Shared Island Forum

Applications for the 2025 Shared Island Leadership Forum are now closed.

This unique initiative, in partnership with Chief Officers 3rd Sector (CO3) and supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, fosters collaboration and impact for our sector.

Bringing together sector leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the programme features four dynamic learning events, strengthening connections and leadership across the sector.

Thank you to everyone who applied—we look forward to an engaging and impactful programme ahead!

What Participants can Expect

Expand your network and connections with leaders from across the sector.
Learn from all-island charities on maximizing resources.
Explore cross-border partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
Enhance your leadership skills across four key themes.
Strengthen your organisation through peer learning and knowledge exchange.
Invest in your growth as a leader in the third sector.

Programme Structure

Four high-impact learning events—two in Belfast, two in Dublin—bringing together 50 community and voluntary sector leaders (25 Cii Members, 25 CO3 Members) to foster cross-border collaboration.

What’s included?

Expert speakers sharing key insights.
Panel discussions with sector leaders.
Interactive workshops tailored to sectoral leadership
Evaluation & Impact Report capturing key priorities and opportunities

Event Schedule

📍 Friday 16 May 2025 | Belfast – A Sustainable FutureMaximizing resources to meet growing demand, identifying and developing new income streams.

📍 Friday 5 September 2025 | Dublin – Developing Future StrategyMergers, collaboration, and partnerships—aligning values, fostering innovation, and leveraging scale.

📍 Friday 7 November 2025 | Belfast – Talent: Recruit, Reward, RetainBest practices in recruitment, employee engagement, and succession planning.

📍 Friday 23 January 2026 | Dublin – Measuring Impact for SuccessDeveloping key metrics to demonstrate the difference you make and communicate your value.

While the project is part-funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, there is a €300 fee that contributes to expert-led sessions, venue hire, meals, and refreshments, ensuring high-quality content and maximising the impact of the grant funding.

This programme is a game-changer for charity leaders looking to connect with peers across the island, gain invaluable insights from experts, and develop the leadership skills needed to navigate an ever-evolving sector. If you want to build stronger partnerships, maximize resources, and shape the future of your organization, this is where you need to be.

Áine Myler
CEO, Charities Institute Ireland

In these challenging times for the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, we are pleased to offer chief executives the opportunity to learn from expert speakers and to build an all-island peer network which facilitates collaboration. Strong networks amongst leaders provide support, build collaborations and cultivate friendships. The Shared Island Leadership Forum aims to foster lasting and valuable relationships between leaders to help build a better society.

Valerie McConville
CEO, CO3 – Chief Officers Third Sector

Supported by: