influence - make change happen

An inquiry has been announced by the House of Lords Constitution Committee into the future governance of the UK. 

The cross-party group of peers intend to hear from anyone with relevant views. They’ll investigate the balance of power, devolution, funding arrangements and democratic accountability, before making their recommendations to Government. 

There’s more in their Call for Evidence. 

How should we respond to misinformation that arises during times of crisis? COVID-19 has certainly brought that question into the spotlight. 

Now, Full Fact are bringing together practitioners, experts and community groups from different sectors to develop a new framework for the way forward. 

As part of this challenge, they’ve launched a consultation to seek feedback on how it could work. If you work for an organisation that identifies, analyses or responds to misinformation - or your audiences or service-users are affected by misinformation - they’d love to hear from you. 

What has impressed, or distressed, you most about citizens’ access to the democratic decision-making process since the first lockdown? Has switching to online public meetings and events enhanced or impeded the right to be heard and represented? 

Has your organisation found new ways to stay engaged and get your voice heard?

Asking all these questions and more, a new research project aims to get to the bottom of COVID-19’s impact on local democracy. Co-ordinated by the Speakers' Corner Trust (SCT) and funded by the JRSST Charitable Trust (JRSST-CT), the project will report in May. 

Your contributions are welcome! You can join an online forum or contribute via email. 

Contact SCT Chair, Louise Third MBE, to introduce yourself.