Welcome everyone to the YMCA National Conference 2025.

This year’s National Conference theme of ‘Moving Forward Together – Locally, Nationally, Globally’ represents the growing impact of our inspiring movement at multiple influencing levels and the significant collaboration that is happening between YMCAs. Our conference is a timely opportunity for us to collectively look towards the future, moving together as one to grasp the opportunities to deliver real and positive change for those that we serve, whilst also meeting together the challenges that we are all facing on a day-to-day basis.

Just some of the inspirational speakers on the conference programme include Jamie Masraff, the Chief Executive of OnSide and Chair of the Back Youth Alliance, who will share his thoughts on what is happening across our sector; and Richard Susskind CBE KC, a leading expert in the world of AI, on how AI will impact organisations like ours and what it will mean for us.

The Government’s plans for devolution put Mayors at the heart of their agenda. This, together with potentially the largest local government re-organisation in half a century, could have significant implications for YMCAs. Emily Wallace, Managing Director at Inflect, will be speaking to conference as we look further at this, and we are also delighted to be welcoming Claire Ward, the Mayor of the East Midlands, to hear the perspective of an existing Mayor.

Our international session this year will be led by Peter Dinsdale, President and National Secretary of YMCA Canada. It will great to hear about the inspiring work that our colleagues in Canada do and also to hear of Canada’s plans for when they host next year’s World Council in Toronto.

National Conference is as much about what happens outside of the formal conference sessions as it is within them. It is that opportunity to meet and connect with colleagues from across the Federation; to learn, discuss and share ideas; and of course, have a bit of fun. Our conference social evening very much hopes to provide this as we take delegates on journey of nostalgia with some timeless games and our own YMCA retro quiz.

So whether you are a seasoned veteran of National Conference, or this is your first time joining us, I encourage you to embrace every chance to meet and interact with one another as we work together to further strengthen our YMCA family.

Enjoy yourselves – and I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible during our time at YMCA National Conference 2025.

Roy O’Shaughnessy

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9:45am | Registration Opens

Refreshments served to arriving delegates in the Atrium and Concourse Corridor

OPENING SESSION — Conference Theatre

11am | Welcome to YMCA National Conference 2025  

Chair: Roy O’Shaughnessy, Conference Chair and Chair of the YMCA National Board

11:15am | Opening Devotion

Speaker: Sarah Johnston-Ellis, Chair of the Chairs’ Network and Chair of YMCA Brighton

11:35am | ‘A Year in Review and the strategic road ahead’ Address by YMCA National General Secretary

Speaker: Denise Hatton, National General Secretary of the National Council of YMCAs in England & Wales

🍽️ LUNCH | 12:30pm — Concourse Corridor and Banqueting Suite 

PLENARY SESSION — Conference Theatre

1:30pm | ‘A View from the Sector’

Speaker: Jamie Masraff, Chief Executive of OnSide and Chair of the Back Youth Alliance (BYA)

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There are seven work area discussion forums on offer. Attendees are free to choose which forum they wish to attend. 

A | Early Years | Conference Suite 1

This session will explore practical strategies for supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in early years settings, including SEN assessment and tracking, ‘Bucket Time’ sensory strategies for children with autism, and the use of sensory circuits. We will also look at the findings from YMCA England & Wales’ latest school readiness report, examining the challenges children face in reaching early learning goals and what changes are needed at a national level.

Facilitator: Helen Brown, Chief Operations Officer for Early Years, YMCA Black Country Group

 B | Youth Employment | Conference Suite 2

This session will explore the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper and review research conducted within YMCA settings to better understand the potential impact of upcoming benefit changes for our residents. Additionally, we will highlight innovative projects from YMCAs across the country that are helping young people move into employment.

Facilitator: David Bridson, Head of Policy and Campaigns, YMCA England & Wales

C | Youth Work | Conference Suite 3

This session will discuss the outcomes of YMCAs’ listening events with young people about what they want to see from the National Youth Strategy and for their own local area. We will discuss the Government’s ‘Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Nation’ report and the next stages of our national campaign for youth services. We will also hear from innovative projects from youth service providers across the country.

Facilitator: Charlene Girling, Youth Involvement Manager, YMCA Norfolk

D | Housing | Conference Suite 4

This session will provide an update on the work of the National Housing Forum, including an overview of progress to date and a briefing on current Government policy. It will also feature short presentations from Forum sub-groups on key themes such as Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) standards, compliance, and risk management.

Facilitator: Lee Fabry, Head of Housing, YMCA East Surrey

E | Gyms and Sport | Gallery Suite 1

Join this facilitated discussion focused on how YMCAs can work together to strengthen gym, sport, and health programmes. We will share regional updates, explore common challenges, and highlight successful approaches from across the Federation. Whether you are navigating member engagement, programme innovation, or operational hurdles, this is a chance to connect, learn, and spark ideas for stronger collaboration.

Facilitator: Kate Holah, Targeted Health & Wellbeing Manager, YMCA East Surrey

 F | Chaplaincy and Faith | Gallery Suite 2

This session will offer the chance to explore how Chaplaincy and Christian Mission is outworked locally, nationally and globally in line with the Paris Basis. Including an opportunity to network with others interested in understanding and exploring more about the Christian Mission of YMCA and the networks available. We will discuss the YMCA Chaplains Network, UK Unify, Unify Europe & World Mission Network, and YMCA/YWCA World Week of Prayer.

Facilitator: Matt Penny, Lead Chaplain, One YMCA

G | Fundraising and Communications | Worcester Suite (The Orchard Hotel)

How can we as a Federation align our fundraising campaigns and marketing for greater impact while honouring local voices? This facilitated discussion will explore practical ways to build unified messaging, share resources, and strengthen collaboration across teams. Come ready to share challenges, successes, and ideas with peers facing similar questions.

Facilitator: Emma Knight, Fundraising & Communications Manager, YMCA Leicestershire

☕ COFFEE & TEA BREAK | 3:30pm — Atrium & Concourse Corridor

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PLENARY SESSION — Conference Theatre

4pm | How to Think About AI: A Guide for the Perplexed 

Speaker: Professor Richard Susskind CBE KC

5pm | CONFERENCE ADJOURNS FOR DAY

Delegates will be able to check into their rooms.

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8am – 8:45am | Conference Theatre

For those who wish to attend, there will be a Devotion Session, led by the Chaplains Network. All are welcome.

 PLENARY SESSION — Conference Theatre

9am | YMCA International Session 

Speaker: Peter Dinsdale, President and Chief Executive, YMCA Canada

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Delegates can choose whichever of the following sessions to attend.

A | Becoming a top 100 Best Work Place — join us on our Great Place to Work Journey | Conference Suite 1

In March 2025, YMCA St Paul’s Group was named as one of the top 100 Best Places to Work in the UK. This prestigious award represented the successful culmination of their long term journey and commitment since 2019 to hear the voices of their employees, improve diversity, participation, and engagement, and let them know how their feedback is being addressed. Come along and hear about their journey; what they did; why they did it; some of the challenges faced; and what it will mean for YMCA St Paul’s Group. Discuss with others what’s great about your workplace and how you might start your own Great Place to Work adventure.

Speakers: Julie Finn, Group Director of People & Culture; and Nicola Kent, Head of Organisational Development; YMCA St Paul’s Group

B | Connect before Correct: Understanding the barriers and challenges that young people are facing in todays’ world | Conference Suite 2

In an ever-changing world, understanding the young people we work with is essential for successful and meaningful youth work. As an Alternative Education Provision with a coastal demographic, building trusting relationships is a significant part of Southend YMCA Community School’s provision. By ‘Connecting before Correcting’ we can support our young people through their trauma and break down the barriers to achieve success. Two pillars of Vision2030 that our provision encompasses are ‘Meaningful work’ and ‘Community Wellbeing’ – come and see how we are different and making a significant difference to our young people and the positive impact on their lives.

Speakers: Lee Thorne, Headteacher; Donna Merry, Deputy Headteacher, Sabah Wallace, Deputy Headteacher; and Tina Burgess, Key Stage 5 Co-Ordinator; Southend YMCA Community School

C | Charity Bank: How loan finance can support your YMCA | Conference Suite 3

This session will deliver a comprehensive understanding of loan funding, and an insight into the ways Charity Bank can support your YMCA. For over 20 years, Charity Bank has been a steadfast supporter of YMCAs and, a decade ago, formalised its partnership with YMCA England & Wales. To date Charity Bank has lent over £184 million to social housing providers including numerous YMCAs across England and Wales.

Speakers: Adam Ruffinato, Head of Structured Finance; and David Brinsford, Lending Manager, Charity Bank

D | YMCA Live Impact Dashboard — the final stages | Conference Suite 4

The last work area on YMCA’s impact dashboard is now live! The impact dashboard is the culmination of more than five years of work involving YMCAs from across the Federation, National Council and Trust Impact. This session will talk through the journey to date, next steps and how we can maximise the number of YMCAs sharing their data. The impact dashboard gives all YMCAs the chance to access the technology behind automated data sharing and bring their work to life both locally and as part of the wider Federation. The session will talk about how to get involved, answer any questions you may have, and show you the opportunities that being involved can bring.

Speakers: Helen Greig, Managing Director, Trust Impact Ltd; and Jason Stacey, Director of Policy, Communications and International, YMCA England & Wales.

E | Celebrating Stewardship: A Showcase of Success | Gallery Suite

In a challenging fundraising climate, great stewardship can be the difference between a one-time donation and a lifelong partner. This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to learn from your peers, while spotlighting inspiring examples of outstanding stewardship, both within the Federation and across the wider sector. There will be examples from different fundraising areas — from individual giving, corporates, trusts and events. You will hear what worked, why it mattered, and the impact it had on donor relationships and income growth. Not only will you leave feeling inspired, with practical tips you can implement right away, but you will have the opportunity to contribute, share your own stewardship successes and learn from your peers. Join us as we explore how thoughtful, authentic stewardship can move us forward together — locally, nationally, and globally.

Speakers: Chantell Mills-Callard, Assistant Head of Fundraising (Strategic Partnerships); Michelle Golding, Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising); YMCA England & Wales

☕ COFFEE & TEA BREAK | 10:55am — Atrium & Concourse Corridor

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Delegates can choose whichever of the following sessions to attend.

A | Retail 2025: Turning our Rags into Riches | Conference Suite 1

Each year YMCA Retail shares tens of thousands of pounds of profit with our local YMCA colleagues, providing additional income to support the fantastic work being done in our communities. With your support, we can raise even more profit, giving you extra unrestricted income to fund your work. This interactive session will give you an opportunity to try out some Retail skills, show you how local community donations become profit, highlight other ways we can work together, and explain how YMCA Retail minimises its environmental impact.

Speakers: John Lee, Chief Executive, YMCA Norfolk; Sarah Woods, Retail & Learning Development Officer; Neil Taylor, Retail Operations Manager; and Emma Roberts, Retail People & Projects Officer; YMCA England & Wales

B | “Things can only get better” — but have they? A deep dive into the first year of the Labour Government | Conference Suite 2

It is exactly one year since the General Election that saw the Labour Party back in power for the first time in 14 years. Growth, budgets, missions and a plan for change – but what does it all mean? Come to this session to find out more about the Labour Government’s agenda, what they are doing, what the impacts have been for our areas of work and how YMCAs can ensure they are doing the right things to enable our young people and communities to thrive.

Speaker: David Bridson, Head of Policy & Campaigns, YMCA England & Wales

 C | Utility Aid — Starting your Journey to Net Zero: Practical Steps for Meaningful Action | Conference Suite 3

Ready to start your Net Zero journey but not sure where to begin? This session is designed for organisations at the early stages of their net zero journey. We will break down what “net zero” really means, why it matters, and how you can get started — no matter your size or sector. Through practical guidance, real-life examples, and useful tools, you will leave with a clearer understanding of the first steps to take, how to set achievable goals, and how to build momentum within your organisation. Whether you are just getting started or looking to turn intentions into action, this session will help you move forward with confidence.

Speaker: Emily Berry, Partnerships Director, Utility Aid

D | Your Adventure Challenge: What is involved when taking part in a challenge? | Conference Suite 4

Your Adventure Challenge are here to help you plan, prepare, and complete unforgettable challenge experiences to help you raise funding for charities and businesses. This session will consist of three mini-sessions:

• Session 1: Choosing and preparing for the right challenge

• Session 2: Black Mountain Clothing. “There is no bad weather just wrong clothing”

• Session 3: Taking part in the National Three Peaks Challenge

Speakers: Mark Stancer (Owner) and Huw Lewis, Your Adventure Challenge; Grace Maddocks, Head of Communications, YMCA Black Country Group

E | ‘Crisis Communications’: what to do when things go wrong | Gallery Suite

We all hope never to be in that situation, but the nature of some of the work that YMCAs undertake means that occasionally something might happen that could potentially negatively impact YMCA’s reputation and attract negative press coverage. If this happened in your YMCA, would you know what to do? This session will focus on a step-by-step guide on how to deal with a crisis communications scenario. Hear about real life examples that have happened, what was done, and what we learned from these experiences.

Speaker: Aimee Reilly, Head of Communications, YMCA England & Wales

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PLENARY SESSION — Conference Theatre

12:15pm | Address by Claire Ward – Mayor of the East Midlands

Facilitator: Craig Berens, Chief Executive of YMCA Robin Hood Group

🍽️ LUNCH | 1pm — Banqueting Suite and Concourse Corridor  

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Delegates can choose whichever of the following sessions to attend.

A | YMCA Healthcheck – what it is, what it measures and what it can tell us about the sustainability of YMCAs?| Conference Suite 1

A key focus of the Federation Strategy is to ensure that the YMCA Federation is one built on a sound and sustainable financial basis, based on credible data and helping to inform our future strategies and work. The YMCA Healthcheck, completed by YMCAs on an annual basis, is a focal point of that work and continues to highlight key strengths and challenges for all YMCAs. Join this session to find out the results of the latest YMCA Healthcheck and to hear and discuss what this means for YMCAs moving forward.

Speakers: Jamie Hutchinson, Director of Resources; and Lorna Hayne, Governance, Legal, Risk and Standards Manager; YMCA England & Wales

B | Impact Investment for Scalable Affordable Housing and Thriving Communities | Conference Suite 2

Wellers Impact will present an approach for how a YMCA might engage with an ambitious, scalable, collaborative approach to housing development as part of thriving, mixed-use developments that support communities and create stronger YMCAs. Having just completed a study on YMCAs and housing, they will review some of their findings and speak to potential opportunities for growth. There will be an opportunity for YMCAs to ask questions and find out more about the possibility of pilot projects. Wellers Impact is an impact investment specialist committed to leveraging fair economics to construct financially sustainable and scalable solutions. Their expertise includes real estate development, legal and governance advice, and investment management.

Speakers: Neil Sandy, Chief Executive; Sarah Musgrove, Partner, Development and Impact; Wellers Impact

C | ‘Let’s Talk About Porn’ — Children’s experience of porn and sexual harassment | Conference Suite 3

In May 2025, Dignify, which is part of One YMCA, released a new report exploring the experiences of young people aged 13–18 with porn, social media, nude sharing, sexual harassment and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in schools. The findings highlighted early and often unintentional exposure to porn, the influence of harmful online content, and its impact on behaviour and attitudes. Come and hear more about the report and the actions being called for from schools, parents and Government to improve RSE and online safety. Join us to explore how we can work together across the YMCA Federation.

Speakers: Guy Foxell, Chief Executive; Nicola Lee, Head of Therapeutic and Specialist Services; Chris Moffat, Dignity Programme Manager; Natasha Jacobs, Senior Schools and Youth Worker; and Hannah Roberts, Dignify Social Media Coordinator, One YMCA

D | Social Investment Business: Social Investment for Sustainable Communities | Conference Suite 4

Social Investment Business are one of the UK’s largest and oldest social investors, providing finance and support to charities and social enterprises to build a fairer society. This session explores what social investment is, how it works, and how it can support community organisations tackling our most pressing problems. Our research shows that many organisations are operating from ageing, inefficient buildings with rising energy costs, putting vital services at risk. In response, we developed the Energy Resilience Fund, a new blended finance initiative designed to help organisations improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Bring along your questions and hear insights from investees who’ve gone through the process before.

Speaker: Christian Stannard, Senior Relationships Manager (New Business); and Julie Raymond, Senior Relationships Manager (Capital Projects), Social Investment Business

E | Learning, Quality & Impact session | Gallery Suite

Learning, Quality and Impact runs through the heart of what YMCA delivers and YMCAs have rightly been focussing on how we collectively show, understand and increase the impact we make in our local communities. But how does this look moving forward? This session will be a listening space for you to share your vision for what quality and impact looks like within the Federation, and what you may want or need from National Council to support you.

Speaker: Bethia McNeil, Catherine Mitchell and Josef Fischer, YMCA George Williams College / YMCA England & Wales

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PLENARY SESSION — Conference Theatre

2:40pm | The Devolution Revolution: Mayors, local government reform and what this could mean for YMCAs and the communities they serve

In December 2024 the Government published its White Paper setting out its plans for devolution. It proposes the creation of more Mayoral Strategic Authorities, the largest re-organisation of local councils in over 50 years, as well as shift in power and responsibility away from central government and bodies. This session will examine the potential impact of these proposals upon YMCAs and will feed back and build upon work already commissioned around the Devolution Framework and what this will mean for communities.

Speaker: Emily Wallace, Managing Director, Inflect

FINAL WORDS AND CONFERENCE CLOSE | 3:30pm

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Delegates can check into their rooms at the end of conference sessions on the first day of the conference (unless pre-arranged otherwise). Please collect your key from a member of the Conference Team. The name of your accommodation is included in your delegate letter.

All rooms are single occupancy (unless stated otherwise) and en-suite bathrooms. 

It is recommended that delegates vacate their rooms before the conference sessions begin at 9am on the Thursday morning.

There will be space set aside in the conference centre both on the Wednesday and Thursday of the conference for the safe storage of any luggage. Please ask at the YMCA Conference Registration desk. 

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