Spotlight 2024

In November 2024, we explored the theme of ‘Culture, communications and controversy’ at our annual charity conference. From managing differences in your organisation to speaking up and speaking out with confidence when it matters, there were lots of practical tips and insights to take away from the day. We were joined by Thangam Debbonaire who gave the opening address and representatives from Shakespeare’s Globe, Freedom from Torture, the National Trust and more. Watch the panel sessions on demand below.

Opening address and panel sessions

Opening address from Thangam Debbonaire

Managing, harnessing and embracing difference

This session looked at positively engaging with controversial or divisive issues and was hosted by Erica Crump (Partner, Bates Wells). Our panellists included Fadi Itani OBE (Chief Executive Officer, Muslim Charities Forum), Joss Saunders (General Counsel and Company Secretary, Oxfam GB), Sabien Khan (Associate General Counsel, Wellcome Trust) and Lucy McLynn (Partner, Bates Wells).

Speaking up and speaking out

This session considered the opportunities and risks of being bold in the public debate. The panel was hosted by Suhan Rajkumar (Senior Associate, Bates Wells) and our panellists included Stella Kanu (Chief Executive, Shakespeare’s Globe), Sonya Sceats (Chief Executive, Freedom from Torture), Craig Bennett (Chief Executive Officer, The Wildlife Trusts) and Jan Lasik (General Counsel and Secretary, National Trust).

Legal panel Q&A

We hosted an audience Q&A session giving the chance to ask our legal experts questions across a range of topics including charity law, employment, real estate, litigation and data & privacy. This panel was hosted by Philip Kirkpatrick (Partner, Bates Wells) and our Bates Wells panellists included Karli Hiscock (Partner), Leticia Jennings (Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution & Litigation), Rachel Mathieson (Partner), Jean Tsang (Partner and Head of Education), Rayhaan Vankalwala (Senior Associate).

You May Also Be Interested In

Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 18 June

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Charity Commission Updated guidance on raising concerns The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on raising a concern with the Commission (CC47). The press release …
Read more

Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 11 June

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Charity Commission We reported a few weeks ago that the Charity Commission’s guidance CC30, Finding and appointing new trustees, has been updated. We’ve reviewed the …
Read more

Using the law to create change – a new guide for charities and campaigning groups

In partnership with NEON, this new guide explains how your organisation can use the law to create meaningful change. Legal action is rarely enough to drive systemic change on its own, but the law can be a powerful tool for purpose-driven organisations, especially when combined with other tactics within a broader campaign strategy. The guide …
Read more

Webinar | Understanding the practical implications of the For Women Scotland Supreme Court judgment | 23 June at 3pm

With an enormous amount of public discourse and media coverage following the recent Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd -v- The Scottish Ministers, organisations are trying to discern what practical actions they may need to take as a result.   In this session, our Dispute Resolution, Employment and Charity teams will cover: Register …
Read more

Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 3 June

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Sanctions To strengthen the sanctions regime, the government is proposing changes to help sanctions whistleblowers qualify for statutory whistleblowing protection when disclosing information about breaches …
Read more