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Local Trust newsletter October 2016: Getting people involved

Northfleet Big Local

We're delighted to announce that we have appointed a new chief executive: Matt Leach will be joining us in early 2017.

Below we also share details of our learning and networking events for locally trusted organisations and Big Local partnerships, taking place in London and Sheffield. Don't miss out - book now!

Interested in ways to get more people involved in Big Local in your area? Our recent #EngageInspire campaign shared practical ideas and research from NCVO that could help you engage more people in your community. If you'd like to find out more, this Storify summary of our #EngageInspire Twitter chat is a great place to start.

Looking beyond Big Local, Local Trust is launching a research project that will scope the future of community development. We are currently seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to be on the project steering group - deadline 31 October. Do take a look yourself and pass this on to anyone you think would be interested.

Rachel Rowney, head of programme delivery, Local Trust

Matt Leach, HACT, appointed as Local Trust chief executive

Matt Leach

The board of Local Trust has appointed Matt Leach as its new chief executive, a role he will take up in early 2017. Matt is currently CEO of HACT, the social housing sector’s ideas and innovation agency.

Kevin Sugrue, chair of the Local Trust board said: 'We are delighted to welcome Matt to Local Trust. He arrives at a key time as interest in resident-led solutions is gaining momentum on most policy makers’ agendas, and communities are seeking to harness local talent, connections and creativity to address local challenges.' Read more.

Events for locally trusted organisations and Big Local partnerships

These events are an opportunity for locally trusted organisations and partnerships in Big Local areas to come together to network, share learning and experiences, and receive support and guidance.

We're running these events in two locations, with a choice of workshops so that you can tailor the day to suit your needs and interests. Workshops include: good financial management, managing workers, facilitating meetings, and more.

London event: Friday 25 November, click for full details.

Sheffield event: Wednesday 7 December, click for full details.

Book now: Contact Sarah Donohoe, sarah@neighbourhoodmanagement.net or 0778 662 7692

#EngageInspire: Getting people involved in Big Local

Areas' engagement tips

You can sometimes hear residents involved in Big Local say – we’re doing great but we’d love to get more people involved! So in our recent #EngageInspire week, we published NCVO's research on community engagement in Big Local, and asked Big Local areas on social media for their experiences and tips.

For anyone who wants to reach out across their community, here are the top five learning points from NCVO's research, highlights from our #EngageInspire Twitter chat, and an amazing case study from SO18 Big Local about how they've used events to find and nurture volunteers.

You might also be interested in this blog on the most successful ways that Big Local areas are using social media.

Empowered communities in the 2020s research project: Call for expressions of interest

Our major new research project will capture the contemporary value of community development and scope its future.

The project theme is ‘Empowered communities in the 2020s: shaping the future of community development’, and you can view the project plan and information about the steering group here.

This exciting opportunity, funded by the Community Development Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has already generated substantial interest and we look forward to involving a wide range of stakeholders with the work over the coming months.

If you are interested in being on the steering group for the project, please complete the expression of interest questionnaire before 10.00am on Monday 31 October.

Kathryn's story: Getting involved, building connections

Kathryn

'When I first started to volunteer at Big Local Revoelution just over two years ago, I was very timid and shy. Having social anxiety and bipolar disorder made me very isolated and I wouldn’t leave the house or even my bed for weeks at a time. From the first day I set foot in the Revoelution hub, I haven’t been away.'

Getting involved in Big Local can have a massive positive impact on skills and confidence, as Kathryn Andrews from Big Local Revoe explains in her blog for the news portal 'Nonprofit'. Read more.

Effective team skills: Book now for free and accredited training

This course will help you to work more effectively as part of a team to deliver Big Local in your area, and also give you an accredited qualification for your CV. The course will enable you explore the theory of groups and teams, reflect on personal and team effectiveness and support you to develop an action plan to improve your skills.

This residential course is free for Big Local residents, with meals and accommodation provided. It will run Friday 9 December to Tuesday 13 December at Northern College, Barnsley. Read more.

Spring Events 2017: Save the date!

We're starting to prepare for the return of Spring Events - our biggest annual events where residents from Big Local areas across England can meet to learn, share and get inspired. 

  • Thursday 27 April – Liverpool, Foresight Centre, Liverpool University, L69 3GL
  • Saturday 29 April – London, Friends House, 173-177 Euston Rd, NW1 2BJ
  • Saturday 6 May – Sheffield, Inox Dine, Sheffield University Students Union, S10 2TG
  • Saturday 13 May – Birmingham, Conference Aston, Aston University, B4 7ET
  • Tuesday 16 May – Chester-le-Street, Durham County Cricket, DH3 3QR

More details are coming soon! In the meantime, get a flavour of what to expect from these 2016 highlights.