Spotlight 2023

In November 2023, we were joined by over 400 delegates and a host of leaders and thinkers from across the charity sector to explore how the current landscape might shape some of the key themes for the sector over the next few years. On this page you will find resources from the day including panel session recordings and updates from our Employment, Real Estate and Charity teams.

Panel sessions

Accepting and refusing donations

In the social media era of constant scrutiny, charities have arguably never had to be so aware of reputational issues. But charities are also dealing with depleted reserves, decreased donations, and often increased demand from beneficiaries. This debate focused on the thorny issues of accepting and refusing donations.

This session was hosted by Laura Soley (Partner, Bates Wells) and our panellists included Jenny Waldman (Director, Art Fund), Amy Cody (Director of Development, Shakespeare’s Globe), Alexandra Johnstone (Legal Director, United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF) and Camilla Fitzgerald (Philanthropy Manager, ClientEarth).

The charity workplace in 2024: tackling the key issues

Following the biggest shift in workplace culture in a generation, charities are now grappling with a fresh range of HR challenges, from promoting inclusivity, balancing competing needs and interests, to dealing with unions and a workforce that is struggling with the cost of living crisis. The Bates Wells Employment team discussed the hot button issues and how best to tackle them.

Read a summary of this session

What does the non-profit sector want and need from the next five years?

After a tumultuous three years of unprecedented challenges and with the 2024 general election on the horizon, we were joined by charity sector leaders to consider what the next five years should look like, what is at stake from a policy perspective, and what urgent changes need to be ushered in.

This panel session was hosted by Sung-Hyui Park and our panellists included Dame Caroline Mason (Chief Executive, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation), Matt Whittaker (Chief Executive, Pro Bono Economics), Dr. Ruth Valerio (Global Advocacy and Influencing Director, Tearfund) and Molly Carew-Jones (Senior Associate, Bates Wells).

Extra resources

Real-estate update – watch on demand

Daniel Farrow, Solicitor in our Real Estate team, shares practical advice on aligning your property strategy with your operational strategy as well as an update on recent real estate law developments including changes to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for landlords and tenants.

Charity campaigning law update – watch on demand

Suhan Rajkumar, Senior Associate in our Politics, Elections and Campaigning team, provides practical commentary on campaigning law for charities including an overview and practical examples of the application of CC9, the Lobbying Act and PPERA.

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