Closing the void: Can we reconnect politics with associational life?

Our democracy is in poor health. Trust and satisfaction with political parties and government is at an all time low and the gap between people and power is growing wider by the day.

But it’s not a strongman leader people want to change this. It’s more citizen involvement in democracy. This is according to brand new polling from More in Common for Power to Change. Power to Change’s new report, Closing the Void, explores whether people who are involved in associational organisations – from community businesses to working men’s clubs, residents’ associations to sports teams – are more likely trust democratic institutions than those who are not.

In this event, a panel of political and community experts discuss the research and how we can rebuild trust in democracy from the ground up.

Panel:

Nick Plumb (Chair) Director of Policy and Insight, Power to Change

Nick is a co-author of the report and the chair of this event. Nick provides overall direction for our policy, research, communications and advocacy work. He oversees a team which develops new policy thinking, carries out original research and analysis, and champions community business.

Charlotte Hollins, Manager of Fordhall Farm and We’re Right Here campaign leader

Charlotte is the founder and general manager of the Fordhall Community Land Initiative, England’s first community owned farm, with a community membership reaching over 8,000. Fordhall Farm is approaching 20 years in community ownership and through its lifetime, Charlotte has supported countless more communities to place land into community ownership. She is also one of eight leaders working on the We’re Right Here campaign for community power, and is piloting a community covenant in her hometown of Market Drayton with close to 20 local organisations.

Deborah Mattinson, Political Consultant

Deborah Mattinson is a political strategist, entrepreneur, and leading voice in public opinion. A mastermind behind Labour’s 2024 election win, shaping British politics for over 30 years. Now in the House of Lords, she continues to drive progressive change and national conversation.

Josh Westerling, Policy Manager, Power to Change

Josh is a one of the authors of the report. Josh leads on Power to Change’s advocacy work. He generates ideas, strategies, and research to influence change, building coalitions to do so, alongside people with real-world experience. As the organisation’s lead on ‘community power’ Josh has led the organisation’s recent policy and advocacy work in this area, as well as supporting new practice in places across England. He advises the We’re Right Here campaign on its political strategy, which has successfully campaigned for a Community Right to Buy.

Linda Hien, Insight Manager, Power to Change

Linda is a co-author of the report. Linda ensures Power to Change’s research and insight programme is rigorous, creative and high impact. She oversees and provides guidance for research across the organisation, and gathers robust evidence and learning around the community business sector.

Marc Stears, Director, UCL Policy Lab

Marc Stears is an internationally regarded academic, political strategist, speechwriter and executive educator, who specialises in creating dynamic collaborations between academic researchers and broader society. Currently the inaugural Director of the UCL Policy Lab, Marc has previously been Director of the Sydney Policy Lab at the University of Sydney, CEO of the New Economics Foundation, Professor of political theory at the University of Oxford and chief speechwriter to the UK Labour Party. He enjoys a worldwide reputation as a leadership coach and communications strategist, having supported Board and Executive Committee members for major organisations including for some of the world’s largest companies.

Read the report: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/evid...