Designing for Inclusion: Rethinking Volunteering Conference

Volunteers’ Week 2026 is just around the corner, and to mark the occasion Volunteer Now is hosting a special conference at the Atrium, Ulster University in Belfast.

This event will give attendees a chance to pause, share experiences with peers and recognise the vital role that volunteers play in society today. Keynote speaker Paul Reddish OBE will lead an interactive session that rethinks “barriers” to volunteering, using a cultural competency lens to spark fresh, more inclusive approaches to volunteer engagement.

Schedule

9.45am – 10.15am – Arrival / Welcome drinks

10.15am – Event Begins – Welcome from Denise Hayward (Volunteer Now)

10.20am – Talk from Minister Gordon Lyons

10.30am – Karolyn Gaston – King’s Trust & Serial Volunteer

10.45am – Jenny Williams – Chief Executive for Habitat for Humanity Ireland

11am – 1pm – Paul Reddish – How to overcome barriers to volunteering but taking a what is working approach

1pm – 2pm – Lunch and Networking

Celebrate the power of recognition and reward in volunteering – and you may just be able to pick up some free Volunteers’ Week merchandise while you’re there! Sign up online now.

A light lunch will be provided, so please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

Click here for instructions on how to create a Training Account and make a booking.