Team Inspire convened at the Armagh City Hotel this week for the staff and volunteer conference, an event designed to foster connections and celebrate the successes that occur throughout the organisation every day.
This year, attendees were treated to a variety of activities and discussions. Following an introduction by Lisa McElherron, Inspire’s Group Director of Insight, Engagement and Innovation, delegates learned more about the central role played by service users in the policy, campaigning and engagement activities of the organisation. From the work of the Service User Reference Forum to the amazing impact of the Changemakers project, the people we support continue to help us make a difference.
The first keynote address of the day was delivered by the Interim Permanent Secretary for the Department of Health, Mike Farrar. He provided some invaluable insights on the state of social care in Northern Ireland and reiterated the crucial role played by the voluntary and community sector in delivering essential services.
Mike was later joined on stage by Inspire CEO Kerry Anthony and trustee Ginny Hanrahan to participate in a conversation about leadership and transformation in the health sector.
The conference also enabled team members to play a role in setting the future direction of Inspire by involving them all in focused workshops around Inspire’s next strategic plan.
Before and after lunch, people relaxed into a series of break-out sessions: speed quizzing, circus trickery, expressive painting, wet felting and flower arranging.
In the afternoon, Conor Maher – mindset coach, BCM Global Senior Manager, one-time River Dance cast member and Inspire volunteer – treated the gathering to a keynote speech focused on passion, purpose and personal wellbeing, and how they can all benefit from finding one’s SPARK.
Bringing proceedings to a close, Group Director of People, Development and Compliance Sinead McNicholl recognised the practises and progress that make Inspire a great place to work by honouring an esteemed group of long-time colleagues, each of whom has given over 25 years of service to Inspire.
For a flavour of the day, check out our video and image gallery below.
