15-16 October 2025 | 9.10am – 3pm | Online via Zoom
AVM’s annual conference is highly regarded as one of the best learning events for volunteer managers, leaders and heads of volunteering.
The role of volunteer managers is ever evolving, and this year’s conference will provide you with the opportunity to delve into key aspects of our profession, providing you with the opportunity to gain insights from leading voices and learn about best practices alongside peers from across the sector.
Each day will include an informative and inspiring keynote, a choice of engaging workshops, and a thought-provoking panel discussion — all designed to challenge your thinking, spark new ideas, and support you in your role.
Keynotes
Both days will start with an inspirational keynote from our guest speakers who will be exploring the significance of community research, engagement, and outreach in facilitating social action initiatives and the roles we can all play in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society through volunteerism and community involvement.
Workshops
This year, there are twelve workshops to choose from. They have been structured around the following themes, ensuring you gain targeted expertise in the topics that matter most to you:
- The Volunteer Experience: From Recruitment To Retention
- Building Your Volunteering Infrastructure
- Inclusive Volunteering: Engaging Diverse Communities
- Thriving As A Volunteer Manager: Wellbeing And Professional Development
Panels
Each day will include an insightful panel discussion. Hear from representatives from key volunteering bodies in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in the ‘Four Nations’ panel on Wednesday, and from peers on how volunteer-led initiatives are driving significant, positive change within organisations in the ‘Succeeding with Volunteer Voice Initiatives’ panel on Thursday.
Meet the Sponsors
The conference sponsors will be running Meet the Sponsor sessions during the lunchbreaks, giving you the opportunity to speak to them about the products and services that they offer.
Programme
Wednesday 15 October 2025
9.10am – Registration
9.30am – Welcome by Ruth Leonard (Chair, AVM)
9.40am – Keynote: Kheron Gilpin
10.40am – Break
10.55am – Workshops 1-6
12pm – Lunch*
12.45pm – Workshops 7-12
1.55pm – Panel: Four Nations
3pm – Close
Thursday 16 October 2025
9.10am – Registration
9.30am – Welcome by Ruth Leonard (Chair, AVM)
9.40am – Keynote: Siân Whyte
10.40am – Break
10.55am – Workshops 1-6
12pm – Lunch*
12.45pm – Workshops 7-12
1.55pm – Panel: Succeeding with Volunteer Voice Initiatives
3pm – Close
*Delegates also have the opportunity to meet with the Conference Sponsors during the lunch break on both days.
Based on feedback from previous conferences, we will not be including dedicated networking sessions at this year’s event. Instead, the conference will focus firmly on learning and development—designed to equip and energise you in your role with inspiring talks, thought-provoking discussions, and practical guidance.
For those looking to connect with peers, we continue to offer free, in-person Peer Support Networking Meetings throughout the year, which provide dedicated space for connection and conversation. New events are added to our website regularly.
Find out more about the programme sessions
Sponsors
Our sponsors help us to keep our conference affordable.

Find out more about the conference sponsors
Buy your ticket
AVM members are eligible for a discount on the conference ticket price. Please login to your account so that your discount can be automatically applied.
If you’re not an AVM member, you can join AVM today to gain access to the conference, as well as receiving lots of other benefits, including access to free member-only events, discounts for all public events and the annual AVM conference.
You will also have access to the AVM BiteSize webcasts and AVM Replay videos of previous events. Members also have the opportunity to join our Mentoring Scheme and build their professional network through AVM Connect.
Join AVM today to access your discount for this event.