Charities are being challenged to think ahead. Over 150 people from voluntary, community and faith groups across Surrey went to St Saviour’s Church, Guildford for our annual conference titled The Next Decade.

Following an introduction from Surrey’s High Sheriff Professor Michael Joy, OBE, a panel of expert speakers from the public sector and civil society analysed the current political and economic climate and its effect on the operational and financial strategies of voluntary organisations. These included David McNulty, CEO at Surrey County Council.

The key theme was looking at alternative ways to maximise resources, whilst reducing dependancy on traditional grant streams, whether through social investments, cost-reduction , partnerships or social enterprise opportunities. There were 6 practical seminars on offer, an exhibition as well as the chance to listen to the guest lecture from Vicky Westhorp, Policy Manager, Local Intelligence Team, Office for Civil Society, Cabinet Office.

Peter Arnold, Head of Development said, “Overall we were delighted with the turnout. People were networking, sharing ideas and looking at the future of the sector”.