Upcoming events

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• New to Post CEO Forum 2024- 2026

  • Start
    5 Mar 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    29 Jan 2026
  •  
    1:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, 31 Bruce Street, Belfast, BT2 7JD

  The purpose of the forum is to offer support for those Chief Officers who have taken on a new leadership role. It is open to those who have been in post for up to four years. We appreciate that being a Chief Officer can be a hugely rewarding role however, it can at times feel lonely and with the external challenges and uncertainty the wider sector is exposed to, we thought this forum would be a great way to support those new-to-post.

  Chaired by Phil Alexander, CEO Cancer Fund for Children and held every quarter with subjects tailored to you as a New to Post CEO.

  The sessions below are what we looked at previously. 

  The Power of Networking

  Imposter Syndrome

  Post Pandemic Learnings

  Our next sessions will be on:

  1. Social Enterprise – Managing Change, facilitated by Nigel Hampton CEO of IncredABLE [24th January 2024 – 12:00 noon -2:00 pm]

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  • How can I ensure my organisation is demonstrating its impact? Six questions for CEOs - Majella McCloskey and Melanie Stone from CES bring their experience of working with VCSE sector across Northern Ireland and Ireland to help you consider some key questions that can get you started on leading for impact [5th March - 12:00 noon - 2:00pm] Centre for Effective Services, 11th Floor, Causeway Tower, 9 James Street South, Belfast, BT2 7GA
    
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  • The Dynamic Relationship between the CEO and the Chair, facilitated by Sarah Burrows – Partner Edwards and CO Solicitors [1st May 2024- 12:00 noon -2:00 pm] - Venue TBC

      Navigating Uncertainty, Navigating Uncertainty is especially prescient at this time with the continued news flow from the US, UK government policy changes and also developments in world politics such as Ukraine. Quilter Cheviot will focus on the economic environment, reserves and investments; whilst Finegan Gibson will look at operational considerations and reserves policies for organisations (4 June 2025, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM   Quilter Cheviot Belfast Office, Montgomery House, 29-33 Montgomery St, Belfast BT1 4NX)

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  • Crisis Management [Date TBC]
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  • Media Training [Date TBC]
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• Shared Island Leadership Forum - Full Programme

  • Start
    16 May 2025
  •  
  • End
    23 Jan 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Belfast and Dublin

  Register

  Event Schedule

    Friday 16 May 2025 | Belfast – A Sustainable Future
  Maximizing resources to meet growing demand, identifying and developing new income streams.

   Friday 5 September 2025 | Dublin – Developing Future Strategy
  Mergers, collaboration, and partnerships—aligning values, fostering innovation, and leveraging scale.

   Friday 7 November 2025 | Belfast – Talent: Recruit, Reward, Retain
  Best practices in recruitment, employee engagement, and succession planning.

   Friday 23 January 2026 | Dublin – Measuring Impact for Success
  Developing key metrics to demonstrate the difference you make and communicate your value. 

  Aimed at Chief Executives, this programme comprises four high-impact learning events—two in Belfast, two in Dublin—bringing together 50 community and voluntary sector leaders (25 CO3 Members, 25 Cii Members) to foster cross-border collaboration.

  What's Included?

  • Expert speakers sharing key insights.
  • Interactive workshops tailored to sectoral leadership
  • Panel discussions with sector leaders.
  • Evaluation & Impact Report capturing key priorities and opportunities

   

  
  

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• Full-Access Ticket for the Empowering Leaders Signature Programme 2025-2026

  • Start
    21 May 2025
  • End
    31 Mar 2026
  • Location
    CO3 Office - 31 Bruce Street. BT2 7JD

  Register

  The ELSP is a meticulously crafted initiative dedicated to the holistic development of leaders within the third sector. At its core, the program is about providing actionable insights and strategies to address the unique challenges faced by CEOs, Directors, Trustees, and leaders in the VCSE sector in 2024.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  PROGRAMME SCHEDULE: 

  21 May 2025 - 12:35 - 3:00 PM

  Unleash the Power of Volunteering with Denise Hayward

  
  

  10 June 2025 - 11:30 AM - 2:00PM

  Financial Reporting with Tony Clarke

  27 August 2025 - 12:00 PM - 2:30PM

  The Role of the Company Secretary with Brendan Mullan 

  
  

  11 September 2025 11:30AM - 2:00PM

  Crisis Management with Brendan Scott and Brendan Mulgrew, MW Advocates

  23 October 2025 11:30AM - 2:00PM

  AI and the 3rd Sector with Andy Hill 

  12 November 2025 11:30AM - 2:00PM

  Restorative Leadership- Creating a Positive Culture with Liza Wilkinson

  
  

  03 December 2025 - 11:30 AM - 2:00PM

  The Power of Networking with Niraj Kapur

  21 January 2026 - 12:00 PM - 2:30PM

  The 6 Things Every Trustee Should Know with Brendan Mullan

  
  

  TBC February 2026 11:30AM - 2:00PM

  Succession Planning with Roger Courtney

  TBC March 2026 11:30AM - 2:00PM

  Board Appraisals 

  
  

  
  

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• Financial Reporting with Tony Clarke

  • When
    10 Jun 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• Health SIG Meeting | Partnership Showcase: Innovations in Support for Older People

  • When
    12 Jun 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Mills Selig

  Register

  Come along and learn more about how partnership working is making a positive difference to the lives of older people in the Northern Trust Area, at this CO3 Health Special Interest Group Partnership Showcase event with Age NI and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

  We are delighted that we will hear from Mandy Wilson, Head of Wellbeing Services at the Age NI, Sabrina Lynn, Locality Lead at the Northern Health & Social Care Trust, and Claire Ramsey, Wellbeing Manager at the Northern Health & Social Care Trust.

  CO3 Health Special Interest Group Chair, Bernie Kelly, will welcome members and introduce our speakers for this session - Partnership Showcase: Innovations in Support for Older People.

  More details to follow.

  
  

  OUR SPEAKERS

  
  

  Mandy Wilson, Head of Wellbeing Services, Age NI

  Mandy Wilson is an accomplished Mental Health Nurse with over 35 years of professional experience, including the last 15 years as Head of Wellbeing Services with Age NI. She holds a BSc(Hons) in Health Studies , a post graduate qualification in Dementia studies and has recently completed a post graduate diploma in Health and Social Care management. Mandy has a longstanding commitment to improving health and social care impacts and outcomes for older people with particular expertise in service development within the Voluntary and community sector.

  
  

  Sabrina Lynn, Locality Lead, Northern Health & Social Care Trust

  Sabrina graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Health and Leisure Studies from Queen’s University Belfast in 2002. With over 20 years of experience in Health Improvement, she has played key roles within both the Northern and Southern Health & Social Care Trusts, leading initiatives focused on Physical Activity and Obesity.

  Currently serving as the Health & Wellbeing Locality Lead for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, she oversees key thematic areas such as Social Prescribing, Children and Young People, Healthy Lifestyles and Health Literacy. Her approach is grounded in strong partnership working and innovation to advance impactful health and wellbeing programmes that foster healthier communities and empower individuals with the skills and knowledge to enhance their health and wellbeing.

  
  

  Claire Ramsey, Wellbeing Manager at the Northern Health & Social Care Trust

  Claire is a Health and Wellbeing Manager for the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) in Northern Ireland and operational manager of the NHSCT area wide Social Prescribing Service – ‘Connect North: Your pathway to wellbeing’ launched in 2022. 

  Claire graduated as a Dietitian in 2003 and continues to work in the health and social care arena combining her passions for health literacy, person-centred care and personal and public involvement initiatives striving to improve services and the client experience.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Board and Director Evaluation

  • When
    19 Jun 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Rathbones, 15th Floor, City Quays 3, 90 Donegall Quay, Belfast, BT1 3FE

  Register

  
  

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• The CO3 2025 Summer Influence Institute (2 Sessions)

  • Start
    20 Jun 2025
  •  
  • End
    21 Aug 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Stormont Hotel

  Register

  For charity leaders who need their voice to matter where decisions are made

  Influencing policy isn’t just for the big players or well-funded campaigns. Often, it’s the local charities—those closest to the challenges—that hold the most important insights. But finding the time, language, and confidence to turn those insights into influence isn’t always straightforward.

  That’s why we’ve created the CO3 Influence Institute—a space for charity leaders to step into their role as changemakers with clarity, support, and strategy.

  In partnership with NIE Networks, this new two-part summer programme is designed to give you the tools, access and confidence to influence policy in a way that’s effective, strategic and sustainable. Whether you’re already involved in shaping policy or know your work should be part of the conversation, this is for you.

  
  

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• Health & Safety Responsibilities for Senior Leaders and Trustees – Ignorance is Not a Defence

  • When
    20 Aug 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• The Role of the Company Secretary with Brendan Mullan

  • When
    27 Aug 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• Crisis Management for Third Sector Leaders with MW Advocate

  • When
    11 Sep 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• AI and Marketing for the Voluntary and Community Sector with Andy Hill

  • When
    23 Oct 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• Restorative Leadership: Creating a Positive Culture with Liza Wilkinson

  • When
    12 Nov 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• CO3 40th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Ball

  • Start
    20 Nov 2025
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    21 Nov 2025
  •  
    12:30 AM
  • Location
    Titanic Belfast

  Register

  Join us for the CO3 Ruby Anniversary Fundraising Gala Ball!

  Celebrate 40 years of leadership and impact in the Community and Voluntary sector with an unforgettable evening at the Titanic Suite, Titanic Belfast. Enjoy a formal black-tie dinner, dancing, and entertainment from special guests, including stand-up comedian Neil Delamere. Let’s come together to honour the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

  Location: Titanic Suite, Titanic Belfast
  Dress Code: Formal Black Tie

  Don’t miss this special evening of celebration and connection!

  
  

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• Power Up Your Networks Through LinkedIn with Niraj Kapur

  • When
    3 Dec 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• The 6 Things Every Trustee Should Know with Brendan Mullan

  • When
    21 Jan 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• Succession Planning with Roger Courtney

  • When
    11 Feb 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• Succession Planning with Roger Courtney

  • When
    11 Feb 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    CO3 Office, Belfast

  Register

  This is 1 of the 10 high-level lunch-time masterclasses that are part of CO3 Empowering Leaders Signature Programme. 

  This set of masterclasses is specially designed to support CEOs, senior managers and trustees on the most pressing issues and challenges they are facing today, but in a practical, short and to-the-point format so they can get more in less time.

  Your development as a leader just got more efficient because we believe that investing in yourself shouldn’t create more time pressures in your busy schedule.

  Learn more about the full programme here: Empowering Leaders Signature Programme - CO3

  Show details
• Shared Island Leadership Forum 2026/27 - Expressions of Interest

  • Start
    1 Apr 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    31 Mar 2027
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Belfast/Dublin

  Register

  
  

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