February and May:

Trustee Training

The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) is delighted to offer a four-part professional development course for trustees delivered by subject specialists.

This course will be run twice: in February primarily for our small and medium communities and in May for our large and very large communities. If a date is not convenient for you, you may attend the other – the content is largely the same, however the discussion will be different.

1) Effective Governance

Dates: Thursday 5 February 2026 and Thursday 7 May 2026 (7-8:30pm)

Speaker: Penny Wilson, charity consultant
Penny is an inclusive charity governance consultant specialising in trustee development and board diversity across networks of charities.

Topics to include:

• Board dynamics: structure, meetings, decision-making.
• Managing key risks (e.g. safeguarding, complaints, cyber security, reputational).
• Individual roles and record-keeping (what needs to be included in minutes).
• Importance of a diverse board succession planning.

Outcome: The board will operate more smoothly, communicate more effectively and handle challenges proactively.

2) Looking Ahead – Strategy and Future Planning

Dates: Thursday 12 February 2026 and Thursday 14 May 2026 (7-8:30pm)

Speaker: Natalie Grazin, consultant
Natalie is an independent organisation and strategy consultant and executive coach with extensive experience in the charitable sector and NHS leadership roles.

Topics to include:

• Setting vision and direction as a board.
• Adapting to change: generational shifts, digital innovation, community needs.
• Strategic planning tools and models.
• Collaboration and shared services across synagogues.

Outcome: Trustees are better prepared to lead strategically and support future growth or transformation.

3) Charity Finances

Dates: Thursday 19 February 2026 and Monday 18 May 2026 (7-8:30pm)

Speaker: Adam Halsey, HaysMac
Adam is a Partner and Head of Care, Community and Housing at HaysMac, specialising in charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Topics to include:

• Key financial responsibilities of trustees.
• Interpreting charity accounts and budgets.
• Reserves and long-term financial planning.

Outcome: Trustees will feel confident in reviewing finances, irrespective of their skill set, and will understand what the right questions to ask are.

4) Understanding Your Role as a Trustee

Dates: Thursday 26 February 2026 and Thursday 28 May 2026 (7-8:30pm)

Speaker: Joanna Blackman, Wrigleys Solicitors
Joanna is an associate solicitor specialising in charity law, governance support, and trustee training for charitable organisations.

Topics to include:

• The legal duties of a trustee.
• Roles and responsibilities – what does best practice look like.
• What good governance looks like, understanding GDPR.

Outcome: Trustees will gain clarity on their core role.

5) Putting It All Together

Dates: Thursday 5 March 2026 and Thursday 4 June 2026 (7-8:30pm)

Speakers: Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky
Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy are Co-Leads of The Movement for Progressive Judaism, bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership and governance.

Outcome: Trustees will have the chance to review key learning, strengthen confidence, and integrate the tools and approaches covered across the programme.