Thirtyone:eight is the UK’s leading independent safeguarding charity, equipping more than 10,000 members with training, guidance, policy support and a dedicated helpline. For almost 50 years, they’ve helped churches, charities and organisations create safer spaces for children and adults at risk.
With such a wide-reaching mission, and with most of their staff now working remotely, their annual staff gathering has become far more than a date in the diary. It’s an essential moment of connection, unity and shared purpose. This year, they chose to return to Highgate House, one of Christian Conference Trust’s three dedicated Christian venues.
The Challenge: Reconnecting a remote community
Like many organisations since the pandemic, thirtyone:eight’s staff are spread far and wide, with day-to-day contact now happening mostly through email and Teams. Although effective, online communication can never replace the warmth and depth of seeing colleagues face-to-face.
As Hayley from thirtyone:eight explained:
“Most of our staff now work remotely. There are always some new faces joining throughout the year, and these gatherings help people feel part of something. When you meet together, you really capture the vision, momentum and direction of travel for the organisation.”
Staff feedback from the previous year made something clear: this in-person time matters deeply. People longed for the chance to reconnect, build friendships, meet new colleagues, and spend time together outside the pressures of daily work.
The challenge was simple but significant:
How do we create the kind of environment where connection happens naturally, conversations come easily, and the whole team feels united again?
The Solution: A space made for community at Highgate House
Thirtyone:eight returned to Highgate House for their two-day staff gathering, building an agenda that mixed fun, reflection, worship, and practical training.
It truly was a full and joyful programme:
A 1920s murder mystery evening
The team kicked off with a themed after-dinner event, dressing up and diving into a lively 1920s murder mystery. It was a huge hit and set a warm relational tone for the entire time away.
Worship & communion
Day two opened with something especially meaningful: a time of sung worship and communion as a staff team.
“We’ve never actually done sung worship together before,” Hayley shared. “We didn’t want to exclude anyone, so we held it first thing so people could choose. It was a really beautiful time.”
The availability of a piano in the meeting space made this moment particularly special.
Training, inspiration & team-building
The rest of the day offered a healthy blend of:
- insightful sessions and panel discussions
- hearing strategic direction for the coming year
- contributions from inspirational speakers such as Mike Norris
- team-time with smaller departmental groups
- opportunities to hear from trustees and senior leaders
In the afternoon, delegates could choose from a range of relaxed, relationship-building activities: walks, crafts, sports, board games, or even thirtyone:eight’s own edition of The Traitors. There was something for every personality.
Moments of laughter and lightness
Two team members spent the conference secretly hiding tiny Jesus statues around the venue, much to everyone’s amusement. Small moments like these added to a sense of joy and closeness.
And of course… the food
Highgate’s homecooked meals left a strong impression:
“The food was fabulous… so good and tasty.”
“The venue was beautiful and the food was delicious.”
“The chef deserves a real shoutout!”
In fact, the experience was so positive that the team has already booked to return in 2026, despite originally planning to skip a gathering that year.
The Impact: A stronger, kinder, more connected team
The difference that two days together made was clear across the delegate feedback. Staff repeatedly commented on the value of genuine connection, unrushed conversation, and simply being in the same room again.
Common themes from the feedback included:
1. Deepened relationships & renewed unity
“Just being together face-to-face – so important.”
“Spending time with colleagues I don’t often see.”
“Plenty of time to get to know people I don’t work closely with.”
Remote work may be efficient, but nothing replaces seeing someone smile, laugh, or share a meal.
2. A warm, welcoming atmosphere for all
For some newer staff, the idea of attending a large in-person gathering came with nerves:
“I had a fair bit of social anxiety ahead of going but was made to feel at ease.”
This shows the importance of a space where people can relax and feel at home, something Highgate House is designed to foster.
3. Space to engage with vision and mission
The balance of structured sessions and open time meant people left feeling aligned and energised:
“Hearing about future plans was invaluable.”
“The session with Mike helped us apply our values to our daily work.”
4. A venue that helps community flourish
The setting mattered more than many expected:
“The venue with its outdoor space was fantastic.”
“Much more us than last year - smaller, warmer, and more personal.”
“The whole ambience and being together… there was real space for conversation.”
5. A conference that just works
One comment summed it up beautifully:
“It was incredibly well-balanced. Things that feel effortless always take a lot of effort, but this one really hit the right tone.”
Looking Ahead
For thirtyone:eight, these retreats have now become an essential part of their rhythm as a team, so much so that they’ve reshaped their plans for future years.
Hayley shared:
“We weren’t planning on an away day in 2026, but the feedback was so positive that we’ve already booked Highgate again.”
At Christian Conference Trust, this is exactly why our venues exist: to give Christians a place to gather, reconnect, grow, and be refreshed together.
We were delighted to welcome the thirtyone:eight team, and we look forward to hosting them again soon.
If you are thinking of planning a Christian conference with us, get in touch today at 0300 111 4444 or click the button below.
