Online training
IDPE offers a wide range of online learning opportunities for development professionals of all experience levels, including webinars, masterclasses and specialist peer-group forums.
Webinars
IDPE webinars offer information relevant to schools' development, exploring trends and changes impacting the sector. Find out more about the latest tools available to support your development offices and get practical tips to enhance the impact of your school's fundraising and engagement activities.
IDPE members receive access to a minimum of 12 exclusive webinars each year led by experienced development professionals, partner organisations and leading experts on a wide range of topics. Recordings of all previous webinars available to watch back in the IDPE members' resource library.
Watch on-demand: IDPE members have access to over 200 webinar recordings in the Members' Resource Library
Benchmarking schools' development - 2023 survey results
Explore key findings from the IDPE and Gifted Philanthropy Schools' Fundraising and Engagement Benchmarking Report 2023 as we celebrate record levels of income generation by participating schools. But what are the key factors to fundraising success? How significant is sustained investment in fundraising and engagement? And how can the latest benchmarking report support your strategic planning?
The art of fundraising campaigns: when to conform and when to innovate
Experienced fundraisers Simon Lerwill and Juliet Corbett delve into the intricacies of fundraising campaign structures. Discover best practices, innovative adaptations and real-world insights from the Marlborough Difference Campaign. This interactive session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about when to follow established rules and when to embrace creative freedom.
Masterclasses
IDPE masterclasses provide specialised online training for intermediate to advanced school development professionals from both independent and state sectors. Led by leading experts, these sessions offer in-depth exploration of key topics, equipping participants with advanced insights and practical strategies.
We are pleased to launch a new series of IDPE masterclasses for spring 2025, exploring each stage of the donor journey. These expert-led, two-hour sessions provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into strategies for enhancing supporter engagement.
The first three sessions, taking place in the spring term, will focus on wealth identification, prospect qualification and donor cultivation.
The series will continue at the IDPE 2025 Annual Conference, with sessions on gift solicitation and acknowledgement, as part of the main conference programme.
Masterclasses are open to both IDPE members and non-members.
'IDPE has provided support and advice throughout my career in development. From the beginning, being able to ask questions and feel more confident in my approach has been invaluable. I still find there are things to learn and enjoy engaging with people from all levels of experience.'
Nadine Latte, Development Director, Bristol Grammar School
Forums
IDPE's specialist peer group forums offer tailored support and collaboration opportunities for development professionals with similar roles, responsibilities, or school types.
Available exclusively to IDPE members, these forums facilitate discussions and idea-sharing on relevant topics, providing a unique platform for professional growth and collaboration.
Data forum
For all those working with data, a forum for sharing hints and tips to get the most from your data.
External relations forum
Forum for Heads/Directors of External Relations, delivered in association with AMCIS.
Girls' school forum
For all those who would like to discuss the challenges of fundraising and engagement in girls' schools.
Leadership forum
Providing further support, training and networking opportunities for advanced development practitioners
Prep schools forum
For those working in fundraising or engagement in prep schools to discuss common challenges and ideas.
State school forum
For those working in the state sector to hear what other state schools have been working on and share experiences.