19.09.18
Andy Burnham leads a host of speakers at People’s Powerhouse 2018
Andy Burnham is among those speaking at the People’s Powerhouse Convention, an event aiming to “let the people in” and give them a voice in decision-making.
Mancunian poet Tony Walsh, also known as Longfella, will also speak at the event alongside Edna Robinson, the People’s Powerhouse chairman; and Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council and chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The convention will be held on the 20 November at Bradford’s Northern Commercials Stadium, an effort to widen the debate to incorporate views from across the north.
The People’s Powerhouse is a movement which aims to give a “diverse range of people and experiences” the ability to influence decisions about their community.
Edna Robinson, who is also chair of Big Life Group and Trafford Housing Trust, said the focus of the event will be showing ways in which anyone “can influence decisions made in the north” and how this will make decisions affecting the north “stronger as a result.”
She said: “We need meaningful engagement at all levels of decision-making in the north.
“People’s voices aren’t loud enough and the decisions affecting their lives and communities are made by too narrow a group of people, with far too narrow a range of experiences.
“And that’s not a good thing if we are serious about creating a north that works for everyone.”
A range of people and organisations from charities, social enterprises, local authorities to businesses across the north have thrown their support behind the movement.
The People’s Powerhouse has been backed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, northern think tank IPPR North and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies.
Managing director of Transform Lives Company in Liverpool, Tracy Fishwick, was instrumental in launching the People’s Powerhouse movement.
She said: “We are creating a space where people share what’s working in communities across the north.
“Anyone can host their own workshop or run a short inspiration session, we’re getting lots of interest already and are keen to hear as many voices as possible.”
The People’s Powerhouse was founded in February 2017 and hosted the first-ever People’s Powerhouse conference in July last year with large success.
The ‘Putting the People in the Powerhouse’ report followed the event in December 2017, highlighting the need for a more “people-centred” Northern Powerhouse.
Public Sector Executive are proud to once again support the People’s Powerhouse Convention, and if you wat to find out more about this year’s event please follow this link.