Influencing from the (desolate) North

A barren landscape…

• Government office

• Regional Development Agency

• Strategic Health Authority

• Regional Assembly

The rise of Localism

• Did anyone tell Eric?• Did anyone tell the NHS?

‘Until the Government introduced Localism, I never needed an Oyster card’

John Hacking – NW Based, Network for Europe

Re-thinking our role

• Who are the key players– Beware of red herrings (Office for Civil Society)

• Navigating the chaos!• Making allies • Supporting others to have voice– Westminster events– NWVCS Leaders Blogs

• The rise and rise of social media

It started with a BLOG…

• An accidental techie..

• Starting the message: owning the debate

• Leading the debate

• Appearances can be deceptive

What next?

• Building a shared vision with partners

• Identifying where it is ‘worth’ having influence

• Tracking our contacts

• Willing to get on the train!

• Utilising Social Media