A new leadership and collaboration conference for the voluntary and community (VCSE) sector across North Yorkshire is to be staged this summer by Community First Yorkshire.

Taking place at a time when many in the sector are facing financial pressures, rising demand and increasing complexity, the conference – Create 26 – will look ahead with optimism and purpose.

Months in the planning with a range of sector partners, the conference will build on the creativity, resilience and community spirit already thriving across the county, with a keen focus on the future – one where organisations feel confident, connected and equipped to flourish.

Bringing together people from every part of the sector, whether they manage services, coordinate volunteers, run projects or help make things happen informally, Create 26 will shine a light on what’s working well, explore fresh thinking and strengthen the collective leadership that exists in so many forms across our region.

Keynote speakers include NCVO Chief Executive

With that in mind, organiser Mike Hickman says he is delighted to confirm that Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, will be joining the conference as one of its keynote speakers.

“We’re delighted that Kate has already agreed to join us. With proven leadership through crisis and transformation, she is an authority on community leadership and is at the heart of national conversations about so many of the issues facing our sector,” he said. “We want this conference to be bold, energising and sector-defining. Kate will be a key part of that.”

What to expect

The conference will take place on Thursday 21 May at Pavilions of Harrogate. It will feature a full day of inspiring, practical and creative content designed to help organisations thrive, including:

• keynote addresses from regional and national voices
• interactive workshops tailored to different learning styles and roles
• panel discussions exploring how we work together to respond to local needs
• creative networking and live podcasting, capturing stories and ideas across the day
• future-casting sessions focused on shaping what’s next for the VCSE sector in North Yorkshire.

Workshops at a glance

Attendees will be able to choose from two rounds of breakout sessions, each offering three different styles of learning and engagement:

Round 1

Time Travel: Create the future

Rural Arts will lead this creative time-travel workshop designed to help you imagine the future of your organisation – leaping a decade into the future to explore what they are actually doing in the organisation they have helped to create. This session will encourage bold, expansive thinking about leadership, purpose, and possibility.

Creating fearlessness in the face of finance

If finance feels daunting, this workshop –  lead by finance director and Community First Yorkshire trustee, Richard Jones – will demystify the essentials and show you how to confidently navigate your trustee responsibilities. You’ll find out what to look for, what to question and how to keep your organisation financially secure and focused on impact.

Me, Myself and I

Chris Hailey-Norris, Chief Executive of Up for Yorkshire, will lead this workshop exploring how well you know yourself and how aware you are of how you affect your organisation and others around you. If you want to know more about your leadership style, its impact and if/how it can be changed, this is the workshop for you.

Round 2

Voices at work: crafting our collective song

Join Rebecca Denniff (Flash Arts) for a collaborative song writing workshop that will explore the themes that shape our working lives and the communities we serve. All you need to bring is a willingness to work together to make something brand new.

Creating kindness as a superpower

Award winning consultant and author, Dawn Stott, (Dawn Stott Associates) will lead this workshop exploring how everyday acts of kindness – listening, empathy, appreciation and respect – can directly influence trust, communication and performance.

Create volunteering in a changing immigration context: what VCSE leaders need to re-think

Led by Valentina Hynes – CEO of SVH Inc. CIC – this workshop will explore how changing immigration policies are reshaping volunteering – and what you can do now to stay flexible, inclusive and effective. Walk away with practical tactics to recruit, train and support volunteers with confidence.

Why attend?

Create 26 is designed to:

• explore practical responses to sector pressures
• celebrate creativity, innovation and resilience
• strengthen networks and connections across the region
• support organisations to feel more confident and future‑ready
• provide inspiration and tools you can take back to your work, team or community.

Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to come together with others who understand the realities of working in the VCSE sector – and who want to build a strong future, together.

Event Details

📆 Thursday 21 May

📍Pavilions of Harrogate

🕑 9.45am – 4pm

Costs and concessions:

Early‑bird booking is now open – book before 20 March and save £20 compared to a full-price ticket!

• Early-bird ticket – £35
• Full price ticket – £55

If your organisation’s income is under £25K, you’re eligible for a concessionary ticket (£35).

Secure your place and be part of shaping the next chapter for North Yorkshire’s VCSE sector.

Book here