Layered Lives: Practical Intersectionality for Councils

 Councils make decisions for whole communities. But residents do not experience services in neat, single categories. Age, disability, ethnicity, income, gender, caring responsibilities and trust in authority often overlap. When policies and community engagement are designed around one characteristic at a time, gaps appear.

Intersectionality is the simple recognition of these multiple “layers” in identity and this practical and interactive session focuses on how council officers and members can change their thinking so that the services and engagement can reach more people.

• Understand how intersectionality improves services in a local government context
• Improve their community engagement with traditionally called “hard to reach" residents
• Strengthen Equality Impact Assessments under the Public Sector Equality Duty in the Equality Act 2010
• Build trust to help move users from ‘disengaged’ to ‘active’ in service design
• Improve Councils’ reputations for genuine inclusivity in decision making
• Shift thinking to design out excluding factors when working with specific groups
• Recognise patterns in service demand that indicate compounded barriers

 This workshop can be delivered online, in person or hybrid. It is typically 2 hours with a short break, but can be condensed to 90 mins or expanded with more community engagement elements.

It can be cover whole community engagement or focus in to service level users depending upon attendees.

It is delivered by 2 facilitators: Liz Green and Matthew Page

Liz has lived experience of councils - with over two decades as an elected member and LGA peer. She trains officers and councillors in leadership skills to improve services to residents.

Matthew has lived experience of complex lives - care-experienced, dual identity, LGBTQIA+ and foster carer. He translates his experience into practical situations an speaks on intersectionality in both public and private sector.

Officers working in community engagement, transformation leads, tackling health inequalities or leading councils in best inclusion practices. Also suitable for leading members with responsibility for these areas and scrutiny chairs.

Intersectionality, applied practically, is not abstract theory. It is a method for improving engagement quality and ensuring that consultations reflect the lived realities of the communities councils serve.

 The cost varies depending delivery such as online, in person or hybrid and level of adaptation required. As this workshop is delivered by 2 facilitators it costs slightly more than other, but we always offer value for money as we know council's have tight budgets. 

"I have always found Liz to be a diligent, insightful, approachable and fair LGA peer. Regardless of party background or indeed those without a party, Liz has always given her best and utmost support to whatever you strive to do. I have no hesitation in recommending Liz."

Opposition Leader at District Council

"His background as a gay man of dual Seychellois and White British heritage adds to a compelling tapestry that arms Matthew with an arsenal of insight. I highly recommend Matthew's value as a consultant, advisor and speaker about a range of key topics."

Transport for London