Charities need to adapt or they could die – that is one of the messages for delegates at the inaugural Thrive Third Sector conference, taking place at Heartlands on Friday, March 13.
A schedule of speakers from across the UK including Jon Sparkes, CEO of homeless charity Crisis, will cover a range of topics designed to help charities survive at what is a time of change.
Sparkes of Crisis, who has also held roles as COO of Unicef UK and CEO of Scope, warns: “For many charities throughout Cornwall and beyond, I believe that adapting to survive the next five years will be critical.
“More people need our help because austerity has many casualties, and at the same time Cornish charities are being expected to pick up short falls in public services as local authorities face huge funding cuts. So the pressure on charities is coming from all sides.
“On top of that there is greater competition for funds as charities of all sizes look to voluntary income to plug the gaps, while the real incomes of the people we rely on for donations have fallen for several years.
“Doom and gloom maybe, and yes it is likely there will be charity casualties.
“Now is our time to step up, adapt, change and ensure the public continues to trust us to deliver life-saving and life-changing services for everyone who needs us.”
The conference, sponsored by Bishop Fleming Accountants and Stephens Scown solicitors, is supported by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum, The Engine Room and Unlocking Potential.
Organised by MPAD and Mackerel Sky Events, tickets are priced at £45.
