Does devolution require a reformed UK constitution?
2023-06-12 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/London)
Westminster’s relationship with the UK’s nations and regions has changed radically over the last 25 years. Powers have been devolved, and new institutions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been created. But does the UK’s constitution still work for these new arrangements or is reform needed?
In Scotland, the question of independence looms large. In Northern Ireland, the future of power-sharing is in doubt. In Wales, there is growing interest in federalism. And in England, the pursuit of economic development is driving regional devolution. There are shared challenges too, including relationships with the central UK government and the lack of constitutional protection for devolved powers.
This event – part of the IfG and the Bennett Institute Review of the UK constitution – will bring together reflections from four roundtables held across the UK to discuss these issues, in partnership with the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace at Queen’s University Belfast, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies, and Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre. What are the shared constitutional issues facing devolution across the UK? How can the unique constitutional questions across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England be addressed? And are there ways that the constitution could be improved?
To explore these questions, the IfG has bought together an expert panel including:

Professor Jo Hunt, Professor of Law in the Cardiff School of Law and Politics and a member of the Wales Governance Centre
Professor Nicola McEwen, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Glasgow
Professor Andy Pike, Chair of Regional Development Studies at the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies
Sir David Sterling, former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and Chair of the Chief Executives’ Forum.

This event will be chaired by Jess Sargeant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government

Wales TUC Greener Workplaces Network
2023-06-13 11:30 - 13:15 | Online
Join us at this friendly network which is open to all trade union officers, reps and activists – including green reps, health and safety reps, union reps, union learning reps and other branch officials with an interest in tackling the climate and nature emergencies and promoting workplace sustainability.
At the June network, we’ll be discussing two topics:
– How we can successfully decarbonise supply chains?
It is estimated that up to 90 per cent of an organisation’s environmental impact comes from its value chain – either upstream (supply chain) or downstream (product use phase). Analysing and taking action to decarbonise supply chains is a vital step for all organisations seeking to reduce their environmental impact. But it is not always straightforward, because many of the issues are outside of an organisation’s direct control.
At this session, we’ll be hearing from Dr Anna Jones, Carbon Management and Climate Risk Advisor at Natural Resources Wales about NRWs’ work to decarbonise their own supply chains and how lessons learnt from this work can be shared.
– What is the Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group and how can unions get our voices heard?
The Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru have jointly invited an independent group to explore how Wales can speed up its transition to net zero, and how amending its target to 2035 from 2050 could be made possible. The group, led by former Environment Minister Jane Davidson, is tasked with imagining what a fairer, more sustainable future looks like for Wales. They want to hear from people and communities across Wales and the world to listen to their experiences and ideas, across a range of key challenges.
The first challenge is How could Wales feed itself by 2035? . Jane Davidson and Stan Townsend from the Net Zero 2035 Challenge Group will be joining us to tell us more about the work of the group and to explain how we can get our voices heard to inform the response to the challenges.
Plus, we’ll have plenty of opportunities for networking and discussion.
Register now

Launch of Collaboration for Democratic Change - Hybrid Event
2023-06-13 18:30 - 21:00
The evening will begin with a panel discussion amongst practitioners, academics and funders exploring the challenges and opportunities for collaboration, followed by roundtable discussions on how we can take this agenda forward through The Democracy Network and other channels. (Also lots of space to network over food and drinks)
~ Join us in building a movement of collaboration ~
Places are limited so please book a place at the launch via Eventbrite now.
Find out more about The Democracy Network, become a network member or sign up to the newsletter!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE GUIDE HERE

Book launch: An Uneasy Inheritance by Polly Toynbee - London
2023-06-13 19:00 - 21:30
While for generations Polly Toynbee’s ancestors have been committed left-wing rabble-rousers railing against injustice, they could never claim to be working class, settling instead for the prosperous life of academia or journalism enjoyed by their own forebears. So where does that leave their ideals of class equality?
Through a colourful, entertaining examination of her own family – which in addition to her writer father Philip and her historian grandfather Arnold contains everyone from the Glenconners to Jessica Mitford to Bertrand Russell, and features ancestral home Castle Howard as a backdrop – Toynbee explores the myth of mobility, the guilt of privilege, and asks for a truly honest conversation about class in Britain.
Polly Toynbee is a Journalist, Author and Broadcaster. Primarily writing for the Guardian, she has also written for The Observer, The Independent and Radio Times. She has won numerous awards including a National Press Award and has been What the Papers Say ‘Columnist of the Year’.
At this event, Toynbee will be joined by Marc Stears, Director of the UCL Policy Lab, and Harry Quilter-Pinner, Director of Research and Engagement at IPPR, who together will discuss Toynbee’s new book and explore the role of class, mobility and privilege in the UK. There will be an opportunity to pose questions to our speakers and this event will be followed by a networking drinks reception.

The Case for Labour Party Democracy - for Members' Rights & the Union Link
2023-06-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
With: Jon Trickett MP; Mick Whelan, ASLEF; Simon Fletcher; Rachel Garnham, CLPD; Kathy Bole Disability Labour; Nabeela Mowlana, Young Labour.

Join us for a vital discussion In light of the growing concern about the erosion of democracy in the Labour Party. To make the case for a democratic party and movement – and to map out next steps in campaigning for members’ rights and in defence of the trade-union link.
Part of Arise: An Online Festival of Left Ideas 2023. Tickets and further info here.
You can view all Arise Festival 2023 sessions here.

Our Work Matters: Outsourced Facilities Workers Connect - London
2023-06-15 11:00 - 16:30
Outsourced workers are the forgotten heroes who keep the country going.
At Our Work Matters: Outsourced Workers Connect, workplace union reps and members who are outsourced and work in facilities management roles* in the public sector will come together to discuss the issues facing their colleagues and workplaces, and how to run successful campaigns to resolve them.
This training event will give practical advice and support on key everyday workplace issues such as negotiating for sick pay, agreeing facility time arrangements and bargaining for insourcing.
You’ll hear directly from other outsourced reps and members who won have campaigns in their workplaces on these issues.
It’ll also be an excellent opportunity for you to network and make new connections with reps and members working in similar roles and workplaces to you. The packed programme of interactive workshops will feature inspirational union reps and give key practical advice.
Sign up and join other union reps and members to learn, share, connect and make a difference in your workplace.
* Facilities management roles include outsourced caterers, cleaners, security guards, porters and building services.
** A small number of bursaries will be available for travel expenses. If you are interested in applying, please email Tanya Warlock.

Silk Mill Festival - Derby
2023-06-17 11:15 - 17:30
See poster for details.

TUC Anti-Racism Activist Network: Survival and Solidarity - London
2023-06-20 11:00 - 17:00
Overview

The network will explore:

our trade union response to the attack on civil liberties and anti-racism
challenging the cost of living and its impact on BME communities
rebuilding international solidarity.

If you would like to become a member of the network, and join us on the 20 June, please sign up.
Please share with your members.

Windrush 75 years on
2023-06-20 17:30 - 20:30
Many people applaud the contribution made by those that came from the Caribbean to rebuild the UK’s economy, social fabric and our communities after the second world war. But in the scramble to herald the Windrush arrival as a landmark moment in the emergence of a multicultural Britain the racist attitudes that greeted many of the passengers, and that echo through the decades, have often been ignored.
Join us to celebrate the Windrush generation, 75 years on and continuing the fight for justice.
Speakers include

Maria Exall, TUC president,
Zita Holbourne, AUE and PCS,
Wilf Sullivan, activist and trade unionist.

Please send us an email lese@tuc.org.uk to register your interest and to be added to our guest list

Webinar: Redundancy law and what you need to know
2023-06-21 15:00 - 16:00
Join us for a discussion with Sally Buffard, legal expert at Labour Research Department, who will discuss how union reps can manage the redundancy process.
The session will include identifying what makes a fair procedure and will explain unions’ right to challenge mass redundancies through the collective consultation procedure as well as individual rights.
Webinar participants will earn a TUC digital credential to add to your individual learning pathway.

Socialist economic policies explained: the alternative to never-ending cuts
2023-06-21 19:30 - 21:00 | Online
With…
Richard Burgon MP // Laura Smith, Labour Councillor and co-author of the No Holding Back report // Professor Özlem Onaran, University of Greenwich // Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It // Plus more TBA!
The cost-of-living emergency is deepening but it doesn’t have to be this way. Taxing wealth, expanding public ownership and a socialist green new deal are among the key economic policies that could stop never-ending cuts & create a better future.
Join this in-depth discussion, ask your questions and help us develop a programme to put public need before corporate greed.
Hosted by the Labour Assembly Against Austerity as part of Arise – An Online Festival of Left Ideas 2023. Tickets and further info here.
You can view all Arise Festival 2023 sessions here.

TUC Yorkshire & the Humber Black Activist Development Programme - Taster Session
2023-06-22 19:00 - 20:30
The TUC Yorkshire & the Humber region is running a Black Activist Development Programme Taster Session on 22 June from 6pm – 7.30pm via ZOOM.
The purpose of the session is to:

Spotlight our TUC Yorkshire & the Humber Black Activist Development Programme that will run later in the year.
Provide a space for activists to hear from black organisers and workplace reps on the campaigns they’ve run and challenges they’ve faced in the workplace and/or union and have overcome or still contend with.
Provide a Q&A session so activists can learn from speakers and identify training and further education needs.

Please SHARE WITH YOUR MEMBERS/NETWORK.

ONLINE & ONSITE PANEL: The Peace Movement in Britain: Challenges Past and Present
2023-06-22 20:00 - 21:30
With Kate Hudson on the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Liz Payne on British Peace Assembly (British Peace Committee) and Andrew Murray on Stop the War. Meirian Jump in the Chair.

Thursday, 22 June 2023 – 7:00pm
Marx Memorial Library, 37a Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0DU
Contact
Email: info@marx-memorial-library.org.uk
Phone: 02072531485

Make Votes Matter Mendips - Frome Street Stall
2023-06-24 11:00 - 13:00
Please join us!
We are running a MVM Street Stall from 10am-12pm, outside Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, in Frome.
We hope you will come and join us in speaking with locals and handing out leaflets to people.

Push for peace - No to forever wars
2023-06-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
With: Kate Hudson (CND,) Steve Howell (author, ‘Game Changer’ & former advisor to Jeremy Corbyn,) Shadia Edwards-Dashti (Stop the War Coalition.) Chair: Logan Williiams, Arise volunteer.
Does US imperial decline mean world war is inevitable? Or can we unite the world for peace, ending the new cold war & nuclear arms race? Join a vital discussion for socialists today.
Part of Arise – An Online Festival of Left Ideas 2023. Tickets and further info here.

You can view all Arise Festival 2023 sessions here.

A new Charter to renew our democracy
2023-06-26 19:00 - 20:00
In a global context of democratic backsliding, where does the UK stand?
Global Democracy Indicators paint a worrying picture of the state of democracies across the world, and the UK is no exception.
A new report from Prof. Toby James (UAE) sets out every backward step in our democracy since 2019, and offers a new 10-point Charter to restore and renew our democracy.
Join us for the launch of a new report that grasps the scale of the problem and proposes a radical solutions to renew our democracy.
CLICK TO REGISTER

USDAW - Supporting Parents and Carers Spotlight Day
2023-06-28 - 2023-06-29
Each year we hold a campaign day called Supporting Parents and Carers Spotlight Day. It’s an important opportunity for the Union to highlight the concerns of members who are caring for someone or bringing up children, raise awareness of workplace rights and campaign for change.
This year, on Wednesday 28 June, Usdaw is organising a campaign day focusing on the problems low-paid working parents have finding affordable and flexible childcare. The campaign day this year has the theme ‘Overstretched’ that reflects both the pressures working parents in Usdaw are under and the fact that the UK’s childcare system is in crisis.
Every year hundreds of reps get involved on Spotlight Day. If you would like to support Spotlight Day this year, you can do as much or as little as you like. You could set up a campaign stand in the canteen, a staff area or on the shop floor. Usdaw will send you everything you need to help you have a successful campaign.
You could:

Give out leaflets to members explaining how Usdaw can help them.
Put a poster on your workplace noticeboard.
Talk to members about the Union’s campaign.
Ask members to take the survey.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.usdaw.org.uk/spc. If you’re new to campaigning read our briefing and if you’d like to order materials you can do this online.

How to: AI & Democracy Workshop
2023-06-29 15:30 - 17:00
Over the last six months we’ve seen a breakthrough in powerful new AI technologies, from Stable Diffusion to ChatGPT. These new tools will undoubtedly impact the work of democracy organisations in all sorts of ways, from automatically drafting text, creating and editing images and video, to analysing data and more. Join us for an exploratory session as we put these new AI tools to the test!
In this workshop, you’ll get hands-on experience with the latest AI technologies and how you might use them in your work to strengthen and build a healthier democracy in the UK. You’ll learn about prompt engineering and how to effectively guide the output of AI tools to get the results you want.
These tools are so new that nobody is really an expert, and you don’t need to be able to code to access them – so whether you’re an organiser, an activist, campaigner or researcher, you’re welcome.
This is a practical online workshop for people working across the democracy sector who are curious about how recent advances in AI tools might affect their work.
This session will be delivered by Hannah O’Rourke, Co-founder of Campaign Lab. Hannah has been working at the intersection of campaigning and technology since 2018.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at hello@democracynetwork.org.uk.
UK Democracy Network are a network of people and organisations working on issues of power, democracy and voice throughout the UK. We aim to connect and work with others to build a stronger democracy fit for the 21st century. We do this through connecting people and supporting collaboration, increasing knowledge, skills and resources, and coordinating influencing strategies and action. Join the network here.

2023 Mary Macarthur Lecture: Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP - Birmingham
2023-06-29 20:30 - 23:00
We are delighted to announce that Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, will be giving the 2023 Mary Macarthur Lecture.
The Mary Macarthur Lecture is an opportunity for leading women to outline the challenges they see facing women in the world of work and wider society today and how we respond to these challenges to deliver a fairer, more equal and progressive future.
With a general election dawning into view and the continued assault on living standards and the erosion of public services, this year’s lecture is timely.
Join us to discuss how we build a fairer, more progressive society.

Women Chainmakers Festival - 2023
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-02
Taking place annually on the first Saturday in July, it’s a family friendly event bringing alive memories of the past whilst inspiring visions for the future through street theatre, re-enactments, live metalworking, political stalls and speeches, music, children’s activities and entertainment.

Featuring national entertainers and speakers, including a ‘MaryMacarthur’ in period costume delivering one of Mary’s rousing speeches and a procession of modern unions and ‘strikers’ dressed as Edwardian chainmakers, the festival ensures that this historic episode is celebrated by the local community and trade unionists from all over the country.

There is much to celebrate and commemorate about the women Chainmakers of Cradley Heath and, sadly, their example and circumstances remains relevant to many working in Britain today.
The Chainmakers’ Festival brings the Black Country community together with the Trade Union movement. Through examining our history we can deliver a better future for women and our wider society.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
2023-07-14 - 2023-07-17
This annual festival where thousands of people come together to celebrate trade unionism and remember the role of the Tolpuddle Martyrs offers a full programme of traditional and contemporary music and other attractions.
Check back nearer the time for full details of what is planned for the 2023 celebration

Troublemakers At Work conference - Manchester
2023-07-29 - 2023-07-30
We are calling on all ‘troublemakers at work’ to join us for an important one-day event on Saturday 29 July 2023 at Friends Meeting House, Manchester.
We need to bring together workers who have won improvements at work, taken strike action, and transformed weak unions into a strong voice for workers. Our event has a rank and file orientation: the labour movement is built and owned by the workers in it, not the paid officials or leaderships of unions.
We want to attract workers to this event who want to: win a pay rise, change something about their work, start a union at work, or kickstart an existing union at work.
Our conference is organised by a democratic committee, without affiliation to political parties or particular unions.
Places are limited and we want to involve a diverse mix of workers. Free professional childcare is available and we will make our event as accessible as we can.
We are proudly supported by some serious organisations trying to build the most powerful workers movement we can, including Workers Can Win!, Strike Map, and Organise Now!
For more information and to add your organisation as a supporter of this conference, please get in touch here.
This weekend we are launching our register interest form and hoping to promote this across our movement.
To keep in touch with the conference and developments from it, we have created these social media accounts for you to follow and help us promote:

Twitter: @Troublem8kers
Facebook: @TroublemakersAtWork
Instagram: @troublem8kersatwork

We hope you can support this conference and promote it amongst your networks.
In solidarity
Ian Allinson – Workers Can Win!
Sarah Woolley – Organise Now!
Henry Fowler – Strike Map

MVM North Yorkshire and York - Haxby Street Stall
2023-07-29 11:30 - 13:30
Please join us at our street stall in Haxby Shopping Centre. The Village. Haxby

Saturday, July 29, 2023
10:30 AM 12:30 PM

Haxby Shopping CentreHaxby Shopping CentreYork (map)

Google Calendar ICS

TUC Northern Young Members' Forum - Newcastle
2023-07-29 12:00 - 13:00
Sign up for July’s NTUC Young Members’ Forum!
Please note venue is still TBC – a location in central Newcastle.

Pride in Liverpool
2023-07-30 - 2023-07-31
A City Full of Pride.

PRIDE IN LIVERPOOL LOOKS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR
From marching jointly with Kyiv Pride to community-focused zones across the city centre we’re focusing on the roots of Pride and why we still need to protest.
This year, Pride in Liverpool will see five zones across the city centre full of activity, community performances and local organisations. This will be complimented by lots of fringe events from local businesses as well as of course activity throughout the city’s Pride Quarter.

All activists call with Make Votes Matter
2023-07-31 19:30 - 20:45
Draft agenda:

NPF Conclusions

MVM Strategy

SortTheSystem feedback

Getting ready for the General Election

Growing our numbers & widening our demographic

Next events on the calendar

AOB

Register in advance here!

Speed Networking: Building a Better Democracy
2023-08-02 19:00 - 21:00
Democracy in the UK is facing significant challenges, and it’s time for us to take action and engage in a meaningful way. Introducing… speed networking!
In the last five UK elections, the number of people who abstained from voting surpassed those who cast their vote for the winning party.
It’s crucial to recognise that those who choose not to vote are often unfairly labelled as apathetic. In reality, they have disengaged from a system that has repeatedly failed them.
To address this issue, we are gathering the most talented and passionate individuals dedicated to revitalising our democracy by expanding the electorate. Through speed networking, we aim to facilitate connections, foster understanding, and ignite collaborations that can breathe new life into our democratic processes.
This is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting, enjoying an informal drink while expanding your professional network.
By joining us, you’ll have the chance to connect with exceptional individuals and organisations actively working to engage communities, increase voter registration, and maximise voter turnout in future elections.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of the movement towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
This event is being held in partnership with the Civic Power Fund and the UK Democracy Network.
Learn more here!

Off the Beaten Track Group: An Online Outing to Edinburgh Book Festival
2023-08-13 16:15 - 18:00
Join Lead Reader Alice for an online outing to Edinburgh International Book Festival. We’ll be tuning into Gina Martin: No Offence, But… – How to Have Difficult Conversations for Meaningful Change on 13 August from 3:15-4:15pm.
Then we’ll hop onto Zoom and chat about what we’ve heard from 4:15-5pm.
Book your spot for the event on the Edinburgh International Book Festival website here – by signing up for this session you’ll receive a link for the chat afterwards.

Images + Words Group: An Online Outing to Edinburgh Book Festival
2023-08-15 18:00 - 20:00
Open Book at Edinburgh International Book Festival 2023!
Join Lead Reader Liz for an online outing to Edinburgh International Book Festival. We’ll be tuning into Katherine May: A Natural Harbour on 15 August from 5-6pm.
Then we’ll hop onto Zoom and chat about what we’ve heard from 5-6pm.
Book your spot for the event on the Edinburgh International Book Festival website here – by signing up for this session you’ll receive a link for the chat afterwards.

Owning Your Amazingness: An Arise Workshop
2023-08-18 11:00 - 11:45
Join us for a live experimental workshop with the Director of ARISE FIREBIRD: Women of Color Transcending Workplace Trauma & Finding Joy
