alert - need to know, right now

Every year since 2012 the Local Government Association has been surveying 1000 British adults to find out how satisfied they are with their local authorities. The latest results show satisfaction levels at above average, but down on the high of June 2020. 

67% of respondents said they are 'very satisfied' or 'fairly satisfied' with their way their local council runs things and 66% trust their local council 'a great deal' or 'a fair amount.'

A huge effort from across the sector, the Fair Play Pledge launches on 7 April. The campaign is asking all parties and candidates in May’s Welsh, Scottish and English elections to commit to campaign in an open, democratic and respectful manner – and to be democracy advocates if elected. 

The Fair Play Pledge is endorsed by Fair Vote UK, Unlock Democracy, Electoral Reform Society, Open Rights Group, Global Witness, Centenary Action Group, Foxglove, Who Targets Me, The Citizens & Clean up the Internet.

Not-for-profit events brand Together We’re Better has relaunched! Future events will include lightning talks, debate, workshops, working groups, games and hacks – and of course the yearly conference. 

It’s all about breaking down the big, systemic problems and tackling them by working across divides. Sign up for their mailing list or follow them on Twitter.

Lesson plans, online workshops, candidate comms and live Q&As with councillors! It's all happening at I Have a Voice, where their Local Matters project is gearing up for the 6 May local elections. 

Local Matters aims to get the voices of young people heard at this crucial time. So, if you're a teacher or youth leader, download the resource pack now!

As colourful as it is clever, a new manifesto policy tracker from Vote for Policies and the British Youth Council is up and running. The team track the Government’s manifesto policies on the areas most of interest to young people, and provides an at-a-glance guide to the Government’s progress (or lack of!). 

This genius information hub can be embedded in any website, with Vote for Policies keeping it up to date at their end. So, if you’re involved in promoting young people’s engagement in politics, especially ahead of 6 May, check it out. Vote for Policies are hoping to create similar tools for other voter groups, for example those on low incomes.

Get in touch with Vote for Policies to use the tracker on your site. 

At the other end of the scale, Involve are looking for an Advocacy and Communications Director. Organisers of the successful Climate Assembly UK, they’re now looking for a senior figure to take forward their profile and impact.  

You’ll need a track record of developing advocacy and comms plans, as well as influencing skills and experience securing funding. 

Apply by 12 April.