Why this Summit matters
Communities across the West Midlands are experiencing rapid social, economic and demographic change. These pressures are being felt daily by councils and partner organisations, not only by those working directly in cohesion or safeguarding roles, but by anyone visible as a public servant.
From frontline teams to senior leaders, staff are navigating increased scrutiny, rising community tensions, misinformation and hostility, often while supporting others through change.
This Summit brings people together to build confidence, share practical approaches, and strengthen trust and connection across our workforce and communities.
Purpose of the Community Cohesion Summit
To bring together councils and partners from across the West Midlands to:
- Understand the national and local drivers of community tension
- Support workforce confidence, wellbeing and cohesion
- Share practical tools, data and approaches that work
- Strengthen regional collaboration and collective resilience
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Agree shared priorities and actions for 2026–28
What attendees will leave with
By the end of the day, participants will:
Understand the national context
Insight into current asylum, migration and cohesion policy – and what it means for local places, services and staff.
Have practical tools for local cohesion work
Including approaches to tracking and responding to community tensions, hate crime, misinformation and polarising influences – across the full spectrum.
Feel better equipped as a workforce
With strategies to support wellbeing, cultural competence, trauma-informed practice and confident professionalism in a changing social climate.
Be connected regionally
Through new and strengthened practitioner networks across councils and partners.
Contribute to shared regional priorities
Including joint training offers, shared narratives and a consistent regional approach to monitoring and response.
Who is the Summit for?
This Summit brings together managers and practitioners across the public sector and voluntary workforce whose roles connect them to communities, to build confidence, connection and trust, including:
Council operational and frontline services Housing, homelessness and neighbourhood teams Children’s services, safeguarding and early help Adult social care and public health
Customer services and other frontline roles | Strategic, policy and workforce roles
Community safety, cohesion and equalities HR, OD, workforce development and EDI Policy, strategy, communications, legal and governance
Senior leaders and managers | Partners and external organisations Police, fire and neighbourhood teams NHS and ICB colleagues Voluntary, community and faith organisations
Universities and research bodies |
Key Themes
Throughout the day, the Summit will explore how public sector organisations and partners can support their workforce, respond effectively to community tensions, strengthen inclusion and belonging, and use insight and evidence to build trust and resilience in changing communities.
1. Workforce, Culture & Leadership
What does it now mean to be a council employee?
• Shared expectations, professionalism and public trust
• Supporting staff wellbeing and collective resilience
• Managing difference, uncertainty and external pressure within teams
• Leadership that creates psychological safety for everyone
2. Community Tensions, Hate Crime & Polarising Influences Understanding flashpoints and responding effectively
• Managing protest, counter-protest and community flashpoints
• Tackling hate crime and harassment across all protected characteristics
• Working with police, youth services, schools and counter-extremism networks
3. Integration, Inclusion & Belonging Building connection in changing communities
• Employment, education and civic participation
• Inter-faith and intercultural approaches
• Practical frameworks that support belonging and integration
4. Narratives, Data & Evidence Using insight to shape better policy and practice
• Tracking and recording community tensions consistently
• Using data and research to inform local strategies
• Challenging myths and misinformation through effective communications
Programme at a glance
• Welcome & opening reflections
• National and local keynote speaker perspectives
• Expert Workshops - choose from four themed sessions
• Networking lunch and peer exchange
• Future-focused keynote speaker on resilience and belonging
• Expert Workshops – deeper practical sessions
• Closing reflections and next steps
Full programme and speakers to be announced by mid-January
Join us at the Community Cohesion Summit 2026
Book your place to build confidence, share practical approaches and connect with peers working on the frontline of community change.
Still need answers?
If anything is still unclear or you need more information, contact us.
Rebecca Davis
Chief Executive