Join us for an interactive workshop exploring how foundations can take a more equitable approach to governance, understand the role of power in decision-making and identify opportunities to strengthen governance practices across their organisation.
Governance plays a critical role in shaping how foundations make decisions, manage risk and pursue their mission.
For trusts and foundations seeking to advance equity, governance is not simply a matter of compliance and oversight. It is also about understanding how power is exercised, whose voices are represented in decision-making, and how governance structures can support more equitable outcomes.
Designed for senior leaders and trustees, this interactive workshop will explore what an equity-informed approach to governance looks like in a philanthropic context. The session will examine the unique role and influence of grant-makers within a wider ecosystem and consider how organisational power can be used intentionally, responsibly and effectively.
Participants will explore different ways of understanding power, including the challenges of balancing accountability, responsibility and participation. The workshop will also examine a range of governance approaches and models that foundations have adopted to broaden representation, redistribute power and strengthen decision-making.
Using an equity-based governance framework, participants will consider how governance, strategy, culture and funding practice connect, and how foundations can create a more coherent and holistic approach to organisational leadership. The session will also explore how governance approaches influence attitudes to risk, particularly where organisations are seeking to work in new ways or fund communities that have traditionally faced barriers to accessing funding.
Through reflection, discussion and peer exchange, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how governance can support their organisation's equity ambitions and practical ideas for taking this work forward.
Why attend?
- Understand key concepts and current thinking around equitable governance
- Explore how power shapes governance and decision-making within foundations
- Learn about governance models that seek to broaden participation and redistribute power
- Consider how governance, strategy, culture and funding practice are connected
- Reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing foundation boards and leadership teams
- Identify practical actions to strengthen equity through governance structures and processes
Who should attend?
This workshop is designed for foundation trustees, CEOs, senior leaders and others with responsibility for governance, organisational strategy or decision-making.
Speakers
Yasmeen Akhtar and Julia Oertli, Inchange
Event details
Date: Thursday 5 November 2026
Time: 10.00 am – 1 pm
Format: Online
Level: Intermediate/advanced
Price for ACF members: £100
Price for non-members: £200 - non-members are welcome to attend this event if they meet the criteria for ACF membership.
ACF spaces bring together our wonderful and diverse community, and our intention is to create an atmosphere that is both inclusive and respectful. We are also committed to making this event accessible to everyone.
You can find out more about our Principles of engagement here.
If you would like to discuss access requirements, please contact [email protected].
This event is part our 2026 DEI learning series. Other events in the series include Equitable funding practice (8 October) and Accountability and stakeholder engagement (3 December).