In-person & online

Over the past two decades, a succession of crises have contributed to a significant decline in living standards and destabilised traditional politics and social attitudes. This has fuelled division and the rise of populist parties, racism and hate crime in communities, and deepened inequality and injustice particularly for the most marginalised communities.

This session examines the shifting political and social landscape and the real challenges this presents to Citizens Advice work and the people we support. In times that can feel bleak, we invite colleagues and partners to explore our role in building community cohesion, hope, and a fairer society.

Session Objectives:

- To illustrate impacts of the shifting political and social landscape, and the (political) drivers behind this, to consider what this means for the people that we support and advocate for

- To examine the practical support needed to support clients and staff in the face of the uncertain and divisive times, and highlight best practice from within the service and wider civil society sector

- To explore our role in advancing community cohesion, championing anti-racism and consider our collective capability as a service

Ruwani Purcell, Director of External Affairs
Mandeep Rupra, Director of Equity and Belonging 
Nick Lowles, CEO, Hope not Hate
Steve Hughes, Oldham Council/Soon to be Executive Director of Client and Member Services, Citizens Advice
Nusrat Qureshi, Advisor, Bradford Citizens Advice
Sylvia Ward, CEO Sheffield Citizens Advice