IFS100 Conference and Locality Convention: Voices from the Network
In November 2025, the International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS) gathered in the United Kingdom to mark a historic moment with the IFS100 Conference, held alongside the Locality Convention in London and Liverpool. The event brought together settlement and neighbourhood practitioners, leaders, and community workers from across the world to reflect, connect, and celebrate 100 years of the global Settlement Movement.
The week opened with an IFS Board meeting at Oxford House, welcoming representatives from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Austria, Kenya, Nigeria, Canada, France, Germany, Romania, Morocco, Ireland, Singapore and other countries. As with all IFS board meetings, the space was open and inclusive, encouraging members to share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen international collaboration rooted in local community work.
Across the conference week, more than 122 international delegates joined Locality participants to reflect on key achievements in 2025, outcomes from the IFS General Assembly, working group updates, and the evolving role of neighbourhood-based social justice work. Alongside formal sessions, the gathering created space for informal conversations, shared learning, and renewed commitment to community-led change.
This page brings together participant reflections from the IFS100 Conference and the Locality Convention. The contributions shared here offer personal perspectives on community power, international exchange, and the value of learning across borders. They reflect how local action connects to global movements and how shared spaces like IFS conferences help strengthen relationships across regions.
More reflections will be added as they are received. We invite you to explore these voices from across the IFS network and to reflect on what this milestone moment means for the future of neighbourhood and settlement work worldwide.
Vincent Ng (Singapore)
What does community power look like in practice? Vincent reflects on lessons from England, where local communities are co-owning spaces, shaping economies, and leading regeneration through trust, policy tools, and collective action. 👉 Read Vincent’s reflection
Luka Perteneva, Jacob Riis Settlement (USA)
The Riis team reflects on the power of openness and exchange during the conference, highlighting how shared stories, site visits, and conversations across London and Liverpool deepened their understanding of organisational models, collaboration, and community practice across borders.
Sunday Ibobor (Nigeria)
Supported by the IFS Conference Scholarship, Sunday reflects on a powerful week of learning, networking, and inspiration, and on how visiting historic settlement houses will strengthen advocacy and social work practice in Nigeria. 👉 Read Sunday’s reflection
Sannaleena Härkönen (Finland)
Drawing from visits to community houses in London and the Locality seminar in Liverpool, this reflection highlights inclusive, neighbourhood-based approaches that strengthen belonging, local democracy, and community-led wellbeing across different contexts.
Local Community Services Association (Australia)
Marking 100 years of the Settlement Movement, this reflection highlights how the IFS100 Conference reaffirmed a shared global vision: empowered communities, local action, and strong international collaboration. 👉 Read the full article
Juha-Erkki Mäntyniemi (Finland)
This reflection highlights the strong focus on sustainability and diversified funding across neighbourhood centres, alongside the importance of trust, local dialogue, and clear vision. Drawing from visits to organisations such as Bede House and Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, it underlines the role of community work in connecting people, shaping development, and reaching millions globally.