Report on the 4th Annual Third Sector Conference

Date: 14th November 2024
Venue: Royal Musselburgh Golf Club
Host: Volunteer Centre East Lothian

Introduction

Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) hosted its fourth Annual Third Sector Conference on 14th November 2024. The event brought together 120 delegates from across East Lothian, representing a diverse array of organisations and community groups. With a robust programme of speakers, discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference once again served as a key platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation within the third sector.

Programme Overview

The day offered a carefully curated programme focusing on collaboration, innovation, and tackling local challenges. The themes of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP), poverty alleviation, and strengthening partnerships across sectors were central to the agenda.

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks
   The event opened with a warm welcome from VCEL, setting the tone for a day of learning and shared inspiration.

2. Presentation: East Lothian Foodbank
   Elaine Morrison from East Lothian Foodbank provided a sobering yet hopeful presentation on the growing need for food support in the county. She highlighted the critical work being done to address food insecurity and the importance of collaborative efforts between the third sector, local authorities, and the wider community.

3. Showcase: Our Community Kitchen (OCK)
   Elaine Gale captivated the audience with the story of Our Community Kitchen, a project that fosters community connections while providing nutritious meals and a welcoming space. Delegates described OCK as a “showstopper,” applauding its innovative approach to tackling social isolation and food poverty.

4. Policy Insight: LOIP and Poverty Plan
   Emma Brown and Lucy Higginson from East Lothian Council Connected Communities delivered an engaging presentation on the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and the East Lothian Poverty Plan. They detailed strategic goals to reduce poverty and inequality, illustrating how data and community input shape these initiatives. Their session included an interactive activity focusing on “concern, influence, and control,” allowing delegates to explore ways their organisations could influence these plans.

5. Spotlight: Community Payback and Justice
   Stuart Milne and Gavin from Community Justice provided a thought-provoking discussion on the Community Payback Programme, inviting the third sector to explore opportunities for collaboration. They outlined how community payback initiatives can create meaningful benefits for local communities while fostering rehabilitation and skill-building for participants.

6. Keynote: Signal – Andy Cox
   Andy Cox delivered a standout keynote on the Signal Tool, an innovative resource designed to support individuals and communities through digital mapping and real-time resource allocation. Signal provides a “life map” for individuals, enabling them to identify strengths, access services, and navigate challenges. It integrates local and national resources, empowering organisations to align their efforts with the Care Inspectorate’s standards and deliver person-centred, responsive support. Delegates expressed excitement about Signal’s potential to revolutionise service delivery in East Lothian, with one describing it as “hope that we can do things differently.”

Delegate Feedback

Event Structure:
The conference was well-structured, with 97% of attendees rating the agenda as “Good” or “Excellent.” Attendees appreciated the logical flow of sessions and the relevance of topics to their work.

Venue and Accessibility:
The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club received high praise, with 97% satisfaction for suitability, comfort, and accessibility. However, some attendees suggested improvements in parking arrangements and transport links.

Speakers and Content:
Delegates found the speakers engaging and knowledgeable, with 100% rating them as “Good” or “Excellent.” Presentations on Signal, LOIP, and OCK were repeatedly mentioned as highlights.

Networking Opportunities:
The event’s networking opportunities were a standout feature, with 91% of attendees rating them as “Good” or “Excellent.” Delegates valued the chance to build relationships and exchange ideas with peers from across the sector.

Highlights of the Day

• Signal Presentation: Attendees were inspired by Andy Cox’s detailed explanation of Signal’s capabilities, sparking discussions on its practical applications in community settings.

• Our Community Kitchen: Elaine Gale’s presentation was described as “amazing” and “uplifting,” showcasing the impact of grassroots initiatives on community wellbeing.

• Interactive Activities: The poverty-related activity facilitated by Lucy Higginson was particularly well-received, encouraging collaborative thinking on complex issues.

• Community Payback Programme: Stuart Milne and Gavin’s call for third-sector collaboration provided actionable insights into how justice programmes can contribute to community growth.

Areas for Improvement

1. Time Management: Some presentations overran, particularly the Signal session, which turned into an extended discussion.

2. Programme Information: Delegates suggested providing more details about the agenda during the booking process.

3. Accessibility: Parking and transport options could be improved to make the event more accessible.

4. Interactive Tools: Some technical issues were noted with digital tools, prompting suggestions to test such tools in advance or use simpler alternatives.

Future Suggestions

• Collaboration and Partnership Working: A focus on effective collaboration and joint working across organisations.

• Mental and Physical Wellbeing: Sessions dedicated to supporting health and wellbeing.

• Case Studies: Sharing success stories of initiatives using tools like Signal.

• National Policies: Short presentations on how Scottish and UK policies impact the third sector locally.

Conclusion

The 4th Annual Third Sector Conference was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore new tools and approaches. Highlights included the Signal keynote, the inspiring story of Our Community Kitchen, and the interactive poverty activity.

Attendees left with new insights, strengthened connections, and a renewed commitment to collaboration. As one delegate noted, “This was my first conference, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate and learn.”

Thank you to all who attended, contributed, and organised this exceptional event.