Community Britain: Regional Conferences 2026

We’re keen for the content of our Regional Conferences to be member-led, reflecting the priorities and interests of Party members across the region. The perspective of Party Councils is an important part of shaping that. That's why we'd like Party Councils to input as programmes begin to be developed.

We’ve put together a list of 12 potential session ideas. We’d be grateful if your Party Council could review these and select your preferred four sessions, as well as suggest any additional ideas you think would resonate locally.

Ideas list

Idea #1: Building Community Britain in your area

This session will explore one of our five Community Britain reports, focusing on community power, community cohesion, community energy, grassroots growth or community-led housing. Each report sets out how we can build a fairer, more resilient Britain by putting power and ownership into the hands of communities.

Organisers are encouraged to select the report most relevant to their region: for example, focusing on housing in areas facing acute housing shortages, or grassroots growth where high streets are struggling. The session can combine policy insight with practical examples and discussion.

Idea #2: National priorities update

An update from the Party on what has been achieved in our first two years in Government, and what comes next. This session will highlight key campaign wins, policy progress and the role members have played in delivering change as well as the priorities that will shape our work in the year ahead. A good pick if motivating members around wins would be useful in your area.

Idea #3: Keynote from regional politician

Keynote contributions from local MPs, Mayors or other elected representatives can be a strong draw for members. This session would offer the opportunity to hear directly from those delivering change in your region, with reflections on local priorities, national progress and how co-operative politics is making a difference.

Idea #4: Update from your local Co-operative Society

Working closely with our subscribing societies and other co-operatives in your region is an essential part of building a stronger movement. This session provides an opportunity to hear directly from a local co-operative about their work, impact and future plans, while strengthening relationships between the Party and the wider movement.

Idea #5: Equalities Networks update

Hear more about the work of our Equalities Networks, including BAME, LGBTQ+, Women, (dis)ability and Youth members. This session will highlight campaigning priorities, member activity and opportunities to get involved, ensuring our Party continues to reflect and represent the diversity of our communities.

Idea #6: Training: Introduction for New Members

This session provides an introduction to the Co-operative Party for new members, or those who have been members for longer but are looking to get newly reinvolved. It can cover how the Party works, ways to get involved locally, and opportunities to step into more active roles – making it particularly valuable for areas looking to grow participation or strengthen local structures.

Idea #7: Policy workshop: Member-led policy process on Local Government

This practical session will support members to feed into the Party’s member-led policy process, which this year focuses on local government. Participants will explore key issues, share ideas and shape proposals that can be taken forward to Annual Conference.

We strongly recommend including this session to ensure your region’s voice is reflected in the Party’s future policy direction.

Idea #8: Practical Action: Pride in Place

The Government’s £6bn Pride in Place programme is a major investment in communities. This session will explore how neighbourhood boards and community-led partnerships can shape local priorities and access funding. Members will learn how communities in your region can make the most of this opportunity to improve local places and strengthen community life.

Idea #9: Practical Action: Getting “Community Right to Buy” ready

New powers will give communities across England the right to buy assets of local value when they come up for sale. This session will focus on how to prepare: from organising locally and identifying assets, to building the structures needed to take ownership. This session should be a practical guide to turning this new right into real community control.

Idea #10: Practical Action: Local Power Plan

Labour’s Local Power Plan will see £1bn invested in community-owned energy. This session will explore how community energy works in practice, what funding and support is available, and how local areas can develop projects. Ideal for members interested in climate action, local ownership and reducing energy costs.

Idea #11: Practical Action: Tackling the rise of the far right

This session will support members to respond confidently to the rise of the far right – on the doorstep, in conversations and online. It will cover how to challenge misinformation, have constructive conversations and make the case for co-operative values in a way that brings people together rather than deepens division.

Idea #12: Workshop: Campaigning co-operatively on social media

Social media is a vital tool for reaching new audiences and amplifying our campaigns. This practical workshop will help members build confidence and skills: from creating engaging content to using platforms effectively and responsibly.

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