The Voluntary Sector Communications Conference 2022

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, communication strategies within the voluntary sector have had to change significantly to maintain strong relationships with supporters and beneficiaries in a fast-changing and often chaotic communications environment. This has involved developing new strategies to support campaigns for much-needed funding, strengthening digital channels, and adapting internal communications to promote staff wellbeing.

Digital communication has become more important, however in a 2021 survey, 53% of respondents said the biggest communications challenge facing charities is producing digital content, highlighting the challenges still facing charities in connecting with their target audiences. As charities develop post-Covid-19 organisational objectives, robust new communications strategies will be essential to achieve these goals.

• In 2021, public trust in charities reached a score of 6.4 out of 10, compared with a score of 6.7 in 2014
• In a 2021 survey, 66% of respondents said the biggest barriers to effective communications are costs and a lack of budget
• 18% of the UK population have taken part in a social media fundraiser since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic
• 50% of communications teams have found their ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders has improved since March 2020

Join us at The Voluntary Sector Communications Conference 2022 to hear the latest initiatives and collaborative approaches to communicating as a charity. This conference will address real concerns for voluntary organisations in utilising digital approaches to communication strategies. You will be able to share your experiences and challenges faced in developing and delivering communication strategies through networking, engaging with best practice case studies, and sharing ideas for moving forward.

Why Attend:
✓ High-level keynotes on the latest challenges including improving public perceptions of voluntary organisations and crisis communications
✓ Listen and learn from case studies from leading experts in developing and delivering communication strategies
✓ Networking opportunities with speakers and delegates from across the voluntary sector
✓ 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota

This is a live event taking place online:
✓ Access a full live event with 8 hours of CPD points from home
✓ Network and connect with colleagues in breakout networking sessions and the meeting hub
✓ Interact with speakers through live Q&A and networking
✓ Review event materials and presentations post-event
✓ Receive additional resources to boost your learning and support you in your role

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

• 09.00

  Online Registration

• 09.50

  Chair’s Welcome Address

  Jamie Angus, Organisational Development and Engagement Manager, PDSA (CONFIRMED)

• 10.05

  Keynote: Supporting People with Lived Experience to Carry Out Safe and Strategic Media Work

  • Tools and resources for supporting people with first hand experience of issues from sexual abuse to poverty to have positive and impactful experiences with media
  • Key insights into ensuring that stories about social issues land well, focus on structural issues that have solutions, and don’t leave audiences feeling fatalistic
  • Tips on engaging media professionals behind the scenes, from soaps to news teams

  Nathalie McDermott, Founder and Chief Executive, On Road Media (CONFIRMED)

• 10.30

  Case Study: Tailoring Communication Strategies to Improve Engagement with Charity Beneficiaries

  • Identifying and reaching out to potential beneficiaries to improve engagement with charity services
  • Guidance in establishing conversations with beneficiaries to identify priorities for services
  • Ensuring service users are able to fully engage with virtual services and communications: lessons from Covid-19
  • Developing sensitive approaches to communicating with service users with adverse experiences

  Nicki Strong, Head of Communications and Marketing, Racing Welfare (CONFIRMED)

• 10.55

  Questions & Answers Session

• 11.15

  Comfort Break

• 11.40

  Case Study: Creating Engaging Social Media Strategies to Reach a Wider Audience

  • Tools and resources to establish a social media presence and upskill communications staff
  • Using social media to interact with younger supporters and increase brand awareness
  • Best practice in using small media budgets to raise organisation profile online
  • Incorporating social media into fundraising initiatives to deliver fully digital appeals
  • Engaging with senior management to secure buy-in for expanding social media strategies

  Athar Abidi, Head of Social Media, British Heart Foundation (CONFIRMED)

• 12.00

  Case Study: Designing Communication Strategies to Generate Public Interest in Charity Campaigns

  • Determining objectives for campaigns to measure success, such as raising awareness or increasing visits to a website
  • Using research to provide evidence to underpin campaign communications
  • Tailoring content for media and digital formats to improve reach
  • Tips for making the most of funding and contacts to achieve campaign goals
  • Building momentum for future campaigns by celebrating supporters’ involvement in campaign successes

  Julie Roberts, Associate Director, Supporter Engagement, Data Strategy & Innovation, Pancreatic Cancer UK (CONFIRMED)

  Anna Frodsham, Head of Marketing and Communications, Pancreatic Cancer UK (CONFIRMED)

• 12.20

  Case Study: Engagement for All: Embedding Diversity and Inclusion into Charity Communications

  • Embedding inclusive language into communication resources to avoid marginalising target groups
  • Consulting with beneficiaries to inform language choices and tone when communicating with stakeholders
  • Creating communication teams with diverse lived experiences: key recruitment and retention tips
  • Key advice on using inclusive and diverse graphics to create a welcoming message

  Pip Gardner, Chief Executive, The Kite Trust (CONFIRMED)

• 12.40

  Questions & Answers Session

• 13.00

  Chair’s Summary and Close

  *Programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend?

Delegates who will have an interest in this event will be people who work in the Voluntary Sector.

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

✓ Network with key decision makers across the Voluntary Sector
✓ Meet your target audience in the Sector
✓ Listen and Learn from leading industry experts across the Sector
✓ Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
✓ Speak alongside industry leading experts
✓ Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:

Strategic Headline Sponsor:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
• Post show inclusion on presentation email
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
• 5 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Speaker Pass

Key Supporter Package:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or Chair Drop
• 1 Speaker Pass
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes

Exhibition Stand:

• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Stand Manager Pass

Insert or Chair Drop:

• 1 Delegate Conference Pass
• A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the team on 0330 0584 285, or sponsorship@governmentevents.co.uk or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.

• All Tickets: £199 + VAT+VAT