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 - 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 Trust

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.

Option 2 — Culture and people: Aligning purpose, professionalism and pathways

The future of the homelessness sector depends on its people. Join fellow leaders to explore how values-driven organisations can attract and nurture the next generation of talent, while balancing purpose, professionalism and long-term workforce sustainability.

Option 3 — 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.

Option 4 — Session to be confirmed

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 - 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

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

Corporate partnerships can be a powerful tool for social change when they are rooted in shared values and goals. This session will explore how organisations can build meaningful relationships with corporate partners that go beyond fundraising to create genuine social impact.

Option 2 — Influencing upwards: Shaping the national agenda on homelessness

How can homelessness leaders influence policy and shape the national response to homelessness? This session will explore the role of leaders in driving change beyond their organisations, building influence, and ensuring the sector's voice is heard at the highest levels.

Option 3 — Data-driven leadership: Ending homelessness through insight and action

This session will explore the role of data and evidence in shaping strategy, improving services and enabling leaders to make informed decisions that drive greater impact and more effective action to end homelessness.

12.30 - 13.15

Lunch

13.15 - 14.45

Masterclasses (repeated)

Choose another of the three sessions from the morning.

15.00

Summit closes