Join us on 15 July from 10:00 to 15:00 at Merkel in Central London for a day of insightful discussions, networking and sector updates.
This VODG Finance Directors' event brings together sector leaders to explore the financial, commissioning and reporting challenges shaping the operating environment for voluntary organisations supporting disabled people. Through a structured programme of expert input, peer discussion and practical exercises, the event will provide an opportunity to share intelligence, strengthen strategic responses and support informed decision-making across member organisations.
The day begins with a focus on fee uplifts, providing a real-time picture of current funding positions, emerging pressures and the financial uncertainty facing providers. Participants will share intelligence, assess implications for budgets, workforce planning and service delivery, and explore practical mitigation strategies. Insights gathered will contribute to the sector's collective understanding and help inform future engagement.
The second session explores the future of commissioning and procurement over the next five years. The discussion will examine the evolving priorities of local government, changing contracting models, and increasing expectations around outcomes, collaboration, and financial resilience. Members will reflect on their experiences, identify both effective and challenging practices, and consider the implications for organisational strategy, partnerships and market positioning.
Following lunch, attention turns to impact reporting and the revised SORP framework. Expert perspectives will explore regulatory expectations and what constitutes meaningful and credible reporting of impact and value. Participants will review practical examples, discuss current challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen Trustees' Annual Reports and wider reporting approaches.
The afternoon concludes with a session on finance team structures and central services costs, drawing on benchmarking insights to explore workforce design, skills development and cost pressures. Peer discussion will consider organisational sustainability, approaches to building finance capacity and capability, and how organisations can balance competing priorities such as fair pay and constrained funding settlements.
Throughout the day, there will be a strong emphasis on collaboration, shared learning and practical takeaways. The event will close with a summary of key messages, identification of priority issues for ongoing focus, and discussion of future topics for the VODG Finance Directors' network.
Speakers
Programme
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10.00 |
Welcome |
Welcome and Housekeeping |
Kerry Hamilton, VODG Director of Membership and Operations |
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10.05 |
Introductions and Programme Overview |
Purpose
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Co-chairs |
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10.15 |
Session 1: Fee Uplifts – Current Position, Risk and Planning |
Purpose
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Round‑the‑room updates (15 mins) |
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Group Discussion
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Facilitated discussion (30 mins) |
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Capture
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Key messages capture (5 mins) |
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11.00 |
Session 2: Social Finance and Investment – funding growth, resilience and impact |
Charity Bank Overview
Key themes:
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Charity Bank presentation and reflections (20–25 mins) |
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Focused discussion
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Facilitated Q&A and discussion with members (20–30 mins) |
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Capture
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Key messages capture for the network (5 mins) |
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11.50 |
Break (10 mins) |
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12.00 |
Session 3: Impact Reporting and the New SORP |
Purpose
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MHA |
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Live polling and facilitated discussion
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Key Takeaways
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12.45 |
Lunch (45 minutes) |
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13:30 |
Session 4: Finance Team Structures, Development & Central Services Costs (60 mins |
Cordis Bright – Central Services Benchmarking Overview (30 mins)
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Joshua Butt, Cordis Bright |
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14:00 |
Facilitated peer discussion (25 mins)
Reflections on:
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14:45 |
Future Topic Ideas |
Issues members would value exploring in future sessions |
Co-Chairs |
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15:00 |
End |
Wrap up and finish |
Kerry Hamilton, VODG Director of Membership and Operations |
Please note that to ensure that as many member organisations as possible can attend, places are limited to one per organisation.
Accessibility
Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Professional Network Online Forums
The VODG professional network online forums are a leading online community within the sector. The forums promote peer-to-peer connections, provide opportunities to share good practice and can be used to identify areas for collaboration. Access is exclusively available to members and consists of role-specific communities that reflect our members’ responsibilities and interests.
Meet the VODG Finance Directors' Co-Chairs
Join us at our quarterly network meetings, chaired by leaders from across our membership.
Richard Blakey
Richard joined Mencap from Settle, a Hertfordshire based Housing Association, where he was Executive Director of Finance and Resources. Before then, Richard worked in senior finance roles across a series of public and third sector organisations including Peabody, and Essex County Council.
