Building the Pipeline: Sustainable Boards, Leadership & Succession
About this Event
Volunteer Trustee Development Network Conference 2026
Date & Time: October 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Irish Standard Time)
Venue: Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre, Waterford
Hosted by: Waterford and Wexford Volunteer Centres
Join us for a dynamic one-day conference celebrating the achievements of the Volunteer Trustee Development Network project and focusing on one of the most vital challenges facing voluntary and community organisations: building a sustainable pipeline of trustees and future leaders to ensure thriving organisations in the years ahead.
Experience inspiring keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and practical workshops covering leadership, board recruitment, succession planning, diversity, organisational culture, and development.
Participate in The Governance Horizon workshop to help map future support and resource needs for the community and voluntary sector.
Network with fellow trustees, board members, community leaders, and volunteers committed to strengthening voluntary organisations and shaping the next generation of leaders.
The project is funded by Training Links.
Places are limited—register early to secure your spot!
Agenda
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration/Breakfast
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome and opening address
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote Speaker: John Lonergan
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:30 AM
Morning Workshop Options
Info: 1. Engaging young people in community leadership (Pat McBride , WSTCYS)
2. Succession is a risk management issue (Meagan Gill, Charities Regulator)
3. Beyond the Agenda: board dynamics and culture (Helen Newman, Facilitation Matters)
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:45 PM
The Governance Horizon Workshop – Facilitated by Maighread Kelly
Info: Workshop aim: produce a shared, actionable “Trustee Support Framework” that maps:
• What small-charity trustees actually struggle with
• What resources and supports already exist (and where the gaps are)
• What new, low-cost supports would make the biggest difference in practice
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Networking Lunch and Showcase
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:30 PM
Afternoon Workshop Options
Info: 1. Diversity matters and here’s why (Adam Lacey Cork Volunteer Centre)
2. Community Leadership in Action (Caterine Power, SICAP)
3. Reframing the board proposition: designing meaningful trustee roles (Zsé Varga, VI)
🕑: 02:40 PM - 03:35 PM
Panel Discussion
🕑: 03:35 PM - 03:45 PM
Closing Remarks and End of Conference
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 0.00
