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Event Information

Wrigleys 35th Annual Charity Governance Conference

Thursday 12th November, 2026 |
Cloth Hall Court, Quebec Street, Leeds LS1 2HA

Spaces are limited

We are currently finalising the agenda, which will feature expert keynote speakers from across the sector, alongside a range of governance-focused breakout sessions led by our charity law specialists.

  Confirmed topics include governing cyber and AI risks in charities, case law and legislative developments, a data breach guide for charity leaders, Equality Act fundamentals, the art of taking good minutes, and keeping the ‘main thing’ the ‘main thing’.

  The full programme will be published shortly, with further session and speaker announcements to follow.

 

Read what our delegates had to say about last year's conference:

“It’s always a brilliant day. I really value the annual seminar - I learn things every year that I can put to practical use throughout the year”

“Lots of great take-aways and information/advice that will help inform changes in practice and process improvement”

“Great to network and meet some very knowledgeable people”

Whilst every effort is made to deliver sessions as advertised, unforeseen circumstances may occasionally require adjustments to the programme. We will always aim to keep any changes to a minimum and ensure delegates continue to receive a valuable experience.

Please do share this invitation with colleagues, fellow trustees and others within your network who may benefit from attending our conference.
 

Programme

Registration and refreshments

With an opportunity for networking.

Welcome and Introduction

Case law and legislation update

Presented by Senior Charities Counsel Nicola Evans from Wrigleys Charities and Social Economy team.

Keynote speech: Digital Confidence: Governing Cyber and AI Risks in Charities

Presented by Victoria Speight the CEO, Founder & Director @ CYBERFIT | Inspiring Cyber Wellbeing

Join Victoria Speight of CYBERFIT for an engaging and interactive keynote exploring the governance foundations of cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI). Victoria will discuss how charities can confidently embrace the opportunities these technologies present while ensuring robust safeguards are in place to protect their organisations and data. Delegates will also have the opportunity to share experiences, raise questions and discuss concerns around cyber and AI with a leading expert in the field.

Refreshment break

An opportunity for networking in Merchants Hall.

11:20 - 12:25

Delegates can choose from the following breakout sessions.

Breakout 1a - Prevent, respond, recover: a data breach guide for charity leaders

Presented by Associate Nick Dunn from Wrigleys Charities & Social Economy team.

Data breaches present a significant challenge for charity leaders, brought into sharp focus by recent serious incidents affecting trusted charity-sector providers, notably CAF and Beacon.

n this session, Nick Dunn, Associate in Wrigleys' Charities team, will consider the key lessons from these incidents and practical steps charity leaders can take to prevent breaches, respond effectively and recover smoothly.

Nick will also provide an update on recent changes to data protection law, including the ‘charitable purposes soft opt-in’, which took effect in February.

Breakout 1b - Equality Act fundamentals

Presented by Partner Jo Blackman and Associate Sophie Henson from Wrigleys Charities & Social Economy team.

Keynote

Presented by Rathbones Investment Managers.

Lunch

Served in the Merchants Hall.

14:00 - 15:00

Delegates can choose from the following breakout sessions.

Breakout 2a - The art of good minutes

Presented by Managing Associate Hayley Marsden and Associate Ciaran Warters from Wrigleys Charities & Social Economy team.

Minutes are often underestimated, yet they play a vital role in protecting organisations and supporting good governance. Join Hayley Marsden and Ciaran Warters for a practical look at the purpose of board and committee minutes, what makes them effective, and how to deal with some of the more difficult issues that can arise. The session will cover key principles, common challenges and useful approaches to keeping governance records clear, accurate and meaningful.

Breakout 2b - Keeping the ‘main thing’ the ‘main thing’

Presented by Partner Clare Lawrence from Wrigleys Charities & Social Economy team.

The Charity Commission’s 2026 Risk Assessment highlighted the growing impact of disagreements and complaints on charities.  The session will examine why this may be happening, the governance risks it presents, and how trustees can respond constructively and conserve time, energy and resource to focus on the charity’s mission (the "main thing"). 

In this session, Partner in Wrigleys' Charities team, Clare Lawrence, will share practical governance tips for preventing, navigating and resolving disagreements in charities when they arise.

Refreshment break

 An opportunity for networking in Merchants Hall.

Keynote

Presented by Kate Hainsworth, charity expert and Partnership Associate with Yorkshire Universities.

Top ten

Presented by Partner Clare Lawrence from Wrigleys Charities and Social Economy team.

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