Agenda
| Time | Event description |
| 16:30 | Arrival; refreshments available |
| 17:00 |
Welcome & opening words Katie Spencer-Smith, Head of Training & Development at HCF |
| 17:10 |
"Trustees in a digital world: Four habits of High Impact Boards" Fran Borg-Wheeler, Charity coach, trainer & consultant |
| 18:10 | Networking break; refreshments available |
| 18:40 |
"Leading Through Growth" Trustee speaker Kate Scott, Chair of Herts Welcomes Refugees |
| 19.00 |
"Leading Major Change" Trustee speaker Jess Lievesley, Chair of Hertfordshire Mind Network |
| 19:20 |
Closing words Emily Butterworth; Volunteering Development lead at GoVolHerts |
| 19:30 |
Event finishes |
Keynote Speaker
Fran Borg-Wheeler, Charity Coach, Trainer & Consultant
Fran is a trustee, ex-CEO, charity coach, trainer and consultant, with extensive experience supporting charities and purpose-driven organisations to strengthen their leadership, strategy, and impact.
She works with charity leaders and boards to navigate change, build resilient organisations, and develop confident, values-led leadership. Fran combines practical sector expertise with a collaborative, heart-centred approach to create lasting social impact.
Fran will lead an engaging and interactive session around how effective boards operate, as well as the impact of digital/AI advances in on the trustee role.
Trustee Speaker
Kate Scott, Chair of Herts Refugees
Kate has been a trustee of Herts Welcomes Refugees since 2019 and became Chair in 2026. A former City solicitor, she retired in 2018 and has since volunteered her time to support refugees and asylum seekers across Hertfordshire.
Kate will be sharing her insight about how she has helped HWR grow from a small volunteer-led charity into a larger, more complex organisation.
She has supported the development of the charity's strategy, governance and partnerships, helping build the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth while ensuring the charity remains true to its mission of supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.
Trustee Speaker
Jess Lievesley, Chair of Hertfordshire Mind Network
Jess is the Chair of Hertfordshire Mind Network, with a mission to improve mental health and wellbeing across local communities. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer of North London NHS Foundation Trust, he is a registered Mental Health Nurse with over three decades of experience in mental health services.
Jess has led large-scale service transformation, operational improvement and organisational change. He combines professional expertise with personal lived experience as a long-term carer for a close family member with severe mental illness. He is a strong advocate for co-production, recognising the importance of involving patients, carers and communities in the design and delivery of services.
In 2026 Hertfordshire Mind Network merged with Mind in Mid Herts enabling a more consistent, coordinated and accessible offer of mental health support for people across Hertfordshire. Jess will share his experiences in leading this reorganisation to create a new structure more fit for the future.
Feedback from Hertfordshire Trustees' Conference 2025
100% of attendees said they came away with practical learning to use in their organisation.
“Thought the evening was a well organised event, with interesting and helpful presentations, with information that will be useful to myself and my colleague trustee's in our work. Also appreciated the opportunity to meet and discuss with other trustees.”
“Great speakers covering areas you maybe hadn't thought about i as your role as trustee. Good opportunities to discuss issues and share experience in smaller groups”
“Please give us more of the same!”
“I had the opportunity to network with many other trustee's from local charities, gaining knowledge and sharing experiences. I found the presentation from Leah Selinger very useful; learning from her experience in governance. Thank you for a great event; I look forward to next year's!”
