CONFERENCE DIRECTORY Plain text Directory v5 This plain text version of the Conference Directory contains the text of the published Directory. Note that page numbers refer to the pages in the published Directory. Graphics and some complex page layouts are omitted. Page number references refer to the published Directory. Welcome to the Liberal Democrat online Spring 2021 Conference Directory. Please note that the Conference Directory is available online only and not in hard copy format. Updates to the Conference Directory will be issued periodically up until conference and published online at: www.libdems.org.uk/s21-directory For details of the main auditorium sessions, see the separate Conference Agenda, available at: www.libdems.org.uk/s21-agenda If you have any questions whilst at conference, please email: conferences@libdems.org.uk Conference will take place through our virtual conference venue Hopin. Access to all conference events requires a valid conference registration and registered attendees will be emailed details of how to log on to the Hopin platform a few days before conference - see page 4. To register, please go to: www.libdems.org.uk/conference Spring 2021 Directory vsn 4 Contents Feature: 2-3 Welcome to our online Spring Conference from Ed Davey and Mark Pack Conference information: 5-8 Exhibition: 9-14 Fringe & training: 15-38 Friday 19 March 17 Saturday 20 March 22 Sunday 21 March 30 Further information, registration and conference publications (including plain text and clear print versions) are available at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference FEATURE Welcome to our online Spring Conference from Ed Davey MP Welcome to the Liberal Democrats' Spring 2021 conference. Our Party will be meeting virtually for the second time - a feat I couldn't imagine one year ago. This past year has been immensely tough. With the Covid-19 situation changing so rapidly, it's difficult to predict where we'll be in a few months - but some observations still ring true. We owe so much to frontline workers. From NHS staff and posties, to teachers and supermarket workers, we couldn't have got through this year without their hard work. They have shown courage and resilience, where Boris Johnson has shown only dither and delay. Because time and again, this crisis has exposed Boris Johnson's Conservatives for their cruelty and incompetence. With countless u-turns, delays and the Prime Minister's failure to lead, it's clear that our Party's strong, liberal voice is needed now more than ever. I'm proud of the essential service Liberal Democrat councillors and volunteers have provided to support their communities, working hard to save lives, prevent loneliness and stand up for the most vulnerable. At the time of writing, we're still expecting Holyrood and Senedd elections in Scotland and Wales and local elections across most of England in May - not to mention Mayoral, Police & Crime Commissioner and many local by-elections on the same day. It has never been more important for Liberal Democrats to keep in close contact with their local communities. I look forward to joining you on the campaign trail - even if it looks different this year. Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Welcome to our online Spring Conference from Mark Pack I confess to being a conference addict. It was necessary but sad for us to have to cancel last year's spring conference. But it is a great tribute to the hard work and willingness to innovate of our conference staff and volunteers, ably coordinated by the Federal Conference Committee (FCC), that we have taken our federal conferences online. We have already seen how this means far more people can take part in them. That's important to ensure we're not only a democratic, member-led party in theory but also in practice. We must continue to find ways to involve more of us, through expanding the success of online conferences and, when coronavirus finally fades, finding ways of marrying that with the many features we love and miss about offline events. This is one part of a much wider set of improvements we are making. The Thornhill Review into the 2019 general election has set out a frank and challenging agenda for change. Less than a year in, much has already changed. But it's a long-term challenge we must keep at, and one that is for all parts of the party. However you're involved, we all need to be relentlessly thinking about how we can change and improve what we do. Some of that will come up in the different reports and proposals being put to this conference. I am looking forward to those discussions and debates, and always happy to hear views direct on: president@libdems.org.uk. Mark Pack, President of the Liberal Democrats INFORMATION Conference information Any questions? If you have any questions prior to or during conference, please email: conferences@libdems.org.uk If you have any tech queries, please go to the tech helpdesk in the exhibition area of the online conference (see page 8). If you wish to communicate with the chair, submit a procedural motion or ask for a separate vote, please use the following link: www.libdems.org.uk/procedural-motions If you have a question with regards to the session you are in, please use the conference chat function; do not use chat to communicate with the chair of a session. See guidance on page 5. Attending Conference Hopin: our virtual conference venue All registered attendees will be emailed details of how to login to Hopin, our virtual conference venue, just prior to the conference starting. For the best experience of conference when using a computer or laptop, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers are recommended. To access Hopin via an iOS mobile device, Safari is the best mobile browser to use; and for an Android device, please use Google Chrome. Ensure you turn off your ad blockers and don't have any other programs open. If something goes wrong, try refreshing your browser! There is a short video on how Hopin works on our website, in the FAQs: www.libdems.org.uk/conference After the conference, the auditorium sessions will be available on YouTube. Hopin navigation On the Hopin platform, the menu bar appears on the left. Home View the agenda, fringe & training events and exhibition stands (one for each entity in the exhibition area). Auditorium Watch the debates and speeches. Members can vote on motions via polls (within Hopin). There will be BSL signers during auditorium sessions. Fringe & Training Fringe is available for all to view. Fringe events happen outside auditorium hours. Training is only for party members to view and is run simultaneously alongside the auditorium sessions. See the page 15 onwards for details. Exhibition You can enter this area to view the exhibition stands throughout conference, view exhibitor's videos, ask questions in the chat function and connect to their websites. See page 9 for details. Networking Chat with a randomly selected participant and share common interests. If you wish to contact a particular individual to chat with them or have a live video link, please click onto 'people' next to the 'chat' function on the top right and find the person you wish to connect with. Voting Only registered members can vote at conference. Voting will be available through Hopin and the polling function in the auditorium. For the emergency motions ballot, mi-voice voting will be used and registered members will be emailed a link prior to conference to vote in the ballot. Conference Chat In each auditorium session there will be a chat feature enabled, which allows attendees to post their views and comments about events in the auditorium. The chat is public and visible to everybody: bear this in mind when posting. All comments in the chat must be respectful, lawful, and in keeping with the Members' Code of Conduct, accessible here: www.libdems.org.uk/code-of-conduct The chat will be moderated, and if your post does not meet the required standards of behaviour, sanctions start with post deletion, and more serious breaches may lead to you having your conference access revoked and/or disciplinary action within the party. Please do not use the chat to attempt to communicate with members of the FCC or the chairs and aides of debates. To raise a query with the chairs and aides use this link: www.libdems.org.uk/procedural-motions Some Q&A sessions may use the chat to solicit questions. Questions to reports should the submitted as described in the Conference Agenda; in addition, questions may be submitted using the chat during the session and they may be selected by the chair, but that is not guaranteed. The chat is there to facilitate interactivity in our virtual conference, but it can only do this if everyone in it behaves responsibly and with courtesy and respect towards each other and the moderators. Auditorium information Details of the auditorium sessions at conference, and about speaking, voting etc, can be found in the Agenda, available at: www.libdems.org.uk/s21-agenda Conference access fund To improve accessibility for members attending conference we have established a Conference Access Fund. The fund consists of a contribution from the conference budget as well as donations from party members. Contributions made by members are ring-fenced. All donations from this conference will be carried over to the next physical conference. For details see: www.libdems.org.uk/access-fund Conference Extra and Conference Daily Conference Extra will be published in an online update to the Conference Agenda ahead of conference; and Conference Daily will be published in further online updates to the Conference Agenda each day of conference. Conference Extra and Conference Daily both contain updates to the agenda including changes to timings, amendments, topical issues, emergency motions and questions to reports. You will be able to find the Conference Agenda updates, with the entire agenda plus the updates clearly marked, online at: www.libdems.org.uk/s21-agenda This is being done in response to feedback from Autumn 2020 when people said that they found three separate documents difficult to navigate using an electronic device. It is an experiment designed to make the publications more accessible and we would welcome your feedback. Federal Board and Federal Conference Committee helpdesks Members of the Federal Board and members of the Federal Conference Committee will be available to chat with conference attendees at their helpdesks in the virtual exhibition at the following times: Friday 19 March 16.15-17.15 Saturday 20 March 13.00-14.00 and 16.15-17.15 Sunday 21 March 13.00-14.00 and 16.15-17.15 Social media Follow conference on social media: @LibDemConf #LDConf www.facebook.com/groups/ldconf www.libdems.org.uk/spring-conference Spokespeople Q&A sessions There will be a series of Q&A sessions during conference where you can ask questions of our spokespeople. Voting members can submit concise questions (maximum 25 words) on the subject of the session via the website at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions until 16.00 on Friday 19 March, or using the conference chat whilst the session is in progress. See page 15 for details of the sessions. Technical Helpdesk If you have any tech issues during the conference, we have a tech helpdesk located in the exhibition area (first stand) which will be open at the following times: Friday 19 March 12.00-18.00 Saturday 20 March 09.30-18.00 Sunday 21 March 09.30-18.00 EXHIBITION The exhibition The exhibition is accessed through Hopin - our virtual conference venue - see page 5. You can view the exhibition stands throughout conference, view exhibitor's videos, ask questions in the chat function and connect to their websites. All stands will be live at the following times: Friday 19 March 16.15-17.15 Saturday 20 March 13.00-14.00 and 16.15-17.15 Sunday 21 March 13.00-14.00 and 16.15-17.15 Directory of Exhibitors ALDC - Liberal Democrat Campaigners and Councillors ALDC provide advice, training and resources for activists, campaigners and councillors. Our staff and volunteers are experts who can help you build a winning campaign. www.aldc.org ALDE Party The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party is the party for liberal democrat values in Europe. It consists of 71 member parties and thousands of individual members. www.aldeparty.eu ALDTU (Association of Liberal Democrat Trade Unionists) The Association of Liberal Democrat Trade Unionists (ALDTU) is here to support Liberal Democrats who are active in their trade union and in the community of their workplace. http://associationofliberaldemocrattradeunionists.wordpress.com ALTER ALTER seeks to build support for Land Value Taxation amongst Liberal Democrats; and to promote and campaign for this policy as a more sustainable and just resource-based economic system. www.libdemsalter.org.uk Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists The Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists (ALDES) provides a resource of engineering and scientific know-how to support the Party. Meet our members and learn how to get involved. www.aldes.org.uk Chinese Liberal Democrats A bridge between the party and the Chinese & SE Asian diaspora communities in UK. Outreach. Campaigning. Policy advice. Chair: Dr Yeow Poon. https://chineselibdems.org.uk/en/page/join-us Facebook: Chinese Liberal Democrats. Twitter: @chineselibdems. https://chineselibdems.org.uk Federal Board The Federal Board provides strategic direction for the Party. It is currently particularly focused on implementing the 2019 Election review and supporting the party for the upcoming May elections. www.libdems.org.uk/federal_board Federal Conference Committee FCC is responsible for organising our two Federal Conferences per year. Come and chat to us about how we select the agenda and run the event and ask us any questions you may have about conference. www.libdems.org.uk/federal_conference_committee Green Liberal Democrats Promoting sustainability in politics, GLD is the environmental conscience of the Party. Visit our booth for advice on how to make a difference. Change the world. Save the planet. @GreenLibDems www.greenlibdems.org.uk Humanist and Secularist Liberal Democrats For Liberal Democrats who believe the state should treat everyone equally regardless of their religion or belief. Recent campaigns cover caste discrimination, humanist weddings, discrimination by schools and CofE disestablishment. www.hsld.org.uk LGA Liberal Democrat Group We work within the LGA and the party to support our 2,500 councillors and promote Liberal Democrat values. Liberal Democrats run over 50 councils, influencing budgets of over £5 billion. www.libdemgroup.lga.gov.uk LGBT+ Liberal Democrats LGBT+ Lib Dems are the party body for gender & sexual minorities, including lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. https://lgbt.libdems.org.uk/en/ Lib Dems in England The Liberal Democrats in England: a federation of the eleven Regional Parties, plus the English Young Liberals. We support Regions so they can support their local parties even more effectively www.englishlibdems.org Liberal Democrat Christian Forum We are a Christian voice in the Party and a voice of liberal democracy among Christians. We support Christians of all backgrounds to engage positively and constructively in politics. www.ldcf.org Liberal Democrat Disability Association Working to win the votes of disabled people. Providing a voice for disabled members. Influencing policies to ensure they reflect the views of disabled people and carers. www.disabilitylibdems.org.uk Liberal Democrat Education Association The Liberal Democrat Education Association aims to improve education through: publishing articles; running conferences; generating new ideas; promoting Lib Dem education policies and providing advice to Liberal Democrats in power. www.ldea.org.uk Liberal Democrat European Group The Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG) campaigns for the closest possible relationship with the EU, including in due course to rejoin. Subscribe to our email updates at https://ldeg.org/en/ Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine LDFP fights for the rights of the Palestinian People, for immediate recognition of Palestine as a State, and for the human rights of Palestinians as defined in international law. www.ldfp.org.uk Liberal Democrat History Group The past illuminates the present. Subscribe to the Journal of Liberal History. Buy Liberal history publications, including booklets on Liberal thinkers, Liberal thought and a short history of Liberal politics in Britain. www.liberalhistory.org.uk Liberal Democrat Image Liberal Democrat Image for all your Liberal Democrat merchandise and campaign materials. For over 20 years we have been the party's official supplier helping you with your campaigning. www.libdemimage.co.uk Liberal Democrat Women Liberal Democrat Women works to promote women's voices and policies that will help women across Britain. Our fringe discusses how new changes in science and technology may impact social equality. www.libdemwomen.org.uk Liberal Democrats Abroad Launched September 2018, Lib Dems Abroad encompasses over 2000 members living outside the UK. It comprises 3 local parties: Lib Dems in Europe - www.libdemsineurope.org Lib Dems in France - www.libdemsinfrance.org Lib Dems Overseas - www.libdemsoverseas.com Objectives of LDA: To identify and represent the interests of an estimated 5.5 million British citizens living abroad - To fight for Votes for Life - To inform our foreign policy. www.libdems.org.uk/abroad Liberal Democrats Business & Entrepreneurs Network (LDBEN) We are UK business people who want to help Lib Dems reclaim the centre-ground and be known as the party for business. While supporting the party, we also foster great business networks. www.ldben.org.uk Liberal Democrats Campaign for Race Equality (LDCRE) LDCRE aims to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society and to fight against prejudice and discrimination based on race, colour or religion within the party and society. http://ldcre.org.uk Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform The home for Lib Dems who support a fairer and more effective voting system, working to ensure the party gets the arguments and the politics right, to make reform happen. www.facebook.com/libdemsforelectoralreform/ http://lder.org/ Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary LD4SOS believe in standing up for asylum seekers in the UK and treating them with compassion, humanity, dignity and respect. Our Party's and Country's policies and practice should reflect this. www.ld4sos.org.uk Liberal Reform Liberal Reform exists within the Liberal Democrats to promote personal liberty and a fair society supported by free, open and competitive markets. We seek to make these values central to party policy. www.liberalreform.org.uk Liberator Magazine On Line Read the latest from the Party's leading thinkers. As ever RB, shines light on the dark corners of the Party. www.liberator.org.uk National Liberal Club The NLC is the London heart of liberalism, with close ties to the Party. A wonderful Clubhouse and over 250 worldwide reciprocal clubs. www.nlc.org.uk Salam for Democracy and Human Rights Salam DHR is a multinational research and advocacy organisation which focuses on the promotion of human rights and democracy in the Gulf region with a specific focus on Bahrain. http://salam-dhr.org/ Social Liberal Forum SLF exists to create a society where everyone has access to the wealth, power and opportunity to enable us to lead full and rewarding lives, unfettered by conformity and hardship. www.socialliberal.net The Legacy Society The Legacy Society is the Liberal Democrat society for those wishing to leave a gift to the Party in their will. You can learn more by visiting our stall. www.libdems.org.uk/legacyfund Young Liberals We provide a platform for young people and students to have their voices heard and act as a radical pressure group within the Liberal Democrats. www.youngliberals.uk FRINGE & TRAINING Fringe & Training guide Fringe and Training events are accessed in Hopin - our virtual conference venue - see page 5. Fringe events are available for all conference attendees to view and take place outside auditorium hours. Training & Skills sessions are only for party members to view and are run simultaneously alongside the auditorium sessions. Spokespeople Q&A Sessions Foreign Affairs in a post-Brexit, President Biden World With: Baroness Northover (Lords Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs), Lord Campbell of Pittenweem and Layla Moran MP. Chair: Liz Lynne. Friday 19 March 16.35-17.40 Health Policy and COVID-19 With Baroness Brinton (Lords Spokesperson for Health), Lord Scriven and Munira Wilson MP. Chair: Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Sunday 21 March 13.00-14.15 Education Policy and COVID-19 With Lord Storey (Lords Spokesperson for Education) and Daisy Cooper MP. Chair: Mary Regnier-Wilson. Sunday 21 March 17.40-18.45 Mark Thompson Interviewed by Mimi Turner, Liberal Democrat Director of Strategy Mark Thompson - Former chief executive of the New York Times and former Director General of the BBC. Avowedly non-political, Mark has made political, cultural and strategic choices affecting millions of people throughout his career. See page 22 for more details. In the Auditorium Saturday 20 March 16.35-17.25 Training & Skills Programme Welcome to our Spring Conference 2021 training programme! Whether you're just starting out as a Liberal Democrat member, or whether you've been a member for decades, there's a training session for everyone. You can learn new skills, brush up on existing skills or even learn how to take on new roles in the party. Each training session is 'tagged' with coloured buttons that indicate what you can expect to learn. You can turn up to any session you like, just make sure you login before the start time in order to get the most from the training. Once you're logged in you'll be able to listen to the full session and ask questions in the chat bar. Enjoy your conference! What skills will you learn at conference? DIVERSITY Learn how to engage diverse people and communities, or find out how to build a successful and sustainable political career as a person from an under-represented group. DIGITAL Learn how to get the most from the party's suite of digital tools. Find out how to engage voters and supporters through a range of digital channels. FUNDRAISING Whether you are trying to win an election or grow your local party, fundraising is crucial. Learn how to raise regular income, get ideas, tips, tricks as well as advice and support. PARTY ROLES Across the party there are many roles you could take on. Learn the skills needed to take on different party roles and find out about how you can develop your skills further. CAMPAIGNING Whether you have been campaigning and fighting elections for decades, or are just getting started, learn the latest techniques and brush up on your existing skills COMPLIANCE These courses will keep you up to date on legal and compliance issues. Particularly useful for election agents and local party officers. PERSONAL Personal development courses will help you develop a range of skills that will enable you to grow in your roles within the Liberal Democrats as well as in the outside world. TEAMS Building diverse, winning teams is crucial to our success at all levels. These courses will help you build a team and enable your team to thrive and grow further. Friday 19th March Fringe Friday 16.35-17.40 ALDES (Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists) Nuclear AND renewable energy: time to stop attacking each-other to reach net-zero? Join ALDES, experts, and Lord Jonny Oates in revisiting the Lib Dem nuclear position: What numbers underpin "no-new-nuclear"? Does "no-new-nuclear" mean fossil fuels for longer? And given the government's nuclear agenda, can we ensure they correctly-manage costs and timescales? @AldesLibDems www.facebook.com/LibDemEngineersAndScientists Election Briefing - England Campaigns & Elections, ALDC, LGA Come and hear the latest news and plans for the 'Super Thursday' elections across England. Open to all members. Election Briefing - Scotland Campaigns & Elections, Scottish Lib Dems Come and hear the latest news and plans for the Scottish Parliament elections. Open to all members. Election Briefing - Wales Campaigns & Elections, Welsh Lib Dems Come and hear the latest news and plans for the Senedd Cymru and Police & Crime Commissioner elections. Open to all members. Spokespeople Q & A Foreign Affairs in a post-Brexit, President Biden World With Baroness Northover (Lords Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs), Lord Campbell of Pittenweem and Layla Moran MP. Chair Liz Lynne. Fringe Friday 17.40-18.45 Diversity-Friendly Candidate Selections Panel discussion and Q&A about the new candidate selection process (members only) Panellists include: Margaret Joachim, Chair of the English Candidates Committee; Candy Piercy, Federal Board Member and Chair, Lib Dem Campaign for Gender Balance; Ade Adeyemo, Chair, Lib Dem Racial Diversity Campaign; Gareth Lewis Shelton, Chair, LGBT+ Liberal Democrats; Gemma Roulston, Former Chair, Liberal Democrat Disability Association. www.libdems.org.uk/become_a_candidate Education Policy Pitch An informal “dragons den” discussion Members are invited to pitch their 5-minute idea for a new education policy to our Education Spokespeople Daisy Cooper MP and Lord Storey and other panellists. We particularly welcome ideas to tackle inequality in the education system and rebuild an education system fit for the 21st century following the pandemic. To present an idea, email a 3–4 sentence summary to rosie.shimell@libdems.org.uk by midday Thursday 18 March. You will be notified by email by 18.00 on the Thursday if selected to make your policy pitch at the meeting. LGA Liberal Democrat Group Delivering for our residents - Chelmsford, Colchester and South Cambridgeshire Highlighting good practice from 3 East of England Liberal Democrat Councils: Colchester, Chelmsford and South Cambridgeshire. Speakers include: Bridget Smith, South Cambridgeshire; Mark Cory, Colchester; Stephen Robinson, Chelmsford. LGBT+ Liberal Democrats Out and Winning Meet amazing LGBT+ candidates standing up for liberal values in their communities this year. Find out what we're doing to support them and others, and how we can help support your campaign to make an impact on LGBT+ voters. Liberal Democrat History Group Back from the dead: the Liberal Party in the 1950s In 1951, the Liberal Party's existence was in grave doubt. By spring 1962, its Gallup poll rating had reached 25 per cent. Discuss the party's revival with Lord Wallace of Saltaire and Mark Egan (Greffier of the States of Jersey). @LibHistoryToday www.facebook.com/LibDemHistoryGroup Social Liberal Forum The Radical Tradition in Liberalism: Leading the Debate Then and Now How Radical Liberalism from Keynes, Beveridge and Lloyd George to Grimond and Jenkins led to ideas and policies in economics and politics for a century. Speakers: Michael Meadowcroft and Dr Matt Cole. Chair: Cllr Professor Chris Willmore. Fringe Friday 21.15–22.15 Interview with Midge Ure Former Ultravox frontman, Live Aid organiser and political activist Former Ultravox frontman, Live Aid organiser and political activist Midge Ure will be in conversation with award-winning BBC journalist and writer Gavin Esler and Lib Dem peer Paul Strasburger. Paul and Midge are leading a campaign to spotlight the devastating impact of Brexit on the future of the British music community. Note: this event takes place in the Auditorium Training & Skills Friday 14.30-15.30 An Introduction to Compliance The thought of Compliance can often bring people out in a cold sweat. Join this session to learn the basics of compliance and find out what support is available to local parties. Compliance Team COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Making a Speech Online at a Digital Conference (Women only) Making a speech at a digital conference can seem daunting but here is the help and advice you need. We will explain how to craft your message and deliver it in style. Campaign for Gender Balance PERSONAL | DIVERSITY Local Election Agent 1 What every agent and campaigner needs to know about running an election, from standing candidates to completing your expenses returns. Part 1 of 4 - please ensure you attend all sessions. ALDC COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES How to Make the Most of Spring Conference Join Conference veterans and FCC members Jennie Rigg and Jon Ball to get all the inside knowledge on how to make the most of conference. Designed for first timers, but old hands might find some new knowledge too; all welcome. Federal Conference Committee PERSONAL Introduction to Digital Campaigning The place to start if you're new to campaigning online. Learn the three steps to success online and ask our digital experts your questions. Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Running an Effective Polling Day With up to four elections happening on one day, running a slick polling day is more important than ever. Find out what you need to do now to make sure your polling day is effective. Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS How We Recruited 150 New Deliverers Find out how our team in Romsey used lockdown to build their infrastructure and grow their delivery network. Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Training & Skills Friday 19.15-20.15 Winning the Postal Vote Performing well in the postal vote will support your efforts to win your election. The webinar will take you through why the postal vote is so important and how to use postal votes as part of your campaign. ALDC CAMPAIGNING Asking for Money - The Core Principles of Fundraising An introduction to define the key principles of successful fundraising, using examples from the charity sector to help you create your proposition and case for support. Paul Farthing has been a Director of Fundraising at NSPCC and Age UK, and worked for and with charities for over 30 years. He is also an ex-English Party and regional chair, ex-councillor and chair of a local party. Campaigns and Elections FUNDRAISING | CAMPAIGNING A Change of Control: How to Get Ready for a Council Changing Hands With a large set of local elections ahead, our Council groups could hold the balance of power to gain control in local government. Join us in this session to make sure you are ready. ALDC PERSONAL | TEAMS Local and Regional Media Training How can you make a bigger impact in your regional and local media? This session, run by the HQ press office, will give you the basic tools you need to succeed. Press team TEAMS | PARTY ROLES How to Design a Winning Leaflet Experienced designers from our Campaigns & Elections team share their best tips and tricks to make your leaflets deliver your message and help you win. Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Unconscious Bias Unconscious Bias is the source of prejudice and discrimination. Understanding how to recognise Unconscious Bias and challenge it appropriately are the key to building high performing teams. Diversity Team DIVERSITY | TEAMS Introduction to Connect The Connect Team will walk through the basic features of Connect, highlighting some of the most used tools, including Create a List and Virtual Phone Bank. This training will be targeted towards those with little to no knowledge of how to use Connect. Connect Team DIGITAL | PARTY ROLES Saturday 20th March Fringe Saturday 08.30–09.15 Pilates for Better Backs My name is Claudine Blake and I am a fitness professional, specialising in Pilates. I qualified at The Pilates Institute in 2003 and my passion lies in helping my clients achieve their fitness goals or recover from injuries or surgery. I teach live classes in the Wiltshire community. I moved my business online since the pandemic and provide weekly workouts targeting specific areas of the body. By participating in this class you are doing so at your own risk. By clicking on the link to this class, you confirm to abide by the terms of this disclaimer. Please read the disclaimer HERE before attending the class. Fringe Saturday 13.00-14.15 Humanist & Secularist Liberal Democrats Is it time to disestablish the Church of England? Why does the Church of England still have a privileged role in British politics, and reserved seats in the Lords? With Baroness Lorely Burt, Simon Barrow (Ekklesia Christian think tank), Cordelia Tucker O’Sullivan. Chair: Alistair Carmichael MP (Constitutional Reform spokesperson). @HSLibDems www.facebook.com/HSLibDems www.hsld.org.uk LGA Liberal Democrat Group How do we help the Hospitality/Business sectors during and post-Covid? What is local government's role, especially focusing on the hospitality sector? Speakers include: Daisy Cooper MP, Ellie Hudspith, Campaign for Real Ale Cllr Chris White, Leader of St Albans District Council. Chair: Howard Sykes, LGA Liberal Democrat Group. Liberal Democrat European Group Freedom of movement - a core liberal value? How can we regain it? Attend LDEG's fringe to hear leading speakers from within the party & abroad discuss how UK nationals can regain the freedom to study, work and live in Europe. Do not miss the opportunity to ask questions of Europe's leaders on how we regain this fundamentalist right. @LibDemEurope Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary (LD4SOS) Refugee Family Reunion: Brexit and Covid-19 double whammy? (How) have Brexit and Covid-19 impacted refugee family reunion? What can civil society and Parliamentarians do to create pathways to protection? Associate Professor Ruvi Ziegler (LD4SOS Council) in conversation with Enver Solomon (Refugee Council) and Liberal Democrat Baroness Sally Hamwee. https://twitter.com/ld4sos www.facebook.com/ld4sos Liberal Democrat Software Group Winning with better technology Volunteer coders, designers and managers are saving thousands of hours for other party activists. We'll share some stories, and where we might go next. https://www.liberalsoftware.org.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/274937246208727 Party Strategy Consultative Session What are the party’s strategic opportunities? How do we need to organise ourselves differently to exploit them? Come and give your views to the party’s Federal Board. Fringe Saturday 16.35–17.25 Mark Thompson Interviewed by Mimi Turner, Liberal Democrat Director of Strategy As former chief executive of the New York Times and former Director General of the BBC, Mark Thompson has had a stellar career in broadcasting and media on both sides of the Atlantic. Under his leadership, the New York Times became one of the most powerful critics of the Trump administration and successfully navigated the choppy seas of digital disruption. At the BBC his legacy included protecting the licence fee, launching the iPlayer and creating programmes including Blue Planet and the Apprentice. Although avowedly non-political, Mark has made political, cultural and strategic choices affecting millions of people throughout his career. Note: this event takes place in the Auditorium Fringe Saturday 17.40-18.45 Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) Diversity Within Our Groups We will be joined by councillors and campaigners from a range of under-represented groups who will speak about their experiences within their local parties, as candidates and as elected representatives. Twitter: @ALDC www.facebook.com/aldcUK Green Liberal Democrats Meeting the needs of people within the boundaries of our living planet Kate Raworth, author of Doughnut Economics, introduces a mindset to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges that face us today. Drawing on insights from diverse schools of thought, it sets out a pathway to a safe and just space for people and planet to thrive within an economy fit for the 21st century. Chaired by Wera Hobhouse MP. @GreenLibDems www.facebook.com/greenlibdems LGA Liberal Democrat Group 2020: Managing a crisis and major incidents, from Covid to flooding Hear how Lib Dem led councils in York and Kingston supported communities, and responded to Covid and major flooding. How to best plan for such emergencies, keep communicating to residents and handle these financial pressures in a political environment. Liberal Democrat Education Association Early Years after pandemic; What Next ? The vital Early Years sector has been forgotten in this pandemic and needs urgent attention. Join us to discuss. Speakers include: Wendy Scott (President of the Association for Professional Development in Early Years), Lucy Nethsingha (Lead for Children & Young People, Local Government Association Lib-Dem Group). Chair: Nigel Jones (Chair, LDEA). Radical Association and LGBT+ Liberal Democrats What's the point of the Liberal Democrats? How can the Liberal Democrats stay at the forefront of progressive politics? Join our panellists as they discuss the role and future of the Liberal Democrats. Panel featuring Josh Babarinde OBE, April Preston, Jennie Rigg, Charley Hasted and Will Barter. Social Liberal Forum A New Economic Wisdom for a New Age COVID and Brexit are bringing recession, unemployment and disruption. The climate change emergency and the Fourth Industrial Revolution offer hope and big challenges. Sir Vince Cable leads the search for the big ideas of the social liberal economic agenda. Fringe Saturday 21.15–22.45 Lib Dem Book Club Join our discussion of the book: “Black and British – A Forgotten History” by David Olusoga. Surprising, fascinating and shocking. This essential book presents a fuller history of the British isles, equipping us to better understand Britain’s place in the world. All welcome – no reading necessary. If you’d like to contribute during the session, we’d encourage you to have read some of the book. www.facebook.com/LibDemBookClub/ Twitter: @LibDemBookClub www.libdembookclub.com Training & Skills Saturday 11.00-12.00 Digital in Depth: Facebook Advertising Learn how to engage people online using Facebook and Instagram advertising. This course will take you through how to set your goals, target your advertising and produce great ads. Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Local Election Agent 2 What every agent and campaigner needs to know about running an election, from standing candidates to completing your expenses returns. Part 2 of 4 - please ensure you attend all sessions. ALDC COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Local and Regional Media Training How can you make a bigger impact in your regional and local media? This session, run by the HQ press office, will give you the basic tools you need to succeed. Press team TEAMS | PARTY ROLES Holding your Council to Account: The Impact of Covid-19 Councillors have had to adapt to a new way of working remotely during the health crisis, but it is still crucial to be able to hold your council and to account. Join us for best practice on adapting your skills to the current situation and hold your council to account. ALDC TEAMS | PERSONAL Mapping Out Your Journey (Women only) Come along and find out how to create a map for your political journey to Parliament. You will write a personal development plan and identify your best route to election success. Campaign for Gender Balance PERSONAL | DIVERSITY Writing a Compelling Fundraising Appeal Top tips on writing a fundraising appeal, including some of the do's and don'ts and how to adjust to writing for digital media. Paul Farthing has been a Director of Fundraising at NSPCC and Age UK, and worked for and with charities for over 30 years. He is also an ex-English Party and regional chair, ex-councillor and chair of a local party. Campaigns and Elections FUNDRAISING | CAMPAIGNING Living with Difference - Are Disabled People Too Much Bother in an Election Campaign? To look at assumptions, perceptions and our understanding of disabled people in the political arena. Liberal Democrat Disability Association PERSONAL | TEAMS Training & Skills Saturday 14.45-15.45 Introduction to Lighthouse Lighthouse is the party's tool for managing your local party, membership and donations. Join us and learn how it works and what it can do for you. Membership Team PARTY ROLES | DIGITAL Managing your Election Expenses in a Covid Campaign With the prospect of many campaigns having to use far more paid delivery and digital advertising than usual, this course gives examples of how to ensure your campaign is still big enough to win, and make sure you stay within your spending limit. Campaigns and Elections Team CAMPAIGNING|COMPLIANCE How to Run for Parliament at the 2024 General Election In this session, the Racial Diversity Campaign team will explain the process involved in becoming approved and selected as a parliamentary candidate so that you know what you need to do to contest a seat in 2024. There will be an opportunity for a Q&A with candidates who have been through the process itself. Racial Diversity Campaign CAMPAIGNING | PARTY ROLES The Power of Third Party Endorsements Third party endorsements for your candidate and campaign demonstrate that the community is behind you. From vox pops to neighbour letters, this session will talk through how to find endorsements and use them for maximum impact. ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Delivering Engaging Fundraising Events Online Everyone is having to adapt to running events online. This session will share some early learnings and some insights to make events work online and F2F in the current environment. Paul Farthing has been a Director of Fundraising at NSPCC and Age UK, and worked for and with charities for over 30 years. He is also an ex-English Party and regional chair, ex-councillor and chair of a local party. Campaigns and Elections FUNDRAISING | CAMPAIGNING Young and Want to Run - Advice on Supporting the Next Generation of Candidates Whether you're a young person wanting to get approved and selected, or just someone who wants to see more young people standing in elections, this is the session for you. Get top tips from the Young Liberals on going for approval, getting selected and supporting young candidates in your area. Young Liberals PARTY ROLES | PERSONAL Training & Skills Saturday 19.30-20.30 Digital in Depth: Online Petitions Petitions are a stalwart of campaigning online. Learn how to create a compelling case for support and use petitions to build your email list. Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Local Election Agent 3 What every agent and campaigner needs to know about running an election, from standing candidates to completing your expenses returns. Part 3 of 4 - please ensure you attend all sessions. ALDC COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Leadership Skills for Women (Women only) Women candidates at all levels need to show top class leadership skills. We will help you work out your preferred style of leadership and explore what works best for your campaign team. Campaign for Gender Balance PERSONAL | TEAMS Protecting your Data Data is vital to modern day campaigning. However, there are a lot of regulations about how, as a Party, we manage and process the data we receive. This is a practical session about what you can do in the local party to comply with the law. Compliance Team COMPLIANCE | TEAMS Success as a Ward Councillor The ultimate sign of success as a ward councillor is getting re-elected. Plan now how to make a real difference for your community and make that happen at your next election. ALDC PERSONAL | TEAMS Disability Equality Training for Local Parties and Candidates David Buxton, former PPC and elected councillor, is Deaf and co-founder of the Liberal Democrats Disability Association. The session focuses on understanding the Social Model of Disability and key examples, recruiting disabled candidates to stand for elections and a short Q&A. Liberal Democrat Disability Association PERSONAL | TEAMS How we Use Phonebanking to Win Speaking to people on the phones has never been more important. Find out how to organise effective phonebanking for your area. Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | DIGITAL Sunday 21st March Fringe Sunday 08.30–09.15 Morning Stretch, Release & Relax My name is Claudine Blake and I am a fitness professional, specialising in Pilates. I qualified at The Pilates Institute in 2003 and my passion lies in helping my clients achieve their fitness goals or recover from injuries or surgery. I teach live classes in the Wiltshire community. I moved my business online since the pandemic and provide weekly workouts targeting specific areas of the body. By participating in this class you are doing so at your own risk. By clicking on the link to this class, you confirm to abide by the terms of this disclaimer. Please read the disclaimer HERE before attending the class. Fringe Sunday 13.00-14.15 LGA Liberal Democrat Group and Green Liberal Democrats Campaigning on the Environment Bill Hear good practice on key issues including bio-diversity to inspire your local campaigning, and also hear why we need the Bill to become law. Speakers include Cllr Pippa Heylings, South Cambridgeshire, and Cllr Liz Green, Kingston upon Thames. Liberal Democrats for Electoral Reform Routes to Electoral Reform A general discussion starting with four short statements on “Working with Others”, “Using social media”, “Tailoring the message” and “Learning from the Welsh experience” followed by questions and comments. Alistair Carmichael MP, our Party Spokesperson, will introduce, moderate and conclude. https://twitter.com/LibDem4ER www.facebook.com/LibDemsForElectoralReform Liberal Reform Housing Crisis: What more the Lib Dems can do - featuring Tim Farron Join Tim Farron MP, Lib Dem Housing Spokesperson, Pete Taylor, Mayor of Watford, Aria Babu of London YIMBY and Anna Sabine, Meeting Place Comms CEO, in a lively debate over whether the Lib Dems are doing enough to tackle the housing crisis. https://twitter.com/liberal_reform www.facebook.com/liberalreform/ National Education Union A recovery plan for education and young people Join the National Education Union and an excellent panel of speakers to discuss an education recovery plan for all children and young people. www.facebook.com/nationaleducationunion https://twitter.com/NEUnion Social Democrat Group (Liberal Democrats) Can Social Democracy help rebuild the Liberal Democrats? Liberal Democrats, one party, two great traditions. Neal Lawson, Compass, Wendy Chamberlain MP and Lord Dick Newby join Michael Mullaney, Social Democrat Group, and Liberal Reform’s Callum Robertson for a lively discussion. Please come and join in. Everyone is very welcome. @socdemgroup www.facebook.com/SocialDemocratGroup/ Spokespeople Q & A Health Policy and COVID-19 With Baroness Brinton (Lords Spokesperson for Health), Lord Scriven and Munira Wilson MP. Chair: Belinda Brooks-Gordon. Fringe Sunday 16.35-17.40 Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors (ALDC) Cycling: Take it up a gear Hear from some leading voices in local cycling infrastructure to get ideas and inspiration to take your local area up a gear! Twitter: @ALDC www.facebook.com/aldcUK Education Policy Pitch An informal "dragons den" discussion Members are invited to pitch their 5-Minute idea for a new education policy to our Education Spokespeople Daisy Cooper MP and Lord Storey and other panellists. We would particularly welcome ideas for how we should tackle inequality in the education system and rebuild an education system fit for the 21st century following the pandemic. Federal England Working Group Consultation An opportunity to engage with the group taking forward the development of policy on what Federalism means for England. Chaired by Lord Shipley. Note: this event ends at 18.45. Liberal Democrat Education Association Exams at 16: What's the Point ? The pandemic shows we need to review the purpose and role of exams in school and with most education up to age 19, do we need GCSEs? Join our speakers to discuss. Sammy Wright (Member of the government's Social Mobility Commission, vice-principal of Southmoor Academy); Darren Northcott (NASUWT National Official, Education). Chair: Sal Jarvis (Deputy Vice-chancellor, Westminster University). Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine Our obligations to the people of Israel and Palestine, past and present We are fortunate to have Andrew Whitley as our speaker. He will be well-known to many in our audience as a knowledgeable and eloquent speaker on the conflict in Israel / Palestine. www.facebook.com/LDFoP/ Young Liberals Young and Running in Europe Young Liberals campaign hard to get their candidates elected across the UK, but how is it done elsewhere? We’ll be joining young liberal candidates from across Europe as they discuss how they build their winning campaigns. Twitter: @YoungLiberalsUK www.facebook.com/UKYoungLiberals www.youngliberals.uk/ Fringe Sunday 17.40-18.45 LDHCA - Lib Dem Health & Care Association Mental Health and Coronavirus - Moving from crisis to cure. Sir Norman Lamb, Chair of SLaM NHS Trust and former Health Minister, joins this LDHCA panel. We'll discuss the impacts of Coronavirus on people's mental health, and service provision, and how we can look to a positive future for both. Liberal Democrat Campaign for Race Equality A Modern, Diverse Liberal Democrats A panel discussion on why the Lib Dems need to engage more with Black Asian Minority Ethnic Communities. We will be discussing the implementation or the lack of the Rooney Rule. Moving outside of our comfort zone can bring results. Anton Georgiou will be talking about the Alperton Model. Twitter: @LDCRE1 www.facebook.com/pg/LDCRE1/posts https://ldcre.org.uk/en/ Liberal Democrat Women Who's afraid of big bad tech: will advances in science hinder equality? Liberal Democrat Women host this event in association with ALDES, LGBT+ Lib Dems, Young Liberals and LDCRE. Join a diverse expert panel exploring how green technology, AI and robotics and medical science could deliver a fairer society for all. @LibDemWomen www.libdemwomen.org.uk Spokespeople Q & A Education Policy and COVID-19 With Lord Storey (Lords Spokesperson for Education) and Daisy Cooper MP. Chair: Mary Regnier-Wilson. Training & Skills Sunday 11.00-12.00 Social Media Skills for Women (Women only) Women candidates need to create a strong and positive image on social media. Hear about ways to avoid potential elephant traps and manage tricky online situations. Campaign for Gender Balance PERSONAL | DIGITAL Introduction to Lighthouse Lighthouse is the party's tool for managing your local party, membership and donations. Join us and learn how it works and what it can do for you. Membership Team PARTY ROLES | DIGITAL How to Work Out the Resources you Need for Both Polling Days Planning now the resources you need for polling day is vital to make sure you are prepared. From the number of people needed to deliver good mornings, to where the committee room will be - this session will get you thinking ahead. ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS How We Use Phonebanking to Win Speaking to people on the phones has never been more important. Find out how to organise effective phonebanking for your area. Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | DIGITAL Campaigning on the Council The council can be a great asset to your campaign. Understand how people perceive the jobs the council does and how to use that to your advantage. ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Making the Ask Learn some tips on how to prepare your case and make your ask face-to-face, whether in person, via zoom, or by phone. This training is part of a four-part series on fundraising. Campaigns and Elections FUNDRAISING | CAMPAIGNING People Behind the Scenes Not everyone wants to be an MP, but every MP needs help to get elected. Agents, Returning Officers and Assessors are essential. Here's what you can do to help. English Candidates' Committee PARTY ROLES | PERSONAL Training & Skills Sunday 14.45-15.45 Getting your Election Message Right This session will help you to ensure that you are delivering a winning message in the last few weeks of an election campaign. Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING Local Election Agent 4 What every agent and campaigner needs to know about running an election, from standing candidates to completing your expenses returns. Part 4 of 4 - please ensure you attend all sessions. ALDC COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Preparing for a Candidate Assessment Day (Women only) Learn more about how the Lib Dem Candidate's Assessment works. Identify the skills you will need to become an approved candidate. Campaign for Gender Balance PERSONAL | PARTY ROLES How the Party works Trying to get to grips with the different committees, processes and decision making is not an easy task. Come along to this session to get the insider track from Company Secretary, Jack Coulson. Compliance Team PERSONAL | PARTY ROLES Digital in Depth: Email Journeys Learn how to build a relationship with people who sign up to emails through your petitions. This course is packed full of top tips and practical steps on using email to take people from signup to engaged supporter. Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Branching Out - How to Create and Sustain a YL Branch Having a Young Liberal branch in your area is key to engaging and recruiting young people - find out what a branch is, how to set one up and how to help it succeed in this training session from the Young Liberals. Young Liberals TEAMS | PARTY ROLES Building your Volunteer Team Our entire organisation relies on people volunteering their time to help us win. This session will give you some best practise ideas about how you can build your team, and make sure volunteers have a great experience too! Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Training & Skills Sunday 19.00-20.00 How to Become an Approved Candidate It's probably four years to the next election, but if you want to be a candidate your best chance is to start now - and start here! All the information you will need to get going English Candidates' Committee PARTY ROLES | PERSONAL Campaigning During a Pandemic The pandemic has changed our lives, and changed the ways we are able to campaign. Find out how we are adapting across the UK to keep in touch with residents and keep campaigning to win. Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS How to Campaign when you Have More Than One Election on the Same Day 2021 is going to be a huge Polling Day! This is an exciting prospect but it is important we plan NOW for the best integrated campaign possible. ALDC CAMPAIGNS | TEAMS Advanced Connect Training The Connect Team will walk through important organizing and data processing features in Connect, including Questions, User Creation, and Bulk Uploads. Training will be directed towards those who already understand the basics of Connect. This training will be particularly useful for local Connect Managers, or those involved in organizing campaigns. Connect Team DIGITAL | PARTY ROLES Stress Management for Women In and Out of Lockdown (Women only) Balancing work, politics and life during lockdown has been a tremendous challenge. Here are some tips and tricks that might just make all the difference for you, your family and your campaign team. Campaign for Gender Balance PERSONAL | DIVERSITY Completing Nomination Papers Without candidates, we have no campaigns. Making sure you get your candidate successfully nominated is vital. Join this session to get tips and hints for getting your candidates nominated, especially during current COVID restrictions. Compliance Team COMPLIANCE | TEAMS The Best Poster and Stakeboard Campaign Ever A strong visual presence can really help you gain credibility and win. Find out how to make your area glow orange! Campaigns and Elections TEAMS | CAMPAIGNING