Heather Clement, Head of Individual Giving, University of Sheffield
Jemma Gurr, Head of Regular Giving, The University of Manchester
Rich Nicholl, Senior Director Global Programmes, Strategy and Delivery, CASE
09:30 – 10:30
Opening Session - Navigating the cost-of-living crisis: What you need to know
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise
Speakers: Steven Dodds, Managing Director, Beautiful Insights
Another year, another crisis! As we all 'get back to normal' after COVID-19, the rising cost of living is having an impact on people's pockets across the country. But what are our donors really thinking? And what should we be doing about it? In our opening session, Steven will give us a unique insight into how donor sentiment and behaviour has changed - using data collected from a representative sample of donors and potential supporters. Our panel, along with Steven, will then take your questions on what steps you can take to navigate your Regular Giving programme through the cost-of-living crisis.
Speaker: Emma Simpson, Head of Regular Giving, LSE
12:10 – 13:00
Campfire conversations
Small group conversations on topics (polled in advance). Problem solving / problem sharing group
conversations (can split by area / team size / team maturity etc)
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 15:00
Breakout Sessions
Session 1 – Direct Mail 101
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship Building
Speaker: Jess Mifsud-Bonnici, Senior Development Manager (Regular and Leadership Giving), University of Leeds and Heather Clement, Head of Individual Giving, University of Sheffield
Whether you’ve never sent a Direct Mail before, or you’ve been managing them for years, this session will provide some top tips on how to make the most of every pound you spend on postage. Taking a look at who your audience is and how to empower and inspire them to give.
Session 2 - Phonathon Trends from the Future: Insights from Across the Pond
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship Building
With the significantly longer history of higher education advancement in North America, it is often the case that the present state in the US represents the future state for us here in the UK. During this session we will unpack the latest trends and movements from “across the pond”, so that you can think about them proactively, today, rather than reacting to them in the years to come. Together we will discuss “The Great Phonathon Rebrand”, the ever-evolving role of the Student Engagement Team, the rise of the Donor Experience Officer, as well as the increasing hybridisation of Annual and Mid-level Giving programmes -- all with a view to creating a more sustainable pipeline for Major Giving. “Hello? This is the future calling!”
15:00 – 15:30
Break
15:30 – 16:30
Breakout sessions
Session 1 - Big Data vs. Small Person
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship Building
Speakers: Andrew Crossley, Technical Director, Smarteezie
Big data has an answer for everything, and sometimes the answer is helpful! Sometimes it can lead us on a false trail. As we navigate away from the chaos and changes of the last few years we'll take a look at the ways big data can help and how you can recognise some of the “gotchas” to be wary of. We will look at how to balance the insights you get from Big Data with your own common sense, and how to account for the important exceptions. We'll also take a look at the broader horizon of regular giving and how to start rebuilding programs and prioritise in what is a very different world to the previous decade.
Session 2 – Embracing “Legular” Giving
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship Building
Speakers: Anna Wall, Head of Regular Giving and Legacy Giving, Imperial College London and Rosie Dale, Partner, More Partnership
This session focuses on the synergy between regular giving and legacy giving programmes and how working more closely together can help to raise the profile of both programmes, bring efficiency and improve results. Many people who give cash or regular gifts in their lifetime are the same people who go on to leave gifts in their wills. Legacy and regular giving fundraisers often face the same internal battles for resource, power and understanding. We also face the same supporter journey and data challenges, and direct marketing and stewardship are at the heart of what we all do. So why don’t we join forces? Anna and Rosie will use this session to explore the synergies between the two programmes and describe how Imperial College London has embraced “Legular Giving”.
16:40 – 17:00
Closing session / Day 1 reflections
19:00
Conference Dinner
09:00 - 09:15
Welcome to Day 2 from Conference Chairs
Heather Clement, Head of Individual Giving, University of Sheffield
Jemma Gurr, Head of Regular Giving, The University of Manchester
09:15 - 10:15
New ideas for stewardship - Presentation and Swap Shop
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship Building
Speaker: Hayley Chalmers, Donor Experience Manager, University of Sheffield and Kathy Chamberlain, Development Officer, University of Swansea
Come and find out what it's like to put stewardship first for a change. From donor events at Swansea to communications at Sheffield, Kathy and Hayley will talk you through the trials and triumphs of trying something new. This session will be followed by a stewardship Swap Shop. Bring a piece of your own stewardship along to share with others in a small group.
10:15 - 11:15
Breakout Sessions
Session 1 - Developing a leadership giving programme from scratch
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship building
Speakers: Kate Taylor, University of Leeds and Lloyd Spence, Philanthropy Manager, University of Bristol
Leadership and Mid-level Giving are often the remits for face-to-face and Major Gift fundraisers. This session will discuss the decision to bring these £500+ donors into the Regular Giving programme, along with the challenges that they have faced along the way.
Session 2 - Small shops - what's new in fundraising?
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship building
Speakers: Kristina McClendon, Deputy Director of Development, Magdalen College School
11:15 – 11:45
Break
11:45 – 12:30
Campfire conversations
Small group conversations on topics (polled in advance). Problem solving / problem sharing group conversations (can split by area / team size / team maturity etc)
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Breakout session
Was it worth it? Reflections on a Giving Day
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship building
Speakers: Paul Geddes, Alumni Giving Manager, University of Nottingham and Tom Hills, Digital Channels Manager, University of Nottingham
What began as a speculative query during the first lockdown in 2020 led to a real-world and digital odyssey for the presenters, one that challenged established working patterns, treated audiences differently and placed all that they do under a spotlight for 36 hours. Fresh from the University of Nottingham's first ever Giving Day in June this year, join Paul and Tom as they reflect – was it worth it? Could it be worth it for you?
14:30 – 15:00
Break
15:00 – 16:00
Closing session - Institutional Campaigns - what does it mean for regular giving?
Core Competencies: Industry/Sector Expertise, Relationship building
Speakers: Daniel Lawrence, Regular Giving and Legacy Manager, University of Surrey, Tom Piercy, Head of Fundraising and Community Engagement, University of York, and Emma Simpson, Head of Regular Giving, LSE
Institutional campaigns can sometimes feel overwhelming. They’re a great way of showcasing big ambitions and goals. But how can we seize the opportunities they present – and translate campaign themes into something that feels tangible for our audiences?
In this session, Tom, Daniel and Emma will share their experiences of institutional campaigns, and will answer your questions about how Regular Giving teams can make the most of being 'in campaign'.
