On 26th June 2025, the Embridge Consulting team attended the Charity Finance Group (CFG) Annual Conference in a vibrant atmosphere dedicated to the theme Strong Foundations, Lasting Impact. This flagship event united charity finance leaders, practitioners, and experts across the UK, offering insights into the future of charity finance, governance, and technology transformation.
Throughout the day, sessions tackled some of the biggest challenges and opportunities charities face today, from maintaining financial sustainability amid tightening budgets, to embracing digital transformation and nurturing a positive organisational culture. These conversations made it clear that building strong foundations is essential for charities to thrive and deliver lasting impact.
Practical applications and benefits of AI in charity finance
A major topic of discussion throughout the day was artificial intelligence, and this year, the mood around AI had noticeably shifted. Compared to previous years, there was far less scepticism and more curiosity. Rather than fearing AI as something that could replace jobs, attendees were now recognising it as a valuable tool that can help simplify tasks, increase productivity, and unlock new levels of efficiency across finance operations.
Conversations at our stand centred on the practical application of AI in finance, particularly within ERP systems like Unit4. Delegates wanted to know what standard AI capabilities are already available, what the roadmap looks like, and how they can begin to use AI in meaningful, pragmatic ways. We learned that charities are especially keen to use AI to improve forecasting, manage risks, and ensure compliance, helping them save money and optimise resources. There was also consensus that many vendors are not yet communicating the benefits and functionality of AI in a way that’s clear or accessible for non-technical users.
Overcoming common system implementation challenges in the charity sector
From our conversations with delegates at CFG, it became clear that many charities are in the middle of a big shift, moving away from their old, customised on-premise systems to cloud-based solutions. While the benefits of this transition are widely recognised, some concerns remain about the potential challenges and adjustments teams may face during the process. Managing this change was described by many delegates as one of their toughest challenges. It’s not just about adopting new software, but also about supporting people through cultural shifts and navigating internal resistance.
Alongside this, governance emerged as another concern. Delegates shared that without strong oversight and clear communication between all parties involved, such as stakeholders and suppliers, projects are running the risk of delays, unexpected costs, and missing their Go Live dates. These discussions highlighted how well-defined roles, regular progress reporting, and transparent communication are key to managing project complexity and minimising risks throughout the entire delivery process. In the same conversations, many delegates also emphasised the importance of strong, long-term partnerships – not just technical input at key stages, but ongoing collaboration and support that continues beyond the initial rollout. Building trust and ensuring continuity from the outset helps create relationships that can flex and grow as organisational needs change.
The fast pace of technological change is also creating pressure for many organisations. Continuous system updates and new features mean charities often struggle to keep up alone. Many told us they are looking for external expertise and managed services to help implement new technology effectively and ensure lasting benefits. Ultimately, this highlights the importance of trusted technology partners that provide both ongoing support and expert guidance to help charities adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Driving financial sustainability in the not-for-profit sector
Another key highlight at the CFG event was the workshop on financial sustainability, led by Sharon Bell, CEO of Services for Education. The session focused on how charities can sustain impact despite flat funding, rising operational costs, and reduced public donations. Sharon shared how her organisation has managed a deficit budget through initiatives such as securing arts recovery funding and rationalising timetabling to control costs.
She emphasised the importance of financial literacy across the organisation, encouraging regular cost reviews and courageous decisions to stop inefficient practices. A strong organisational culture and open financial communication were seen as vital to fostering a sense of belonging and responsible financial behaviour among employees.
“The workshop really drove home that financial sustainability is about more than just balancing budgets. It requires brave leadership, clear communication, strong financial literacy, and a positive culture that aligns with the charity’s mission to create lasting impact.”
Jaime Gilbert, New Business Sales Executive at Embridge Consulting
Looking Ahead After the 2025 CFG Annual Conference
Embridge Consulting is dedicated to supporting charities as they navigate ERP and digital transformation. We understand the specific technological challenges faced by charities and focus on delivering tailored, efficient solutions that align with their mission and values. At the heart of what we do is a commitment to using technology for good. We believe in creating positive impact through the tools and expertise we provide, helping organisations deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve. Beyond technology, we place strong emphasis on change management, user adoption, and building long-term capability within teams. Our work enables not-for-profits to strengthen their financial processes, improve compliance, and ultimately focus more resources on their mission and impact.
Reflecting on the 2025 Charity Finance Group Annual Conference, it was clear that finance, governance, and innovation continue to play a vital role in the success of charities. With engaging sessions, better venue flow, and greater interaction than previous years, this year’s event was a brilliant example of sector collaboration at its best. These conversations reaffirmed the importance of trusted partnerships and the ongoing need for expert guidance in transformation.
CFG once again proved to be an invaluable forum for shared learning, open dialogue, and collective support across the sector. The insights gained and connections made are a powerful reminder of the strength found in collaboration. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and the opportunity to continue these vital conversations. In the meantime, Embridge is dedicated to helping charities navigate their digital transformation journeys with tailored ERP implementation, effective change management, seamless system integration and ongoing managed services, all designed to support lasting impact and help organisations focus on what matters most.