A guide to the upcoming volunteer management conferences in the UK and Ireland in 2025

Are you passionate about making a difference through volunteering or managing impactful volunteer programs? In 2025, the UK and Ireland will host an exciting lineup of volunteer management conferences, offering insights into best practices, innovative strategies, and networking opportunities for professionals in the voluntary and community sectors. These events bring together thought leaders, volunteer managers, and nonprofit professionals to explore topics such as recruitment, retention, training, and the future of volunteer engagement. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, gain fresh perspectives, or connect with like-minded individuals, these conferences are must-attend events.

With conferences spanning cities like York, London, Leeds, and Athlone, as well as online sessions for global accessibility, there’s something for every volunteer management enthusiast. From practical workshops to inspiring keynote addresses, these gatherings promise to equip attendees with the tools needed to elevate their programs and create meaningful volunteer experiences. Read on to discover the dates, locations, and themes of the most anticipated volunteer management events for 2025.

1. Volunteer Management Forum – Winter 2025 (York)

• Date: 15 January 2025

• Location: Priory Street Centre, York, UK

• Overview: A quarterly forum for individuals with volunteer management responsibilities within York's Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. The event provides opportunities to discuss challenges, share experiences, and network with peers.

• Link: Eventbrite

2. NAVS Annual Seminar 2025

• Date: 25-26 February 2025

• Location: Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham

• Overview: Fabulous speakers and great networking opportunities. NHS England Helpforce, Volunteero, Rob Jackson Sally Dyson Paul Wharton Anita Gillen . For tickets, please email treasurer@navsm.co.uk

• Link: NAVSM

3.  HVMN Conference 2025

• Date: 17–18 March 2025

• Location: Leeds, UK

• Overview: Hosted by the Hospice Volunteer Managers Network, this two-day conference offers informative and practical sessions aimed at inspiring and supporting professionals in hospice volunteer management.

• Link: HVMN

4. National Volunteer Management Conference 2025 (Ireland)

• Date: 30 April 2025

• Location: Sheraton Athlone Hotel, Athlone, Ireland

• Overview: This conference promotes best practices in volunteer management, offering personal development, networking, and sessions focused on volunteer recruitment, retention, training, support, and management.

• Link: Eventbrite

5. Volunteer Management Conference (Westminster Insight)

• Date: 30 April 2025

• Location: Central London, UK

• Overview: An in-person conference discussing key challenges and opportunities in volunteer management, including recruitment, retention, engagement, and developing effective volunteering strategies.

• Link: Westminster Insight

6. Working with Volunteers 2025

• Date: 7 May 2025

• Location: Friends House, London, UK

• Overview: Suitable for professionals involved in volunteering and supporter engagement programs, this conference offers insights from volunteer management experts and showcases innovative approaches to working with volunteers.

• Link: CASE

7. Volunteering in 2025 and Beyond

• Date: 22 May 2025

• Location: Online

• Overview: An online conference discussing the future of volunteering, including strategies for motivating volunteers, setting expectations, providing feedback, and fostering communication. Features keynote speakers like Rob Jackson, a volunteer engagement specialist.

• Link: DSC

8. Charity Retail Conference 2025

• Date: Wednesday, 25 – Thursday, 26 June 2025

• Location: Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate, UK

• Overview: Organized by the Charity Retail Association, this flagship annual conference brings together leaders, experts, and innovators in charity retail. The event offers opportunities to share knowledge, explore new trends, and network with professionals dedicated to the sector's growth and sustainability.

  Charity Retail Association

• Link: Charity Retail Conference

Others to be expected are below, information is as yet unavailable for these.

• Third Sector: The Conference

• Elevate 2025

• Association of Volunteer Managers Conference

Have we missed any? Get in touch with one of the team on Linkedin or via email.