CfGS Annual Conference, 2026: Learning from yesterday, leading for tomorrow
Thursday 12 March 2026, Birmingham
About the conference
Our next CfGS annual conference in March 2026 will be a special one.
This year marks 25 years of overview and scrutiny, as the Local Government Act of 2000 hits its quarter century. We’ll use this moment to reflect on how far we’ve come – and ask how the next five, 10, and 25 years will look for local democracy. As an ambitious set of reforms to local government gathers pace in England and elections take place across the UK, 2026 will be a year where tackling the deeper questions for our sector feels urgent. So, as we reflect and look forward, join us in Birmingham for what promises an exciting moment for local democracy.
CfGS Conference 26 sponsorship (Presentation)
Why sponsor the CfGS annual conference
Our annual conference attracts local authority leaders, scrutiny practitioners, senior officers, elected members and governance experts from across the UK.
It’s a high-profile opportunity to:
- Demonstrate your commitment to excellence in scrutiny and governance – at a moment where both are in the national political spotlight
- Show your leadership in shaping the future of local democracy – with sessions designed to explore some of the most pressing issues facing the sector
- Reach decision-makers across the local government and governance landscape
- Build relationships with professionals and policymakers
- Associate your organisation with CfGS, the leading knowledge centre for governance and scrutiny
Sponsorship packages
Conference supporter package (£500–£1,000 + VAT)
Ideal for smaller organisations or local partners who want visibility and connection.
Includes:
- One person attendance
- Logo and thanks on venue screens and main conference slide deck
- Acknowledgement in the digital programme and on CfGS website
- Opportunity to bring a pop-up banner or table-top presence in the networking area
- Option to provide branded delegate giveaways (pens, notebooks, etc.)
- Social media mention pre- and post-event
Conference sponsor (£1,000+ + VAT)
We have a unique offer for leading organisations that want to align with one of the conference’s three key themes. This opportunity will be open to only three organisations:
- Place governance: How we govern across places, not just within institutions?
- Systems of assurance: How councils build cultures of shared responsibility for governance risk and resilience?
- Future democracy: How democracy adapts and endures in the face of social, digital and ecological change?
Includes all supporter benefits, plus:
- Attendance for two people
- Exclusive sponsorship of one conference theme:
- Dedicated mention from CfGS chair during plenary
- Prominent logo placement across the venue and in communications
- Post-conference acknowledgement in follow-up materials
- Logo on session slides and verbal thanks in the session
- Opportunity to collect delegate opt-in contact details via stand or registration form
Add-on opportunities
There will be a number of other opportunities for sponsorship, which we are currently finalising – and would be happy to discuss on enquiry.
Next steps
If you or your organisation are interested in sponsoring or partnering with CfGS for our 2026 annual conference, please contact: info@cfgs.org.uk