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 session aims to generate shared intelligence, strengthen strategic responses and support improved decision-making across member organisations.
The morning begins with a focus on fee uplifts, providing a real-time picture of current positions, emerging pressures and the financial uncertainty facing providers. Participants will share intelligence, assess the implications for budgets, workforce and service delivery, and explore practical mitigation strategies and scenario planning approaches. Insights gathered will inform ongoing collective understanding and future engagement.
The second session looks ahead to the future of commissioning and procurement over the next 5–10 years, examining the evolving strategic direction of local government, changes in contracting models, and increasing expectations around outcomes, collaboration and financial resilience. Through facilitated discussion, members will reflect on their experiences, identify constructive and challenging practices, and consider the implications for organisational strategy, partnerships and market positioning.
After the break, the programme turns to impact reporting and the revised SORP framework, with expert perspectives on regulatory expectations and what constitutes credible, meaningful reporting of impact and value. Participants will test practical examples, reflect on current challenges, and identify actions to strengthen their Trustees’ Annual Reports and overall reporting approach.
The afternoon session focuses on finance team structures and central services costs, drawing on benchmarking insights to explore workforce design, skills development and cost pressures. Peer discussion will examine sustainability, approaches to developing finance capacity, and how organisations can manage competing demands such as fair pay and limited fee uplifts.
Throughout the event, there is a strong emphasis on collaboration, shared learning and actionable outputs. The session will conclude by capturing key messages, identifying priority areas for ongoing focus, and shaping future topics for the VODG 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: Commissioning and procurement – the commissioning landscape for the next 5-10 years |
LGA Overview
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LGA presentation and reflections (20–25 mins) |
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Focused discussion
Examples of:
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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.
