Know Your Network Celebrates 12 Years of Partnership Working

Around 170 people from across Fife's employability sector came together to share ideas, build connections and strengthen support for local people.

The annual Know Your Network event once again demonstrated the strength and depth of partnership working in Fife’s employability sector. Held on 4 November 2026 at the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline, the event brought together a wide range of organisations from the third, public, and private sectors, all committed to improving employment outcomes for people across Fife.

This year’s event, run by Fife Voluntary Action on behalf of Opportunities Fife Partnership, highlighted the strong partnership between organisations in Fife. Know Your Network has established itself a key annual event that encourages communication, coordination, and the sharing of knowledge amongst partners.

The event provided an important opportunity for attendees to share information, make new connections, and develop collaborative approaches. Strengthening relationships now will ensure high quality, responsive, and person-centred services for Fife’s communities in the years ahead.

The event was opened and presented by Kirsty Haydock, Employability Service Manager at Fife Council, who highlighted the importance of the employability sector and the impact it has on individuals and communities across Fife.

A keynote presentation was delivered by Duncan Gardner, Senior Social Impact Manager at Balfour Beatty, who talked about the importance of modern apprenticeships and ensuring that local people and places benefit from meaningful employment, skills development, and community engagement.

We were also joined by John Penman, Managing Director of Fifab, who delivered key insights into the challenges facing young people today, how employers can help by considering the impact of their recruitment practices and why thinking beyond the “standard” ways of recruitment are best for employers as well as their employees.

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet a diverse range of stallholders representing organisations across the third and public sectors. These stalls provided space for knowledge sharing, awareness raising, and the development of new partnership links.