Southampton Forward has successfully delivered the three-year UK City of Culture legacy programme, working with organisations artists, communities and partners across the city and region. You can read more in our recently published Impact Report.
With significant changes and opportunities emerging at local, regional and national level including Local Government Reorganisation and the establishment of the Hampshire & Solent County Combined Authority, this is an important moment to consider the future role of culture and creativity in Southampton. Southampton City Council is undertaking a strategic review with partners and stakeholders to explore future approaches to supporting culture and creativity as drivers for supporting growth, prosperity, wellbeing, pride and stronger communities. This will take place over the summer and conclude in autumn.
In the meantime, Southampton Forward will continue supporting a smaller programme of activity including working with the Local Connectors and the Festivals and Events Group to help inform the city’s future cultural ambitions. As a reduced team, responses may take a little longer than usual and we appreciate your continued support and patience.
Monthly Series on Charity Governance & Resilience Hosted by Southampton Forward
Southampton Forward was excited to introduce SO: Governance, a monthly online series designed to strengthen governance skills, foster resilience, and enhance impact within Southampton’s non-profit sector.
These 90-minute sessions dived into essential governance topics, offering tools, resources, and expert guidance for organisations looking to thrive. Whether new to charity work or an experienced leader, the series supported participants on their journey to building a strong foundation for their mission.
The final session will take place in person in central Southampton on Wednesday, 28 May, 2025, allowing us to reflect on our learnings and plan future sessions based on participant feedback.
Who Attended? Anyone involved in or supporting Southampton’s non-profit sector who wanted to deepen their governance knowledge was welcome. Whether part of a charity, social enterprise, or community organisation, this series was designed for them.
FAQs
Cost: All sessions were free.
Format: Each session included presentations from guest speakers, followed by a Q&A for interactive discussion.
Recording: All sessions were recorded and shared by Southampton Forward and Southampton Voluntary Services after the event.
This was a valuable opportunity to strengthen governance foundations and connect with others dedicated to making a positive impact.
Recap of Session 1: Friday, November 29, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM GMT (Online)
Friday, 29 November 2024, 12:00–1:30 PM (Online)
Our first session focused on the core elements that drive a charity’s success—defining vision, strategy, and purpose. Guest speakers shared practical insights and examples:
Sally Arscott, CEO of Solent Mind – On developing a forward-thinking strategy to better serve the community.
Matt Salvage, CEO of SoCo Music Trust – On transforming SoCo from a CIC to a charity, and aligning with a charitable purpose.
Moderated by Rob Kurn, CEO of Southampton Voluntary Services.
Watch the session here:
Recap ofSession 2: Financial Resilience – Wednesday, January 29, 2025
This session explored how to build financial resilience for charities, with advice on budgeting, income diversification, and sponsorships.
Speakers included:
Helen Alexander – Budgeting for financial resilience
Emma Bovey – Diversifying income for fundraising success
Lou Gardner – Building sponsorship relationships
Dan Crow – Lessons from diversifying income at ‘a space’ arts
Moderated by Rob Kurn.
Recap of Session 3:Leadership, People, and Culture – Tuesday, February 25, 2025
This session examined how inclusive leadership and governance structures can be created in practice.
The final online session of the series focused on impact evaluation—how charities and community organisations can better understand and evidence the difference they make.
Led by Lucy Horne, Head of Impact and Insights at Saints Foundation, with chairing by Rob Kurn, the session explored:
Why impact evaluation is complex and nuanced
Frameworks and approaches to support effective evaluation
Lessons learned from across the sector
How to create a culture of learning and reflection
The session included open discussion and Q&A, with participants sharing their own experiences.
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