EventsNewsOCFThe doors to the Oxford Union debating chamber, with signs on the left and right saying "NOES" and "AYES" respectively

The Thames Valley Philanthropy Fellowship, in partnership with the Oxford Union, is holding a forum debate in the main chamber of the historic Oxford Union on Wednesday 26 February 2014. This event has been kindly sponsored by the CCLA.

We will explore charity and philanthropy through lively, engaging and controversial debate around the motion: “This house believes that charity creates dependency and maintains inequalities in our society”.

We see this as a great opportunity to look at what charity really means and how its effects impact individuals and the society in which we live, both positively and negatively. The forum will be chaired by a senior officer of the Oxford Union, and within this style of debating there will be plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions and voice your opinion.

Our panel is drawn from the world of business, media, the voluntary sector and sport. Joining us will be:

  • Sir Stuart Hampson, businessman and philanthropist, ex-chair of the John Lewis Partnership and current High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire
  • Martyn Lewis CBE, broadcaster and journalist, chairman of NCVO, YouthNet, Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee and Families Of The Fallen
  • Professor Greg Whyte OBE, Olympian pentathlete, sports scientist and trainer to a number of celebrities for their charity sporting challenges
  • Sanjay Dighe, Honorary Chair at Third Sector Potential, Chair of the London Audience Panel at BBC Trust and former Chair of The Big Lottery Fund’s England Committee and a member of its UK Board

Tickets for this event are free and we look forward to meeting you at what will be a lively and interesting debate.

Book your free ticket