Celebrating Achievements
This year, 159 learners from the Voluntary and Community Sector completed various accredited programs with NICVA. These programs ranged from ILM Levels 3-7 in Leadership and Management and ILM Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring to TQUK Levels 3-4 in Training and Development and Assessors awards. We are incredibly proud of all our learners for their hard work and dedication!
Keynote Speaker: Moira Doherty
We were honoured to welcome Moira Doherty, Deputy Secretary at the Department for the Economy, as our keynote speaker. Moira shared her personal leadership journey, offering valuable insights on balancing ambition with resources and the importance of self-care as a leader.
She highlighted the value of recognising the strengths and abilities of those around us and starting with what's strong, not what's wrong. In her experience of working collaboratively across sectors and problem solving she has learnt that it is crucial to have diversity of thought, skills, experience and perspective, and to think who is not around the table. "Always be curious and consider what you can learn from others" she said.
Panel Discussion on Innovation and Inclusive Growth
Moira was joined by Tim Magowan, Operations Director of 174 Trust, and Jonny Currie, Director of Policy and Insight at NICVA, for a thought-provoking discussion on innovation and inclusive growth. The conversation highlighted that innovation is already deeply embedded in the sector, even if it isn’t always recognised as such and the need for cross-sector collaboration to address challenges. The panel stressed the importance of psychological safety, creating a brave space for innovation, and balancing agility with stability to lead change effectively. They ended by focusing on the importance of values, treating people well and building on our strengths.
Learners' Panel
A highlight of the event was hearing directly from our learners, who shared how their training has shaped their leadership journeys.
- Taking a proactive approach in their roles
- Becoming more effective mentors
- Learning from peers and networks
- Gaining confidence and stepping outside comfort zones
- Applying innovative thinking in their organisations
- Leading with bravery and bringing people along with them
Their stories reinforced the real-world impact of investing in learning and development.
Roundtable Discussions
The event concluded with roundtable discussions, where attendees shared the challenges their organisations face and how NICVA can support workforce development. The valuable insights from these discussions will help shape NICVA’s new strategic plan and workforce development programme for the coming year.
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