 – 15.00: Break

15.00 – 15.45:  Staying well – This session will look at how to deal with stress, burnout and exhaustion, both in yourself and your teams. How can you balance looking after yourself whilst at the same time being present for others? Speaker: Jane Ide, CEO, ACEVO

15.45 – 16.00: Break

16.00 – 16.30: Closing Keynote: Remembering what matters – Our closing keynote speaker will share their experiences of staying connected to your vision and those you serve when the climate for charities is so challenging. Speaker: Ndidi Okezie, CEO, UK Youth