Strengthening National and Local Resilience across the Disaster Risk Cycle

Engaging and Supporting the Voluntary, Faith and Community Sectors in Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Delivered in partnership with West Midlands Resilience Forum, this brand-new two-day conference at The Emergency Services Show 2026 will bring together resilience professionals, voluntary sector leaders, faith organisations, community groups and policy influencers to strengthen collaboration across the disaster risk cycle.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 16-17 September 2026, the conference addresses one of the most pressing questions facing resilience partnerships today: how do we move from consultation to full integration of voluntary, faith and community partners in preparedness, response and recovery?

 DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

   West Midlands Resilience Forum

Day One

Open to all resilience professionals

🕘 09:00 – 17:00
📍 NEC Birmingham
📅 16 September 2026

Day One explores how voluntary, faith and community organisations can be fully integrated across preparedness, response and recovery.

You’ll hear:

  • Real-world case studies, including Grenfell

  • Insight from leading practitioners and academics

  • Panel discussions on preparedness, response and recovery

  • A session exploring AI, financial disruptors and future resilience challenges

  • Closing address from Dr Lucy Easthope

Plus 90 minutes to explore The Emergency Services Show and networking drinks in Hall 5.

If resilience forms part of your remit, this is the national conversation you need to be part of.


 

Day Two

Invite Only

🕘 09:00 – 15:00
📍 NEC Birmingham
📅 17 September 2026

Day Two is a closed session for LRF Chairs and strategic third sector partners.

The focus: embedding voluntary, faith and community organisations within whole-of-society resilience at LRF level.

The day includes:

  • Keynote on communications and common operating picture

  • A live disaster simulation exercise

  • Structured debrief and roundtable discussion

  • Senior-level panel on next steps for national integration

Invitations will be issued directly.

Who is this conference for?

If you are involved in planning for, responding to or recovering from incidents at local, regional or national level, this conference is for you. It is designed for:

  • Local Resilience Forum members and partners

  • Emergency planners and resilience leads

  • Civil Contingencies professionals

  • Voluntary, faith and community sector leaders

  • Local authority officers

  • Government and devolved administration representatives

  • Academics and researchers in disaster management

  • Emergency services partnership leads

Why attend?

  • Free CPD-accredited content tailored to resilience professionals

  • Consolidate and enhance your knowledge with leading experts

  • Network with LRF colleagues and voluntary sector partners

  • Participate in unique panel discussions with practitioners and academics

  • Access The Emergency Services Show exhibition to discover solutions and innovations