How can you use AI tools as your communication assistant?

Join AI trainer Caroline Broadway to explore practical ways the voluntary sector can use emerging AI tools, from writing meeting notes to funder reporting. As well as the benefits, this session will cover the ethics, risks and limitations.

How do we engage most effectively with devolved authorities?

How can we make the most of the new powers and responsibilities of elected mayors, whilst continuing to work with existing local authorities and partners? With government committed to further devolution, this workshop will explore existing good practice and potential challenges.

How can we reframe conversations and build confidence in networking?

Does the idea of networking make your stomach sink? Learn some ways to feel confident building relationships in face to face networking situations and practice doing it in this warm, relaxed session led by experienced leadership coach Jennifer McCanna.

How do we include people who have been marginalised from volunteering

Nadia Shiraz from NAVCA member Inclusive North will explore equity and inclusion in volunteering. How do we authentically listen to people who experience exclusion from volunteering, and how can we remove barriers to ensure that everyone who wants to can volunteer?

How can we use AI ethically and effectively to support the voluntary sector?

Join AI trainer Caroline Broadway to explore practical ways the voluntary sector can use emerging AI tools, from writing meeting notes to funder reporting. As well as the benefits, this session will cover the ethics, risks and limitations.

How can we strengthen diverse VCSE-ICB partnerships in the shift to communities?

Join Mark Hubbard, VCSE Lead at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, to learn about evolving health partnerships. Mark will explore how VCSE partnerships are nurtured within the ICB, in the context of the shift from hospital-based care to community-led approaches, and from treatment to prevention.

Learning from research: What is the power of local infrastructure?

In the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence of interest in research on local infrastructure. So, what are we learning? How do the findings inform our own practice and the attitudes and expectations of the wider VCSE sector, partners and stakeholders? Join Dr Rob Macmillan from Sheffield Hallam University to explore this topic.

How can local infrastructure organisations diversify their income streams?

With more local infrastructure organisations looking to broaden their commercial income generation, join Hannah Reid from NAVCA member Community Action Suffolk at this workshop to explore different ideas for services and products.

NAVCA Annual Conference 2025 - Workshop Notes

This document is a summary of the workshops from the NAVCA Annual Conference 2025.