IDPE 2024 Annual Conference programme
Sponsored by
Our 2024 programme offered even more opportunities to meet with development professionals from schools across the UK, to learn from each other, to share challenges, and to work together to find solutions, with two full days of professional development.
Conference session types
Horizon (50 mins)
Step outside your comfort zone and explore the emerging trends in the wider school and fundraising sectors
Lunchtime Q&A (30 mins)
Put your questions to leaders from across the education sector and beyond
Listen, learn and share workshop (80 mins)
A deep-dive into a specific area of development which encourages peer-to-peer learning
Personal effectiveness (80/50 mins)
Providing you with the skills you need to be an effective schools' development professional
Plenary panel (50 mins)
Join fellow delegates to hear our panel of experts discuss prominent issues facing the sector.
Roundtable discussions (30 mins)
An opportunity to discuss specific topics with our partners
Steps to success (30 mins)
A practical session, providing step-by-step guidance
Conference programme
Sunday 12 May 2024
15:45 - 18:00
Leadership forum
What does the future hold for schools' development?
Join development directors from across the IDPE community for a leadership session that will explore how to: make the case for continued investment in development; better demonstrate the value of development internally; support our development teams through a period of potential change and uncertainty; and enhance our resilience and remain effective leaders.
Please note that places are limited and you will need to book to attend this forum.
Speakers: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Committee Co-Chair; Salima Virji, Director, Salt Coaching and Consulting
Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
Sunday welcome reception
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Monday 13 May 2024
09:15 - 10:15
Registration
Coffee with sponsors and exhibitors
09:30 - 10:00
Networking for those new to conference
10:40 - 12:00
Session 1 - listen, learn and share (workshop) / personal effectiveness
Brave conversations
Imagine walking away from every conversation knowing you were heard and your ideas were taken seriously. No more frustration that you didn't get your point across or feeling awkward. Get the tools to consistently show up as your calm, centred and most confident self in difficult communications that matter.
Speakers: Wendy Windle, Company Director, Huzzah for Schools; Katie Howard, Company Director, Huzzah for Schools
Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
THIS SESSION IS BEING REPEATED ON TUESDAY MORNING
From pages to pledges - harnessing the power of story in school fundraising
"All children, except one, grow up." J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan. Six words, and immediately you're captivated. In this session, delve into the science behind why our brains are naturally drawn to narrative, making it a potent tool in the realm of fundraising. Explore the keys to crafting compelling stories and practice developing stories around real fundraising challenges. You will leave ready to infuse your campaigns with powerful storytelling, driving engagement and donations.
Speaker: Kurstin Finch Gnehm, Group Head of Philanthropy, Corporate Partnerships and Trusts, Dog's Trust Chair: Kirsty Murdoch, Head of Regular Giving, St Paul's School
Squad goals - how to get the most from the people around you
In a busy school, how do you build your internal relationships to ensure you have the right team onboard? From the common room to boarding staff, leadership to your own team, this session will give you time to think creatively and focus on building your squad to deliver exceptional engagement and prospect relations.
Speakers: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Committee Co-Chair; Natalie Pretsell, Head of Engagement and Fundraising, Stamford School
Chair: Megan Bruns, Director of Development, Latymer Foundation
THIS SESSION IS BEING REPEATED ON TUESDAY MORNING
Making the ask
Watch live as two experienced fundraisers role-play different scenarios of The Ask. Explore what went well and what didn't, gain top tips, and take your turn role-playing some unrehearsed scenarios with fellow delegates. This will be a hands-on session when attendees will be asked to actively participate.
Speakers: Isabelle Blake-James, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, St Dunstan's College; Murray Lindo, Director of Strategic Advancement, Communications, and the Wellington Community, Wellington College
Chair: Annabel Green, Head of Content, IDPE
THIS SESSION IS BEING REPEATED ON TUESDAY MORNING
How to manage competing priorities
The demands of competiting priorities can often pull us in opposite directions. Like the proverb. 'if you chase two rabbits you will catch neither', we dilute our impact when we try to do it all. Creating space to recalibrate is essential for our wellbeing and effectiveness. Use this session as your time to revisit your priorities and come up with new ways of approaching the demands of work, life and everything in between.
Speaker: Frances Loughrey, Development Director, Albyn School
Chair: Sarah Bunnell-Pyper, Foundation Director, Reading Blue Coat
12:00 - 12:30/12:40
Coffee with sponsors and exhibitors
12:30 - 13:00
Session 2a - steps to success
Legacy communications - the channels, content, design and tone of voice for a great campaign
You never know whether a legacy communication has landed on a day that really could upset legacy prospects. How can you ensure that your message is delivered appropriately? In this session, explore the most effective channels (from social media to events), the best tone of voice to use and what you should be communicating, when and how, to help encourage greater engagement.
Speaker: Richard Radcliffe, Founder, Radcliffe Consulting
Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
THIS SESSION IS BEING REPEATED AT 15:10
How to talk banker - finance for non finance people
12:40 - 13:10
Session 2b - steps to success
Creating a stellar brief for your next appeal
Want to know the secret of a successful fundraising campaign? In this 30-minute interactive session, you'll work with Heather Eggelton and Kat Carter (Hubbub) to create a strategic brief that aims to increase the results of your next campaign. Whether your next campaign is a direct mail, telephone appeal, giving day, stewardship activities or even a legacies appeal, a good brief is key to ensuring your next campaign is a success.
Speakers: Kat Carter, Lead Consultant, Hubbub; Heather Eggelton, Consultant, Hubbub Chair: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Commitee Co-Chair
Global engagement - insights and opportunities
In a world transformed by the pandemic, rising global conflict, inflation and economic uncertainty, why should we commit people and resources to global engagement? To answer this, this session will explore global wealth insights, global engagement opportunities, planning and best practice.
Speaker: Michael Joyce, Executive Director, Sevenoaks School Foundation
Chair: Catherine Mulgrew, Head of Development, The Glasgow Academy
From ISAMS to Raiser's Edge - how to seamlessly (as possible) import your parent and pupil data
Are your parents major prospects? Do you spend days (or weeks) manually inputting new pupil and parent data into Raiser's Edge? Discover how Eltham College overhauled their data input practices and developed a system for ISAMS to 'talk' to Raiser's Edge (revolutionising data entry speed, accuracy and quality) - enabling the team to focus on prospecting their parents.
Speaker: Russell Joyce, Development Manager, Eltham College
Chair: Annabel Green, Head of Content, IDPE
13:00 - 14:10
Lunch with sponsors and exhibitors
13:00 - 14:10
Networking with colleagues from across your region
13:30 - 14:00
Lunchtime Q&A ('Take your plate'): 'Myth-busting' common fundraising, compliance and data protection issues
Join Joanna and Hayley to discuss some of the most common myths and misconceptions that cloud the worlds of fundraising compliance and data protection.
Speakers: Joanna Blackman, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP; Hayley Marsden, Associate, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Chair: Annabel Green, Head of Content, IDPE
14:10 - 15:00
Session 3 - horizon/ personal effectiveness
Bringing external ideas in to school development offices
Development Directors with previous experience in wide-ranging institutions like the BBC, Lloyds Banking Group, The Samaritans and Cancer Research UK, share some of the new activities and processes they've tried in their schools - what's worked, what's not - and what you can try too!
Speakers: Alexa Broad, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Abingdon School; Alice Larden, Development Director, Portsmouth Grammar School; Sam Mason, Director of Development, Brentwood School
Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
Perseverance pays off - sustaining ambition and playing the long game
Redefining resource sharing - a new era of charitable initiatives in independent schools
Explore the evolving landscape of fundraising in independent schools, shifting from traditional financial drives to resource-sharing and innovative collaborative efforts. Gain insights from ACS International Schools and the Royal Grammar School, and their holistic approach to partnerships with charities, industries, and educational bodies, to offer expertise, time, and resources as well as financial aid. Learn how your school can leverage its unique assets to contribute meaningfully to the community and create impactful educational experiences, and foster relationships which lead to a more committed approach by partner organisations.
Speakers: Graeme Lawrie MBE, Partnerships Director, ACS International Schools; John Smith, Director of Partnerships, Royal Grammar School Newcastle
Chair: Oliver Blond, CEO, School Partnership Alliance
Careers and mentoring - engaging the alumni of today to inspire alumni of the future
Explore how the development offices at The Manchester Grammar School and Hymers College work with their alumni to enhance the student experience. Reflecting on their contrasting team resources and individual roles, the speakers will demonstrate how they maximise time and create efficiency by using their current network to enhance their careers offering.
Speaker: Lauren Tidey, Alumni Relations Manager and Careers Lead, The Manchester Grammar School; Emily Pennack, Development Manager, Hymers College
Chair: Sarah Bunnell-Pyper, Foundation Director, Reading Blue Coat
Defying gravitas - leading and influencing authentically
What makes an exceptional fundraising leader? In this interactive session, delegates will explore how to use their particular strengths and personal values to lead teams and departments - and, crucially, manage and influence 'upwards' - effectively, authentically and enjoyably. Delegates will also learn self-coaching techniques to help establish and maintain boundaries - essential in a busy leadership role.
Speakers: Florence Bill, Director of Development, Fundraising and Alumni Relations, Highgate School; Salima Virji, Director, Salt Coaching and Consulting
Chair: Emma Styles, Head of Development, Colyton Grammar School
15:10 - 15:40
Session 4 - steps to success
Launching an annual appeal - the basics
You've decided that an annual fund would be an appropriate method of fundraising for your school, but where should you start? In this session, dive into the basic tasks and requirements to successfully launch an annual appeal. Explore how to pitch your concept to the right stakeholders, create compelling fundraising assets and ensure a coordinated launch for maximum impact.
Speaker: Claire Bath, Director of External Relations, Strathallan School
Chair: Kathrin Ostermann, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, City of London School
Planning a year in fundraising with the help of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®
George Watson's College has one of the largest communities of current and former pupils, their parents and staff in the world. In this session, discover their development team's strategy, data-driven approach and tools for delivering an annual programme of activities that strike a balance between engagement, fundraising and stewardship.
Speakers: Benjamin Waite, Customer Success Manager, Blackbaud Europe
Chair: Adriana Williams, Director of Development, Marymount International School
Digital belonging – strengthening community connections online
Reunions and in person events are a fantastic way to create a sense of belonging in your community, but how can you replicate that digitally? This session will look at some tried and tested techniques for fostering new connections and strengthening existing ones online.
Speaker: Jamie Robertson, Managing Director, SocialArchive Chair: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Commitee Co-Chair
Legacy communications - the channels, content, design and tone of voice for a great campaign
You never know whether a legacy communication has landed on a day that really could upset legacy prospects. How can you ensure that your message is delivered appropriately? In this session, explore the most effective channels (from social media to events), the best tone of voice to use and what you should be communicating, when and how, to help encourage greater engagement. Speaker: Richard Radcliffe, Founder, Radcliffe Consulting Chair: Elinor Wood, Development Director, Ardingly College
Handling difficult news with alumni and donors
As representatives of your institutions, you will likely need to navigate difficult conversations with members of your community at some point. In this session, discuss practical steps you can take to prepare for and manage these situations well - and even turn a tricky moment into an opportunity.
Speaker: Liz Reilly, Partner, More Partnership Chair: Catherine Mulgrew, Head of Development, The Glasgow Academy
15:40 - 16:10
Afternoon tea with sponsors and exhibitors
16:10 - 17:00
Session 5 - plenary panel
Growing philanthropy in schools - what can we do differently?
With the ongoing economic and political uncertainty facing the schools' sector, how can we respond positively and proactively, to ensure development survives and thrives? The panel will explore how we can continue to grow our school ambitions through new approaches to philanthropy.
Speakers: Jennie Moule, Interim Director of Advancement Services, University of Cambridge and Founding Partner, Alveo Consulting; Sian Champkin, Partner, VWV; Sarah Walton, Director of Development, AKS Lytham
Chair: Simon Lerwill, Director of Development, Marlborough College
17:10 - 17:40
Meet the IDPE trustees
Come along for a coffee or something stronger (the bar will be open!) and meet the IDPE trustees and senior management team. This is an informal networking event providing you with an opportunity to ask the charity's leadership team about plans for the future, share your thoughts and ideas and discover what's involved in being an IDPE trustee.
17:45 - 18:30
Buffalo Stampede - get your steps in!
Join Buffalo for either a guided walk or a 5km jog around Highfields Park Boating Lake - we'll make sure you're back in time to get changed for dinner! We'll meet in the foyer to set off promptly at 17:45 - you can let us know you'll be coming either at the Buffalo stand or by emailing info@buffalofc.co.uk
17:00 - 19:30
Free time
19:30 - 23.45
Tuesday 14 May 2024
09:00 - 10:00
Registration
Coffee with sponsors and exhibitors
09:00 - 09:30
Networking for those new to conference
09:30 - 10:00
Roundtable discussions: sponsored by corporate partners
How to make an impact across all segments of your school community
Facilitator: Amy Da Costa, EMEA Sales Director, ToucanTech
How to maximise engagement using advancement technology
Facilitator: Aakash Hari, Program Manager, Founder's Office, Almabase; Benjamin Waite, Customer Success Manager, Blackbaud Europe
How to supercharge your school's Giving Day
Facilitators: Tom Fawcitt, Account Executive, Blackbaud Europe; Nikita Seth, Customer Success Manager, Almabase
How can we refocus telephone campaigns to increase their success?
Facilitator: Heather Eggleton, Consultant, Hubbub
Development and enterprise: two sides of the same 'income generation' coin - better together?
Facilitator: Dorothy McLaren, Chief Executive Officer, Schools' Enterprise Association (SEA)
Evaluating the impact of bursaries: a new Bursary Impact Framework
Facilitator: John Atkinson, School Partnerships Officer, ImpactEd Evaluation
How can we do wealth screening and prospect research and comply with GDPR?
Facilitator: Kerry Rock, Chief Executive, Prospecting for Gold
How is AI revolutionising the way nonprofits identify potential donors and engage with existing ones?
Facilitator: John Batistich, Director, Potentiality UK Ltd
Is your school thinking about establishing a charitable foundation?
Facilitator: Joanna Blackman, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Kickstart your campaign with a feasibility study
Facilitator: Chris Goldie, Director, Gifted Philanthropy Ltd
Navigating GDPR and data protection in development and alumni relations
Facilitator: Jamie Robertson, Managing Director, SocialArchive
10:10 - 11:30
Session 1 - listen, learn and share (workshop) / personal effectiveness
Brave conversations
Imagine walking away from every conversation knowing you were heard and your ideas were taken seriously. No more frustration that you didn't get your point across or feeling awkward. Get the tools to consistently show up as your calm, centred and most confident self in difficult communications that matter.
Speakers: Wendy Windle, Company Director, Huzzah for Schools; Katie Howard, Company Director, Huzzah for Schools Chair: Lisa Connor, Head of Development, Merchant Taylors' Crosby
The 7 basic plots of storytelling
Stories are magic ⭐
Chair: Elinor Wood, Development Director, Ardingley College
Squad goals – how to get the most from the people around you
In a busy school, how do you build your internal relationships to ensure you have the right team onboard? From the common room to boarding staff, leadership to your own team, this session will give you time to think creatively and focus on building your squad to deliver exceptional engagement and prospect relations.
Speakers: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Committee Co-Chair; Natalie Pretsell, Head of Engagement and Fundraising, Stamford School Chair: Emma Styles, Head of Development, Colyton Grammar School
Making the ask
Watch live as two experienced fundraisers role-play different scenarios of The Ask. Explore what went well and what didn't, gain top tips, and take your turn role-playing some unrehearsed scenarios with fellow delegates. This will be a hands-on session when attendees will be asked to actively participate.
Speakers: Isabelle Blake-James, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, St Dunstan's College; Murray Lindo, Head of Wellington College Community, Wellington College
Chair: Annabel Green, Head of Content, IDPE
Resilient leadership - managing stress in educational settings
This dynamic session is designed to introduce necessary tools and techniques for development leaders to navigate the complex challenges of their roles. Through practical insights and evidence-based strategies, delegates will learn how to foster resilience, prioritise self-care and cultivate a supportive environment for themselves and their teams.
Speaker: Amanda Furlong, Counsellor, The Better Health Generation
Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
11:30- 12:00/12:10
Coffee with sponsors and exhibitors
12:00 - 12:30
Session 2a - steps to success
How digital engagement programmes can lead to increased alumni giving
If you're a small team looking to raise more funds from your alumni, then digital engagement programmes might be the solution. In this session, discover how Merchant Taylors' School leveraged Almabase to create digital engagement programmes their alumni LOVED, which led to an increase in funds raised.
Speakers: Lisa Connor, Head of Development, Merchant Taylors' Crosby; Nikita Seth, Customer Success Manager, Almabase
Chair: Annabel Green, Head of Content, IDPE
12:10 - 12:40
Session 2b - steps to success
How to plan your first giving day
Ever thought about running a giving day but not sure where to start? Join Hayley Bryce for this guide to giving day planning. This session will go through an example project plan and explain the steps involved from setting the date to completion.
Speaker: Hayley Bryce, Owner and Founder, The Giving Day Gurus Chair: Kathrin Ostermann, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, City of London School
How do I thank thee? Let me count the ways
Stewardship is key to any fundraising programme. There are so many ways to say thank you to your donors. This session will explore strategies, approaches, and cost-effective ideas that make stewardship a significant part of your programme and show your donors they are valued and appreciated.
Speaker: Kristina McClendon, Deputy Development Director, Magdalen College School, Oxford
Chair: Kirsty Murdoch, Head of Regular Giving, St Paul's School
Investing in tomorrow - engaging the whole school community today for stronger alumni connections
As a development office of one (part-timer), expanding and engaging an alumni network poses challenges. However MGGS has leveraged their school community to overcome these obstacles, fostering stronger connections with younger alumni and raising funds in the process. Join Lynne Adcock, Lila Brewer and Lauren Reed to discover how.
Speakers: Lynne Adcock, Head of Customer Experience, Potentiality UK Ltd; Lila Brewer, Alumni Relations and Development Trust Officer, Maidstone Grammar School for Girls; Lauren Reed, Head of Sales (UK), Potentiality UK Ltd
Chair: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Commitee Co-Chair
12:30 - 13:40
Lunch with sponsors and exhibitors
12:30 - 13:40
Network with others from the same type of school or in a similar development role
13:00 - 13:30
Lunchtime Q&A ('Take your plate'): VAT on fees - what fundraisers need to know
Join Kieran to explore Labour's policy to introduce VAT on fees and the potential impact on schools' development
Speaker: Kieran Smith, Partner, VAT and Customs Duty Service, Crowe U.K LLP
Chair: Sophie Jillings, Product Director, ToucanTech
13:40 - 14:30
Session 3 - horizon/personal effectiveness
Enhancing development with AI
How can you and your team adapt your processes in order to harness the efficiencies which AI offers? In this session Dr Andy Kemp will explore the potential of AI in development, and how AI tools can help you do more in less time to promote your schools and connect with your communities.
Speaker: Dr Andy Kemp, Principal, The National Mathematics and Science College Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
Pupil power - putting bursary pupils at the centre of campaigns
Two different and successful bursary campaigns (the 500 Campaign at Bristol Grammar School and the Marlborough Difference Campaign) with one shared goal - to put the bursary pupils at the centre. In this session explore approaches to destigmatising bursaries, and hear how each school has involved bursary pupils in their campaigns, empowering them to lead the fundraising efforts.
Speakers: Nadine Latte, Director of Development, Bristol Grammar School; Simon Lerwill, Director of Development, Marlborough College Chair: Christian Propper, Associate Director (Club and Campaign), Marlborough College
Social Media - is my development office sharing the right stories?
Schools often say, 'We Are Different'. Yet their vision, mission and values sound all too familiar. In this session, explore how to lean into your school's authentic brand story - to show reality, not promise - and maximise engagement with your campaign on social media. Get the steps to successful storytelling using the right platforms (for the right stories) and learn how to use data analytics to inform your content and communications strategy.
Speaker: Simon Noakes, Founder/CEO, Interactive Schools
Chair: Natalie Pretsell, Head of Engagement and Fundraising, Stamford School
Trusts and foundations - what's fundable?
What makes a successful grant application? What are the pitfalls and opportunities for schools considering trust and foundation fundraising? Put your grant funding questions to our experienced panel as they discuss 'what's fundable'.
Speakers: Bill Friar, Director of Development, Haberdashers' Elstree Schools; Chris Goldie, Director, Gifted Philanthropy Fundraising Consultants; Emma Styles, Head of Development, Colyton Grammar School
Chair: Annabel Green, Head of Content, IDPE
Fundraising and engagement showcase - I wish I'd thought of that
Share your successes and be inspired by others in this year's Fundraising and Engagement Showcase: a collection of case studies and examples of innovative new projects that have made an impact in the sector. This is the place to share the initiatives that you're most proud of - and to encourage others to share the work that you wish you'd thought of.
Speakers: Various Chair: Becki Mckinlay, Conference Commitee Co-Chair
14:30 - 15:00
Afternoon tea with sponsors and exhibitors
15:00 - 15:50
Session 4 - plenary panel
Sharing impact - how can we demonstrate the value of philanthropy in schools?
From funding bursary and partnership programmes to enhancing facilities and resources, development enables schools to provide the best educational opportunities for young people - but how can we demonstrate the difference philanthropy makes? The panel will discuss how we can measure development success and share the value of philanthropy both internally, with senior leadership and colleagues, and externally, with donors and the wider school community.
Speakers: Antony Berry, Director of Development, King's College Wimbledon; Maddy Gazzard, Incoming Director, Philanthropy Practice, ImpactEd Consulting; Edgar Sutcliffe, Head of Major Giving, NSPCC
Chair: Philip Britton, Head of Foundation, Bolton School
15:55 - 16:15
All delegates gathering - speeches and reflections Sponsored by
16:15
Conference close
Please note* that although we aim for as little change as possible, sessions are subject to change.