VODG Operations Directors' Professional Network Meeting | September 2026

The next meeting of the VODG Operations Directors Network will provide an opportunity to explore current challenges, share learning and gain practical insights on some of the key issues shaping provider organisations.

Our first session, What does good ESG look like? Practical sustainability, service engagement and implementation, will be led by John Mackintosh, Independent Consultant at GreenGoals Consulting. Designed as an interactive discussion, the session will explore how organisations can translate ESG ambitions into practical action, regardless of size or resource. Topics will include carbon data management, measuring environmental impact across complex property portfolios, engaging frontline services and the people they support in sustainability initiatives, and overcoming common barriers such as upfront investment costs. Following a short presentation, members will be invited to share experiences, challenges and approaches, creating a valuable opportunity for peer learning and discussion.

The meeting will then turn to The future of personalised commissioning: ISFs, Direct Payments and the PA Model, presented by Chris Watson, Founder of Self Directed Futures. With growing interest in more personalised approaches to support, this session will examine current developments in commissioning and what they may mean for providers. Drawing on his extensive experience supporting local authorities and provider organisations, Chris will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with Individual Service Funds (ISFs), Direct Payments and the Personal Assistant (PA) model, before opening the discussion to member questions and reflections.

A further session will focus on media licensing and recent MPLC enquiries, a live and developing issue affecting many organisations across the sector. Following recent reports of providers being contacted by the Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC), VODG has brought this discussion into the agenda to support members in understanding the practical implications. The session will include a short legal overview from one of VODG's legal partners, alongside member experiences and lessons learned. Discussion will focus on operational, governance and compliance considerations, as well as organisational approaches to risk management and decision-making. While the session is not intended to provide legal advice, it will offer a valuable opportunity for intelligence sharing, peer learning and discussion of common themes emerging across the sector.

Book your place today to join the conversation and learn from sector experts and fellow operations directors on the issues that matter most to providers.

Speakers

John Mackintosh

John Mackintosh

Independent Consultant, GreenGoals Consulting

Find out more

Chris Watson

Chris Watson

Founder, Self Directed Futures

Find out more

Paul Anson

Paul Anson

Chief Operating Officer, One Fylde

Draft Programme

14:00

Welcome, sector updates and network priorities

Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG, and VODG Co-chairs

14.10

What does good ESG look like? Practical sustainability, service engagement and implementation

John Mackintosh, Independent Consultant at GreenGoals Consulting

14.25

Facilitated discussion and member experiences

John Mackintosh, Independent Consultant at GreenGoals Consulting and VODG Co-chairs

14.25

The future of personalised commissioning: ISFs, Direct Payments and the PA Model

Chris Watson, Founder, Self Directed Futures

14.55

Questions and discussion

Chris Watson, Founder, Self Directed Futures and VODG Co-chairs

15.05

MPLC Enquiries and Media Licensing

Speaker tbc

15.30

Member experiences

Paul Anson, Chief Operating Officer at One Fylde, and members

15.45

Key takeaways

VODG Co-chairs

15.55

Future topics and wrap-up

Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations, VODG, and VODG Co-chairs

16.00

End

 

Accessibility  

Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Join the Operations Directors' Professional Network

The operations directors' network provides colleagues a secure space to discuss pertinent issues and topics via our online forum, to upload documents and to view the lastest network events. 

Meet the VODG Operations Director's Co-Chairs 

Join us at our quarterly operations directors' member meetings, chaired by leaders from across our membership.

Dan Gower-Smith

Dan Gower-Smith

Group Director Operations , Avenues

Diane Mee

Diane Mee

Director of Business Development and Partnerships, Fitzroy

Victoria Brown

Victoria Brown

Operations Director, Canterbury Oast Trust