SO:Governance

Monthly Series on Charity Governance & Resilience
Hosted by Southampton Forward

Date and Time:
Friday, November 29, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM GMT (Online)

Join Us for the Launch of SO Governance!

Southampton Forward is 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 will dive into essential governance topics, offering tools, resources, and expert guidance for organisations looking to thrive. Whether you’re new to charity work or an experienced leader, this series will support your journey to building a strong foundation for your mission.

What to Expect in Our First Session
Our November session, “Governance & Resilience: Strategy and Purpose,” will focus on the core elements that drive a charity’s success—defining your organisation’s vision, strategy, and purpose. Our guest speakers will provide practical insights, share real-life examples, and answer your questions:

• Sally Arscott, CEO of Solent Mind – Discusses how Solent Mind has developed a forward-thinking strategy to better serve the community. Sally brings over 25 years in the voluntary sector and is dedicated to empowering local people and championing sustainable change through collaboration.
• Matt Salvage, CEO of SoCo Music Trust – Shares his journey in transforming SoCo from a Community Interest Company to a registered charity, discussing the process and benefits of aligning with a charitable purpose. Matt’s commitment to accessible music-making has reshaped SoCo’s mission, bringing music to individuals facing challenging circumstances.

This session will be moderated by Rob Kurn, CEO of Southampton Voluntary Services.

Agenda:

• 12:00 PM – Introduction and Welcome
• 12:15 PM – Keynote with Sally Arscott: “Purpose & Strategy in Governance”
• 12:45 PM – Keynote with Matt Salvage: “Transitioning from CIC to Charity”
• 1:15 PM – Q&A Session with All Speakers

Future Sessions

SO: Governance will continue with monthly sessions covering a range of topics essential to effective governance and organisational resilience:

• Session 2: Financial Resilience – Tuesday, December 17, 2024
• Session 3: Leadership, People, and Culture – Wednesday, January 29, 2025
• Session 4: Managing Risk – Tuesday, February 25, 2025
• Session 5: Compliance and Information Management – Wednesday, March 26, 2025

The final session will take place in person in central Southampton on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, allowing us to reflect on our learnings and plan future sessions based on participant feedback.

Who Should Attend?
Anyone involved in or supporting Southampton’s non-profit sector who wants to deepen their governance knowledge is welcome. Whether you’re part of a charity, social enterprise, or community organization, this series is for you!

FAQs

• Cost: All sessions are free.
• Format: Each session includes presentations from guest speakers, followed by a Q&A for interactive discussion.
• Recording: Yes, all sessions will be recorded and shared by Southampton Forward and Southampton Voluntary Services after the event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organisation’s governance foundations and connect with others dedicated to making a positive impact.