South-east discussion forum focuses on ‘Managing trustee relationships’

The South East Charity Forum, a discussion forum for charity chief executives, will focus on ‘Managing trustee relationships’ at its next meeting in September.

The forum was launched recently to enable charity chiefs in the south-east to discuss ideas and share opinions on key topics and concerns in the sector. Peter Hepburn, CEO of Cats Protection, will chair the meeting, which will look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Board of Trustee structure that lies at the heart of all charities and the tools CEOs can use to manage this relationship.

Peter said: “Trustees are a special group of volunteers, with some of the same skills and needs that other volunteers offer. Moreover, for CEOs, they are the boss. So being able to manage this strategic and often personal relationship could enhance a charity’s performance significantly.”

David Montgomery, partner at Kingston Smith LLP, said: “Feedback from the two discussion forums held earlier this year has been excellent. Because members of the forum decide on the topics to be discussed, they can ensure that the subjects are of interest and relevance to them.”

The South East Charity Forum builds on the vision of D’Arcy Myers, chief executive of Wessex Heartbeat, and has been developed with the support of asb law and Kingston Smith LLP. The two established professional services firms in the region have expertise in the charity sector and have pooled resources to facilitate the forum.

Membership of the South East Charity Forum is open to chief executives of charities in the region with an income in excess of £500,000 and by invitation only.

Forthcoming event
Date: 29 September 2010
Topic: Managing trustee relationships
Chair: Peter Hepburn, chief executive of Cats Protection
Location: The National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, RH17 7TT

For further information, contact:
David Montgomery, partner at Kingston Smith LLP
Tel: 01737 779000
Email: dmontgomery@kingstonsmith.co.uk

Margaret Craton, partner at asb law
Tel: 01293 603655
Email: margaret.craton@asb-law.com

PR enquiries:
Layisha Laypang
Tel: 020 7566 3574
Email: llaypang@kingstonsmith.co.uk