About

The role of a leader has never been an easy one, there are, and always have been, difficult decisions to be made. This has been worsened by the context we find ourselves in and we know that none of the challenges we face are short term. It’s time for new conversations, and different responses. It’s time for us at ACOSVO to launch our new Strategic Plan. We have listened, learned, and we have asked the hard questions to understand the type of organisation we need to be. The place we all find ourselves in makes it harder to grasp with certainty the direction to go in, to have belief in the path laid out in front of you, and to have belief in yourself. It’s time now to take that leap, to trust in ourselves and the capability that we know exists in us and sector leaders. We know this will not be easy, Scotland’s challenges are not hard to seek. We must find new ways together and we are excited now to share this with you… it’s time!

We will delve into what leadership looks like today and what we need for the future. The strength, knowledge, and experience of voluntary sector leadership cannot be understated. We have heard that the answers we seek can be found in cross-sector collaboration, through learning, and sharing our experiences with each other as well as having the time and space to develop and design new ways forward. Understanding the attributes of what works well enables us to think about what is possible; taking part in open, honest, and frank conversations allows us to think creatively together.

Keynote: 

Dr John Blakey, Founder of The Trusted Executive

We are delighted to confirm that our key-note speaker for our 2024 Annual Conference is Dr John Blakey, founder of The Trusted Executive. John argues that leaders need to practise a new set of behaviours to stay motivated, authentic, resilient and successful. This session will help attendees thrive using the UP, IN and OUT of purpose-driven leadership. The UP to define, serve and feel the joy of their purpose. The IN to stay motivated, resilient and caring for their well-being. The OUT to forgive the individual, protect the team and become a beacon of hope amidst a changed leadership landscape. This inspiring keynote helps those who are a force for good play at the top of their game and inspire others to do the same by becoming force multipliers. As an executive coach and board advisor, John has worked with over 130 CEOs from 22 countries, including the leaders of FTSE 100 PLCs, high-profile public servants and some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs. John has also coached the leaders of gold-medal winning Team GB Olympic squads, title-winning premiership football clubs and England cricket. You'll recieve a free copy of John's new book Force For Good: How to Thrive as A Purpose Driven Leader which will be available for you to take away with you on the day. Following on from John's key-note we will hear from Neil McLean and then our two leadership panels.

In Times of Strong Winds We Need To Be Building Windmills, Not Only Shelters  by Neil McLean

There has never been a tougher funding climate than right now for the social economy. What type of mindset is required to succeed in the current context?  How do we access creative mindsets when sometimes all we want to do is bury our heads?  Neil will share a bit of the Academy’s journey over recent times in trying to build a windmill to support Learning and Development for the social economy.  It’s early days, but they are heading in the right direction and would like to share their thoughts and gain some ideas in return

Panel 1: Multi-Generational Workforces and the Leadership Pipeline

With up to four different generations working together the priorities and ways of working varies between each generation, as leaders how do we design and create a workplace culture which enhances and supports everyone? This session will explore the opportunities multi-generational working offers and how the sector can cultivate and make space for the next generation of sector leaders.

Panel Chair: Catherine McWilliam - IoD Scotland

Speaker: Rami Okasha - CHAS

Speaker: Julie Hutchison - LGT Wealth

Panel 2: Building Boards: The Future of the Chair

The role of the Chair is a demanding one with critical responsibility within the organisation and there are many key challenges that Chairs must navigate. This panel session will explore what Chairs are doing to ensure their boards are fit for purpose now and in the future.

Panel Chair: Martin Tyson - OSCR

Speaker - Katie Docherty - ACOSVO

Speaker - Richard Jennings - SCVO

Speaker - Paul Okroj - Volunteer Scotland

Speaker - Raza Sadiq - Active Life Club

This conference will be a mix of panels, key-note speakers, discussions, and inputs from the voluntary, public, and private sectors. It is a unique opportunity to network with your leadership peers, gain new perspectives, and contribute to shaping the future of leadership in Scotland. Whether you are an experienced leader or an emerging one, your voice and insights are essential to this conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there. *On the day registration will open at 09:30 for conference commencing at 10:00am sharp*

Thank you to our main sponsor, LGT Wealth Management, and our other supporters, BTA, Brewin Dolphin, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Cruse Scotland Bereavement Support, Navigator Employment Law, Lindsays, Turcan Connell and Utility Aid.

Location

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Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel
1-9 Grosvenor Terrace, Glasgow, G12 0TB

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