One of the key focuses of our upcoming meeting will be a comprehensive update on the Fair Pay Agreement and the Employment Rights Bill. Our legal partner will delve into the specific impacts of the recent legislative changes, highlighting important aspects that organisations need to be aware of to ensure compliance and best practices. Following this, we are pleased to have Sarah Woodhouse, the Director of Policy and Influencing at VODG, who will provide an overview of the various activities and initiatives that VODG has undertaken in response to these updates, emphasising our ongoing commitment to advocacy and support for our members.
Carina Ralfs, a Partner at MHA, will present insights regarding the implications of the Autumn Budget Update. She will analyse key budgetary decisions, evaluate their potential ramifications on the sector, and share her predictions for future economic trends that could influence organisational strategies and financial planning. Additionally, Carina will offer an explanation of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), addressing its implications for our members and ensuring that all are equipped with the knowledge necessary for compliance and best practices in reporting.
Following Carina’s presentation, there will be an interactive collaborative discussion on General Budget Preparation. This segment is designed to create an open forum where members can share their strategies, challenges, and insights regarding effective financial planning in the current economic environment.
As the meeting progresses, our co-chairs will facilitate an open discussion aimed at gathering suggestions for topics and themes for future meetings. This session will encourage participation and input from attendees, reinforcing our mission to build a supportive community engaged in continual learning and collaboration.
This meeting promises to be a valuable opportunity for professional networking, sharing strategy insights, and engaging in meaningful discussions about significant issues affecting our members in the sector.
Time |
Topic |
Speaker(s) |
10:00 – 10:05 |
Welcome and Opening |
Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG |
10:05 – 10:10 |
Opening Remarks and programme overview |
Co-Chairs |
10:10 – 10.40 |
Fair Pay Agreement & Employment Rights Bill – Legal Update |
Anna Dabek, Legal Partner, Anthony Collins |
10:40 – 11:00 |
VODG Response & Advocacy Initiatives |
Sarah Woodhouse, Director of Policy and Influencing, VODG |
11:00 – 11:30 |
Autumn Budget Update & SORP Implications |
Carina Ralfs, Partner at MHA |
11:30 – 11:50 |
Collaborative Discussion: General Budget Preparation |
Facilitated by Co-Chairs |
11:50 – 11:55 |
Open Discussion: Future Meeting Topics |
Co-Chairs |
11:55 – 12:00 |
Closing Remarks |
Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG |
Head of Policy and Influencing, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group
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].
Group Director of Finance, Avenues Group
Group Director of Finance, Avenues Group
Blakey, Royal Mencap
Blakey, Royal Mencap
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.
Partner, Anthony Collins
I am a partner in the employment and pensions team. I support a range of not-for-profit, charitable and commercial organisations providing complex and strategic advice to HR directors and senior executive teams. I have particular interest supporting health and social care sector. I am approachable and quickly build strong relationships with clients, who say I am ‘pragmatic’ and provide them with ‘business-focused solutions’.
I regularly provide strategic support with changing terms and conditions, TUPE, the National Minimum Wage, and complex employee relations issues including whistle blowing and discrimination allegations as well as senior executive departures. I have recently supported the United Kingdom Homecare Association, National Care Forum and Voluntary Organisations Disability Group with addressing the social care sector specific National Minimum Wage issues, in relation to sleep-ins and travel time. I also represent clients in employment tribunal proceedings.
‘Anna Dabek and Matthew Wort – both are excellent in the social care and third sector – real thought leaders in this field.’ Legal 500, 2021
:
https://www.anthonycollins.com/why-choose-us/meet-our-team/anna-dabek/
:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anna-dabek-a4b19318
Partner, MHA
Carina is a Partner in our Not for Profit Team based in our Thames Valley office.
After studying Chemistry to PhD level at the University Bristol, Carina trained to be a chartered accountant and joined MHA in 2013. She was promoted to Partner in 2024 and specialises in providing audit and assurance services to charities and educational establishments including Academies and Further Education Institutions.
Carina enjoys combining her scientific background with her finance career and has a special interest in advising Not for Profit entities with scientific activities and objectives.
In her spare time, Carina likes to spend time with her family, exercising and supporting her son’s sporting endeavours.
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