Annual Conference 2010

Annual Conference returned to Manchester this year and, as ever, the challenge was to cover as much ground as possible over the 24 hour period. Attendance this year was boosted by nearly 70 first timers, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn more about CSSC and to build networks and useful contacts.

Even before Conference started, attendees took the opportunity to visit the Exhibition Area with stands from a wide range of internal CSSC groups and external partners such as CSIS, Countdown, New Balance and others.

Conference opened with our guest speaker Phil Packer (click here to read more about this session) and was followed by the presentation of the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award which went to Paul Mackintosh (click here for the full story).

With the Chairman unable to join us, a video message from David Bell brought everyone up to date with how CSSC was progressing from his perspective and included an important update on CSSC's relationship with the Cabinet Office and our funding. After tea and coffee, and a final opportunity to tour the exhibition stands, the AGM approved the Council's annual report, accounts and approach to membership subscriptions etc.

With the business of day one over, guests returned to the main hall for the presentation of CSSC's major awards, dinner and then the very 'hands on' entertainment provided by the 'Drum Café'. Everyone was issued with an African drum and a Boomwhacker and, under the expert direction of the Drum Café team, played their hearts out in (almost) unison!

Day two was an even more active day, starting with the Breakout Session (click here to read more), followed by the Surgery Sessions where volunteers were able to have brief appointments with CSSC staff and Management Board members on a wide range of topics.

A motion from Tyne, Wear & Northumberland Area Association was then discussed, which was followed by a presentation by Alan Peed on the format and content of Annual Conference itself. To finish, Marian Holmes, CSSC's Chief Executive, highlighted key issues for the organisation and urged everyone to play their part in facing the challenges and grasping the opportunities that now lie ahead.

The final act of the day was to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment to CSSC and to wish one and all a safe journey home.