Be Part of the Conversation at the National Rural Conference 2025

With less than a week to go, anticipation is building for the National Rural Conference 2025. Taking pace from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September, members of the Rural Services Network will gather online for four days of discussion, debate and shared learning, all focused on delivering for rural communities.

This is the RSN’s flagship annual event, free to attend for all eligible member organisations, and the only conference dedicated entirely to rural services and policy. Over eight themed sessions, you’ll hear from local leaders, councillors, parliamentarians, researchers, and community innovators working on the front line of rural life.

Why Attend?

Rural communities face unique challenges, from funding gaps and housing shortages, to transport links, connectivity, and access to services. The National Rural Conference brings these issues together under one virtual roof, offering both strategic insight and practical approaches.

This Is An Opportunity To:

• Connect with peers from across rural local government, health, housing, community and voluntary sectors.
• Learn directly from practitioners and policymakers shaping rural futures.
• Take away evidence, case studies and ideas that can be applied in your own area.
• Add your voice to the national conversation on fairer funding and stronger rural services.

Building On Last Year’s Success

Last year’s National Rural Conference brought together hundreds of delegates and organisations from across England. Engaging in four days of learning, collaboration and shared insight. The scale of engagement showed just how important this platform has become for everyone working to strengthen rural services.

This year, we look forward to building on that momentum with another packed programme of eight sessions designed to inform, connect and inspire.

This Year’s Programme:

• Fair Funding – the opening session sets the tone for the week, exploring why equitable funding is the golden thread that binds every rural priority together. Read more here.
  
  
• Rural Economy & Regeneration – looking at how regeneration can deliver for rural communities through culture, investment, and growth. Read more here.
  
  
• Rural Affordable Housing & Planning – hear how practitioners, housing associations and community groups are finding solutions to the rural housing crisis. Read more here.
  
  
• Data that Makes a Difference – a brand new session showcasing how evidence and insight can shape real-world rural outcomes. Read more here.
  
  
• Rural Connectivity – from digital inclusion and mobile coverage to accessing government services online, this session explores the essentials of modern rural life. Read more here.
  
  
• Rural Net Zero – highlighting how communities and councils are finding practical ways to cut costs, build resilience, and plan for the future. Read more here.
  
  
• Rural Health & Care – tackling inequalities, improving access, and strengthening resilience through rural hub towns and early intervention. Read more here.
  
  
• Rural Transport – practical solutions for connected communities, from freight innovation to community-led schemes. Read more here.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network: "The National Rural Conference is our chance to come together under one virtual roof and focus on what matters most to rural communities. Sessions are live and interactive, and the only way to benefit is to be there. Each contribution helps build momentum for fairer funding and stronger services. I invite all our members to join us and be part of the conversation".