The detailed programme for the Homelessness Leadership Summit 2026 is outlined below.

Across the two days, you'll hear from sector leaders and expert speakers, explore emerging challenges and opportunities, and gain practical insights to help you lead change and drive impact in your organisation and across the sector.

Programme

Please note, the programme may change as we finalise the details.

Day 1: Owning the challenge - Tuesday 1 December

09:00 - 10:00

Registration and coffee

10.00 - 11.20

Opening plenary

Owning the challenge, delivering the change

Get fresh leadership perspectives from the neighbouring sector tackling food poverty. We'll explore why now is the time to lead differently, drawing on Felix’s recent merger and the Trussell Trust’s innovative co-CEO model.

Speakers:

  • Rick Henderson, CEO, Homeless Link
  • Charlotte Hill OBE, CEO, Felix
  • Matthew van Duyvenbode, Co-CEO, Trussell

11.20 - 11.45

Break and refreshments

11:45 - 13.15

Masterclasses

Choose one of the following sessions:

Option 1 — Leading change: Risk, Courage and Accountability in the Push to End Homelessness

'Ending homelessness demands more than good intentions. It requires leaders who are willing to take calculated risks, challenge existing systems, and remain accountable for outcomes, whilst maintaining organisational resilience. Join fellow CEOs for an honest discussion about courageous leadership and driving meaningful change

Speakers:

Pam Orchard, Chief Executive, Connection at St Martins

Rebecca Pritchard, Director of Sector Services, Homeless Link

Option 2 — Homelessness policy where are we now

As homelessness policy continues to evolve, alongside developments in devolution and local government reorganisation, understanding the changing landscape has never been more important. This session will provide an overview of current trends, policy priorities and challenges affecting the sector, alongside practical insights into how organisations are influencing decision-makers at regional and local levels to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.

Speakers:

Fiona Colley, Director of Social Change, Homeless Link

TBC

Option 3 — Purpose, Values, Culture: The Leadership Connection

Great cultures don't happen by chance. They are created by leaders who consistently connect purpose, values and behaviour. This masterclass will explore how to build cultures where people choose to join, stay and thrive. We will also consider the role leaders play in cultivating talent beyond their own organisations, creating a sustainable ecosystem of future homelessness professionals equipped to drive lasting impact.

Speakers:

Teresa Wilson, Operations Director, Brook Street Social Care

Kate Mennell, Head of Volume and Vendor, Brook Street Social Care

Kate Alaway, Head of National Workforce Development, Homeless Link

Option 4 — Power and privilege: building a more equitable and transformative homelessness sector

Creating lasting change requires an honest understanding of power, privilege and inclusion. This session will explore how homelessness leaders can challenge injustice, amplify lived experience, and build more equitable organisations and systems.

Speakers:

Royston John

13.15 - 14.15

Lunch

14.15 - 15.15

Afternoon Plenary

National leadership: Understanding the Government's vision and priorities

15.15 - 15.30

Break and refreshments

15:30 - 17.00

Masterclasses (repeated)

Choose another of the four sessions from the morning.

19.30 - 22.30

Leadership Dinner

For those staying overnight, join us for an informal networking dinner at the end of day one. It's a great opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, continue conversations from the day and build relationships with peers from across the homelessness sector in a relaxed setting.
Day 2: Delivering the change - Wednesday 2 December

9.30 - 10.35

Morning plenary

Collective leadership: Moving from organisational priorities to sector power

Real social change rarely happens by maintaining the status quo. In this session, we'll explore how leaders can challenge existing ways of working, influence systems, inspire people and drive meaningful change. We'll look at the practical leadership approaches that help create momentum, build alliances and turn bold ideas into lasting impact.

Speakers:

Sharon Thompson, former Deputy Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority

Claire McGonigle, Chief Executive, Framework

10.35 - 11.00

Break and refreshments

11.00 - 12.30

Masterclasses

Choose one of the following sessions:

Option 1 — Building values-driven corporate partnerships for social impact

Strong corporate partnerships are built on more than funding. This workshop will explore how homelessness organisations can develop values-driven relationships that align purpose, create shared value and deliver meaningful social impact. Participants will gain insights into building authentic partnerships that strengthen communities and drive lasting change.

Speakers:

Hannah Strickland, Senior Business Partnerships Manager, The Royal Foundation

Option 2 — Building the Workforce Our Sector Needs

A strong homelessness sector starts with its people. Drawing on insights from the latest workforce survey, this session will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future workforce and the leadership needed to help it thrive. Together, we will consider how leaders can foster wellbeing, nurture talent and create cultures where people feel valued and empowered, while also championing the wider workforce through recruitment, skills development and collective action. The session will also showcase how the National Workforce Programme is supporting a more resilient, sustainable and future-ready sector.

Speakers:

Duncan Shrubsole, Chief Executive, St Martins

Kate Alaway, Head of National Workforce Development, Homeless Link

Option 3 — Step up and be the leader your system needs

At a time of profound change, homelessness needs leaders who can look beyond immediate challenges to shape a shared vision for the future. This workshop will explore the mindset, influence and courage needed to inspire change, mobilise collective ambition and lead systems towards lasting impact for people and communities. It will also explore how systems leadership can both enable systems change and benefit organisational development.

Speakers:

David Francis, Chief Executive, Stonepillow

Rebecca Pritchard, Director of Sector Services, Homeless Link

John Holmstrom, Chief Executive, Changing Tides

Option 4 — Data-driven leadership: ending homelessness through insight and action

Data, insight and emerging technologies are reshaping how we understand and respond to homelessness. This workshop will explore how leaders can harness evidence, innovation and new tools, including AI, to make better decisions, drive system change and accelerate progress towards ending homelessness.

Speakers:

Matt Harrison, Deputy Chief Executive, Homeless Link

TBC

12.30 - 13.15

Lunch

13.15 - 14.45

Masterclasses (repeated)

Choose another of the three sessions from the morning.

15.00

Summit closes