This November 2nd at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, we’ll be holding our 2026 Annual VHS Conference: Power, Partnership, Perseverance.
This year’s conference centres on a simple but resolute idea – Scotland’s third sector holds more power than is often recognised and more influence than it sometimes realises. Across communities, local systems and national conversations our organisations shape lives, gather insights and drive progress every day.
Together with our Collaboration Partner, Public Health Scotland, and Community Partner, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, we’re bringing together leaders, practitioners and partners from across Scotland’s third, public and academic sectors to celebrate our collective power, strong partnerships, and how our perseverance leads to real, measurable change.
Speakers include:
- Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care of Scotland
- Paul Johnston, Chief Executive, Public Health Scotland
- Mel Young, President and Co-Founder, Homeless World Cup
- Kirsten Hogg, Director of Devolved Nations, Carers Scotland
- Amy Callaghan, Policy and Political Advisor, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
- Adam Lang, Director of Policy, Insight and Advocacy, Carnegie UK
- Rachel Baker, Chair and Director, Yunus
- Sarah Latto, External Affairs Lead, Voluntary Health Scotland
VHS Conference 2026 Full Programme
This year, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, we’re excited to be doing a different, creative competition: The Images of Impact Photography Competition. We’re inviting our members, their staff and volunteers to submit photographs inspired by this year’s conference theme and explore what power, partnership and perseverance look like to them. Through the competition, we hope to capture diverse perspectives of the people, places and relationships that help create health and wellbeing across Scotland. Deadline to submit photos is Wednesday, October 21st and shortlisted entries will be showcased at the conference.
With thanks to our exhibitors, be sure to visit our Health Creation Hub on the day!
