Inaugural conference provides a springboard for community collaboration

Community groups and organisations from across the Tees Valley have come together to explore opportunities to collaborate more effectively to benefit local communities.

Teesside University hosted its inaugural Community Hub Conference which saw 145 people from a diverse range of organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector meet to collaborate, strengthen connections and learn how the University can support their organisation.

Titled ‘Building a Stronger Teesside’, the conference is part of Teesside University’s civic mission to connect communities and use education as a catalyst for social and economic progress.

A keynote speech was delivered by Dame Julia Unwin DBE, former Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, discussing the role of universities, how they are inextricably linked to the place they exist and the development of civil society organisations rising to challenges.

Jon Carling, former Chief Executive of charity infrastructure organisation Catalyst, also gave a keynote speech reflecting on his time as a charity leader.

Other organisations represented at the conference included social housing provider Thirteen, alongside regional infrastructure partners Hartlepool Community Trust, Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency and Tees Valley Rural Action.

Panel discussions covered a variety of topics ranging from the role of social value, procurement requirements to how the VCSE sector could benefit from some the major regeneration projects across the region.

Dr Jo Heaton-Marriott, Executive Director (Communications and Development) at Teesside University, said: 'As an anchor institution for the Tees Valley, working in partnership with communities to deliver positive change is at the forefront of our civic mission.

'This conference will further catalyse our commitment to transform lives and economies by bringing people together and ensuring our networks, skills and expertise can support these organisations in their vital work.'

Rex Elston, Social Responsibility Manager, said: 'It was fantastic to see the passion from people across the region, working together to make positive difference in our communities.'

Stephen Goodall, Social Responsibility Officer, added: 'The highlight for me was the social value panel. There are significant regeneration opportunities across the Tees Valley, and this is the perfect opportunity for private, public and voluntary sectors to develop new models for collaboration.'

The conference will be followed by a series of smaller regional events for VCSE organisations focused on participatory research and how these organisations can shape the research that is taking place within the community and ensure that it is fit for purpose.

It is hoped another Community Hub Conference will be held in 2025.

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