The Development Conference returns for 2026, bringing you an inspiring programme of webinars and workshops built around our key Strategic Plan themes: Changing perceptions, Creating engaging experiences, Strengthening lifelong pathways, and Providing foundations for success.
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.
Latest News
Entries are open for the British Middle Championships 2026
British Orienteering extends sponsorship agreement with Trimtex
