CivicLab 2025 - Connected Communities

Delighted to announce I'll be chairing the CivicLAB™ Conference 2025, focused on Connected Communities. This compelling theme couldn't be more timely as we explore how civic institutions can meaningfully engage with and support our communities through periods of change.

The conference brings together an exceptional partnership between CivicLAB, Socitm, and Artcore UK. I'm particularly looking forward to hearing from our keynote speaker, Yogita Popat, Programme Director at Barnet Council, who brings valuable insights from her work in London's second-largest borough and her role as vice-president and trustee at SOCITM.

What excites me most about this year's conference is the call for papers. The CivicLAB team is seeking fresh perspectives on connected communities, exploring how universities can create real impact through people and place-centred approaches. If you're working in this space, they would love to hear your proposals on how we can better support our communities to flourish.

The conference will take place at the University of Derby's Kedleston Road Campus on 26th June, with a welcome event at Artcore UK the evening before. Best of all? It's completely free to attend.

Have you been working on innovative community engagement projects? I'd be particularly interested in hearing your thoughts on how we can better connect civic institutions with local communities. Share your experiences in the comments, or better yet, submit a paper proposal!

https://www.derby.ac.uk/civic/civic-lab/civiclab-annual-conference/call-for-papers/