Building on the 2024 gofod3 panel discussion of the same name, this workshop shares learning from a six-month action learning project exploring what it means to ‘Find the Good’ in commissioning practice across Wales. The project was initiated by the Welsh Small Charities Forum, and developed in partnership with Lloyds Bank Foundation, Cwmpas, County Voluntary Councils (CVCs), small charities, and social enterprises across Wales. Together, project partners developed local and regional commissioning conversations throughout Spring 2025. This workshop features contributions from those involved in the project, sharing insights and outcomes from their experiences. Attendees will be invited to reflect on the learning and consider how the voluntary sector can build on this work to advocate for better commissioning practices across Wales.

How can we turn a one-off volunteering experience into the beginning of a lifelong journey? This useful session explores how people often enter volunteering through short-term experiences – like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Welsh Baccalaureate, employer-supported volunteering, or national events like The Big Help Out. Take the opportunity to consider how these early experiences can be powerful springboards for longer term commitments when the right conditions are in place.

The Open University in Wales currently supports volunteers through their ‘Get Ahead with Volunteering training programme’, but what else could/should they be doing within the sector? They would love to hear your thoughts. This interactive session will explore: OpenLearn Champions advocacy training for the voluntary sector Get Ahead with Volunteering programme – now in its third year Other partnerships within the sector and how The Open University support staff CPD learning Exploring OpenLearn – their free bite-size return to learning website, home to 1,000 free courses and 10,000 free interactives, papers, games and other return to learning resources.

Join us for an informative session where we’ll explore the National Lottery Community Fund’s current and upcoming funding opportunities for your community. This session will offer a masterclass, including valuable tips, if or when you apply to their flagship People and Places programme. You’ll learn about the programme’s current priorities, including the new requirement for applicants to explain how they will manage their environmental impact.