Notwestminster – reasons to be hopeful about our local democracy 

In challenging times for officers, councillors and citizens, having opportunities for us to connect with each other and to share our learning really matters. When we look to each other, we find hope and inspiration. We also discover ways of making our local democracy work better for all of us.

So if you’re looking for a shot of hope, or if you have ideas to share, we’d like to invite you to join us for Notwestminster 2025: Connected by Hope on Saturday 15th February at the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. It’s a free event packed full of shared learning about local democracy, citizen engagement and participation, community power, innovation and collaboration.

This year’s programme features workshops, lightning talks and activities that will resonate strongly with anyone who works in engagement, governance, policy or leadership roles, and which will also be helpful for councillors. The event includes:

• 10 years of the Community Councillors model – hear learning from Andy Ferrier, Chief Executive of Test Valley Council
• Tools for shifting ‘Council Culture’ – a practical workshop hosted by New Citizen Project about how councils can become enablers of citizens
• Community Power – work with some of the amazing team from Coalville CAN
• The Community Councillor Collective – meet a new network for councillors who are committed to putting citizens at the heart of local decision-making
• How can we mainstream citizen participation? – join the discussion
• A new national database of councillors – help inform Democracy Club’s work
• Growing trust with citizens – hear how West Midlands Combined Authority are moving towards co-production with communities to help build trust
• Local power for climate action – discover how Parish and Town councils are taking a leading role in improving our environment
• 21st Century Councillor – hear the latest learning from research into the changing councillor role

This event is also a great opportunity to make new connections. Over the past 10 years, Notwestminster has grown into a network of people who give their time and attention to improving our local democracy in places across the UK. Participants include local government officers, councillors, democracy advocates, citizens and community activists, young citizens, and organisations from the democracy and civic tech sectors. This makes for an amazing mix of people who inspire and support each other to make a difference to our democracy.

If you want to feel more hopeful about local democracy – wherever you are – please join in. Notwestminster is a free event and everyone is welcome to take part. Previous local government participants tell us that they have used their learning from Notwestminster events to create new citizen engagement activities, to develop their professional learning and progress their careers, and to make the case for change in their council.

To find out more about Notwestminster, please visit: We are Notwestminster or follow @Notwestminster on LinkedIn – or you can email [email protected]

Diane Sims is Notwestminster Co-organiser (a volunteer role) and is currently working to develop Kirklees Council’s new Citizen Engagement Strategy.