B:CAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Empowering Communities: From Local Action to Lasting Impact
Join B:CAN (Birmingham Community Action Network) for our inaugural annual conference, bringing together community organisations, partners and leaders. Celebrate grassroots action, hear from members, and explore key themes including funding, influence and social value. Connect, collaborate and discover opportunities to strengthen community-led change across Birmingham and build lasting partnerships citywide.
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Date
3rd July 2026
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Time
9am - 4pm
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Venue
Edgbaston
Stadium
THE EVENT AT A GLANCE
10+
Speakers
5
Panels
1
Network
Meet The Speakers
Afzal Hussain
Chair
Birmingham Community Action Network
Derrick Anderson CBE
Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands
Cllr Roger Harmer
Leader of Birmingham City Council
Emma Corrigan
England Director – Programmes, Operations & Regions
The National Lottery Community Fund
Rishi Shori
Deputy Chief Executive
Birmingham City Council
Naseem Akhtar
Founder & CEO
Saheli Hub
Lucy Kenny
Chief Executive Officer
Moseley Community Trust
Sally Burns
Director
Public Health Birmingham
Suzanne Cleary, Ph.D.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust
Ed Wallis
Director of Policy and Engagement
Locality
Tom Bostock
West Midlands Investment Manager
Big Issue Invest
Nicola Thurbon
Senior Head of Regional Grant Making
The National Lottery Community Fund
Peter Cunnison
Community Impact Manager, Central England
Lloyds Bank Foundation England & Wales
Hari Matharu
Head of Community Assets
Sport England
Tom Harding
Social Value Strategist
Birmingham City Council
Simon Clarke
Managing Director, Procurement
Birmingham, Black Country & Solihull ICB
Joey Jones
Head of UK Advisory
Grayling PR
Professor Harris Beider
Founder/CEO
The Forward Institute...Building the Future City
Ajit Singh
Managing Director
Nishkam Civic Association
Rebecca Debenham
Chief Executive Officer
Northfield Community Partnership
Jo Harper
Chief Executive
Gateway Family Services CIC
Basharat Dad
Founder & CEO
Our Community Foundation
Waheed Saleem
Head of Programmes & Partnerships
Witton Lodge Community Association
Harry Naylor
Chief Executive
Karis Neighbour Scheme
Rawaad Mahyub
Chief Executive Officer
The Muath Trust
Shane Wedderburn
Flourishing Communities Services Manager
Witton Lodge Community Association
Elena Nisfoeanu
Health Lifestyle Coach
Northfield Community Partnership
Conference Themes
The B:CAN Conference has been designed to inspire, connect and empower. You’ll hear from community leaders, partners and changemakers driving real impact across Birmingham. From thought-provoking keynote speeches and panel discussions to interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the programme explores how we amplify local voices, strengthen partnerships and maximise investment in our communities - all while celebrating the power of grassroots action.
