This week’s newsletter is mixed in that I am pleased to be able to highlight some other activities as well ADSO business. It is very positive that colleagues from across the sector are seeking us out for contributions and opportunities. So here goes…..
Innovation in Democracy Programme
The Innovation in Democracy Programme is a new government initiative which aims to involve citizens in local decision-making through trialling innovative models of participatory democracy. It was announced in the government’s Civil Society Strategy. 8-10 local authorities will be supported to pilot Citizens’ Assemblies to empower residents to deliberate and make recommendations on a decision that the LA has to make, leading to real impact on local policy development and delivery. The face-to-face participation will be complemented by digital platforms to increase engagement and transparency. Local authorities taking part will be given extensive support to develop and deliver their Citizens’ Assemblies and online platforms, as well as up to £60k to cover costs.
The Office for Civil Society is running three introductory events for LAs at the end of September/ beginning of October. Please do think about getting involved as it sounds very interesting. The events will be used to introduce the programme to the LAs and help them think through their Expression of Interest form. The invite is below:
Be in the first group of local authorities to take part in the pioneering Innovation in Democracy Programme to pilot a Citizens’ Assembly and digital engagement platform in your local area. You could receive extensive support and up to £60K to involve citizens in local decision making.
To support the Expression of Interest process, the Government invites you to take part in one of three introduction workshops across the country. At each, we will spend the half day event considering how a Citizens’ Assembly could work in your area, exploring how to implement them locally and helping you prepare your Expression of Interest.
We want to be as open as possible, so please share this invitation with those who may have an interest in this area such as your heads of service, community engagement or locality teams, democratic services, council leader and councillors.
Attendees will participate in a number of activities throughout the workshops which will:
• Introduce the theory and case studies of participatory democracy
• Consider how the programme could work in your area, plus potential challenges
• Roadmap the actions that need to be taken to implement a participatory democracy approach to decision-making
Events will take place in Bristol, York, and London and will be facilitated by the Cabinet Office’s Policy Lab. They are free but places are limited. You can attend any one of the events, at your convenience.
Venues
• Bristol – 27 September, 11:00 until 14:00 at Triodos Bank, Deanery Rd, Bristol BS1 5AS
• York – 1 October, 13:30 until 16:30 at York CVS,15 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
• London – 2 October, 13:30 until 16:30 at Redmond Community Centre, Kayani Ave, Woodberry Down, London N4 2HF
Please contact Miriam Levin, Head of Community Action and Giving, Youth and Social Action Team, Office for Civil Society email: miriam.levin@culture.gov.uk
CONFERENCE – AWARDS
I am very pleased to be able to announce this year’s shortlist of authorities for the ADSO awards, they are:
• Brent
• Exeter
• Sutton
• Tower Hamlets
The standard of the submissions was particularly high this year and it was a very difficult decision to not shortlist others. Congratulations to all of the authorities listed and many thanks to all of the authorities who participated, it is appreciated. As I have said many times, it is really important that the quality work our members undertake is recognised. The awards provides us with the ideal opportunity to do that.
Dave