Rav Wilding to Headline Power of Local Conference for Staffordshire VCSE Sector

Rav Wilding to headline Power of Local conference for Staffordshire’s VCSE sector

TV presenter Rav Wilding will headline a major new conference bringing together charities, community groups, social enterprises and civic organisations from across Staffordshire.

Power of Local will take place on Thursday 7 May at The Octagon Conference Centre in Stafford, offering a full day of insight, discussion and practical support for organisations working at the heart of their communities.

The event is organised by Support Staffordshire, the county’s infrastructure body for charities, community groups and social enterprises, and comes as the organisation reaches the milestone of 1,500 member organisations. The conference will bring together both members and the wider sector at a time when many organisations are facing rising demand, increasing complexity and ongoing pressure on resources.

Delegates will hear from Rav Wilding, whose keynote interview and Q&A is expected to be one of the highlights of the day, as well as Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, who will speak about The King’s Award, celebrate local organisations that have already been recognised, and explain how others can get involved.

A central part of the programme will be the Ask the Experts breakout sessions, designed to give attendees the chance to put their burning questions directly to specialist speakers. Topics will include trusts and grants, EDI, volunteering, fundraising, sustainability and AI for charities.

Alongside Rav Wilding and Professor Barnes, the conference will feature other speakers and expert contributors from across the sector, sharing practical insight, experience and ideas throughout the day. Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet exhibitors, connect with peers, partners, funders and service providers, and hear the latest updates from Support Staffordshire on its work and impact across the county.

“Local organisations are doing some of the most important work in our communities, often under real pressure and with limited time and capacity. Power of Local is about creating space for people to step back, hear fresh perspectives, ask honest questions and make useful connections. We are creating something that feels truly worthwhile for our sector, a high-quality event close to home that reflects the importance of the work local organisations do every day.”

— Garry Jones, CEO of Support Staffordshire

With notable speakers, expert-led sessions, networking, lunch, and refreshments all included, Power of Local is designed to give organisations useful insight, fresh connections and practical ideas they can take straight back into their work.

Tickets cost £25 for Support Staffordshire members and £45 for non-members. Lunch and refreshments are included. Book your ticket now at poweroflocal.org.uk