Annual Conference 2011

Leadership in Localism - Make Localism Work for You

7th July, Palmer Building, University of Reading 2011

CCB's 5th annual conference took place at the University of Reading on 7th July.  Leadership in Localism - Make Localism Work for You brought together more than 120 delegates from across the South East and beyond representing community groups, the public and the private sector and a diverse programme of speakers who are leading exponents of localism in the UK.  All stressed the importance of people ‘doing it for themselves’ – to make a real, long-lasting difference to their communities. 

The morning plenary session opened with a brief welcome from our Chief Executive, Elaine Cook, for whom this was a 'bitter-sweet' day, this being her last public engagement before she takes up her new Chief Executive role at the Community Council of Devon at the end of July.  Professor Gavin Parker, Professor of Planning Studies at The University of Reading and Chair of Trustees at CCB then began the proceedings by giving an overview of localism. 

The more technical aspects of the localism bill were described by David Buxton from DCLG, who emphasised the flexibility of the bill for communities, followed by Councillor David Burbage, Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council, a vanguard authority, who described the activity underway to bring localism alive.  Peter Couchman, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation demonstrated localism in action with case studies from real life community groups who have 'done it themselves' with great success.  Peter stated that “Communities trying to save or to create vital services in rural communities should be planning to use the new ‘Community Right to Buy’ when the localism bill is passed, but Government needs to realise that this is just one of the barriers that stands in the way of enterprising communities.”

Transition Towns, such as Totnes are fundamental examples of localism in action, as explained by Frances Northrop in her presentation.  The morning plenary ended with a faith perspective on the Big Society and localism from the Rev. Dr. Malcolm Brown from the Archbishop's Council, who stressed the importance of 'neighbourliness' in our society and posed and addressed the question, were we a 'society of strangers' or a 'community of communities?'

After lunch, delegates had chosen from a series of six workshops ranging from Neighbourhood Planning to Community Empowerment.  The workshops were well attended and delegates were able to take away some practical examples of localism in action.

CCB would like to extend a huge thanks to all delegates who attended the conference and helped to make it such an interesting and stimulating day.

If you would like to download presentations from the plenary session or workshops, please click on the relevant documents below.

If you would like to give us your feedback from the day, please click here.