BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//LGcomms - ECPv6.16.5.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:LGcomms X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for LGcomms REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260331T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260331T133000 DTSTAMP:20260305T093430Z CREATED:20260303T130931Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T093430Z UID:10000058-1774953000-1774963800@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms East Midlands regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:East Midlands Regional Network Meeting \nTuesday 31 March 2026 \n10.30am – 1.30pm \nLeicestershire County Council \nBook now by emailing hello@lgcomms.org.uk \nJoin us for the next LGComms East Midlands regional network meeting! \nBuilding on the feedback from previous sessions\, we will be joined by Alan Oram from Alive with Ideas to talk about the practical use of AI in Comms Campaigns. \nWe’d also love to hear real examples from across the region too\, so please do bring along your own case studies of how you’re using AI within your team. \nIf there are any other items or topics you would like to see on the agenda for this session\, please contact Rachael Pengelly – rachael.pengelly@emcouncils.gov.uk\, or Craig Forsyth – Craig.Forsyth@westnorthants.gov.uk. \nFuture Comms Team \nThere will also be a Future Communications session held by LGcommms at the venue in the afternoon. If you are interested in joining\, please visit: Future Comms Team Pilot Programme Expression of Interest Survey and select East Midlands. URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-east-midlands-regional-network-meeting-6/ LOCATION:Leicestershire County Council\, County Hall\, Leicester Rd\, Glenfield\, Leicester\, LE3 8RA CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LGCOMMS-BLOG-5.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T160000 DTSTAMP:20260413T090756Z CREATED:20260302T163259Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T090756Z UID:10000057-1776344400-1776355200@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms West Midlands & Staffordshire regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:Join LGcomms in Coventry on 16 April to tackle the big comms issues of the day (in-person event) \nWe don’t have to tell you how challenging and demanding it is to be in local government communications right now. \nIt’s rarely been more complex\, fast-changing and uncertain. \nWhich is why we are offering the chance to take a brief step away and to share\, in a safe space\, thoughts\, experiences and advice with other comms professionals in the West Midlands. \nAs we move into the pre-May election period\, our big theme will be how we can manage strategic comms in an uncertain political world and ensure that whatever the outcome of the elections we are best-placed to help our councils navigate some tricky waters. \nWe also want to share case studies and advice on some of our residents’ day-to-day concerns\, including how we can tackle the growing problem of waste crime. \n1. Chair’s welcome 13.10 10 mins.\nintroduction and background Jayne Surman\, Warwickshire CC \n2. When your council’s administration changes\, what happens next 13.20 55 mins\nMatt Nicholls (Local Government Association)\nBecky Hutson (West Northants)\nSarah James (Staffordshire CC) \n3. The behaviour change of waste – from recycling to dealing with waste crime 14.15 45 mins\nDominic Ridley-Moy (Behaviour Change Network)\nJohn Paul Danon (Councils Advertising Network) \n4. Open session: discussion on other current issues 15.00. 40 mins\nCarl Holloway (Coventry) \n5. Reflections and next steps 15.40 15mins\nJayne Surman/ all \nIf you or your team members would like to attend\, please contact hello@lgcomms.org.uk. \nThe session is free for LGcomms members. If you want to become a member go to: https://lgcomms.org.uk/membership/ \nPlease note spaces are limited to two per organisation due to room capacity. URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-west-midlands-staffordshire-regional-network-meeting/ LOCATION:Coventry City Council office\, One Friargate\, Station Square\, Coventry\, CV1 2GN CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LGCOMMS-BLOG-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260424T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260424T130000 DTSTAMP:20260420T112024Z CREATED:20260319T084343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T112024Z UID:10000059-1777024800-1777035600@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms North West regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:Join us for the next LGcomms North West regional network meeting \nDate: Friday 24 April 2026\nTime: 10am to 1pm\nLocation: Paderborn Room\, Albert Halls\, Victoria Road\, Bolton \nBuilding on feedback from our members\, and discussions from our previous session held in Blackburn\, agenda items are set to cover:\n• Major events and how to deliver high-quality large-scale events in-house\, with a presentation from Bolton Council on their tremendously popular Food and Drink Festival\n• A group discussion on elections and what we’re anticipating to come in May\n• Using AI creatively – a workshop led by CAN Digital\n• Conversation on out of hours arrangements and the logistics of managing round-the-clock comms teams\n• Updates on community cohesion and what’s changed since we got together in Blackburn in the autumn \nIf there are any other items or topics you would like to see on the agenda for this session\, please contact Jeni Harvey on jeni.harvey@rbh.org.uk; Duncan Keary on Duncan.Keary@bolton.gov.uk or Andy Allsopp on Andy.Allsopp@essex.gov.uk \nA networking lunch\, sponsored by CAN Digital\, and lots of time for open discussions will be built into the session. \nAll our regional networks are FREE for LGComms member organisations to attend. \nOur regional networks\, developed by LGcomms along with the Local Government Association\, provide an important forum for members to share issues\, best practice and campaigns\, and hear briefings from key partners. They’re also an important opportunity to focus on communications challenges which are unique to regions and network with colleagues. We’d love to see you there. \nTo book you place contact hello@lgcomms.org.uk \nFuture Comms Team\nThere will also be a Future Communications session held by LGcomms at the venue in the afternoon. If you are interested in joining\, please visit: Future Comms Team Pilot Programme Expression of Interest Survey and select North West. URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-north-west-regional-network-meeting/ LOCATION:Paderborn Room\,\, Albert Halls\, Victoria Road\, Bolton\, BL1 1RU CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LGCOMMS-BLOG-7.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260512T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260512T161500 DTSTAMP:20260420T112109Z CREATED:20260413T103419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T112109Z UID:10000060-1778576400-1778602500@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms South West regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:The next SW LGcomms regional event brings together a strong line up of speakers\, each sharing practical insight into the issues communications teams are grappling with right now. \nThe programme will explore how creativity\, data and behaviour change can be used to strengthen public sector communications. Speakers will look at using AI and fresh thinking to spark ideas\, applying behaviour change principles to emergency planning and public campaigns\, and using insight and data to shape more effective communications. \nThere will also be hands on sessions focused on real world practice\, including a PR campaign workshop\, storytelling techniques that help messages land with different audiences\, and learning from live public safety and seasonal campaigns led by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Throughout the day\, speakers will share honest reflections\, practical examples and ideas that attendees can take straight back into their roles. \nTogether\, the sessions offer a valuable mix of strategy\, creativity and practical skills — alongside plenty of opportunity to ask questions\, share experiences and learn from colleagues across the South West. \nEvent details:\n• Venue: South Hams District Council offices\, Follaton House\, Totnes\, TQ9 5NE\n• (Follow signs for the Chamber\, not reception)\n• Date: Tuesday 12 May\n• Starts: Registration 9-9:30 a.m.\n• Finishes: 4:15 p.m.\n• Refreshments: Available\n• Lunch: Bring your own please \nBooking is open and spaces are filling quickly so please contact Vicky Croughan vicky.croughan@swdevon.gov.uk to attend. When booking\, please let Vicky know if there are any accessibility issues she needs to be aware of. \nYou do need to be an LGcomms member to attend if you have attended before. Membership costs £300 + VAT per organisation and you can find more information at https://lgcomms.org.uk/membership We’ve already got a number of organisations registering to join so they can take advantage of these collaborative sessions. URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-south-west-regional-network-meeting-2/ LOCATION:South Hams District Council offices\, Follaton House\, Totnes\, TQ9 5NE CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LGCOMMS-BLOG-8.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T121500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T153000 DTSTAMP:20260522T142817Z CREATED:20260522T114119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T142817Z UID:10000062-1780402500-1780414200@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms North East regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:FREE FOR LGcomms members \nJoin us for our first North East regional network meeting: \nDate: 2nd June \nTime: 12.30pm – 4pm \nVenue: Gateshead Council \n  \nAgenda: \n12:15 – arrival \n12:30 – Welcome from Peter Darrant\, chair\, Out North East \n1pm – Matt Nicholls – Managing political change \n1.45 – Coffee \n2pm – Jeni Harvey – LGcomms and team development \n2.45 – End: Round robin: issues\, challenges\, and – dare we say it – any good news to share! \n  \nTo find out more please contact jeni.harvey@rbh.org.uk or SmythHarper@Gateshead.Gov.UK \nTo book your place please contact hello@lgcomms.org.uk URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-north-east-regional-network-meeting/ LOCATION:Gateshead Council\, ONE Centre\, 2B Stonehills\, Pelaw\,\, Gateshead\, Tyne and Wear\, NE10 0HW CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LGCOMMS-BLOG-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260604T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260604T130000 DTSTAMP:20260512T133916Z CREATED:20260512T133323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T133916Z UID:10000061-1780567200-1780578000@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms East of England regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:Free for LGcomms members \nSave the date for the LGcomms East of England regional network meeting on Thursday 4 June\, 10am at Harlow Civic Centre. From shared challenges to practical insight\, join comms colleagues from across the region in one of the UK’s original New Towns. \nAgenda to follow. \nTo book your place please email hello@lgcomms.org.uk \n  URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-east-of-england-regional-network-meeting-3/ LOCATION:Harlow Civic centre\, The Water Gardens\, College Square\,\, Harlow\,\, Essex\,\, CM20 1WG CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/LGCOMMS-BLOG-9.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260722T133000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260722T160000 DTSTAMP:20260616T121859Z CREATED:20260603T125718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T121859Z UID:10000063-1784727000-1784736000@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms Yorkshire & Humber regional network meeting DESCRIPTION:FREE  FOR LGCOMMS MEMBERS \nJoin us for our next Yorkshire & Humber regional network meeting \nDate: 22 July 2026 \nTime: 1.30pm – 4pm \nVenue: West Offices\, Station Rise\, York\, North Yorkshire\, YO1 6GA \nHosted by York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority \nAgenda: \n\n\nDisinformation. City of York Council has been targeted quite heavily recently so has some really good case studies/ learnings;\n\n\n\n\nSeldom heard groups and community influencers – discussion led by the Combined Authority; and\n\n\n\n\nAccessible comms building on from our last session in Sheffield including talking news\, BSL\, etc – City of York Council led.\n\n\nBook your space by contacting hello@lgcomms.org.uk URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-yorkshire-humber-regional-network-meeting/ LOCATION:York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority\, West Offices\, Station Rise\,\, York\,\, North Yorkshire\,\, YO1 6GA CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LGCOMMS-BLOG-4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260728T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260728T120000 DTSTAMP:20260715T143106Z CREATED:20260708T154927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T143106Z UID:10000064-1785232800-1785240000@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms East Midlands online regional meeting DESCRIPTION:FREE FOR LGCOMMS MEMBERS \nMeeting focus \nThis session will focus on local government reorganisation\, reflecting the continued direction of travel from Government around devolution and structural reform. With the minded-to announcement still expected before Summer Recess\, our meeting will be an opportunity for colleagues to share insight\, challenges and approaches across the region. \n  \nWider discussion \nWe would also like to use part of the session to: \n\nExplore team practices like hybrid working and out-of-hours arrangements\nGather views on topics for future in-person meetings\nSeek support with identifying potential venues (don’t worry\, we’ll do all the legwork)\nBegin shaping a regular programme of regional events that works alongside colleagues’ workloads and commitments\nEnsure the network continues to provide practical value\, peer support and shared learning\n\nYour input will be really valuable in helping us develop a programme that reflects your needs and supports your activity now and in future. \nWe will also hear from Kirstie McKenzie\, Managing Director of our new regional sponsor Touch Design\, on collaborative working to reduce duplication and make the most of our combined resources. \n  \nBook your place by emailing craig.forsyth@westnorthants.gov.uk \n  \n  URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-east-midlands-online-regional-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Regional event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LGCOMMS-BLOG-14.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260730T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260730T150000 DTSTAMP:20260709T084940Z CREATED:20260709T084940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T084940Z UID:10000065-1785420000-1785423600@lgcomms.org.uk SUMMARY:LGcomms webinar: Co-design: what is it\, and what do comms and engagement teams need to know? DESCRIPTION:FREE FOR LGCOMMS MEMEBERS (please log in) \nCo-design is increasingly seen as the gold standard for engaging with residents and service users in local government and health services. For those working in comms and engagement teams\, this presents new challenges and opportunities. This session will explore what co-design is and what comms and engagement teams need to do to make it work. \nDate: Thursday 30th July \nTime: 2pm – 3pm \nBook HERE URL:https://lgcomms.org.uk/event-listing/lgcomms-webinar-co-design-what-is-it-and-what-do-comms-and-engagement-teams-need-to-know/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lgcomms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/LGCOMMS-BLOG-11.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR