In amongst the national political fray of the general election, take a moment to read this brilliant blog ⬇️ Catriona Maclay sets out routes to reinvigorate local democracy through creative & more meaningful approaches to neighbourhood forums 🗳️🤝🏘️ newlocal.org.uk/articles/shake…

1⃣ Funding that reflects reality of demand 2⃣ Place-based public service reform 3⃣ Renewed national-local relationship built on clarity & respect As people across the country head to the polls, @jesstud.bsky.social on 3 #localgov priorities for the next Parliament. newlocal.org.uk/articles/three…

There has been a complete absence of national vision for #localgov and communities for years now. Massive opportunity for the new Govt to be proactive and set out a path for renewal. So, here’s one we made earlier: A Labour Vision for Community Power… newlocal.org.uk/publications/l…

Our case for change sets out three principles: participation, prevention & devolution. These would guide the redistribution of power out of Westminster, towards a more empowered, collaborative local state which in turn faces out to support independent, thriving communities.

At the end of this week, 120 of us will be gathering in Birmingham to explore how we can change our permissions to put relationships first. We've got some fun activities planned and a team of helpers to get us set up 🤩

"Building trust, relationships & shared purpose isn’t something any single meeting can deliver – it’s the business of dozens of interactions, over time, in myriad settings." Catriona Maclay on why meeting people where they are is rarely in a meeting. newlocal.org.uk/articles/shake…

🆕 9 things national government can learn from local government #LocalGov has years of hard-won learning about what works & what doesn’t when it comes to public services Catriona Maclay shares 9⃣ lessons for Westminster – from building trust to breaking down silos

Superb from Catriona Maclay for New Local on what's important to deliver change in public services locally: newlocal.org.uk/articles/nine-… Though £ important it isn't the only thing: trust, relationships, open ways of thinking, facilitating discussion also vital. Love it.

Excited for all the brilliant sessions and conversations with The Relationships Project crew today

Excited for a great day with the wonderful The Relationships Project community

#LocalGov has years of hard-won learning about what works & what doesn’t when it comes to public services. Catriona Maclay shares 9⃣ things central government should take note of – from building trust to breaking down silos. newlocal.org.uk/articles/nine-…

🆕 Sometimes even the most well-meaning idea can be turned into a source of polarisation and anger. How can deliberative approaches be used to take the heat out of public discourse? 5⃣ changemakers share their insights. newlocal.org.uk/articles/age-o…

How do we think about embedding community power in an age of division? This was a dream panel to chair and write about with Eve Holt Misbah Malik Stephanie Draper and Samuel Augustine - check out their collective wisdom and tips here.

Beyond the headlines of Chancellor Rachel Reeves speech to Commons on the financial black hole inherited from previous Govt, some interesting indications on possible future public service reform direction, much needed for sustainability… 🧵 hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024-0…

“Our staff are proud (and rightly so) of the work they do.” Wealden District Council's Matthew China tells us about Wealden’s ambition to become a community powered council ➕ shares some picturesque places you might want to visit, like Ashdown Forest – home of Winnie the Pooh

Communities with high levels of connectivity are better able to respond to adversity. Disaster recovery, conflict transformation & community development are stages in the lifecycle of any community & must be woven together in our practice, policy & thinking After Disasters Network

"Traditional engagement methods are creaking at the seams in terms of engaging people successfully & solving local issues." Catriona Maclay introduces the "vivid and urgent" question of democratic working in today's #InnovationExchange.