Date: 22nd October 2026
Time: 10:00am-11.15am UK
Duration: 1 hr 15min (60min content + 15min Q&A)
Format: Live Online
Course Type: On The Pulse
For: Researchers, Fundraisers, Directors - UK, US, International
Family trusts are an important and growing part of the UK philanthropic landscape, directing significant levels of private wealth into charitable giving. But what does a family trust actually look like from the inside? Why do families establish them, how are funding decisions made, and how should we engage them?
In this session, Greg and Elfreda will share their own real-world philanthropic journey, from their careers and building a successful business through to establishing and developing the Bagheera Trust.
We’ll explore what motivates families to formalise their philanthropy, how priorities and approaches to giving develop, how decisions are made, and what this means for fundraisers and researchers seeking to understand and build relationships with family trusts.
This is a real opportunity to hear directly from two experienced and active major gift philanthropists!
Key Topics
From business success to philanthropy
Why establish a family trust?
Developing purpose and philanthropic interests
How funding decisions are made
Finding and choosing the right partners
How best to engage a family trust
What fundraisers and researchers should know
All fundraising professionals from prospect researchers, prospect development teams, fundraisers for individual giving and trusts and foundations teams.
Greg Watson
Greg has been chief executive of three education businesses, the last of which provided online assessment tools for schools to use to help every student reach their potential. He chairs two fast-growing educational technology businesses. He is Vice-Chair of the National Youth Choir and chair of the charity arm of the Gesualdo Six, a classical choral ensemble. His two other greatest passions are a noisy one (singing in a local choir) and a quiet one (super-cryptic crosswords).
Elfreda Tealby-Watson
Elfreda studied modern history at university, with a particular interest in UK & USA international relations. She has combined a part-time career in politics and community activism with her business interests in property. She has a long-standing commitment to supporting action for human rights and social justice. She has been trustee of several charities at a local level, and currently volunteers at a leading NHS hospital trust. Elfreda took a foundation diploma in Fine Art and Design and enjoys varied cultural activities.
Em Sequeira, Session Chair, PyroTalks CIC
Em has experience leading and establishing prospect research functions at major charitable organisations, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation and the University of York. She has grown pipelines across Individual, Corporate and Trust & Foundation fundraising, helping high-value fundraising teams build strong and sustainable prospect pipelines and increase income. Her experience also includes gift acceptance, due diligence, campaign planning and improving organisational processes, and she has spoken at both the RiF and CASE Development Services conferences. Outside of work, Em is a Trustee of the Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust, a RiF Conference volunteer and chapter contributor, and an avid sailor.
Recordings available, though we encourage all participants to attend live as much as possible.
Duo or Flex-Team Tickets - you do not need to provide names at booking, an open link will be sent to share with your team
Upon booking you will automatically receive two emails, a receipt of purchase & joining Instructions. Please do check spam folders. If you have booked for others, please share with them.
Includes Handout + Access to Recording for up to 1 month.
Concession tickets ideally for charities with 1m or less income, though any organisation with restricted training budget is welcome to select this option
Courses are primarily for charities and not for profits, though please contact us for corporate ticket options.
All funds raised go back into the CIC aims.
Date: 22nd October 2026
Time: 10:00am-11.15am UK
Duration: 1 hr 15min (60min content + 15min Q&A)
Format: Live Online
Course Type: On The Pulse
For: Researchers, Fundraisers, Directors - UK, US, International
Family trusts are an important and growing part of the UK philanthropic landscape, directing significant levels of private wealth into charitable giving. But what does a family trust actually look like from the inside? Why do families establish them, how are funding decisions made, and how should we engage them?
In this session, Greg and Elfreda will share their own real-world philanthropic journey, from their careers and building a successful business through to establishing and developing the Bagheera Trust.
We’ll explore what motivates families to formalise their philanthropy, how priorities and approaches to giving develop, how decisions are made, and what this means for fundraisers and researchers seeking to understand and build relationships with family trusts.
This is a real opportunity to hear directly from two experienced and active major gift philanthropists!
Key Topics
From business success to philanthropy
Why establish a family trust?
Developing purpose and philanthropic interests
How funding decisions are made
Finding and choosing the right partners
How best to engage a family trust
What fundraisers and researchers should know
All fundraising professionals from prospect researchers, prospect development teams, fundraisers for individual giving and trusts and foundations teams.
Greg Watson
Greg has been chief executive of three education businesses, the last of which provided online assessment tools for schools to use to help every student reach their potential. He chairs two fast-growing educational technology businesses. He is Vice-Chair of the National Youth Choir and chair of the charity arm of the Gesualdo Six, a classical choral ensemble. His two other greatest passions are a noisy one (singing in a local choir) and a quiet one (super-cryptic crosswords).
Elfreda Tealby-Watson
Elfreda studied modern history at university, with a particular interest in UK & USA international relations. She has combined a part-time career in politics and community activism with her business interests in property. She has a long-standing commitment to supporting action for human rights and social justice. She has been trustee of several charities at a local level, and currently volunteers at a leading NHS hospital trust. Elfreda took a foundation diploma in Fine Art and Design and enjoys varied cultural activities.
Em Sequeira, Session Chair, PyroTalks CIC
Em has experience leading and establishing prospect research functions at major charitable organisations, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation and the University of York. She has grown pipelines across Individual, Corporate and Trust & Foundation fundraising, helping high-value fundraising teams build strong and sustainable prospect pipelines and increase income. Her experience also includes gift acceptance, due diligence, campaign planning and improving organisational processes, and she has spoken at both the RiF and CASE Development Services conferences. Outside of work, Em is a Trustee of the Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust, a RiF Conference volunteer and chapter contributor, and an avid sailor.
Recordings available, though we encourage all participants to attend live as much as possible.
Duo or Flex-Team Tickets - you do not need to provide names at booking, an open link will be sent to share with your team
Upon booking you will automatically receive two emails, a receipt of purchase & joining Instructions. Please do check spam folders. If you have booked for others, please share with them.
Includes Handout + Access to Recording for up to 1 month.
Concession tickets ideally for charities with 1m or less income, though any organisation with restricted training budget is welcome to select this option
Courses are primarily for charities and not for profits, though please contact us for corporate ticket options.
All funds raised go back into the CIC aims.
