Event Recap, Digital for Impact: Empowering the Charity Sector at Southwark Cathedral Library, London.
Hosted by GatenbySanderson – co-hosts: Sarah Luxford, Partner in the Digital, Data & Technology practice and Liz Dean, Principal Consultant in the Not for Profit practice.
Guest speakers and panel:
- Rakhi Rajani , Chief Information Officer, and incoming Trustee at Epilepsy Society
- David Minahan , Director of Digital, Data and Technology, Young Lives v Cancer
- Alex Butler , Chief Information Officer and Vice Chair at SafeLives
- Philip Clayson , Chief Information Officer and Trustee, The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
- Zoe Amar, Thought Leader/Consultant, Charity Digital Skills Survey
In a world where digital, data, and technology are reshaping every sector, the not-for-profit space is no exception. At our recent event hosted by GatenbySanderson, we brought together sector leaders to explore how charities can embrace digital transformation not just as a tool, but as a mindset.
11 Key Takeaways from the session:
1. The Digital Era Is Here to Stay
Digital is foundational to how we live and work. Understanding generational differences in tech use is key to inclusive strategy.
2. Everyone Is a Digital Leader
Digital transformation is a shared responsibility. It requires digital literacy and ethical awareness at every level.
3. Stay Human in a Tech-Driven World
AI should enhance—not replace—our humanity. Compassion and fairness must guide every digital decision.
4. Start with the Right Questions
Avoid “tech for tech’s sake.” Understand the problem before choosing the solution.
5. Make Data a Board-Level Conversation
Data is strategic. Boards must lead on governance, ethics, and value creation.
6. AI as a Force for Good
AI can drive innovation—but only with human oversight and ethical design.
7. Cybersecurity Starts with People
Most breaches are human-driven. Culture, training, and awareness are essential.
8. Build the Right Infrastructure
Digital success depends on scalable, secure, and resilient systems.
9. Plan for the Worst, Act with Confidence
Assume breaches will happen. Strong recovery plans protect trust and continuity.
10. Embrace Opportunity, Not Fear
Change can be empowering. With the right mindset, digital tools unlock new potential.
11. Digital as a Leveller
Technology can bridge divides—if access is equitable and inclusive.
Voices from the Room
“If Boards do not have your back, then you are on a hiding to nothing. Cyber is everyone’s responsibility.”
“We want things to work better and to do so we need to make changes to the production line. We should not be scared of the pace of change but be open minded to it.”
“If charities are only reaching 10% of the people that really need them, why aren’t we embracing tech to reach the remaining 90%?”
What’s Next?
If you’re a charity CEO, CFO, Chair, NED, or HR leader looking to shape your digital future, we’d love to continue the conversation. Please contact Sarah.Luxford@gatenbysanderson.com or Liz.Dean@gatenbysanderson.com