The Voluntary Sector Management and Leadership Conference 2024

The voluntary sector is currently navigating a complex landscape marked by a surge in demand for services due to the cost-of-living crisis. This had  a significant effect on staff wellbeing and motivation, which has placed additional strain on the sector. According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the sector’s growth has slowed down, and the cost of running a voluntary organisation is set to continue rising this year. Inflation has peaked at a 40-year high of 11%, exacerbating the trend of rising overheads and falling incomes for charities. However, amidst these challenges, the sector continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, with many organisations innovating and finding new ways to deliver their services.

• 70% of employers facing difficulty in filling vacancies report that their existing staff experience elevated workloads as a consequence. (Pro Bono Economics, 2023) 
• Food Banks and other charities saw a 53% spike in service users from 2021 to 2022, and projections indicate 2023 will surpass this record. (Citizen Advice, 2023) 
• A substantial 79% of charities noted a rise in the demand for their services from 2022-2023 (Pro Bono Economics, 2023) 

Join us at the Voluntary Sector Management and Leadership Conference 2024 to hear the latest policy updates from expert speakers and learn from a series of best practice case studies. The conference will address key challenges including managing a surge in demand for services, building financial resilience, and embracing technology to modernise services. Gain the opportunity to network with senior colleagues from across the sector to discuss challenges and come up with innovative solutions.

Why Attend:

✓ Hear high-level keynotes on the latest initiatives in Voluntary Sector Management and Leadership from experts and policymakers 

✓ Learn from case studies showcasing best practice in managing increased demand, digital transformation, and implementing new policies 

✓ Network with senior colleagues from across the voluntary sector 

✓ Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota 

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR
CONFERENCE PACKAGE – GE Insights:

This year’s conference package includes 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more (RRP £199). Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.

Key benefits include:

 ✓100s of Exclusive Case Studies – fingertip access to videos and articles covering all key sectors including Local Authorities, Voluntary, and Education and ALL CPD certified

 ✓Key Sessions from All Our Conferences – gain valuable insights from our past, present, and future events (160+ pa)

 ✓Articles and Interviews – learn from our network of expert speakers and contributors explore further the key discussions from the conferences

 ✓Additional CPD Hours – automatically earn more for everything you watch, read, and hear

 ✓Your Own CPD Dashboard – charts your progress, allows you to add notes, download your activities, and save/print an official CPD certificate

 ✓Personalised Homepage – only see the relevant content you need to save time

 ✓30+ New Uploads Each Month – we’re adding new content every week to ensure you stay engaged and informed all year round.

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

• 09.00

  Online Registration

• 09.50

  Chair’s Opening Remarks

  Rob Macmillan, Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University (CONFIRMED)

• 10.00

  Keynote: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Voluntary Sector Management Amid the Cost-of-Living Crisis

  • Outlining the current state of the voluntary sector in the wake of the cost-of-living crisis: examining key challenges, trends, and opportunities 
  • Proactive ways voluntary sector management can support communities during times of socioeconomic instability 
  • Strategies for identifying and incorporating local needs into service delivery  
  • Insights into effective partnerships and collaboration within the sector: what works well

  Rob Macmillan, Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University (CONFIRMED)

• 10.20

  Keynote: Building a Resilient Workforce in a Service Demand Surge to Ensure Sustainable Organisations

  • Mapping strategies and upskilling staff to deliver an effective response to the sudden increase in service demand 
  • Tools and resources to help leadership foster innovation and creativity within the organisation 
  • Identifying relevant data metrics to collect for monitoring and improving staff wellbeing and motivation 
  • Tips on effective approaches to maintaining staff morale and reducing burnout 
  • Implementing proactive communication, regular check-ins, and mindfulness activities to create a culture of care 

  Nahida Ahmed, Director of People and Inclusion, The Trussell Trust (CONFIRMED)

• 10.40

  Questions and Answers

• 11.00

  Comfort Break

• 11.20

  Case Study: Building and maintaining complex alliances across government, business, and the third sector

  Dan Parker, Chief Executive, Veg Power (CONFIRMED)

• 11.40

  Case Study: Creating new approaches to fundraising: insights into leveraging digital platforms, events, and partnerships

  • Overhauling fundraising methodologies during uncertain financial climates to achieve and surpass set income targets
  • Utilising high-profile events as pivotal fundraising opportunities, enhancing outreach and attracting diverse donor demographics
  • Initiating large-scale campaigns with clear, compelling objectives to secure sustained funding and support for future projects
  • Exploring and integrating various avenues of income, from digital platforms to partnerships, ensuring financial stability and growth
  • Prioritising values and staff welfare in fundraising strategies, fostering a positive internal environment conducive to achieving external goals

  Louise Parkes, Chief Executive, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (CONFIRMED)

• 12.00

  Case Study: Designing A Blueprint for Scaling Charities

  • Developing and executing strategic plans to transform and scale non-profit organisations
  • Strategies for updating operational procedures, professionalising services, and adapting to contemporary standards

  Paul Townsley, Chief Executive Officer, Humankind (CONFIRMED)

• 12.20

  Questions and Answers

• 12.40

  Lunch Break

• 13.10

  Case Study: Innovating Sustainability through Corporate Partnerships and Social Impact

  • Identifying synergies and establishing sustainable partnerships with corporate entities
  • Developing and implementing models for incorporating corporate volunteering into organisational operations
  • Tips on measuring the effectiveness of corporate-VCSE collaborations using targeted metrics and evaluation methods
  • Implementing flexible strategies and iterative goal-setting to maximize social impact and meet evolving community and corporate needs
  • Communicating progress and outcomes to stakeholders to enhance transparency and support

  Amanda Naylor OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteering Matters (CONFIRMED)

• 13.30

  Case Study: Elevating Reach and Impact through Powerful Communications, Messaging and Storytelling

  • Methods to boost your organisation’s public image, build credibility with stakeholders, and attract donors 
  • Utilising storytelling as a powerful advocacy tool, maintaining a balance of fact, compassion, and reason to shape public and stakeholder perceptions. 

  Enver Solomon, Chief Executive, Refugee Council (CONFIRMED)

• 13.50

  Questions and Answers

• 14.10

  Breakout Networking: Overcoming Challenges in Providing Strong and Decisive Leadership

  This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face in managing the daily operations of your charity. Share your experiences and hear best practice solutions trialled and implemented by peers from across the sector.  

• 14.40

  Comfort Break

• 15.00

  Case Study: Empowering Community Businesses: Strategies for Support and Growth

  • Insights into how to effectively listen to and understand the unique needs of community businesses to foster their growth
  • Strategies for providing tailored support and resources to community businesses, enhancing their ability to thrive in diverse environments
  • Approaches to encourage and guide community businesses in adopting sustainable and resilient business models
  • Building networks and partnerships that benefit community businesses

  Tim Davies-Pugh, Chief Executive, Power to Change (CONFIRMED)

• 15.20

  Case Study: Leveraging Technology to Enhance Stakeholder Communication and Service Delivery

  • Transforming dense data into a compelling communication strategy, bridging the gap between theory and practice 
  • Insight into how digital tools and platforms can be used to support service users and amplify their experiences 
  • Implementing a creative use of digital media to optimise service delivery, including improving user experience  
  • Embracing technology to help raise awareness of services and coordinate service delivery  

  Nancy Lombard, Professor in Sociology and Social Policy, Glasgow Caledonian University (CONFIRMED)

• 15.40

  Questions and Answers

• 16.00

  Chair’s Closing Remarks

  *programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend?

*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 from across the sector
✓ Meet your target audience
✓ Listen and Learn from leading experts from across the further education 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.

• Public Sector: £449+VAT
• Voluntary Sector: £379+VAT
• Private Sector: £649+VAT