Volunteering Summit

Let's Address the issue of volunteering.

Several studies and reports have indicated that volunteering has been in sharp decline nationally since the Covid pandemic. Our own ‘All About Us’ Survey undertaken in both North Herts and Stevenage told us that most local groups – 62% to be precise, found it difficult to recruit volunteers.

We can all find the excuses – Covid, the cost of living and energy crisis, competition in the sector, child minding responsibilities, etc. but who has the answer? Without volunteers the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector is unsustainable. The indicators are that we are facing a far-reaching crisis, and we need to talk, and put in place strategies to counteract this.

This September along with GoVolHerts we're bringing together North Hertfordshire and Stevenage VCFSE leaders, volunteer recruitment specialists and key stakeholders to kick-off the discussion on the key issues around volunteer recruitment and retention and advocate for action.

Join us and your sector colleagues and peers for a morning of resolution. Hear from solution focussed guest speakers and enjoy lunch on us.

Our first confirmed guest speaker is Chris Reed MSc, former Director of Volunteering and Youth at British Red Cross. An experienced and dynamic charity director, CEO and Board member, Chris has operated at local, national, and international level for over 20 years. Heading up volunteering functions at the British Red Cross, Barnardo’s and the St John Ambulance.

Priority booking is now open. Initially, tickets are limited to one per organisation and is restricted to CVS members, VCFSE organisations who are based or operate in North Herts and Stevenage and specially invited guests. Capacity is limited, so please register your attendance now by clicking on the "Join" button, then completing the form on the email message you will receive.

We look forward to welcoming you on September 26th in Stevenage.

Who’s this event for?

Volunteer Managers, Recruiters, Engagement Officers, Coordinators and Specialists of voluntary, community and faith groups or social enterprises (VCFSE) based or working across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage.

What’s Happening?

Registration from 09:00am. Tea, coffee and pastries will be available.

Lunch is provided with the option to specify dietary requirements at checkout.

The number of attendees is limited to a maximum of 1 from any one organisation.

Venue: 76 Lounge, Stevenage Football Club, The Lamex Stadium, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG2 8RH

Parking: TBC

Accessibility: Within the Eventbrite booking form there is the opportunity to detail any support you may require to attend and fully participate in this event, and we shall do our best to meet your requirements. Early registration is requested for us to meet any specific support.

Filming/photography: Both filming and photography will take place at this event. If you would prefer not to be filmed, please notify one of the organising team when you register at the venue and avoid any cameras.

Covid-19: If you feel unwell, please do not attend the conference. Vulnerable persons may be present. Hand sanitisers will be available for use at the venue, and you are welcome to wear a mask if you wish. 76 Lounge is professionally cleaned on a continuous basis. Common contact surfaces and toilet facilities are regularly sanitised by the on-site cleaning team.

Who’s organising this event? This is an event produced by North Herts and Stevenage CVS in partnership with the home of volunteering in Hertfordshire, GoVolHerts.