On October 17, 2024, an insightful workshop focused on policy influence, attracting individuals eager to engage in meaningful change was hosted by Voice4Change England and chaired by Christabelle Quaynor, V4CE’s Policy and Influence Officer. The session provided participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of policy-making and its impact on society.
The workshop began by emphasizing that policy is not merely a set of rules but a reflection of societal values and priorities. It plays a crucial role in addressing real issues affecting people's lives.
Participants explored various interconnected policy areas, including criminal justice, health, housing, environment, education, art, culture, technology, and infrastructure planning. The discussion highlighted how these areas overlap; for instance, housing issues can relate to gender discrimination and migration challenges. This interconnectedness underscores the necessity for comprehensive approaches to policy-making.
The workshop also examined different levels of governance. Local governance was discussed in relation to everyday issues like air pollution and housing, while national governance was identified as key for broader concerns such as climate change and higher education regulation.
Real-world examples were shared, including V4CE’s Open Letter to the Labour Government, "First 100 Days of Government" urging our leaders to take bold and decisive actions for a transformative society that addresses structural barriers, marginalisation and injustices and Labour's Race Equality Act. These discussions illustrated the importance of timing in policy recommendations and the need for critical assessment of existing policies.
A significant portion of the workshop focused on the power of storytelling in policy influence. Participants created a word cloud to identify themes that inspire them, recognizing that stories can serve as powerful tools for change when shared ethically.
Key takeaways for effective policy influence included setting realistic ambitions, engaging with MPs, networking strategically, and staying informed about the legislative process.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many finding the workshop informative and a valuable starting point for those new to policy work. The session reinforced the idea that policy influence is accessible to anyone passionate about creating positive change in their communities.
By Ditipriya Acharya,
Senior Media, Marketing and Communications Officer
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