Demystifying the role of local councillors

26 July 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

Have you ever wondered about the role of your local councillor? Do you know what they do or what skills they need to perform their duties effectively?

This event aims to demystify the vital role of local councillors in the community and highlight the crucial skillset they require. Join us to hear from experts in the field who have become brilliant local councillors at various local government levels.

Whether you live in a parished or un-parished area, this event will provide a valuable opportunity to learn about the work and role of local councillors in your community. We will explore how councillors can make a difference in the lives of residents, the challenges they face, and the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

A panel of experts will share their insights, experiences, and advice. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of the vital contribution that local councillors make to your community.

Speakers: Cllr Michaella Biscomb (Kippax Parish Council), Cllr James Jamieson (Local Government Association) and Cllr Jeremy Richardson (Cold Norton Parish Council)

Engaging with local communities through digital engagement

27 September 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

In today’s rapidly changing world, digital engagement with local communities has become more crucial, especially when delivering community regeneration and neighbourhood development plans.

Local (parish and town) councils must make it as easy as possible for people to engage with them and be flexible enough to meet the needs of communities.

Join us at this informative event to learn about effective digital engagement strategies that can broaden community participation beyond the usual suspects. You will discover how digital tools and platforms can enable local councils to connect with residents more efficiently and effectively and make it easier for people to engage with the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Our expert speakers will share their experiences on how digital engagement can help local councils access funding, develop partnerships, and deliver successful regeneration and neighbourhood development projects. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities in implementing strategies and the skills and resources needed to make them work.

Whether you are a local councillor, community leader, or resident interested in participating in your community’s development, this event is an excellent opportunity to gain insights and strategies for effective digital engagement. Join us and learn how to harness the power of digital to empower local communities and deliver successful regeneration projects.

Empowering young voices in your community

25 October 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

Local (parish and town) councils have a long history of working with young people in their communities. However, engaging with today’s youth can be challenging, especially with the rapid changes in technology and communication.

This event aims to provide practical tips and guidance on new ways to engage with young people in your community, understand their needs, and gather their views on crucial local topics. By listening to young people’s voices, local councils can empower them to become leaders and spokespeople for change in their communities.

Join us to learn about strategies for engaging with young people that go beyond traditional methods and find out how to get the most out of the local leaders of tomorrow in your area. Our expert speakers will share their experiences creating effective youth engagement programs, using digital tools, and building strong partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and other community stakeholders.

Whether you are a local councillor, community leader, or youth worker, this event is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable wisdom and helpful tips on engaging with young people and empowering them to impact your community positively. Join us and discover how to harness the power of youth voices to create a better future for all.

Making the planning system work for local councils

22 November 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

Planning is undoubtedly the most significant issue affecting most parished communities in England. While the government has retreated from some of its controversial policy commitments from the 2020 white paper, it is time to re-examine the sector’s current concerns about planning in local council areas.

Join us at this exciting event to hear from a national policy stakeholder and relevant planning case studies from the local council sector on improving the planning system to meet local (parish and town) council needs. Our expert speakers will share their knowledge on the challenges and opportunities of planning in local councils and discuss approaches for improving community engagement, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring a fair and transparent planning process.

You will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions with fellow attendees and learn from the experiences of other local councils facing similar planning challenges. Whether you are a local councillor, community leader, planner, or resident interested in planning issues, this event is an excellent opportunity to gain wisdom on revitalising your community’s planning.

Join us and discover how to work towards a planning system that meets the needs of local councils and empowers communities to shape their future.

Winning strategies for the funding game

15 December 2023 — 12.00 – 13.15

Local (parish and town) councils play a vital role in their communities, providing essential services and facilities and promoting economic and social development. However, unlike other local authorities, local councils generally cannot directly apply to central government funding.

This event aims to showcase these exceptions and provide information on why it makes sense from a funder’s perspective for local councils to be able to apply for such funds. You will hear from experts and local councils that have successfully secured grant funding. They will share their experiences and tips on navigating the current funding environment and increasing your chances of success.

Join us at this event to discover strategies for winning the funding game. You will learn about the types of funding available to local councils, the eligibility criteria, and the application process. You will also hear about successful case studies that have secured financing and how they have used the funds to benefit their communities.

Whether you are a local councillor, clerk, or community leader, this event is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights on accessing funding sources and making the most of funding opportunities for your community. Join us and learn how to play the funding game and win!

How local councils can benefit from the levelling up agenda

31 January 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15

The levelling up agenda has been a hot topic recently, with many questions about what it means, which areas it applies to, and which sectors will benefit. Local (parish and town) councils are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the levelling up agenda, but they need to be prepared for the challenges that come with devolution.

This event will explain how local councils can survive and thrive in a devolved environment by taking on assets, liabilities, and services from their principal authority. You will learn about the benefits and challenges of devolution and hear from experts on how to make the most of the opportunities presented by the levelling up agenda.

Join us to understand better how local councils can benefit from the levelling up agenda and what steps they need to take to prepare for devolution. You will hear from speakers with experience in local government and councils successfully navigating the devolution process. They will share their understandings, best practices, and lessons learned, giving you a helpful perspective on succeeding in a devolved environment.

This event suits local councillors, clerks, and community leaders who want to understand the opportunities and challenges of the levelling up agenda and how to prepare for devolution. Join us to learn how to survive and thrive in a devolved environment and make the most of the opportunities presented by the levelling up agenda.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of social media in the local council sector

28 February 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15

Social media can be a powerful tool for local (parish and town) councils to engage with their communities, but it can also be a source of conflict and negativity. This event will explore the benefits and drawbacks of social media use in the sector and provide guidance on how to use it effectively and responsibly.

Join us for a candid discussion on the dos and don’ts of social media in the local council sector. We’ll explore case studies and best practices and provide actionable advice on creating a social media policy that promotes civility and respect. Whether you’re a seasoned social media user or just getting started, this event is a must-attend for anyone who wants to use social media to build stronger communities.

Reconnecting communities through community transport

27 March 2024 — 12.00 – 13.15

The provision of community transport has become an increasingly important issue for local (parish and town) councils in recent years. With limited public transport options available in many areas, local councils must step up and support low-cost and sustainable community transport schemes to ensure their communities are connected and can access essential services.

Join us at this event, where we will showcase successful community transport programmes that local councils have implemented. We will also provide details into the national stakeholder scene and how local councils can collaborate with other organisations to improve transport options in their area.

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the benefits of community transport, how to establish partnerships and funding opportunities, and how your local council can make a difference in reconnecting your community through transport.