VONNE Conference & AGM 2025 - Agenda

8.30am - 9.00amRegistration and networking
9.00amWelcome – Alison Dunn, Chair
9.05amAGM - Agenda
9.35amConference start – Welcome from Chief Executive, Martin Brookes
9.40amSetting the Political Scene - Fireside talk with Alistair Clark, Prof of Political Science, Newcastle University 
10.00am

Building Stronger Communities - Panel Discussion 

Chair – Ngozi Cole 

  • Lesley Storey, My Sisters Place and One Million Women and Girls 
  • Andy Durma, West End Refugee Service  
  • Caroline Rogan, Northumberland CVA 
  • Jill Hardie, Rainbow Home  
  • James Fildes, Space North East 
  • Salha Kaitesi, North East Anti-Racism Coalition 

11.00amCoffee Break – Sweet treats from Pink Lane Bakery 
11.30am

How can the sector work with political leadership/within the changing landscape? - Panel discussion  

Chair – Jacqui Hodgson

  • Kate Burrows, Durham Community Action 
  • Garry Jones, Support Staffordshire 
  • Sam Pritchard, Muckle LLP  
  • Enver Solomon, Refugee Council 
  • Michelle Cooper, Point North 
12.30pmSpeaker/Interview - Amjid Khazir, Founder and Director of Media Cultured CIC
12.50pmClosing remarks - Martin Brookes
1pm - 1.30pmNetworking and close