Dorset Charities Conference Lures Delegates From Every Sector

At a time when ethical best practice, sustainability and genuine community engagement are organisational buzzwords, the conference’s appeal is tremendous, with delegates booking from throughout the South to attend the event on July 4th, at Bournemouth University (BU), Kimmeridge Building.

The DCC is the largest charity forum in Dorset and is now in its eighth year. The event connects charities with influential sector suppliers and a wealth of expert speakers, who will present throughout the day, providing an opportunity for delegates to earn CPD credits where applicable. The conference is supported by Teachers Building Society and Church House Investment Management.

The conference begins at 10.00am with tickets priced at £10 (sector suppliers can take a tabletop display with a pop-up banner for £100 which also includes delegate tickets) and the price is excellent value, a deliberate move to make it affordable for charities and businesses which will most benefit from the day’s programme. To book tickets visit wardgoodman.co.uk/dcc or via Eventbrite, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-charities-conference-2019-tickets-57724854594.

The keynote speakers is Gareth Sherwood, CEO Bournemouth YMCA; he will be joined by Bev Jesse (Teachers Building Society), Jen Richardson, (Ward Goodman’s Head of Charities), Ian Girling (Chief Exec DCCI), Alex Picot (CEO Dorset Community Action), Graham Farrant (BCP Council), Marie Waterman (Volunteer Centre Dorset), Geoff Trobridge (Lester Aldridge), Sarah Wrixon (Summers & Co Independent Insurance Brokers), James Johnsen (Church House Investment Management), Chris Conroy (Cyber Crime Protect & Prevention Officer, Dorset Police), Lucy Gower (Lucidity) and Jon Yates (Dorset Community Foundation).

The ticket price includes ‘Coffee, Biscuits & Networking’ at 11.20am, supported by ROUTEpr & Events, lunch, and the event concludes with a ‘Tea, Cake, Gin & Networking’ session, supported by BH1 GIN.

Ward Goodman Managing Director Ian Rodd, said: “Charities and voluntary organisations, trusts and individuals are increasingly taking up the slack in our local communities by providing real assistance and support in times of flux, need or crisis.”

“Absolutely everyone is welcome to attend, from professional services’ experts and people who want to do business with charities, to those who may have more time and are starting to find out about volunteer roles, not forgetting interested parties of all ages who live in the region and know their patch.

“We all probably know someone who would welcome advice and support from a charity, or who may need such in the future, and that could cover finance, legal planning, early years and elderly care options, practical home improvements or seeing a friendly face when so many suffer from isolation.“The calibre of the event and its established reputation has drawn eminent speakers, for example, Lucy Gower, Director of Lucidity, who speaks at national events.”

Lucy said: “Having led the first innovation team at the NSPCC, one of the UK’s largest children’s charities, I set up Lucidity in 2015 to provide simple and practical ways to help individuals and organisations think clearly and get better results. I left the NSPCC in 2012, and have since worked with more than 50 organisations helping develop individuals and teams.”

Ward Goodman’s own expert, Jen Richardson, is not only a chartered accountant, but also holds the diploma in charity accounting. As treasurer and trustee to several charities, she is able to offer practical guidance and support to all types and size of charitable organisations. Jen has built a team who are able to provide support and training on all aspects of charity accounting, audit and governance. They also offer advice on setting up and running a charity.

Jen added: “This is a firm fixture on our annual calendar and held to support, share knowledge, financial updates and best practice amongst all who work for a charity or community organisation in an official capacity, or are keen to discover a role which might be the right fit.”

Previous conferences have received superb feedback. Ian Jones, Head of Regional Community Partnerships, Bournemouth University, said: “I was part of 2018’s event and struck by the diverse range of topics covered, and the depth of knowledge demonstrated by the speakers. It was really valuable to be able to meet fundraisers, volunteers, trustees and chief executives from across the county. The large lecture theatre and break-out rooms will add to the experience and I am looking forward to welcoming all attendees.”

Gareth Sherwood, CEO, YMCA Bournemouth said: “It’s easy to be isolated when running a charity, small or large, and that is why the conference is so important as we share our passion and story, learn from one another and see how we all fit into the whole. These events create collaboration, and that helps us collectively serve our Dorset community,”

Ian Rodd concluded: “If you care, you should be there.”