Development Conferences
Our Development Conferences contain webinars and workshops around the key Strategic Plan themes of: Changing perceptions, Creating Engaging Experiences, Strengthening Lifelong Pathways, and Providing Foundations for Success.
2026 Development Conference
The sessions for the Development Conference 2026, are now live.
This is your chance to explore practical ways to develop your club—from governance, safety, and safeguarding to delivering unforgettable events that attract and retain members.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share, and grow together!
Check out the full list of sessions and secure your spot today.
Elite Tactics: Preparing for the Race That Really Matters
Monday 12 January 2026, 19:00-21:00
Whether you’re new to knock-out sprints or aiming for the podium, this webinar will give you the insights to race smarter. In this interactive session, GB Orienteers Grace Molloy and James Hammond will break down:
- What makes knock-out sprint racing unique
- How to prepare effectively before competition
- Heat selection and adapting tactics for each round
- A detailed look at the Switzerland World Cup KO Sprint with maps and key video highlights
- Full play-through of the KO Final TV coverage
This session is designed for orienteers of all abilities—learn strategies used by elites and discover how to apply them to your own racing.
British Orienteering Recognised Delivery Partner Update
Tuesday 20 January 2026, 19:00-21:00
The Recognised Delivery Partner Scheme continues to provide schools with confidence that the orienteering provision they receive is high-quality, safe, and delivered by organisations committed to promoting the sport in the best possible way.
Join us for this update session to learn how the scheme has evolved since its launch and discover the latest developments for 2026. Hear from our Delivery Partners as they share insights into their operations, the products and resources they use to support schools, and the impact they’ve made so far. Each partner will deliver a short presentation, followed by a Q&A session where you can ask questions and explore how these approaches could benefit your school, club or organisation.
Growing Your Club: Hosting Events for Juniors and Beginners Without the Pitfalls
Tuesday 27 January 2026, 19:00-20:00
Join Kerina Lake (SBOC) for a practical session designed to help smaller clubs confidently host events that welcome juniors and newcomers. Learn how to plan accessible activities, create a friendly atmosphere, and steer clear of common mistakes.
This webinar will give you simple, actionable ideas to make your events enjoyable, safe, and sustainable—perfect for volunteers and clubs looking to grow participation in orienteering across the UK.
Safeguarding in Practice: Handling Low-Level Concerns, Codes of Conduct, and Adult Welfare
Thursday 29 January, 19:00-20:30
Join the NSPCC’s Liza Ware, and British Orienteering’s Jeanette Downing for a practical session on strengthening safeguarding at club level. We’ll look at why reporting low-level concerns matters, how to improve adherence to codes of conduct, and answer common DBS/PVG and vetting questions.
We’ll also explore adult safeguarding—covering early signs of vulnerability, including dementia, and how clubs can respond with care. This webinar is designed to give you clear, actionable steps to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
Safety Advisory Group Update
Monday 2 February 2026, 19:00-20:00
British Orienteering has established the Safety Advisory Group to put safety at the heart of what we do, so all members can enjoy our sport and the outdoors in a safe way.
In this session, British Orienteering’s Joe Fermor-Worrell will be joined by Chair of the Safety Advisory Group, Karen Ashworth for a session that dives into the world of safety, and what the Group are working on to make Orienteering in the UK a safer place for all.
We will be demonstrating the Online Incident Report System, and sharing some insights into how this anonymised data can be used to gain insights into areas of potential risk, and will be discussing the culture around safety and incident reporting.
Creating Engaging Experiences: Beyond the Event: Crafting Experiences That Captivate
Tuesday 3 February 2026, 19:00-20:00
Learn hints and tips on how to make events more of an experience to those attending, whether Local, Regional, informal Club Nights or Major.
With the rising popularity amongst Millennials & Gen Z crowd of attending events with a difference and ones with more social opportunities what can be done within the sport to attract a new generation?
British Orienteering’s Partnerships Manager, Kay Hawke, will be reflecting on this with insight from events across the UK and abroad, including insights from a report into the KONO Team (responsible for the ASOM – EOC 2025).
OCAD Updates: New Features, App Innovations, and Team Collaboration
Thursday 5 February 2026, 19:00-20:30
Stay up to date with the latest developments in OCAD! Discover the newest features of the OCAD App, learn how to enhance collaboration within your mapping team, and explore seamless workflows between desktop and mobile devices.
The Orienteering Instructor Qualification for Clubs
Monday 9 February 2026, 19:00-20:30
Ready to take your club’s introductory sessions to the next level? Join us for an engaging session that explores how the Orienteering Instructor (clubs) qualification empowers clubs to deliver safe, high-quality beginner experiences. Learn how instructors can confidently teach core orienteering skills in areas A, B & B+, following Steps 1–3 of the British Orienteering Step System.
Discover how this qualification can benefit your club and its members, and hear insights from BOF’s Club Support Manager Howard Blackman and members of the Coaching Advisory Group on best practices and implementation.
Nature Without Boundaries: Responsible Experiences Providers Scheme for Orienteering and Beyond
Tuesday 10 February 2026, Timing TBC
Join Mimi Rousell from the National Trust and Gracie Grant from British Orienteering for an insightful session on how we can balance adventure with responsibility. Nature doesn’t follow public rights of way, and through collaboration and shared knowledge, we can support experiences for a variety of landscapes while inspiring participants.
This webinar looks at the National Trust’s Responsible Experience Providers Scheme (REPS), which replaced the Active Outdoors Providers Scheme 18 months ago. Designed to embrace the full spectrum of experiences at our places—from theatre and forest schools to walking, running, biking, and orienteering—the scheme ensures that all providers, irrespective of scale, balance delivery of exceptional experiences with nature.
Discover how this initiative supports sustainable access, fosters partnerships, and helps you play a vital role in protecting the landscapes we love while offering unforgettable adventures.
For more information on the Responsible Experience Providers Scheme, you can find it here: Hosting outdoor experiences | National Trust
Changing Perceptions: Quid Games and Digital Memberships
Thursday 12 February 2026, 19:00-20:30
Join British Orienteering’s Kay Hawke for an insightful session on how creative event formats—such as the exciting Quid Games—can help reshape public perceptions of orienteering. Discover how inspiration from successful European initiatives and partnerships with brand sponsors can attract new audiences and make our sport more visible.
Kay will also introduce the upcoming British Orienteering Digital Membership system, explaining how it will support clubs in recruiting members from the local community. Learn how this new platform will make joining easier, strengthen engagement, and help bring more people into orienteering—and into your club.
Previous Conferences
Session 1 - What it takes to be an Elite Orienteer
Date: Thursday 9 January 2025
Time: 7pm
Join Pippa Archer, British Orienteering’s Head of Performance for an in-depth look at the journey to becoming an elite orienteer. This session will explore the essential components of success, including technical, physical, and mental training, managing time and financial commitments, balancing work and life, injury prevention and management, and maintaining a performance-focused diet.
Whether you're aspiring to compete at the highest level or simply curious about the dedication required, this webinar offers valuable insights from the world of elite orienteering.
Session 2 - Building the future of your club using innovative marketing techniques
Date: Monday 13 January 2025
Time: 7pm
Alex Welch (Marketing and Communications Lead at BOF) will delivers this webinar which will outline details of our new year marketing campaign and how members, clubs and associations can support this.
We will also be discussing how to schedule your social media content in advance and share some details of a new social media platform we will be launching in the new year! Come along to learn more on how to expand awareness of the sport and your clubs in order to attract more newcomers.
Session 3 - Environmental Risk Assessments - Workshop
Date: Thursday 16 January 2025
Time 7pm
Join British Orienteering's Access & Environments Officer, Emma Monkman, in this Workshop session discussing all things Access, Environment, and focusing on the importance of Environmental Risk Assessments.
Taking care of the environment we live and orienteer in is more important than ever, and together we can keep building a brighter future for all.
Session 4 - The impact of Come & Try It Events on your local community (including good practice)
Date: Monday 10 February 2025
Time: 7pm
In this session, British Orienteering’s Partnerships Manager Kay Hawke, will discuss how to increase your outreach in your local community and make activities easy to understand and attend for newcomers.
Session 5 - Current app development and possible work steps before exporting print PDF's
Date: Thursday 23 January 2025
Time: 7pm
Presented by our friends at OCAD, the first part of this webinar will see OCAD sharing an update on the current app development. In the second part, we will take a look at possible work steps before the preparation of print PDF's, like checking the map legibility, optimize the file size or creating layouts.
Session 6 - Soft skills for effective coaches
Date: Monday 27 January 2025
Time: 7pm
In the world of sports coaching, technical proficiency and tactical acumen have long been the focal points of success. Coaches were primarily judged by their ability to fine-tune athletes’ skills and devise winning strategies. However, the paradigm is shifting, and a growing realisation is emerging that softer skills play a critical role in creating better athletes.
Session 7 - Find Your Way – Project Review
Date: Tuesday 28 January 2025
Time: 7pm
In this session, British Orienteering’s Kay Hawke will provide a summary of the recently ended three-year Find Your Way project and discuss the understandings and learnings we can take from this successful project to drive our sport
Session 8 - British Orienteering Insurance Policy
Date: POSTPONED - New date to be announced
Time: 7pm
This session will provide an overview of the insurance cover in place and answer questions from club members to support their understanding of what is covered.
The session will be delivered by Amanda Wynne-Jones DipCII AMInstLM, Associate Director, Sport and Entertainment at Howden Insurance Brokers Limited who provide the British Orienteering Insurance cover.
This session is appropriate for any British Orienteering Club official, mapper or member who is interested in the personal and club insurance cover provided – or any member who is interested in safety within our Sport
Session 9 - 2025 Safeguarding Update – NSPCC
Date: Tuesday 4 February 2025
Time: 7pm
This is an opportunity for clubs to look at this area of their governance to ensure there is a sure foundation for the club to be a safe place for its members, presented by the NSPCC.
Session 10 - British Orienteering Recognised Delivery Partner Scheme – supporting orienteering in schools
Date: Thursday 6 February 2025
Time: 7pm–9pm
The Recognised Delivery Partner Scheme aims to provide assurances to the school’s sector that the orienteering provision being offered is of good quality and safe, and that the organisations promote the sport positively to work in the best interests of the sport.
Find out how our 4 pilot Delivery Partners operate and the products that they use support Schools. Each of our pilot Delivery Partners will deliver a presentation followed by a short Q & A session
Session 11 - Menopause – Embracing Life’s Transitions Your Way” (by Revive Active)
Date: Friday 7 February 2025
Time: 7pm
20% of the UK’s population are menopausal at any one time. So, you’d think we’d know more about this transitional time of life. Learn more about the meno journey and how to embrace it with positivity - YOUR WAY - with Nicola Sainty from Revive Active.
Find out how British Orienteering Members have got on with supportive supplementation, why retailers are sitting up and paying attention and why the conversation still needs be normalised. Be part of the conversation and have your say… and fellas, this webinar is for you too, so come along and join in.
Making Orienteering Work for Schools
Monday 8 January
Find out through the lived experience of how schools have changed and why schools choose Orienteering, how Orienteering can support the Ofsted inspection framework and how clubs can best embrace a Primary and Secondary school.
Developing Stakeholder Relationships
Thursday 11 January
This session will be led by Caroline Barcham (FYW Project Officer) and Andrew Evans (DFOK) with input from Connor Smith (FYW Yorkshire).
Find out more about how the Find Your Way project has developed over the past two years and what has been learned about the development of relationships with landowners, community groups and others that is bringing wider benefits than initially envisaged to clubs involved in the project. This session is expected to be of value to all clubs, be it Find Your Way participants or others.
Promote your club
Monday 15 January
This session will be delivered by Alex Welch from British Orienteering. It’s an opportunity for clubs to learn more on:
- How to promote your events and highlight your achievements via social media.
- Writing great news articles or blogs that will engage both members and prospective members.
- Creating a bank of marketing materials that can help increase reach and grow your membership.
- Ways to track your social media statistics and used paid Ads to increase awareness and reach.
How to Engage Newcomers - and get them hooked!
Tuesday 16 January
This session, delivered by Hilary Palmer will take you through the successful delivery of NOC ‘s MapActive courses for newcomers and discuss how your club could adapt it to suit your needs.
OCAD – What’s new for you?
Thursday 18 January
OCAD Inc. Operates in the business field of software development for the production of maps. It sells its software application OCAD in various editions worldwide, adapting customer requests and offers technical support, training and consulting.
This webinar will provide an update into mapping, and the technology we use to produce the maps that make our sport tick. Part of what makes OCAD’s approach to mapping work is the feedback, technical support and consulting with all users, and opportunities like this webinar are a key part of the work we can all do to support orienteering in every aspect.
OCAD is an independent corporation owned by individuals and founded in 2005 after the sudden death of the founder of OCAD, Hans Steinegger. There are 6 employees working at OCAD Inc. located in Baar, Switzerland. The webinar will be presented by the Team at OCAD.
The Facts about our Impact on Nature
Friday 19 January
Environmental protection is frequently featuring in access negotiations. We regularly hear this from members and in response we commissioned an Ecological Assessment. Miranda Cowan completed the assessment around the middle distance event of the JK in April 2023. We now have the findings and Miranda will be sharing these with us.
Safeguarding
Monday 22 January
This is an opportunity for clubs to look at this area of their governance to ensure there is a sure foundation for the club to be a safe place for its members.
Liza Ware from the CPSU will be talking about our orienteering events and safeguarding considers to support making them as safe as possible. There will also be updates provided by Peter Brooke, Lead Safeguarding Officer.
Is a paid Development Officer appropriate for your club?
Tuesday 23rd January
Session presenters are Roger Scrutton (ESOC and Trustee of The Orienteering Foundation) and Kerina Lake (CDO at SBOC)
The first Club Development Officer (CDO) part funded by The Orienteering Foundation was over three years ago.. This session shares the most up to date information about the opportunity, the potential benefits, the costs and the challenges experienced. It will also cover how grant funding can be made available to clubs. The aim is to help clubs to answer the questions “Can a CDO increase the number of club members and hence the number of volunteers we have?’ and "Could it be a good use of some of our club funds?".
Creating a thriving club for young people
Thursday 25 January
Find out what it takes to develop a Thriving club for Young People, with a clear purpose and vision for the future, underpinned by an equitable support structure that enables it young members to grow their passion for Orienteering and unlock their potential.
Coaching - What it Takes to Perform
Tuesday 30 January
The aim of this session is to provide an understanding of what it takes to build a well-rounded athlete. British Orienteering's Tom Bray will discuss:
- How to identify and deliver the key steps and building blocks to unlock potential.
- What it takes to run fast and navigate accurately to produce consistent performances to be proud of.
| Development Conference 2022 | Session Overview |
|---|---|
Engaging and retaining young people Presenter: Fran Loots, Scottish Orienteering Association Monday 10 January | The workshop will explore the various pathways that can be used to engage and retain juniors and young people including: Non-performance-based approaches such as club coaching, STAR awards, area teams, juniors planning and organising workshops and opportunities, Young Leaders Award. Attendee discussion ideas can be found in the files attached: |
Development Conference | Session Overview |
|---|---|
Agenda | |
| Setting the scene | |
Club Matters - Volunteer | |
Club presentations | Pendle Forest Orienteers conference powerpoint.pdf |
Communication and | |
| Youth Focus | British Orienteering Development Conference 2020 Youth Focus.pdf |