Find out what's on and how to book here

The largest free voluntary sector event in the UK has officially launched

The Gathering, organised by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), is to return to Edinburgh next year.

The event will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 4 and 5 February 2025.

Organised by SCVO, the Gathering is the biggest event of its kind in the UK.

It's an opportunity for all the amazing people working in and with the voluntary sector to network, showcase what they do and learn from each other.

As well as bringing you a packed programme of workshops, seminars and activities – including online sessions for the most popular events at the Gathering Extra - you'll find a wide range of exhibitors from the voluntary, public and private sectors.

The Gathering will attract 1,500 people each day from across the Scottish voluntary sector.

This year's programme will offer an exhibition with 70 exhibitors and over 70 sessions for delegates including workshops, seminars and activities.

Sessions are curated to highlight the sector's work and to generate discussion, create networking opportunities, share good practice and support people to develop their skills and knowledge.

The programme features a wide range of speakers and panel members and people with lived experience of the subjects being discussed.

Highlights include the visit of former prime minister Gordon Brown, who will speak about his compassion for communities and why he is a strong ally of the voluntary sector.

During the cost of living crisis, he used his national voice to speak out about the invaluable role of charities, and the financial difficulties they are facing. He has also been instrumental in developing the multibank model to redistribute surplus essential goods to families in need, giving him a unique perspective on the role of voluntary organisations across Scotland.

TFN will also be hosting a session on how charities can use the media to effect change – don’t miss it, it’s at 3pm on Wednesday, 5 February.

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: "I'm excited to launch the programme for The Gathering 2025. We're back at the EICC in Edinburgh and have a great programme of events and a packed exhibition. Thanks to our lovely sponsors, the event is free to attend and I'm really looking forward to welcoming visitors from across Scotland's voluntary sector and beyond"

The Gathering has a range of sponsors. These are Keegan & Pennykid (platinum sponsor); Aspen, CCLA and Utility Aid (gold sponsors); ACOSVO, Social Enterprise Scotland and Volunteer Scotland (event partners) and EVOC (local event partner).

June Pennykid, managing director at Keegan & Pennykid, said: “We recognise and appreciate the vital role that the voluntary sector plays within Scottish society and the multiple challenges currently faced by it. 

“We’re committed to continuing our support of the sector through the provision of expert insurance advice as well as our commitment to key sector events, which is why we’re delighted to be sponsoring The Gathering 2025.”

View the full programme and book here.