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12 & 13 November Manchester

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Locality Convention '23

Programme

The information on this page is from Locality Convention '23. We will update you with details of Convention '24 soon!

Our programme for Locality Convention '23 was created in partnership with our member organisations, and front-line experts from across the country.

We shared best practices and new approaches with other pioneering community organisations. Get your voice heard and influence for more support for our sector.

Programme schedule

Day One, Bristol Tue 7 Nov 23, 9am - 9.30pm

Registration, refreshments, and exhibition

Bristol Suite Foyer

Our registration team will welcome you and check you in, making you feel right at home.

Enjoy a range of refreshments, meet fellow delegates and visit our exhibitors.

 

Opening plenary session: the Locality Manifesto

Bristol Suite

We’re living in an era of extraordinary flux. Yet our politics consistently fails to provide answers of sufficient scale to the huge challenges we face. A general election is now coming into view. What’s the change we want to see and how do we make it happen?

This plenary will discuss what’s at stake at the forthcoming election and share the Locality Manifesto, our proposals to give communities the powers and resources they need to provide a hopeful way forward in uncertain times.

Speakers include:

  • Marc Stears - Director, UCL Policy Lab
  • Afzal Hussain - Chief Officer, Witton Lodge Community Association
  • Berni O'Brien - CEO, St George’s Lupset
  • Shobha Asar-Paul - CEO, ASAN
 

Workshops or visits, & lunch

Various locations


Delegates will choose either one workshop or one visit

Expert-led interactive workshops

Supercharge your organisation's impact by taking part in expert-led interactive workshops to address the challenges and opportunities faced by community organisations.

Lunch

Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring an array of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

We provide plant-based food at our events to reduce Locality's carbon footprint.

Inspiring visits with packed lunch

Step into the heart of Bristol's thriving community sector. Our visits offer a unique opportunity to learn from inspiring community leaders, engage in meaningful conversations, and see the transformative power of community-driven projects firsthand. Visit attendees will be given a packed lunch to eat en route and will enjoy a coffee break when they get back to the venue.

1:1 expert surgeries and exhibitions

If you're seeking targeted guidance and support, our expert-led 1:1 surgeries offer personalised consultations with industry professionals. These sessions provide a confidential and supportive environment where you can address specific challenges, gain insights, and receive practical recommendations tailored to your organisation's needs.

Engage with exhibitors across the community sector, from funders to service providers, all offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for collaboration.

Afternoon plenary session: Power Partners

Bristol Suite

While Westminster has lurched from crisis to crisis, local areas have had to roll up their sleeves and get on with the patient and difficult work of change.

We will hear from voices from three areas about how they have gone about building the local partnerships necessary to transform lives. These will be honest and constructive conversations, sharing “warts and all” the challenges of working together and how by doing so, places can overcome the odds to make a real difference on the ground.

Speakers include:

  • Shane Devlin - Chief Executive Officer Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
  • Neil Turney
  • Charlie Ferdinando - Head of Wellbeing and Communities - Southmead Development Trust
  • Olivia Butterworth - Participatory Practitioner, All About People
  • Julie Pal - CEO, CB Plus
  • Nipa Shah - Programme Director, Brent Health Matters,
  • Suzanne Wilson - Chief Executive, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust
  • Mark Leach - Climate Change Coordinator, Bristol City Council

Networking, exhibition, drop-in session, 1:1 surgeries, or rest

Various locations

1:1 expert surgeries

Expert-led 1:1 surgeries are designed to provide you with personalised guidance and support. Whether you seek advice on fundraising strategies, governance issues, project management, or any other aspect of organisational development, these expert surgeries are here to address your unique challenges. Walk away with actionable advice, resources, and a renewed sense of confidence to drive positive change in your community.

Exhibitions

Connect with funders and service providers who share your values and are committed to empowering local communities.


Drinks reception

Bristol Suite Foyer

Kickstart the beginning of the Locality Awards '23. Join us as we come together to applaud the outstanding achievements of community organisations.

Dinner and Locality Awards ceremony

Bristol Suite

Join us for a joyful evening of celebration at the Locality Awards '23 ceremony and dinner. This event is a tribute to the extraordinary achievements of Locality members and councils. We'll celebrate the resilience, innovation, and dedication of community organisations that have made a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the communities they serve.

End of Day One

As an exhilarating day of learning, networking, and inspiration comes to a close, find some well-deserved rest with an early night, or, if you're still buzzing with energy, join us at the afterparty in the heart of Bristol! Discover the city's lively nightlife scene as we gather to mingle, dance, and create lasting memories.

Day Two, Bristol Wed 8 Nov 23, 8.45am - 3pm

Registration, refreshments, and exhibition

Bristol Suite Foyer

Our registration team will welcome you and check you in, making you feel right at home.

Enjoy a range of refreshments, meet fellow delegates and visit our exhibitors.

Energiser - St Pauls Carnival

Bristol Suite

The session will be a taster to Carnival 'Street' Dance Vibes ... The energy of Soca and Calypso, traditional Carnival music with a bit of reggae thrown in!

A creative on many levels, Richad is a filmmaker and educator and runs a Cr8tv Mentoring Business. He is an integral part of the St Pauls Carnival School Programmes Team Lead and DSL for the last 5 years.

LaToyah the Executive Director of St Pauls Carnival and previously worked as the Head of Operations at Ujima Radio. LaToyah has significant experience working across a range of communities and cultural institutions in the city of Bristol particularly with African Caribbean-led community organisations.

Workshops, visits & coffee break

Various locations

Delegates will choose either one workshop or one visit

Expert-led interactive workshops

Supercharge your organisation's impact by taking part in expert-led interactive workshops to address the challenges and opportunities faced by community organisations. .

Inspiring visits

See the heart of Bristol's thriving community sector. Our visits offer a unique opportunity to learn from inspiring community leaders, engage in meaningful conversations, and see the transformative power of community-driven projects firsthand.

Coffee break

Step away from the bustling visits and workshops to refuel and recharge.

1:1 expert surgeries and exhibitions

If you're seeking targeted guidance and support, our expert-led 1:1 surgeries offer personalised consultations with industry professionals. These sessions provide a confidential and supportive environment where you can address specific challenges, gain insights, and receive practical recommendations tailored to your organisation's needs.

Engage with exhibitors across the community sector, from funders to service providers, all offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for collaboration.


Ideas to unleash the power of your community: TED-style talks from inspiring speakers – Plenary session

Bristol Suite

Consolidate all the learnings and energy from two days of Convention with a range of inspiring speakers who have been there and done it. Walk away ready to bring it back to your community!

Drawing from diverse backgrounds and expertise, these inspiring speakers will take the stage to deliver thought-provoking talks that will challenge your perceptions, ignite your passion, and recharge your batteries for the next twelve months.

Speakers include:

  • Afka Ray - Founder and Directo, Guardians of Nature
  • Makala Cheung - Co-Director, Fun Palaces, Creative Director of Filwood Community Centre; Music Artist, KALA CHNG (singer/songwriter/performer)
  • David Nugent - CEO - Canopy Housing, Practical Climate Action for All
  • Helen Manchester- Professor of Participatory Sociodigital Futures, University of Bristol
  • LaKisha WIlliams - Director, #DegreesNYC

Networking lunch

Bristol Suite Foyer

Come together with both new-found friends and familiar faces, sharing experiences and insights gained throughout the convention. Take with you a network of passionate people who will continue to support and inspire you on your community development journey.

Close of Locality Convention '23

All good things must come to an end... time to get excited for #Locality24!