Engage: Influencing Policy and Politicians - Online Conference

Done correctly, influencing policy and politicians can be a highly effective way to bring about change for your beneficiaries and achieve lasting impact. But navigating the constantly changing policy sphere and determining the most efficient campaigning strategy and channels for your cause isn’t easy, even more so with 2024 being a General Election year. Join sector experts and charity leaders for a day of discussion about the current campaigning landscape and its implications for those seeking to engage policymakers and politicians.

A mix of case studies, panel discussions, breakout sessions and plenty of opportunities to network with fellow attendees will help you stay current on trends and best-practice in the ever-changing world of influencing policy and politicians.

Who should attend?

• Everyone in the charity sector seeking to influence policy & politicians
• Those looking to influence central government, parliament, select committees, local government institutions or any other key players in the policy sphere
• Policy, advocacy & campaigning experts in the voluntary sector
• Charity leaders, trustees & board members directly involved in or overseeing advocacy & influencing efforts by their organisations

Agenda – Exciting speaker announcements coming soon

09.30 – 09.35:  Welcome – Join us for introductions, housekeeping rules and some audience polls to get started.

09.35 – 10.00: Opening keynote – Hear from an influential figure in the charity and policy sector, providing insights into the current state of policies, trends, and challenges affecting the sector. Speaker: Enver Solomon, CEO, Refugee Council.

10.00 – 10.15: Break

10.15 – 11.00:  Panel discussion – With the General Election coming in 2024, it is a key moment for the voluntary sector and policy world. You’ll hear key insights and predictions from leading figures.

11.00 – 11.15: Break

11:15 – 12:15:  Communications and media strategy. Crafting compelling policy messages, media engagement, and leveraging social media are all vital for effective advocacy. This session will help you do all those more effectively.

12.15 – 12:30: Break

12.30 – 13.30:  Campaigning and the law. This session will give you the tools and tips you need to navigate laws around campaigning.

13.30 – 14.30: Lunch

14.30 – 15.15:  Case study – Real-life case studies presented by charity representatives showcasing successful policy advocacy efforts and the impact of those efforts on their respective causes, showing campaigning and lobbying at a local and national level. Speaker: Kate Bratt-Farrar, CEO, Heart Research UK

15.15 – 15.30: Break

15.30 – 16.00:  Closing remarks – You’ll hear from a policy expert in an inspiring speech that will reinforce the importance of policy advocacy, driving delegates to continue their efforts in creating positive change. Speaker: Kunle Olulode MBE, Director, Voice for Change England

Find out more about your speakers here. Ticket prices range from £89 - £99 for voluntary and community organisations, depending on organisational size.