Monday 13 – Tuesday 14 May 2024

  East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham

Headline sponsor

IDPE 2024 Annual Conference programme

Sponsored by 

Our all-new programme offers 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


20:00 - 21:30

Sunday welcome reception                                                                                                                                                                                                                           


Sponsored by   



Monday 13 May 2024

09:15 - 10:15

Registration                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Coffee with sponsors and exhibitors                                                                                

09:30 - 10:00

Networking for those new to conference                                                                                                                                                                                                    


Sponsored by   

10:15 - 10:35

Welcome to conference                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Sponsored by

10:40 - 12:00

Session 1 - listen, learn and share (workshop) / personal effectiveness 

Listen, learn and share session

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 


Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

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 


Listen, learn and share session

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 


Listen, learn and share session

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

Listen, learn and share session

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


Listen, learn and share session

How to talk banker - finance for non finance people                                                                                                                                                  

This session will explore the exciting, complex and often highly paid world of bankers and financiers. Cut through the jargon and investigate how much and when bankers, fund managers and private equity partners are paid, what you can tell from their job title and optimum times to make an ask. This will be a high-paced session where you will gain confidence in understanding the financial world.
Speaker: Jonathan Jeffrey, Co Founder/Director, Pyro.Solutions and Pyro Talks
Chair: Natalie Pretsell, Head of Engagement and Fundraising, Stamford School 

12:40 - 13:10

Session 2b - steps to success

Listen, learn and share session

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

Sponsored by 

Listen, learn and share session

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


Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

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

Sponsored by  

Listen, learn and share session

Perseverance pays off - sustaining ambition and playing the long game                                                                                                                 

Senior leaders often expect quick results. Fundraisers may think otherwise! How do you persuade your Senior Leadership to invest in long-term relationships, rather than gaining quick wins? In this session explore the benefits of playing the long game, how to stay motivated, and secure significant donations over time.
Speakers: Henry Cosh, Foundation Associate Director, Radley College; Sean Thomson, Development Manager, St Edward's School, Oxford
Chair: Christian Propper, Associate Director (Club and Campaign), Marlborough College


Listen, learn and share session

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

Listen, learn and share session

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. 

SpeakerLauren 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 


Listen, learn and share session

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

Listen, learn and share session

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 


Listen, learn and share session

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

Sponsored by 


Listen, learn and share session

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

Sponored by 

Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Listen, learn and share session

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

IDPE's 25th Anniversary celebrations                                                        

Join us to celebrate IDPE's 25th anniversary. Diners can take their seats at 19:50 but drinks will be served from 19:30.  The formal three-course dinner will finish at approx. 22:00 followed by evening entertainment. Carriages at 23:45.

Sponsored by 


Tuesday 14 May 2024

09:00 - 10:00

Registration           

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Coffee with sponsors and exhibitors                                                                                                                                                                                              


09:00 - 09:30

Networking for those new to conference                                                                                                                          



Sponsored by   

09:30 - 10:00

Roundtable discussions: sponsored by corporate partners                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Listen, learn and share session


How to make an impact across all segments of your school community

Facilitator: Amy Da Costa, EMEA Sales Director, ToucanTech

Listen, learn and share session


How to maximise engagement using advancement technology

Facilitator: Aakash Hari, Program Manager, Founder's Office, Almabase; Benjamin Waite, Customer Success Manager, Blackbaud Europe 

Listen, learn and share session


How to supercharge your school's Giving Day

Facilitators: Tom Fawcitt, Account Executive, Blackbaud Europe; Nikita Seth, Customer Success Manager, Almabase

Listen, learn and share session


How can we refocus telephone campaigns to increase their success?

Facilitator: Heather Eggleton, Consultant, Hubbub

Listen, learn and share session


Development and enterprise: two sides of the same 'income generation' coin - better together?

Facilitator: Dorothy McLaren, Chief Executive Officer, Schools' Enterprise Association (SEA) 

Listen, learn and share session


Evaluating the impact of bursaries: a new Bursary Impact Framework

Facilitator: John Atkinson, School Partnerships Officer, ImpactEd Evaluation

Listen, learn and share session


How can we do wealth screening and prospect research and comply with GDPR?

Facilitator: Kerry Rock, Chief Executive, Prospecting for Gold

Listen, learn and share session


How is AI revolutionising the way nonprofits identify potential donors and engage with existing ones? 

Facilitator: John Batistich, Director, Potentiality UK Ltd

Listen, learn and share session


Is your school thinking about establishing a charitable foundation?

Facilitator: Joanna Blackman, Partner, Wrigleys Solicitors LLP

Listen, learn and share session


Kickstart your campaign with a feasibility study

Facilitator: Chris Goldie, Director, Gifted Philanthropy Ltd

Listen, learn and share session


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 

Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

The 7 basic plots of storytelling                                                        

Stories are magic

They can motivate people to apply, attend, partner, volunteer, donate. But where do you start? Well, why not start with the basics? Every memorable story follows the 7 basic plots of storytelling. By embracing these plots, your school can craft truly compelling stories to inspire your audiences.
Speaker: Simon Fairbanks, Head of Community Engagement, Pickle Jar Communications

Chair: Elinor Wood, Development Director, Ardingley College 

Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

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 


Listen, learn and share session

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

Listen, learn and share session

VAT on fees - what fundraisers need to know 
How will VAT on fees impact bursaries? Endowments? Capital projects? And do we need to change our approach to fundraising? Explore the potential impact of VAT on fees on schools' development and how your school can prepare.       
Speaker: Kieran Smith, Partner, VAT and Customs Duty Service, Crowe U.K LLP
Chair: Louise Bennett, CEO, IDPE
                                                                                  
Listen, learn and share session

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

Sponsored by 


12:10 - 12:40

Session 2b - steps to success

Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

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 


Listen, learn and share session

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 

Sponsored by 


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 

Listen, learn and share session

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

Listen, learn and share session

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 

Listen, learn and share session

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


Listen, learn and share session

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


Listen, learn and share session

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Listen, learn and share session

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.