Future Focus Conference 2021

Future Focus, VAL’s annual flagship event was held in September 2021. Feedback and local intelligence from the sector revealed that a hybrid event would be more inclusive and engaging.

The event was delivered over two days with the first day as an online option and the second day as a face to face event for those who felt safe and comfortable attending.

The theme ‘Reconnecting for a Sustainable Future’ focused on key topics affecting the sector, and provided an opportunity to share ideas and bring innovation and most importantly network and reconnect.

Although this was a huge opportunity for the Sector Support team to host its first face to face large scale annual conference for the sector, it also brought with it accountability and responsibility. We limited numbers, provided a venue with ample space (Whatton House, Charnwood) and kept the session short. A total of 30 organisations attended face to face and others joined the panel discussion on Facebook Live. The day included the launch of the VCSE Manifesto (strategic areas we believe are vital to the long-term future of the VCSE sector) and a Panel discussion with questions from the audience on how we reconnect. VAL’s Chair Linda Jones and Chief Executive Kevan Liles hosted the panel with panellists including, Alice McGee (NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups), Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan, Zinthiya Trust, Ginda Basra, Midland Langar Seva Society, Chris Hobson Chamber.

The online session, included the following workshops under the theme, a total of 74 organisations attended with 90% of delegates finding these useful and relevant to their organisation and area of work.

  • How to plan a sustainable fundraising strategy
  • Exploring solutions for post-pandemic recovery
  • Helping groups to connect locally with grant makers through mutual collaboration
  • Social media doesn’t work for us
  • Financial Sustainability

 It was a really good event I really did enjoy it.

Harvinder Poonian, Equality Action.