Salford CVS VCSE Conference 2026 - A century of voluntary and citizen action in Salford

Salford CVS are pleased to announce that our annual Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Conference is returning on Thursday 29th October 2026 and will be held in person at Salford Community Stadium.

Last year our annual conference was: Live Well - What would it take for everyone in Salford to be able to Live Well where key speakers raised awareness of the Live Well programme and explored the impact on the VCSE sector in Salford.

At this year’s conference, we are celebrating Salford's Centenary year – more specifically: 
A century of voluntary and citizen action in Salford.

Join Salford CVS and colleagues from across our sector as we look at how the history of Salford has shaped the city we know and love today. We will also be celebrating the 100 years and looking at how the VCSE sector will shape the next 100 years.

This conference is free of charge and is aimed at voluntary organisations, community groups, charities and social enterprises who operate in Salford for the benefit of Salford residents.

Event details:

• Free for VCSE organisations working in Salford for the benefit of local people (spaces are limited to two representatives per group/organisation)
• Refreshments, including a vegetarian / vegan buffet lunch, will be provided
• Wheelchair-accessible venue (please indicate any specific access requirements when booking)
• BSL interpreters will be with us throughout the day
• Hearing loops provided (please indicate if you require one on the booking form)
• We aim for this conference to be inclusive to everyone – so if you have difficulties in traveling to Salford Community Stadium, please contact office@salfordcvs.co.uk 
  See our page of Useful Travel Information 

Workshops:

Morning Workshops

Dirty Old Town - As Salford marks 100 years, who gets to tell its story and what should its cultural future look like? 

Class and Cobbles - Positive movements to overcome class struggles. We will look at Salford's social history and class struggles and how Salford's VCSE organisations helped to positively influence change.

From Docks to Dock 10 - From docks, warehouses, and industry, to the physical transformation to Salford Quays.

Horrible Histories - Exploring the post industrial decline and the impact it had on local communities

Afternoon Workshops

More in Common - As the force of division in society grows stronger, with social media magnifying the loudest and most extreme voices, how can we counteract this with what we have in common rather than what divides us.

Grey Power - How will older people’s needs change... and will Salford be age proof? 

Driving Change:  the VCSE in the driving seat – How do we make sure the VCSE sector is the driving force in Salford’s future, so communities have the power, recognition and resources to lead change?

Community Power:  How can community voice help shape our future? - Turning local knowledge into real influence and change for Salford's next 100 years

Booking:

The information you provide to us will only be used to communicate with you about the event you are booking onto. This will include sending confirmations, joining instructions and post-event feedback and information.

Our conference is for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations that work in Salford.

Maximum of two attendees per organisation. Places are free for VCSE organisations 

Please click 'register now' to book your place.