We look forward to welcoming you again to our annual conference, as we celebrate Trustees' Week 2026. Organised by GoVolHerts and Hertfordshire Community Foundation, our free conference is open to all Hertfordshire trustees and will focus this year on being fit for purpose in changing times.

Hear from expert trustee speakers as they share their stories, thoughts and insights on topics including the digital/AI landscape, the key characteristics of a high impact board and thought-provoking governance discussions. With opportunities to interact and network, this is also your chance to connect with other Herts Trustees and gain practical tools to support your organisation through times of change.

Leave feeling informed inspired and confident about change.

Arrival is from 4:30pm with the official start of the conference at 5pm. The event will conclude at 7:30pm. There will be tea/coffee on arrival and light refreshments during the break.

Agenda

Speakers

Fran Borg-Wheeler

Fran Borg-Wheeler 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. Passionate about helping people and organisations thrive, Fran combines practical sector expertise with a collaborative, heart-centred approach to create lasting social impact.

Trustees in a digital world: Four Habits of High-Impact Boards: Through a practical, interactive session, Fran will explore how digital technology and AI are affecting charities and what this means for trustees. She will explore four habits of high-impact boards and apply them to real-world governance issues, including digital opportunities, cyber risk and data.

Kate Scott

Kate Scott 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.

Jess Lievesley

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.

Event Photographer

Event Imagery and Content Creator

Introduction to Volunteering

Best Practice Workshop: Marketing your Volunteer Opportunities

Hertfordshire Trustees Conference 2026

Event Photographer

Event Imagery and Content Creator

Introduction to Volunteering

Best Practice Workshop: Marketing your Volunteer Opportunities

Hertfordshire Trustees Conference 2026