What is it?
The Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research Conference (#vsvr26) is the largest conference devoted to voluntary and volunteering sector-related research in the UK. Hosted this year by the Watershed, Bristol, VSVR ‘26 is organised by the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN), in partnership with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council (BVSC) and Voscur. It brings together over 100 researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to discuss the latest research in and on the voluntary sector and volunteering in the UK and beyond.
When is it?
9th and 10th September 2026, starting at about 9am each day. In addition, there is a pre-conference workshop for new (early career) researchers on the 8th September.
Where is it?
The conference takes place at the Watershed, Bristol. The address is: 1 Canons Road
Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX. For travel information see: Visit | Watershed.
Watershed is located on Bristol’s historic harbourside in the city centre, with great transport links making it easy to get to, with car parking near by. The nearest bus stops to Watershed are on ‘The Centre’, no more than a 2 minute walk away. Plan your journey by bus at travelwest.info. The closest car parks are Millennium Square Car Park and Trenchard Street NCP parking. There are two Blue Badge parking spaces to the rear of Watershed on Canons Road. To find out more visit: Visit | Watershed.
The Watershed is an accessible building and a quiet room will be available throughout the conference. Please do get in touch if you have any queries about accessibility requirements.
Is there a theme?
The theme of the conference is ‘Evidence Into Action: Unlocking the Power of Civil Society Research’. We have over sixty papers being delivered, alongside workshops, panel, and plenary sessions. Alongside the conference theme, these papers will cover a wide range of topics related to the voluntary sector and volunteering – from research on philanthropy and grant making, through to diversity and inclusivity, leadership and governance, theory and methodologies. Our keynote speaker on Day 1 is Professor Helen Manchester (University of Bristol), with a full plenary panel discussion for Day 2 including Sado Jirde (BSWN) Beth Wilson (Wellspring Settlement), Professor Martin Parker (University of Bristol), Rebecca Mear (Voscur) and Marc Griffiths (UWE).
What’s on the programme?
You can view a draft of the programme here. Please note – this is a working draft and there are likely to be changes to the ordering of individual papers in the run up to the conference.
What about new researchers?
VSVR provides a supportive environment for early careers academics and researchers from within the voluntary sector to present their work and receive detailed feedback. Whilst some early careers researchers will chose to present in the main conference, this year we are hosting a pre-conference new researchers’ workshop on the 8th September, with opportunities for new researchers to present their research and to take part in a professional development workshop. Details are included in the programme. New researchers can attend the full conference at the concessionary rate, which includes attendance on both days plus the workshop on the 8th.
Are there any tips for presenters?
Please view the draft programme to see when your session is scheduled. If you have any concerns about the scheduling, please contact the organising committee asap by emailing vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk . Please note – this is a working draft of the programme and will be subject to change.
If you are presenting an individual paper within one of the parallel paper sessions, you will either be with two or three other presenters. If you are in a three-paper session, you will have approximately 20 mins to present your paper, with an additional 10 minutes for questions / discussion. If you are in a four-paper session, you will have approximately 15 minutes to present, with an additional 7 minute for Q&A. Your session chair will ask you whether the presenters want to take questions after each individual paper, or after all the presenters have spoken allowing for a wider discussion. Presenters need to keep to time and will be reminded by the chairs (with a 5 and 2 minute countdown).
We encourage all presenters to submit a written version of their paper in advance. All submitted papers will be shared with the session chair and entered into the best paper prizes (see below for further details). Most speakers prepare PowerPoint (or equivalent) presentations – we have prepared guidance to help ensure that presentations are engaging and accessible. Presentations can be emailed in advance (vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk) to ensure timely set up, or you can use a USB memory stick.
For workshops, again it is up to the facilitator to organise and structure the workshop as they see fit within the time allocated, bearing in mind that workshops should be participatory.
How do you get involved in chairing a session?
If you would like to chair a session then we would love to hear from you! Have a look at the programme, see if there are any sessions that you are interested in which do not currently have a chair allocated, then email us with details – vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk
Tips for Chairs:
- Start on time, introduce yourself and the presenters, and outline the session’s purpose and structure. This sets a positive tone and helps attendees know what to expect.
- Ask the presenters if they would like a 5 and/ or two minute countdown for their presentation slot.
- Ask the presenters whether they would prefer questions at the end of each paper or collectively at the end to allow for a wider discussion.
- (If available) please use a microphone during the Q&A sessions e.g. particularly in the plenary.
- Chairs should specifically encourage people that might not normally speak to ask questions during the Q&A.
- Wrap up with a few final reflections from the presentations and discussion.
What else is happening around the conference?
There is a drinks reception at the end of the day on the 9th, during which announcements will be made about the best conference paper prize, Duncan Scott New Researchers prize and Voluntary Sector Review Best Paper prize (representing the best paper in preceding year). Alongside a range of great papers and stimulating plenary sessions, the conference includes plenty of time for networking and meeting other people. The conference light dinner on the first night will be held at the Watershed and is included for those booking for both days (available as an option extra for those just coming for one), will cater to all dietary requirements, and is always a great social event. Throughout the conference there will be an exhibition area where delegates are welcome to display materials related to publications and events etc. There’ll also be an opportunity to meet members of the Voluntary Sector Review editorial management board to discuss submission of your work to the journal and other ways you can get involved in the journal
How do I book?
You can book your place at the conference here: https://vsvr2026.eventbrite.com
You can book either to attend the full conference, or for single days. The conference fees includes refreshments and lunch, with the two-day rate including the conference dinner on the 9th September.
The MEMBER rate is available to individuals and those from organisations who are members of VSSN, NCVO, BVSC and Voscur. There are also concessionary rates available for members who are retired, unwaged, new researchers/early careers, or from small organisations (under £500k annual income).
Your conference rate does not include accommodation or travel.
How do I join VSSN?
Not a member of VSSN? Membership rates start from £35, with reduced events fees and a subscription to Voluntary Sector Review. Details here: https://www.vssn.org.uk/join.
Where should I stay?
There are a number of hotels available within a short distance of the venue, at various price points, including:
| Travelodge Bristol Central Mitchell Lane |
| ibis Bristol Centre |
| Premier Inn Bristol City Centre (Lewins Mead) hotel |
| YHA Bristol |
It is highly advisable to shop around and to book your accommodation as soon as possible in order to get the best possible rates. Please make yourself aware of any cancellation policies.
Already found somewhere to stay and willing to recommend it to others? Please drop us an email with the details so we can add to the list: vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk
How do I enter the best paper prize competition?
If you would like your research paper to be considered for either of the best paper prizes at the conference, then the deadline for submitting papers is 16th August. Papers should be up to 4500 words long including references, and will be judged by a panel Papers will be judged for their insight, quality, and potential use for voluntary sector practitioners. Papers should be emailed as a Word document to vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk
How do I enter the Duncan Scott New Researchers Prize for best new researchers stream paper?
If you would like your research paper to be considered for the Duncan Scott New Researchers Prize for best new researcher paper, then the deadline for submitting these is 16th August. Papers should be up to 4500 words long, including references. Your paper should:
- set out the purpose and context for the research
- include a literature review
- include a methodology section (if applicable)
- provide analysis of (early) findings if appropriate
- include full references using a recognised referencing style (e.g. Harvard)
If you have not completed your research data collection or analysis, it is fine to give some idea of any emerging themes or your next steps in the project – they do not have to be fully-formed. We accept that other researchers may have worked on your research project and so may be listed, but the paper itself must be written by one or more new researchers. Papers should be emailed as a Word document to vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk
The prize is £100, sponsored by VSSN.
You do not have to submit a paper to present.
What should I do if I have more questions?
Please email vsvrconference@vssn.org.uk
