Reflections from CFG 2026
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending CFG’s annual conference, and I left feeling inspired, challenged and, perhaps most importantly, optimistic about the future of the charity sector.
The day brought together an exceptional mix of voices, perspectives and experiences. As someone who works closely with charities every day, it was a timely reminder of the passion, purpose and expertise that exists across our sector. While there were countless insightful moments throughout the event, a few key themes and speakers particularly stood out.
Starting with Inspiration
The conference opened with a powerful plenary session from Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE. Her contribution was both inspiring and deeply emotive, setting exactly the right tone for the day ahead. It was a reminder that, amidst all the conversations about governance, finance, regulation and strategy, our sector is ultimately about people and impact.
Purpose, Profit and the Need to Embrace Change
One of the most thought-provoking discussions came from a panel featuring Tony Wells, Iain Heaton, Tracy Elliott and Daniel Chan MBE, who explored the ongoing tension between purpose and profit.
Two key ideas from that conversation have stayed with me.
Firstly, I believe the sector needs to become much more comfortable with the idea of making a profit. If the word itself feels uncomfortable, call it a surplus. Whatever terminology we choose, financially resilient organisations are better positioned to fulfil their missions, invest in innovation and create long-term impact. Purpose and financial sustainability should not be viewed as competing priorities; they are often mutually dependent.
Secondly, the charity sector is fundamentally about creating change. We exist to tackle challenges, improve outcomes and make things better. Yet as employees and leaders within the sector, we can sometimes find change difficult when it affects our own organisations, teams or ways of working. If change is central to our mission, perhaps we need to become more comfortable embracing it ourselves.
The Growing Alignment of Finance and Fundraising
It was also fantastic to see Sujit Peris representing fundraising and philanthropy during the afternoon programme.
One trend we’re seeing increasingly through our work at Charity People | B Corp is closer collaboration between finance and fundraising teams. This relationship has never been more important. Strong financial planning informs better fundraising strategies, while effective fundraising creates the resources that allow organisations to achieve their goals.
The most successful organisations are often those that break down traditional silos and recognise that finance and fundraising are partners in delivering impact, rather than separate functions operating independently.
The Four-Day Week in Practice
Another standout moment came from Sarah Fletcher, who shared Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s experience of implementing a four-day working week.
The conversation around flexible working is often dominated by theory, assumptions and opinion. What made this session so compelling was hearing from an organisation that has actually put the model into practice and is seeing the results firsthand.
There is clearly a broader discussion to be had about what the future of work looks like in our sector, and Sarah’s contribution demonstrated the value of being willing to challenge established norms. In truth, the topic probably deserves a blog post of its own.
Who Really Holds the Power?
The conference closed with an insightful plenary from Lord Victor Adebowale CBE, who left the audience with plenty to think about.
One reflection I took away was this: can we continue talking about empowerment without genuinely examining where power sits?
Whether we’re discussing funding, decision-making, governance or organisational structures, empowerment means more than simply involving people in conversations. It requires us to think critically about who controls resources, who makes decisions and whether existing structures genuinely support the change we want to see.
These are not easy questions, but they are important ones, not just for the charity sector, but for society more broadly.
Final Thoughts
As I travelled home, I found myself reflecting on a day filled with challenge, inspiration and learning.
The charity sector faces no shortage of pressures, from funding uncertainty to increasing demand for services. Yet conferences like CFG’s annual event serve as an important reminder of the calibre of people working across the sector and the quality of thinking being applied to its biggest challenges.
My thanks go to all the speakers, panelists and attendees who contributed throughout the day. Every conversation reinforced why so many of us are proud to work in a sector dedicated to creating positive change.
If yesterday proved anything, it’s that while the challenges are significant, so too is the ambition, creativity and determination of the people working to address them.
Nick Billingham
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