Embrace Finance x SCAN
Finance doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In the two sessions below we aim to introduce you to the wonderful world of finance and prompt us to think through what it is we are trying to acheive financially.
These introductory sessions are perfect for:
- Staff or trustees who are new to managing charity finances.
- Experienced professionals looking to reflect on their current practice.
- Anyone keen to connect with peers facing similar challenges in similar organisations.
Each session goes back to the essentials, helping you understand the key finance jobs that keep your charity sustainable and resilient. Expect a friendly, practical, and collaborative environment where you can learn, share, and grow your confidence in managing charity finances.
An introduction to finance for small charities
29 January 2026, 10-12.50
Finance doesn’t have to be a mystery. In fact, we have just three jobs:
- Getting on top of the recording so that we know what the numbers are
- Getting on top of the reporting so that we know what the numbers mean, and
- Getting on top of the financial decision making to lead with financial confidence
In this session we introduce the finance cycle and how to record and report financial information for purposeful, resilient financial decision making. The exact nature of what we need differs from small charity to small charity but most will need at least a version of the following:
- A finance cycle so that we know what the numbers are
- A monthly finance pack so that we can understand what the numbers mean
- A finance plan so that we can use the numbers to help us decide what to do
In our experience, those charities that manage the finances best in their small charity - and in doing so really build their financial resilience - get on top of and stay on top of the numbers. They set aside - and stick to - one to two days per month. Half looking backwards, half looking forwards. We know this can be tricky. Things get in the way. Whatever it is that gets in the way for you, never let one spreadsheet stop you changing the world.
What you can expect:
- Content specific to smaller charities
- Breakout time to connect and reflect
- A self assessment activity
- A supportive environment in which to learn and ask questions
What you leave with:
- A slidedeck
- A pre recorded version to watch again later
- A worksheet
- A peer network
Who delivers this session:
This session is delivered by Liz Pepler. Liz is a charity resilience specialist, founder of Embrace Finance and co-founder of the Small Charity Friendly Collective. Liz is co-author of Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Organisational Resilience framework, co-author of the Association of Chair's Financial Leadership in Small Charities and finance trainer for NCVO. Liz is a practicing member at the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers, holds a Masters in Charity Accounting and Financial Management (Dist) and a PG Certificate in Charity Administration. Liz is a fellow of the RSA.
Content:
These materials will be available for two weeks after the session. Please make sure you download what you need. All our content is provided on a Creative Commons License. In short, this means that you are free to use these with the original branding and on a non commercial basis.
Introduction to reserves for small charities
12 February 2026, 10-12.50
We will introduce the concept of reserves and explore why they are crucial for our financial resilience. We will cover what is required of us by the Charity Commission, how to calculate what we actually have, how to determine how much we need and what a good policy looks like. We’ll also discuss why reserves are essential for financial stability and what to do when building reserves is a challenge. This session is perfect for leaders looking to build longer term financial resilience.
What we'll cover
- How to calculate and set a target amount for your charity’s reserves
- How to write a clear and effective reserves policy for your organization
- Why reserves are key to charity resilience and what to do when you can’t build them
- Top tips and common pitfalls to avoid
Learning Outcomes:
- Calculate an appropriate level of reserves for their charity
- Write a clear and effective reserves policy
- Understand why reserves are vital for financial resilience and explore options when building reserves isn't immediately possible
What you can expect:
- Content specific to smaller charities
- Breakout time to connect and reflect
- A self assessment activity
- A supportive environment in which to learn and ask questions
What you leave with:
- A slidedeck
- A pre recorded version to watch again later
- A worksheet
- A peer network
Who delivers this session:
This session is delivered by Liz Pepler.
Liz is a charity resilience specialist, founder of Embrace Finance and co-founder of the Small Charity Friendly Collective. Liz is co-author of Lloyds Bank Foundation’s Organisational Resilience framework, co-author of the Association of Chair's Financial Leadership in Small Charities and finance trainer for NCVO.
Liz is a practicing member at the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers, holds a Masters in Charity Accounting and Financial Management (Dist) and a PG Certificate in Charity Administration. Liz is a fellow of the RSA.
