Digital and Technology Conference 2026

As AI continues to evolve, charities are moving from experimentation to real, measurable performance gains—while also dealing with new risks and responsibilities. This opening plenary will provide a sector-wide update on how AI is reshaping charity operations in 2026, from automating routine processes to transforming donor engagement, reporting, and accessibility. We’ll explore the practical realities of implementation, from AI governance to performance management.

This session will explore how organisations can evolve from manual spreadsheets to integrated, real-time dashboards that bring together CRM, finance, and operational data for clearer, faster insights. We’ll look at practical steps for modernising data processes, from collecting and interpreting program outcomes to using cloud finance tools to improve forecasting, reporting, and audit readiness.

AI and automation are transforming core processes, and this session will explore how these technologies are reshaping workflows, redefining roles, and creating both opportunities and challenges for finance professionals. We'll discuss the skills gaps emerging in the sector and strategies for workforce redesign to ensure teams are future-ready.

This practical session will guide attendees through the key steps to get procurement right, from writing clear tenders and specifications to evaluating vendors and conducting thorough due diligence. Speakers will share real-world examples from recent procurement journeys to help you choose the right vendor for your needs.

In this session, we will share an inside look at our own digital transformation journey, including what went well and our lessons learned. You'll hear how we are modernising our finance and CRM systems, the challenges faced along the way, and the practical steps taken to ensure a smooth transition.

The 2025 Charity Digital Skills Report highlights a significant digital divide, particularly between large and small charities. This session will delve into the report's findings, and you'll gain insights into developing inclusive digital strategies, fostering leadership in digital transformation, and accessing support and funding to enhance your digital capabilities.

As AI becomes central to charity operations, strong leadership is key to using it responsibly and effectively. This session explores what good AI leadership looks like and you'll learn practical ways to build team confidence, upskill staff, and support adoption. You'll also get guidance on AI governance and ethics to safeguard data and public trust.

This session will explore the most pressing challenges in digital finance reported by finance professionals and how to over come them. We'll also highlight the practical benefits and drawbacks of digital finance, and why resistance to change persists across the sector, drawing on real-life examples from charities.

Digital projects promise transformation, but too often charities face delays, cost overruns, or outcomes that fall short of expectations. This session will unpack the most common reasons why finance, CRM, and digital systems projects go wrong. We’ll explore practical steps for getting implementation right from the start and share real-world examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how organisations can recover when things go off track.

This closing plenary will provide a timely and essential update on what the updated SORP means for charities navigating an increasingly digital and sustainability-focused reporting landscape. The session will unpack how new requirements around ESG, sustainability disclosures, and digital reporting will reshape charity accounts, and how technology can help integrate financial and non-financial data into clearer, more meaningful reporting for regulators and stakeholders.