Governing with a difference – what can we learn?

Registration from 6 pm. 

Those of us who lead charities are continually asking how we can do it better. This seems especially important when the challenges seem so great.  How do we deal with complex and entrenched problems; when we have limited resources, unequal power and a climate of distrust and division?  Some see governance as part of the problem, some see it as sadly irrelevant, while some see it as part of the solution.  This session brings together people who are doing governance differently. Our aim is to hear about different approaches and together explore what we might learn from each other.

We are delighted to have speakers who bring a varied range of experience, perspectives and insight. The approaches taken by their organisations range from community organising to online democracy to a whole systems approach.  Join us for a lively and thought-provoking session exploring governance with a difference.

Speakers

Myron Rogers, Chair of Lankelly Chase Foundation. Myron is renowned for his pioneering work applying systems theory to the practical needs of today’s complex issues and organizations. His work has influenced people around the world who are taking more holistic, systemic approaches, and who are working to engage the intelligence of the whole system in changing itself. Myron is the co-author of the award-winning and best-selling A Simpler Way. He is also known for Myron’s Maxims. In 2011 the Lankelly Chase Foundation undertook a radical review of its purpose and mission. It decided that many of the issues it was trying to target were created by deep systemic problems, both in the structure of society but also in the way that all sectors had sought to respond to them. It also concluded that a foundation trying to promote change in a complex field couldn’t stay the same itself, and would have to remodel itself.  You could read more about Lankelly Chase’s approach and some reflections from Julian Corner, CEO on what it means for its governance too.

Dr. Kaneez Shaid MBE, Chair of trustees Citizen’s UK.  Shaneed has been working in a variety of roles, towards improving the lives of 14 to 19 year olds in  London’s most socially deprived areas, including helping the Olympics create jobs for young people.  As a trustee of Citizens UK, she helped create City Safe Havens to protect vulnerable youth caught up in gang violence. Citizens UK believes that people who feel powerless, isolated or exploited must organise and take power to change the world for the better. It holds thousands of face to face conversations each year, listening to people in the community, coaching and training leaders, and organising assemblies with hundreds, or thousands, of participants and political power holders to win the change people wish to see in their community. Citizen’s UK  diverse member organisations include schools, churches, mosques, synagogues, parents groups, health practice, charities and trade unions.

Srabani Sen is a campaigner by background, Srabani has had an extensive leadership career in the not-for-profit sector. She has been the CEO of 3 organisations: Alcohol Concern, Contact a Family and the British Association for Adoption and Fostering. She has more than 25 years’ Board experience and is currently Chair of two not-for-profits: campaigning organisation 38 Degrees and children and young people’s charity The Winch. In 2014 she set up a consultancy specialising in supporting not-for-profit organisations on leadership, strategy and organisational development, working at Board and senior leadership level. In summer 2019 she launched a new organisation called Full Colour www.fullclr.com which helps organisations develop inclusive leaders and cultures, and develops emerging leaders from racially diverse backgrounds. Srabani was awarded an OBE for her services to children and families.

38 Degrees is an online campaigning organisation, involving more than 2 million people from every corner of the UK.  Members across the UK help decide which campaigns are worked on, guided by 38 degrees values.  (38’ is the angle at which a pile of snow becomes an avalanche.)

Philip Kirkpatrick, Deputy Managing Partner and Head of Charity at Bates Wells, specialises in governance issues, and always recognises that these are human as well as legal matters. He particularly enjoys finding a way through difficult problems. Drawing on his broad and deep experience he has a good insight into the way in which the legal framework shapes governance and culture, and its impact when developing new approaches to governance.

Timings

6:00pm – Registration and refreshments

6.30pm – Panel Discussion – Chaired by Danny Curtin

8:00pm – Drinks reception and networking

9:00 pm – Close

We are very grateful to CCLA, one of the UK’s leading investment managers for charities, religious organisations and the public sector for generously hosting this event.