Derby plays host to major national charity conference

Derby has welcomed chief executives and senior leaders of a national youth charity from across the UK for a major conference.

Last week, around 60 delegates from the YMCA descended on the city for The YMCA Chief Executives Network (CEN) and YMCA Strategic Leaders Network (SLN) 2022 conference.

Hosted by YMCA Derbyshire, charity bosses from all four home nations came together in the city to celebrate their vital work.

Gillian Sewell, chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We were so proud to showcase our beautiful city to a network of chief executives and senior leaders across our federation.

“This network ensures a quality programme, which allows for both internal and external input and gives the opportunity to explore and understand our current and individual positions.

“Above all else, it was great to spend quality time with our fellow team members from across different areas. It’s such a special time when we can share ways of working, our cultures, and joys of working for YMCA.”

CEN has been in place in 2008 and was responsible for the formation of the SLN in 2012.

Both networks reach across the four nations outside of the relevant YMCA National Councils, led by steering groups who volunteer to support their networks’ objectives.

The Derby conference saw several external speakers share their stories and thoughts with the YMCA leaders.

They included John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby, Professor Chris Bussell, of the University of Derby and Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.

The delegates were also treated to a reception at the Council House, hosted by chief executive of Derby City Council, Paul Simpson, and at Derby Cathedral, hosted by Dean Peter Robinson.