VCSSCamp 10 - Superhighways

VCSSCamp 10 was an unconference in May 2024, enabling peers to meet and talk about the hot topics that impact our work in supporting charities and community organisations in London, and particularly how we can use digital, data and tech for smarter working and service delivery.

An opportunity to share our collective experience and find solutions to common problems, ultimately to better support the amazing communities we work in.

We last convened this event online in 2020 during the pandemic along with Pauline Roche one of the original VCSSCamp founders, so it felt especially good to offer the opportunity for people to come together in person in a physical space in 2024.

Thanks to our Digital Foundations programme funder the National Lottery Community Fund, along with support from London Plus and UKGovCamp for making this possible. Thanks also to The Lift who made the logistics of venue planning and catering so easy.

Agenda setting

Like any unconference, topics for the agenda were set on the day by participants. We were overwhelmed by the volume and breadth of ideas for sessions - especially as this was the first unconference for the majority of attendees.

Photo to attendees looking at the post it note agenda on the wall

Topics called by participants

Digital / data / tech skills in the workplace. How can we motivate and encourage skill development?
AI - what are we all using or can we use in our work?
Inclusive Services - disability, digital inclusion,
Tools and techniques for making day to day work easier
Effective information sharing
Impact storytelling
Learning about news and resources for our sector
Data collection challenges - not being extractive, collective methods, funder requirements
Consultation & engagement - quantitative vs qualitative data collection

Photo of attendees looking at the post it note agenda on the wall

Research challenges
Hybrid, in person, online - what's working and why
CRMs! What's working - how can we link systems better?
Networking mapping show and tell
Data about the sector - CC commission data tools and sector mapping across ICS & youth services
Approaches to influencing lobbying e.g. funders / local and national governmen
Budgeting for future tech
Community-led insight tools
Measuring impact

Photo of people in an inner and outer circle talking to the person opposite them

Hello my name is...

Networking was a big part of the day. Most attendees, all supporting small charities, community organisations and social enterprises in London, hadn't met each other before and so we prioritised time to do this in a fun way at the beginning of the day.

What did people find most useful from the day?

It was such a good learning experience and a great opportunity to share and collaborate. As the sessions were about real digital challenges that organisations are facing now, it feels relatable and provides new ideas that you can take back with you.

The best thing was networking and meeting people with similiar roles in other boroughs. I liked the discussion and getting new ideas and best practices and also challenges that are faced by others.

The range of discussion topics was great - but it also meant I could have in-depth conversations around commissioning and social impact that will help me with my work.

I gained great insights into what other charities' perspectives and concerns are about data. It's an important opportunity for us to listen to what others' needs are and how we can reflect that onto our programme design. It's always very nice to be meeting interesting people in the sector!

One word to describe the day?

Word cloud showing feedback from the day. Top words Insightful, Collaborative, Fun, Inspiring, Informative, Connected.

What about the unconference format?

It was a really nice and unusual way of bringing people together. I liked that it was not too formal and everyone was made to feel very comfortable.

It was very positive - the networking side of things wasn't awkward and the topics were genuinely interesting (unlike other events I've been to like this!). It seemed a good-sized group and a positive atmosphere was established from the start.

I liked it, and would recommend the unstructured nature to other colleagues, even using it for one part of an event.

I was so surprised at actually enjoying the unplanned nature of the event whilst also learning from others.

Supporters

National Lottery Community Fund

London Plus

UKGovcamp