VODG Finance Directors' Professional Network Meeting | December 2025

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. 

Programme

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

Speakers

Anna Dabek

Anna Dabek

Partner, Anthony Collins

Find out more

Carina Ralfs

Carina Ralfs

Partner, MHA

Find out more

Sarah Woodhouse

Sarah Woodhouse

Head of Policy and Influencing, Voluntary Organisations Disability Group

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].

Network Co-Chair

Alison Heustice

Alison Heustice

Director of Finance , FitzRoy

Nicola Ford

Nicola Ford

Group Director of Finance, Avenues Group

Richard

Richard

Blakey, Royal Mencap