

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Make Your Mark Inclusive Volunteering Conference 2026: Power in Partnership
- **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 04 Feb, 2026 at 10:00 am – Wed, 04 Feb, 2026 at 04:00 pm
- **Event Description**: Join us at a one-day event exploring how co-creation and collaboration can transform volunteering across the heritage sector and beyond.About this EventMake Your Mark is the campaign to increase the number and diversity of heritage volunteers in Scotland. By heritage, we mean built, natural and cultural heritage. Make Your Mark is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.For our third annual conference, we will be exploring the power of collaboration in building inclusive, sustainable volunteer programmes.Where: Online and in-person at Edinburgh ZooWho: Volunteer-involving organisations (heritage and non-heritage)Volunteering thrives when we work together. Power in Partnership brings together voices from across the heritage and wider voluntary sector to explore how collaboration can drive inclusion, wellbeing and meaningful participation.Through talks, case studies and interactive workshops, this one-day conference will celebrate the relationships that make change possible. Together, we'll explore how to build a more equitable and sustainable volunteer landscape.Key themes include:Inclusion and belonging: creating volunteer programmes that reflect and empower a diverse range of communities.Co-creation and collaboration: sharing power between organisations, volunteers and communities.Accessibility and wellbeing: embedding psychological and structural safety in volunteering practice.Sustainability and impact: using research, data and design to build lasting, meaningful engagement.Cross-sector partnership: connecting heritage with health, education and community development.In the main atrium area where attendees will gather for refreshments and networking in between sessions, we will be displaying digital posters highlighting achievements in inclusive volunteering, as well as celebrating some of their volunteers' stories. Learn more about how to submit a digital poster.Who is the event for?Whether your organisation is just starting to think about involving volunteers, or you're an organisation with thousands of volunteers, there's something for everyone on the day.We have tickets for heritage and non-heritage organisations, as we're keen to share knowledge across the entire voluntary sector.***Please note that to book an in-person ticket for a heritage organisation, you must be a member of . Joining Make Your Mark is free - ***AccessibilityWe want our conference to be accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We are applying a range of accessibility measures as standard:We have provided all speakers with accessibility guidelines to assist them in creating inclusive presentations and workshops.BSL interpreters will be signing throughout the event.We have scheduled in breaks throughout the day.The event will use Slido throughout for audience interactivity, and there will be a practice session for everyone at the start of the event. Slido access details can be found on the programme.We have also invited all participants to tell us about their needs at the time of booking.Please note that whilst the majority of the conference takes place in the Education Centre at the Zoo, some in-person workshops are located a short distance away in the Mansion House, and lunch will be served a short distance away in the Grasslands Restaurant.We have produced a detailed accessibility guide for attending the Make Your Mark conference 2025.If you need any information or help at any stage, please get in touch at hello@makeyourmark.scot and let us know - we're happy to help.Make Your Mark is a  project that is hosted by the  - a registered Scottish Charity No. SC010440.  https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/392cf930-e3e5-11f0-820b-e5e04fbe28e9-rimg-w1200-h277-dcffffff-gmir.jpg Agenda?: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AMRegistration and refreshmentsInfo: If you are joining us on Teams, the session will be open from 9:45 am. Please log on by 9:50 am at the latest. ?: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AMSetting the scene &amp; Slido warm upInfo: The conference will begin with a welcome from the Chair and an introduction to using Slido. Slido will be used throughout the conference for audience interactivity. Please come with a charged phone or device if possible. Details of how to access Slido will be given on the day.?: 10:10 AM - 10:15 AMOpening remarksInfo: Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture?: 10:15 AM - 10:40 AMKeynote remarksHost: Zara ToddInfo: Hear thought-provoking reflections from Zara Todd, an equity and inclusion expert specialising in training, participation and leadership. There will be time for a brief Q&amp;A following Zara's remarks.?: 10:40 AM - 10:55 AMTalk: Towards a better understanding of heritage volunteeringHost: Debbie Maltman (she), Volunteer ScotlandInfo: In summer 2025, Our Past, Our Future worked in partnership with Make Your Mark and Volunteer Scotland to conduct new research into heritage volunteering. This session shares key findings and lessons learned. Speakers will discuss ways to improve accessibility, inclusion, and impact measurement.?: 10:55 AM - 11:20 AMBreakInfo: Comfort and screen break; time to travel to the first workshop session.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (IN PERSON): Building inclusive volunteer experiencesHost: Sally Munday (she/her), Home-Start UKInfo: This workshop explores Home-Start UK’s Community of Volunteering model, built on five guiding principles: volunteer-informed practice, inclusion, equity &amp; accessibility, boldness and celebrating volunteers. Using Design Thinking, participants will engage hands-on to explore one principle, develop practical actions and create a tailored action plan. Attendees will leave with tools and frameworks to design meaningful, sustainable volunteer experiences across their own organisations.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (IN PERSON): Wildlife tour and talkHost: Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandInfo: Join members of the RZSS Ranger team for a short tour to view and learn about some of the animals and chat about how the team engages with volunteers at Edinburgh Zoo.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (IN PERSON): Investing in Volunteers surgeryHost: Adrian Murtagh (he/him), Volunteer ScotlandInfo: This one-to-one surgery offers participants the opportunity to meet with an experienced Investing in Volunteers assessor to explore the UK quality standard for volunteer management. The surgery will introduce the standard and a structured self-assessment tool, which will highlight the strengths and development priorities for their volunteer programme. A follow-up session will be offered as part of the surgery.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (IN PERSON): Event stallsInfo: In lieu of attending one of the workshops, you're welcome to peruse the exhibition stalls. There are stalls sharing information about Make Your Mark, Volunteer Organisers Network, Volunteer Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (ONLINE): Heritage and health in partnershipHost: Felicia Sabarinelli (she/her), NHS TaysideInfo: This interactive workshop explores innovative partnerships between heritage and healthcare, showing how volunteer management, cultural engagement and wellbeing initiatives can benefit communities. Through storytelling, co-creation and networking, participants will identify shared challenges, generate fresh ideas and develop practical strategies to build sustainable, cross-sector collaborations that strengthen volunteer programmes and create lasting community impact.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (ONLINE): Community heritage climate action planningHost: Lisa Snedden (she/her), Keep Scotland BeautifulInfo: Join Lisa Snedden from the Our Heritage, Our Future programme at Keep Scotland Beautiful to find out about how they have worked with community partners to co-create positive responses to the climate emergency and the impact it has on our heritage.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (ONLINE): Wildlife tour and talkHost: Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandInfo: Join a member of the RZSS Discovery team to virtually visit some of the animals and chat about how the team supports group volunteering at Edinburgh Zoo as they walk digital attendees around some of the animal enclosures.?: 11:20 AM - 11:55 AMWorkshop 1 option (HYBRID): Facilitating employer-supported volunteeringHost: Volunteer ScotlandInfo: This workshop equips voluntary organisations with a structured approach to hosting employer-supported volunteering. Participants will examine strategic objectives, stakeholder needs and operational considerations to build an ESV approach.?: 11:55 AM - 12:05 PMBreakInfo: Screen break; time to travel back to lecture theatre.?: 12:05 PM - 12:50 PMPanel: Valuing voices - Recognition and belonging in volunteeringHost: Chair: Jess Wise (she/her), RZSSInfo: Discover what helps volunteers feel valued, included, and motivated to stay engaged. This panel brings together volunteers from Make Your Mark member organisations to share real experiences of recognition, belonging, and navigating challenges. Gain insights on creating supportive, accessible and sustainable volunteer environments that honour every voice.?: 12:50 PM - 01:50 PMLunchInfo: Lunch will be provided for delegates at the Zoo. Please indicate any dietary requirements at the time of booking.?: 01:50 PM - 02:10 PMTalk: "Our museum" - Working sustainably with young peopleHost: Judith Hewitt (she/her), Dumfries &amp; Galloway CouncilInfo: Dumfries &amp; Galloway Council’s Arts &amp; Museum Service began a 2021 project transforming Dumfries Museum’s historic main hall with young people. This session explores creating sustainable, youth-led volunteering that fosters ownership and impact, sharing practical tips for getting started, maintaining engagement and choosing activities. It highlights successes, reflects on challenges, and offers insights for developing meaningful, long-term volunteer opportunities that empower young people and enrich the museum experience.?: 02:10 PM - 02:30 PMTalk: A journey towards queer visibilityHost: Pippa Vidal Davies (she/ella), Culture LeicestershireInfo: Villiers Revealed (2025) at Melton Carnegie Museum, co-curated with communities and volunteers, celebrated hidden LGBTQ+ histories. This session explores how inclusive volunteering and meaningful collaboration can drive social impact, reflecting on the emotional and ethical responsibilities of volunteer leaders. Using this case study, participants will gain insights into shaping volunteer programmes that empower communities, foster inclusion and enable volunteers to act as catalysts for a more equitable and representative heritage sector.?: 02:30 PM - 02:55 PMBreakInfo: Comfort and screen break; time to travel to the second workshop session.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (IN PERSON): Joyful volunteeringHost: Rachel Cutress (she/her), Young V&amp;AInfo: The re-opening of Young V&amp;A in 2023 prompted a complete redesign of its volunteering programme, putting volunteer experience at the centre. This workshop uses the Young V&amp;A model and interactive activities to explore dynamic, mutually beneficial opportunities. Participants will reflect on volunteer experiences across the heritage sector, discuss redesign principles and develop action plans to foster a more inclusive and empowering volunteer culture.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (IN PERSON): Community heritage climate action planningHost: Lisa Snedden (she/her), Keep Scotland BeautifulInfo: Join Lisa Snedden from the Our Heritage, Our Future programme at Keep Scotland Beautiful to find out about how they have worked with community partners to co-create positive responses to the climate emergency and the impact it has on our heritage.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (IN PERSON): Wildlife tour and talkHost: Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandInfo: Join members of the RZSS Ranger team for a short tour to view and learn about some of the animals and chat about how the team engages with volunteers at Edinburgh Zoo.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (IN PERSON): Investing in Volunteers SurgeryHost: Adrian Murtagh (he/him), Volunteer ScotlandInfo: This one-to-one surgery offers participants the opportunity to meet with an experienced Investing in Volunteers assessor to explore the UK quality standard for volunteer management. The surgery will introduce the standard and a structured self-assessment tool, which will highlight the strengths and development priorities for their volunteer programme. A follow-up session will be offered as part of the surgery.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (IN PERSON): Event stallsInfo: In lieu of attending one of the workshops, you're welcome to peruse the exhibition stalls. There are stalls sharing information about Make Your Mark, Volunteer Organisers Network, Volunteer Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (ONLINE): Valuing your volunteersHost: Lexi Hemshaw (she), Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandInfo: Explore how recognising and celebrating our volunteers supports RZSS’s vision to connect people with nature and protect species. This interactive workshop shares practical ways to show appreciation, strengthen engagement, and build a positive, inclusive culture. Leave with some tools to recognise volunteers meaningfully, leading to a stronger volunteer team.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (ONLINE): Wildlife tour and talkHost: Royal Zoological Society of ScotlandInfo: Join a member of the RZSS Discovery team to virtually visit some of the animals and chat about how the team supports group volunteering at Edinburgh Zoo as they walk digital attendees around some of the animal enclosures.?: 02:55 PM - 03:30 PMWorkshop 2 option (HYBRID): When volunteering isn't freeHost: Shaun Gray, Unseen Barriers FoundationInfo: Volunteering can carry hidden costs for disabled and racialised people, including unpaid emotional labour, sensory distress and institutional risk. This interactive workshop explores how traditional volunteering structures can exclude, even unintentionally. Drawing on the Distress Model of Disability and the Unseen Barriers Framework, participants will identify unseen barriers, consider the impact of design and language and develop actionable strategies to ensure volunteering is not only accessible but psychologically and structurally safe for all.?: 03:30 PM - 03:40 PMBreakInfo: Screen break; time to travel back to lecture theatre.?: 03:40 PM - 04:00 PMFinal reflectionsHost: Alan Stevenson (he/him), Volunteer Scotland
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/corstorphine/make-your-mark-inclusive-volunteering-conference-2026-power-in-partnership/100001766140205899
- **Event Categories**: volunteering, workshops, business, conferences, art, exhibitions, health-wellness, theatre, fine-arts, nonprofit, charities, lgbt-pride, storytelling
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: https://consumer.pxf.io/c/1339408/3151484/39691?partnerpropertyid=1191892&MediaPartnerPropertyId=1191892&svlink=14105511&level=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fmake-your-mark-inclusive-volunteering-conference-2026-power-in-partnership-tickets-1766140205899
- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP

## Event venue details

- **city**: Corstorphine
- **state**: SC
- **country**: United Kingdom
- **location**: Edinburgh Zoo
- **lat**: 55.9421577
- **long**: -3.269325
- **full address**: Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Corstorphine, United Kingdom

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 10
- **organizer**: Make Your Mark (https://allevents.in/org/make-your-mark/18526872)

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: banner
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- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/d77e6fce77799340e43745c9a09ab7977716373434418b9163f015764340071c-rimg-w400-h400-dc2c3489-gmir.jpg?v=1766923434

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Wed, 04 Feb, 2026 at 10:00 am
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Corstorphine, United Kingdom
- **Q**: What is the ticket price?
  - **A:** starting from 0 up to 0 GBP
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** Make Your Mark
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** volunteering, workshops, business, conferences, art, exhibitions, health-wellness, theatre, fine-arts, nonprofit, charities, lgbt-pride, storytelling
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about Make Your Mark Inclusive Volunteering Conference 2026: Power in Partnership ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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