CONFERENCE GUIDE
AGENDA SPEAKERS
WORKSHOPS
WELCOME TO FUTURE FOCUS 2024
Network Inspire
Connect
Kevin Allen-Khimani Chief Executive Voluntary Action LeicesterShire
Welcome to Future Focus 2024, our twelfth annual conference for the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Leicestershire.
This year’s theme, ‘Network, Inspire, and Connect,’ reflects the importance of collaboration in today’s rapidly changing environment. In the face of growing challenges - from reduced funding to increased service demands and the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is more crucial than ever for our sector to come together.
By strengthening our networks and sharing ideas, we can not only overcome obstacles but also spark new inspiration and create lasting connections. This year’s workshops are designed to foster these vital partnerships, with sessions ranging from, ‘Diversifying Your Income’ to ‘How Charities Can Maximise Impact Through Digital Marketing’ and ‘Perfecting Volunteering Partnerships’. These focus on working together to shape the future of our communities and ensure our sector thrives.
We hope you leave today inspired, connected, and ready to drive change.
Thank you for joining us at Future Focus 2024!
PROGRAMME
9.30AM REGISTRATION
10.00AM WELCOME
10.10AM MORNING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Caroline Trevithick
Chief Executive, LLR ICB
10.35AM MORNING WORKSHOPS
12.00PM SPOTLIGHT SESSION
Henry Dawe - The Autumn of My Years and Anthony Kevins - Balancing Social Care Priorities
12.30PM VAL AGM
1.00PM NETWORKING LUNCH
2.00PM AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
3.00PM AFTERNOON CLOSING SPEAKER
Gethyn Williams - Gethyn Williams Consultancy
3.15PM FINAL THOUGHTS & CLOSE
3.30PM NETWORKING
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr Caroline Trevithick Chief Executive
LLR integrated Care Board
Caroline has a wealth of experience gained over many years and in a variety of healthcare settings, at local, regional and national level. She has worked in NHS quality management/clinical governance since 1995.
Caroline brings extensive knowledge of the NHS from the frontline services to senior and strategic level and her primary focus has always been quality, safety and patient experience. She has an extensive background in nursing management and leadership, most recently in 2020 she was appointed as the single Executive Director of Nursing, Quality & Performance and Deputy Chief Executive for all three CCGs in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland and retains her responsibility for all aspects of high quality, safe patient care.
In July 2021 Caroline was delighted to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Loughborough University for her leadership of the LLR COVID Vaccination Programme. She believes that high quality, safe care should be the basis of all we do, to improve outcomes for patients and improve the cost effectiveness of the NHS, both of which are essential.
Caroline came into post as the ICB’s Chief Executive in November 2023.
WORKSHOP LIST
MORNING
WORKSHOPS - 10.35AM
AM1 gp practice improvements in response to patient experiences ROOM 4
AM2 diversifying your income ROOM 1
AM3 Volunteering in 2024: from national picture to local focus ROOM 5
AM4 What is community wealth building and how to do it? ROOM 6
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS - 2.00PM
PM1 perfecting volunteering partnerships ROOM 1
PM2 Back Streets to Corridors of power ROOM 5
PM3 How Charities Can Maximise impact Through digital Marketing ROOM 6
PM4 Supporting the Armed Forces Community – Round Table discussion ROOM 4
MORNING WORKSHOPS
AM1: GP PRACTICE IMPROVEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO PATIENT EXPERIENCES
gEMMA BARROW HEALTHWATCH LEiCESTER And HEALTHWATCH LEiCESTERSHiRE
10:35AM – 11:45AM
ROOM 4
Join us and colleagues from the local NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) (the organisation that buys and plans health services), to look at the improvements and actions implemented to improve patient experiences and share the insights gathered from the local GP patient survey where almost 29,000 local people gave their views.
Let’s discuss the actions together and you can have your say as there are other actions moving forward to improve your local services.
Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire is your local health and social care champion. From Belgrave to Belvoir and everywhere in between, we make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
With ten years of dedicated experience at Healthwatch, Gemma is deeply committed to amplifying patient voices to improve the quality of care. Her expertise spans partnerships with statutory, voluntary and community organisations, fostering collaboration to bring about positive change.
The work of Healthwatch has influenced Health & Social Care services in Leicester and Leicestershire, helping to keep key stakeholders informed and empowered to make meaningful improvements.
Gemma encourages everyone to listen more attentively and act with compassion, aiming to ensure that healthcare systems genuinely meet the needs of the people they serve.
The workshop will be co-delivered with Sue Venables, Project LeadEngagement and Communications Mayur Patel, Head of Integration & Transformation NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
AM2: DIVERSIFYING YOUR INCOME
CAF is a global group of charitable organisations working with donors to support impactful giving and to provide strategic support to help charities. CAF Bank and CAF CFSL are wholly owned subsidiaries, created to help charities manage their finances, so they can continue to support causes and communities that matter to them.
ABOUT THE SpEAKERS:
Faye has over 25years experience in banking and finance, supporting management teams with project finance and cash management solutions. She is passionate about ethical finance and dedicated to helping charitable groups across South Wales and the Midlands to enhance impact and build sustainability.
Ben has been providing support to a wide range of charities and not-for-profit organisations with CAF Bank since 2015. He has over 15 years’ experience working exclusively with charities, and previously worked in retail and commercial banking for 25 years. Before joining CAF, he worked for a firm that specialised in grant-making operations. Mary is a keen advocate for co-located, community-based advice provision.
FAyE HEnnESSy BEn JOWiTT
CHARiTiES Aid FOUndATiOn CAF BAnK
10:35AM – 11:45AM
ROOM 1
in THiS WORKSHOp yOU WiLL: look at the need for Income
Diversification with reference to the latest CAF research and insight. consider options available to charitable organisations and share learning from CAF advisory team by looking at how they have helped other groups to diversify their income.
consider what CAF Bank looks at when examining the sustainability of an organisations income streams as a prelude to lending.
MORNING WORKSHOpS
AM3: VOLUNTEERING IN 2024: FROM
NATIONAL PICTURE TO LOCAL FOCUS
gETHyn WiLLiAMS
gETHyn WiLLiAMS
COnSULTAnCy
10:35AM – 11:45AM
ROOM 5
THiS WORKSHOp WiLL COVER:
— The state of volunteering in the UK right now
New approaches to volunteering, and where national initiatives fit in
What this means for Leicestershire – how national trends relate to your local objectives.
Volunteer engagement in the UK is experiencing a particularly challenging time, with participation rates lower than at any point in the last decade. Many oare struggling with recruitment and retention.
However it’s also one of the most exciting times in recent memory, with a range of national initiatives stepping up to meet this challenge, and new research and data, deepening our understanding of volunteering.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
Gethyn specialises in helping nonprofits to develop their business, capture their impact and enhance their volunteer programmes. Working in the voluntary sector for 20 years before going freelance, Gethyn has held national, regional and local roles in sport, youth, community, disability and volunteering charities, within both front line and infrastructure organisations.
As a consultant he works with local and national organisations in building their business, partnerships and programmes, particularly in volunteering where he brings specialist experience from the London 2012 legacy programme, DCMS’ Covid-19 volunteering team, Vision for Volunteering and The Big Help Out.
AM4: WHAT IS COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING AND HOW TO DO IT? MORNING
Community Enterprise Engine is a social innovation consultancy working with community groups and businesses. We focus on creating inclusive and sustainable communities by blending social impact with business practices. Our goal is to help businesses build strong communities and support communities in starting successful businesses.
ABOUT THE SpEAKERS:
We are a team of community development professionals with skills in funding, social enterprise and community building.
June has substantive years of experience of working in the Third/ Charity Sector, she has specialised knowledge in: grant/tender bid writing, community engagement, race equality, charity governance and organisation development.
Tobias is a social entrepreneur with a background in market research, and a specialism in executive education, business innovation and social innovation. He has worked in a range of sectors including: Pharmaceutical; Transport Planning; NHS; Voluntary Sector and Public Sector.
TOBiAS gOULd JUnE gOMES COMMUniTy EnTERpRiSE EnginE
10:35AM – 11:45AM
ROOM 6
in THiS WORKSHOp yOU WiLL: Learn the principles of Community Wealth Building, a people-centered approach to local economic development that redirects wealth into the local economy and empowers local people with control and benefits.
explore community wealth building in the current UK context and evaluate its key role in developing an inclusive economy.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid introduction to community wealth building theory, practice, and its implementation.
THE AUTUMN OF MY YEARS SPOTLIGHT SESSiOn
HEnRy dAWE ACTOR And WRiTER
12:00pM – 12:15pM
MAin ROOM
Henry will deliver a 15-minute talk discussing his motivation for writing this play, focusing on the theme of promoting inter-generational friendships as a means to combat social isolation.
He will share stories of the real-life friendships that inspired the play, present a brief excerpt, and announce that the play will be broadcasted, followed by a talk with VAL clients at Newarke Street on Wednesday, 27 November at 4pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
Henry is an actor and writer based in Uppingham, Rutland. He began his career with his first play Beyond The Pail at the 2016 Leicester Comedy Festival. Since then he has had pieces on radio, stage and television. He has been invited to the conference to speak about his radio play The Autumn of My Years, first broadcast on Harborough FM in November 2023. It has since been accepted by Rutland and Stamford Sound,
103 The Eye in Melton Mowbray and Erewash Sound in Derbyshire for this autumn.
BALANCING SOCIAL CARE PRIORITIES
This talk will introduce an early-stage research project on social care preferences in the UK.
To ensure that the project’s results are relevant and informative, we are looking for feedback on the research design from stakeholders with an interest in social care reform. The study will investigate how a variety of specific policy proposals – as suggested by those feeding into the project – may increase or decrease public support for reforms.
The findings will then be reported back to the conference next year, after data collection and analysis are complete.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
Anthony Kevins is a political scientist interested in the interplay between public opinion, policymaking processes, and government legislation. Some of the questions he’s explored in his research include: How can we best understand social policy preferences? What factors shape how people react to public consultations?
— And why do some citizens want certain groups to have more or less policy influence than others?
AnTHOny KEVinS SEniOR LECTURER in pOLiTiCS And inTERnATiOnAL STUdiES LOUgHBOROUgH UniVERSiTy
12:15pM – 12:30pM
MAin ROOM
Anthony has been a lecturer at Loughborough University since 2019, and also holds a five-year appointment to the UK Young Academy.
AFTERNOON WORKSHOpS
PM1: PERFECTING VOLUNTEERING PARTNERSHIPS
ALi BRAnd-BARKER CHARnWOOd FOREST gEOpARK
2:00pM – 3:00pM
ROOM 1
in THiS WORKSHOp:
You’ll hear about our partnership approach to volunteering, our ethos and how we are ensuring that our impact extends beyond our current funding. We’ll showcase the types of opportunity we offer and tell the story of how that has developed and is continuing to grow towards future activities. We will then explore the variety of volunteering partnership models and imagine the ways in which your own organisation may work with others to enrich volunteering opportunities.
The Geopark celebrates the geology, ecology and cultural history of Charnwood Forest, through a programme of conservation, education, arts and volunteering activities. We are a cross-sector partnership and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
Ali has engaged people in the heritage sector for 12 years, including at the National Trust and Nenescape landscape partnership scheme.
She is a trustee of both the Leathercraft Trust and Cotesbach Educational Trust and holds an MA Heritage and Interpretation from the University of Leicester, with a focus on partnerships in the nature and heritage sector.
She currently leads the Geopark’s volunteering and sector support programmes and enjoys green woodworking in her spare time.
PM2: BACK STREETS TO CORRIDORS OF POWER AFTERNOON
The CSJ’s vision is for those living in the poorest and most disadvantaged communities across Britain to be given every opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential.
We bring this vision to life by seeking to influence the policies the Government creates and the laws it makes, such that it does all it can to address the root causes of poverty.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
I work for the CSJ because I want to see positive change across the community and to help direct impact on a wider scale. I have always worked with the mindset that to meet need, all areas of the community need to work together to develop relationships –the CSJ Foundation and the CSJ’s 5 pathways model supports this.
With over 20 years’ experience working in the Education and Charitable sector I have led and created projects supporting the most vulnerable children excluded from school, formed and steered projects supporting families with high levels of poverty, worked alongside individuals suffering addiction, and partnered with leaders to develop change.
STEVE MEAdWELL CEnTRE FOR SOCiAL JUSTiCE
2:00pM – 3:00pM ROOM 5
in THiS WORKSHOp yOU WiLL: This session will explore how VCSE organisations can get involved in local politics and lobbying on specific causes and issues to bring about positive change.
Lobbying focuses on key communication messages and using your networks to build support for your cause and overall momentum to effect positive change, so this session will explore how to build your lobbying strategy and practical actions to build support for your cause or issue.
AFTERNOON WORKSHOpS
PM3: HOW CHARITIES CAN MAXIMISE
IMPACT THROUGH DIGITAL MARKETING
RAHOUL nAiK JETpACK MARKETing
2:00pM – 3:00pM
ROOM 6
in THiS WORKSHOp yOU WiLL diSCUSS:
Why digital marketing is more than a ‘nice-to-have’
— How to maximise your impact online
Understanding your tribe
The pros & cons of different marketing channels
— Your marketing action plan
We are a solutions hub for the charity sector, working on all things digital. From marketing strategy to website development; social media marketing to email marketing, we’ve got you covered. We’ve had the pleasure of working with charities big and small and we know how to create lasting impact for your organisation.
ABOUT THE SpEAKER:
Rahoul has been the Managing Director of Jetpack Marketing since 2019.
Previously, he worked at, The Hut Group, JD Sports and Soho House in digital marketing before dedicating his craft to local businesses and charities.
He was recently awarded ‘Entrepreneur For Good’ at the Real Entrepreneur Awards for his work.
Over the last 5 years, Rahoul has established himself and Jetpack Marketing as the go-to digital marketing resource for businesses and charities across the East Midlands.
He is a Charity Trustee, School Governor and an experienced communications expert.
AFTERNOON
PM4: SUPPORTING THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY – ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION
This session will be an open discussion on the needs of the local Armed Forces community and the support that is currently available and exploring how other VCSE organisations and services could potentially open their offers to engage members of the Armed Forces community within the local area.
Participants will explore how other VCSE organisations and services might expand their offerings to better engage and support members of the Armed Forces community within the local area.
The goal is to identify potential gaps in services and collaborate on ways to create more inclusive opportunities for veterans, activeduty personnel and their families, ensuring their integration and wellbeing in the local community.
VAL, nHS LLR inTEgRATEd CARE BOARd, LEiCESTERSHiRE COUnTy COUnCiL & ROyAL AiR FORCE ASSOCiATiOn
2:00pM – 3:00pM
ROOM 4
in THiS SESSiOn:
Open discussion on local Armed Forces community needs
— Overview of current support systems available
Exploring the role of VCSE organisations and the potential for expanding services
Identifying gaps in service provision
— Creating a sustainable support network
AFTERNOON CLOSing
Linda Jones Chair of VAL
Over the past 12 years, Future Focus has become a key event for VAL and the local VCSE sector. It brings together local organisations, community leaders, and inspiring speakers to look back on the achievements of the past year and explore exciting possibilities for the future. The event strengthens connections and encourages new ideas that will help shape positive change in our communities.
We all know that there are a range of different challenges for both VCSE organisations and our local communities in Leicestershire. However, it remains clear that the sector is always looking for creative and proactive solutions and opportunities to tackle these issues and find ways to continue to support local people.
We would like to thank all of you for the contributions you make to support local people and our local communities in Leicestershire. The services and activities you all provide make such a crucial difference to changing people’s lives.
As we gather, we renew our commitment to driving positive change, building stronger networks, and empowering each other to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WE WOULd LiKE TO THAnK…
Dr. Caroline Trevithick
Kevin Allen-Khimani
Gethyn Williams
WORKSHOp FACiLiTATORS
Gemma Barrow, Mayur Patel & Sue Venables
Faye Hennessy & Ben Jowitt
Tobias Gould & June Gomes
Henry Dawe & Anthony Kevins
Ali Brand-Barker
Steve Meadwell
Rahoul Naik
NHS LLR Integrated Care Board, Leicestershire County
Council & Royal Air Force Association
And…
The staff at Beaumanor Hall
The VAL Trustee Board
Hardip Chohan & Dave Cliffe
Healthwatch Leicester &
Healthwatch Leicestershire Team and
The VAL staff team
Please be advised that there is a VAL photographer at this event taking photos. Photos will be published on social media and on all VAL print and digital channels to promote Future Focus, the sector and VAL.
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire 9 Newarke Street
Leicester LE1 5SN valonline voluntary-action-leicester voluntaryactionleics
If you do not want to appear in photos, please make yourself known to a VAL member of staff. voluntaryactionleics
helpline@valonline.org.uk www.valonline.org.uk 0116 257 5050
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire is the trading name of Voluntary Action Leicester registered charity (No. 509300) Company Limited by Guarantee (No. 1357513) Registered in England and Wales.