Make Your Mark Volunteer Managers Conference: Volunteer-centred support

Make Your Mark is a campaign to increase the number and diversity of heritage volunteers in Scotland. By heritage, we mean built, natural, cultural and intangible heritage. Make Your Mark is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

There will be a combination of informative talks, interactive workshops and panel discussions that cover:

• The importance of inclusive leadership in supporting volunteer programmes
• Trends in culture and heritage volunteering in Scotland: the data picture
• How to fund inclusive volunteer programmes
• Supporting older volunteers who have to stop volunteering due to age-related reasons
• Inclusive group volunteering for people with support needs
• Lived experiences of people from a diverse range of communities who have tried out heritage volunteering

There is a dedicated section of the programme, our Volunteering Newsroom, where attendees can share projects, initiatives, achievements or even just your views. We’d particularly like to hear from volunteer managers who attended last year’s conference and what actions they’ve taken in the last year to improve the inclusiveness of their volunteer programme. Sign up in advance or freestyle on the day!

In the main atrium area where attendees will gather for refreshments and networking in between sessions, we will be displaying digital posters highlighting our members' achievements in inclusive volunteering, as well as celebrating some of their volunteers' stories. Learn more about how to submit a digital poster for display.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded volunteer managers. Mark your diaries and be a part of the Make Your Mark Volunteer Managers Conference 2025!

Whether your organisation is just starting to think about involving volunteers, or you're an organisation with thousands of volunteers, there's something for everyone on the day.

We have tickets for heritage and non-heritage organisations, as we're keen to share knowledge across the entire voluntary sector.

***Please note that to book an in-person ticket for a heritage organisation, you must be a member of . Joining Make Your Mark is free, and gives you access to inclusive volunteering resources and support, our volunteer advertising service and a peer-to-peer heritage Volunteer Organisers Network. Sign up now!***

To ensure that there is equitable representation between smaller and larger organisations, if you are part of a larger organisation such as Historic Environment Scotland (HES), NatureScot, National Trust for Scotland (NTS) or Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland (RSPB), please book an online ticket. If there is space left in the weeks before the conference, we will offer you the chance to attend in-person.

We want our conference to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We are applying a range of accessibility measures as standard:

• We have provided all speakers with accessibility guidelines to assist them in creating inclusive presentations and workshops.
• We have scheduled in breaks throughout the day.
• BSL interpreters will be signing throughout the event, and visible to both online and in-person attendees.

We have also invited all participants to tell us about their needs at the time of booking.

This event takes place at The Engine Shed, a fully accessible events venue that is designed to be inclusive.

The Engine Shed entrance and its interior are on the level. The lecture theatre has steps, but there are seats in the front row that do not require stepped access, as well as a dedicated wheelchair space.

There is a fully accessible gender neutral toilet near to the reception area.

There is an induction loop in the reception area and theatre where the conference will be held.

Assistance dogs are welcome in the venue.

This event takes place on Teams, an online video call link. If you would like advice on engaging with this virtual platform, please email [email protected].

If you need any information or help at any stage, please get in touch at [email protected] and let us know - we're happy to help.

Host or Publisher Make Your Mark