With local government reorganisation and health restructuring in the mix, the East of England has also seen changes in political leadership for three counties.
Even our resilient Third (VCSE) Sector, which has become used to a turbulent operating environment since the far-off days of economic meltdown and subsequent austerity, is understandably feeling the strain.
At our one day regional conference third sector leaders and practitioners gathered to explore:
- What will happen to communities with a new, five-way, political system?
- How will transitions to new boundaries in government and health affect our charities and social enterprises?
- What is the future for a sector – already feeling the pinch economically – when inflation seems destined to tick upwards after war in the Gulf?
Themes for the day covered:
The changing landscape for the VCSE sector in our region
A joint vision for Civil Society in Greater Essex
How local political change can impact the sector: lessons from Kent
Building alliances to sustain the sector
Where is the sector heading in the next 5 years?
We were also pleased to welcome a mix of experienced workshop leaders who ran practical drop in sessions covering social impact, project management, AI and the third sector and third sector leadership.
Our Speakers and Workshop Leaders included:
Dr Craig Dearden-Phillips MBE is a social entrepreneur, consultant and author with more than 30 years’ experience leading and supporting organisations that create social impact.
Craig has co-founded and led several successful a diverse range of social enterprises (VoiceAbility, HM Pasties, City Family CIC to name just three) has worked extensively with boards and leadership teams across the UK both as a Chair and Trustee. Craig was awarded an MBE for services to social enterprise and holds an Honorary Doctorate from ARU in recognition of his contribution to the sector in addition to a PhD on the human factors in social entrepreneurship.
Recently, Craig has been advising social entrepreneurs and civil society organisations in Ukraine and spent time there in May and June 2026.
Outside of work, Craig lives in Bury St Edmunds has three children (20, 18 and 12) and an elderly cat. He loves cycling, reading and time with friends. He is politically active against fascism in all its forms.
Ru Watkins has and continues to work at senior strategic levels across different sectors to deliver transformation, change and impact for communities and people. He initially spent 20 years in the British Army, the majority of his service being on operations but culminating in the creation of the Royal Centre of Defence Medicine, integration of Defence Medical Services with the NHS and social care and reconfiguration of the front line Army Medical Services to meet the operational needs posed by the Afghanistan conflict.
Since then, he has worked in the corporate and latterly VCSFE sectors. In his corporate roles he delivered major UK and overseas transformation projects, including ‘start-ups’ for BT in Asia Pac and business transformation and expansion for blue chip companies in the UK. In the last 11 years he has been Chief Executive of two hospices and Hamelin, including; delivery of a £13.5M build; driving innovation and building resilience through integrated models and partnerships; enabling and delivering agile co-production across NHS, statutory, private and non-statutory organisations; successfully changing operating models to deliver growth and meaningful impact for beneficiaries, families and communities.
He also advises central and regional government on integrate health and social care issues: is an active member of the Cranfield Trust in supporting voluntary sector organisations and is currently a Trustee of a national charity.
Andy Brady has worked in enterprise education for over 25 years, in a variety of settings, predominantly at Anglia Ruskin University, where he headed up charity and social enterprise leadership development for over 20 years. He has also worked internationally in Ukraine and Georgia, and with Cambridge Judge Business School as lead enterprise coach for the prestigious Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship, which brought together Jewish and Muslim social entrepreneurs to develop their business plans. He has worked extensively with students to help develop and present their social enterprise ideas, and helped to set up the regional network Social Enterprise East of England, where he has also been a director and chair for several years.
Rebecca Smith has worked in strategic roles within the Kent and Medway Voluntary, Charity and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector for 20 years, and has been CEO of Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) since 2023. Her role involves close collaboration with a spectrum of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs), alongside local authorities and funding partners. This collaborative effort is geared towards implementing and successfully delivering a diverse range of projects that contribute to the growth and development of individuals and businesses in communities across Kent.
Rebecca’s academic achievements include a Master’s in HRM Business Partnership, a postgraduate diploma in management, and an adult teaching qualification. She channels this knowledge and expertise into upskilling social enterprises and charities, fostering their growth. Passionate about social enterprise, communities, and empowering individuals, Rebecca takes pride in making a tangible difference in people’s lives through her work at Social Enterprise Kent. Her dedication exemplifies the organisation’s commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves.
Julia Esse is Policy & Communications Manager at Essex Community Foundation, where she works to champion the role and impact of Essex’s voluntary and community sector, while helping connect people, organisations and resources to create positive local change.
With a background spanning policy, advocacy, communications and campaigns, Julia is passionate about amplifying voices, influencing change and ensuring that the experiences of communities and grassroots organisations are heard. Before joining Essex Community Foundation, she worked across the charity and advocacy sector, including roles with The Female Lead and the British Deaf Association, developing campaigns, building partnerships and using creative communications to drive awareness and social impact.
Julia brings experience in strategic communications, policy engagement and storytelling, with a focus on turning insight and lived experience into meaningful action. She is passionate about strengthening connections between communities, decision-makers, donors and organisations to help create lasting social change.
Finn Gearney is an Innovation Consultant: developing people and teams, strategy development and improving internal processes. She is passionate about creating the conditions for teams and individuals to do their very best work. Finn loves exploring and defining challenging problems and working hand in hand with clients to find sustainable solutions. Through leadership, teams and strategy development workshops she aims to foster a culture of growth.
Mel Ezechukwu is the director of MDE Digital, a digital consultancy supporting mission-driven organisations such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, NSPCC, MSI Reproductive Choices, Health Foundation and Surrey County Council. With almost two decades of experience, Mel is a trusted expert in the third sector, specialising in digital transformation, user experience and research, service design, and website development.
In addition to her consultancy practice, Mel also mentors and serves as a Digital Trustee to the International Broadcasting Trust, acting as an advisor with a focus on AI and tech strategy.
Nicky Stevenson is a freelance consultant and researcher and has worked in the social enterprise sector for over twenty years, with a particular interest in social impact measurement. Nicky was one of the founders of SEEE and has been a board member ever since and is also company secretary.
You can also download our Conference flyer here