The ACF leaders forum 2024 brought together over 100 senior leaders and decision-makers from across the UK’s foundation and trust sector. The day featured thought-provoking discussions, deep dives into strategy, and meaningful exchanges on how the sector can rise to the urgent challenge of the climate and nature emergency. 

“The best ACF conference to date”
“Lots of thought-provoking discussion – really enjoyed it”
“A great day focused on a critical topic”
“I was encouraged by the level and depth of ambition and discussion”

We extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the day. Particular thanks to our inspiring speakers, Official Partners and sponsors. 

Coming soon: ACF conference 2025

Future Ready Foundations: Building Resilience, Relevance and Readiness
26 November 2025

Be the first to hear updates by viewing our conference page.

Plenary session recordings

Watch recordings of the three leaders forum plenary sessions below.

Session presentations and resources

Resources

• Learning gallery
  Our learning gallery provided a digital exhibition space for ACF members to share flash insights, ideas and case studies.
  Download the submissions  
• Addressing climate change, Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge
  In her powerful keynote speech, Baroness Brown discussed the current and future impacts of climate change and what action trusts and foundations can take.
  Download the presentation slides
• Inner Development Goals - facilitated by Amanda Powell
  More information about Inner Development Goals framework and 23 future-facing skills and qualities for leaders can be found here. 

Collaboration centres

• CC1: Making the link between missions and climate and nature - Kris Karslake, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation
  Download the session notes and the presentation slides.
• CC2: Using our power - Bonnie Hewson, Farming the Future and Sarah Benioff, Cripplegate Foundation
  Download the session notes and read Bonnie's follow-up blog.
• CC3: The unique role for trusts and foundations - Nick Addington, William Grant Foundation
  View the Miro board from the session. The session presentation slides can be downloaded.
  Nick has produced two follow-up blogs to this session. Read part 1 here and part 2 here. 
• CC4: Empowering future generations - Eli Manderson Evans, Blagrave Trust and Dr Asimina Vergou, Co-op Foundation
  Read reflections from this session in this blog.
• CC6: How to talk to your board about climate and nature - Daniela Lloyd-Williams, JAC Trust and Yasmin Ahammad, Impatience Earth
  Download the session presentation, session notes and handout.
• CC7: Convening others, holding space - Felicity Mallam, Wates Family Enterprise Trust and Jo Kerr, Turn2us
  Download the session notes here and the session handout here. 
• CC8: The climate and nature emergency, a social justice issue - Greg Hilditch, Global Greengrants Fund UK and Christine Oliver, Polden-Puckham
  Download the session notes here.
• CC9: An impactful funder community - Rachel Heydecker, ACF
  Download the session notes here.

Resources from ACF's Official Partners

• The state of the climate transition: Investor strategies - Mercer
  Download Vanessa Hodge's presentation slides from collaboration centre 10 here.
• Responsible investment - Ruffer
  Ruffer highlight their latest thought piece on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. More information from Ruffer about the environment and responsible investment can be found on their website or by contacting Asal Nolan.
• What is Good Investment? - CCLA
  CCLA aims to manage client investments in a way that aligns with their values and, for its not-for profit clients, furthers their mission. To do this they consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their listed equity investment process and go beyond the boundaries of traditional investor engagement to drive change. This short video shows how they put their Good Investment philosophy into practice and this report demonstrates how they are driving real-world change through active ownership and by engaging with companies on key issues facing society. 
• Investing for climate - what really works? - Cazenove
  Download Cazenove's follow up notes from collaboration centre 5 with Dr Ellen Quigley.

Photos from the event

ACF leaders forum 2024 was supported by our Official Partners

ACF leaders forum 2024 was kindly sponsored by:

Photo credits