South: Paris Smith attracts 300 delegates to charity forum
Regional law firm Paris Smith LLP held its fifth annual Charity Forum conference bringing together 300 delegates from the region's charities to share advice and ideas.
Geoff Holt MBE DL and Lady Edwina Grosvenor were among the keynote speakers sharing their experiences in the charity sector at the event at Southampton Football Club, which this year had the theme of ‘Leadership and Governance with Integrity’.
The firm, currently celebrating its 200th anniversary, created the Charity Forum in 2012 to champion the free exchange of information and ideas between chief executives and trustees of charities. This enables charities to overcome barriers and find tried and tested solutions allowing charities to become more efficient and effective.
Nick Vaughan, senior partner and head of charities at Paris Smith said: “The Charity Forum has proven an invaluable source for charities over the years and allows organisations to consider other’s experiences and create a real community of sharing to benefit everyone where possible. It’s free to join the forum and our annual conference is also free of charge, providing a wonderful opportunity to be inspired by others and apply it to improve various aspects of a charity’s business.”
Paul Gaffney, CEO of the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) shared how his business expertise has helped DMWS transform into a diverse business with multiple contracts providing medical welfare provision in established and new business areas.
Fundraising consultant Richard Turner of iFundraiser discussed how important leadership is for great fundraising with Dr Chris Tuffnell of the Royal Agricultural Society following to tell delegates how challenging times require difficult decisions to be made and how vital leadership is during those times.
Geoff Holt, chairman and chief executive of Wetwheels shared how patrons can and do play a vital role for charities, how best to find the right one for your organisation and getting the most out of the relationship.
The conference concluded with the inspirational Lady Edwina Grosvenor, founder and chair of One Small Thing, sharing her vast experience and passion for prison reform, where leadership is crucial to enable change.
Paris Smith was earlier this year announced as runner up for the UK Best Charity Law Firm award in the 2018 Third Sector Awards for its Charity Forum. The Third Sector Awards recognises those who give back to the community, and celebrates organisations and social leaders from across the sector.
