Emma Bennett (Chief Executive Walsall Council) and Stephen Gabriel (Chief Executive Tamworth Council)

09:15 - 09:35

As joint Regional Leads for Community Cohesion, Asylum and Migration, Stephen and Emma are honoured to be chairing the inaugural West Midlands Community Cohesion Summit, delivered in partnership with West Midlands Employers (WME) and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The Summit was shaped by discussions at a Regional Chief Executives event in 2025, which highlighted a clear need for councils and public sector partners to strengthen awareness of community cohesion challenges across frontline services. It also identified the importance of providing greater support to managers and professionals working in this space, while improving collaboration across organisations on this critical cross-cutting issue. This event brings together leaders, practitioners and partners from across the region to share insight, practical experience and new approaches to strengthening cohesion in our communities.

Morning Keynote #1: Andrew Larter - Chief Operating Officer, Asylum Support, Resettlement and Accommodation (Home Office)

09:35 - 10:10

Future Government policy direction, consultations and national initiatives relating to community cohesion

Andrew will provide an overview of the latest Government policy direction, consultations and national initiatives relating to community cohesion. Drawing on work being led across Whitehall, Andrew will explore the current policy landscape and the implications for local government and public sector partners, with a particular focus on issues relating to asylum, migration and community integration. This session will help participants understand the national context shaping local decision-making and highlight areas where further engagement and collaboration between local and national government will be important.

Morning Keynote #2: Kelly Fowler, Chief Executive (Belong The Cohesion and Integration Network)

10:10 - 11:00

Community Cohesion Challenges and Opportunities

Kelly will explore the growing challenges facing public sector organisations and local communities in managing community cohesion. Drawing on insights from the LGA/MHCLG Common Ground guidance and research from the Belong Network, Kelly will highlight how cohesion, social stability and economic prosperity are closely interconnected. The session will also provide a practical perspective on monitoring and understanding community tensions, helping councils anticipate emerging issues and strengthen their approach to prevention, partnership working and early intervention.

Afternoon Keynote: Sal Naseem – Award winning public servant and best selling author

13:45 - 14:45

Holding Onto Your True North

Sal, a best-selling author and experienced public sector leader, will explore what it feels like to lead with your values as a public servant and how we hold onto them in a world and environment which is consistently fraught with moral compromise.

• What does values-led leadership look like in 2026?
• How do we hold that line between our values and what might conflict with them externally?
• How do we navigate through this?

This keynote will look to answer these questions by exploring how we find, follow and hold onto our own True North. Sal will use a combination of storytelling, drawing from his rich leadership experience in the public sector, and unique frameworks focused on the practical takeaways for attendees. This session will challenge leaders to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices about the kind of leadership they practise every day. By reconnecting with their own True North, attendees will gain practical tools and renewed confidence to navigate ethical tension, external pressure, and complexity without losing themselves in the process.

1. Sharon McCormick – Managing Community Tension & Staff Wellbeing

11:15 - 12:15

This workshop starts from the recognition that community tensions around housing, migration and resource allocation are often rooted in understandable perceptions of threat and uncertainty, rather than simply a breakdown in community relations. Traditional approaches can struggle to address these dynamics because they focus on policy explanations rather than the psychological responses communities experience under pressure. Sharon will introduce trauma-informed frameworks to help leaders navigate these challenges constructively — supporting communities without inflaming tensions or avoiding difficult conversations.

The session will also recognise that frontline staff frequently absorb the emotional impact of community tensions, and that supporting staff wellbeing is essential if organisations are to support communities effectively. Participants will gain practical tools to recognise when colleagues are struggling, initiate supportive conversations and build organisational resilience. This workshop is particularly valuable for authorities without Psychological First Aid provision, equipping managers with practical approaches to strengthen resilience, promote constructive dialogue and help organisations act as stabilising forces during periods of uncertainty and politicalpressure.

2. Mike Waite, Research Associate & Jill Rutter, Policy and Research lead, Belong – The cohesion and integration network

11:15 - 12:15

Community Tensions: What’s Happening on the Ground

Frontline professionals are increasingly required to navigate complex and emotionally charged interactions with citizens. Whether responding to frustration, managing difficult conversations or de-escalating tension in public settings, staff need practical tools and confidence to handle these moments effectively. This workshop will focus on simple, practical techniques frontline workers can use day-to-day — from the language we use to approaches that help calm situations before they escalate.

Through real-life scenarios and practical advice, the session will explore how staff can maintain professionalism, protect their own wellbeing and support positive outcomes for residents. Participants will also hear about developing work in this area following the Common Ground Guidance, with the session acting as a consultation opportunity to help shape future support for frontline managers and professionals.

3. Junaid Hussain, Chief Executive - Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP) Narratives, Data and Evidence Division is Organised. Our Response Must Be Too.

11:15 - 12:15

Across the country, communities are experiencing increasing pressure from misinformation, organised protest activity and narratives designed to divide communities along racial, faith and migration lines. Since the beginning of 2025, Warwickshire has experienced a number of incidents and protests that have heightened local tensions.

Junaid will share examples where external far-right groups have sought to exploit local concerns, amplifying hostility and contributing to a rise in hate incidents — particularly online abuse directed towards certain communities. These experiences underline a critical reality: community cohesion cannot be treated as a peripheral issue. Without deliberate focus and coordinated action, divisions can deepen rapidly and erode trust between communities and public institutions.

This workshop will examine Warwickshire’s response, led by the EQuIP team in partnership with Warwickshire Police, local authorities and the Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership. Drawing on direct engagement with communities and lived experience, the session will explore how local evidence has shaped a new Community Cohesion Action Plan and the creation of a dedicated Community Cohesion Operational Group.

4. Professor Imran Awan, Professor of Criminology Birmingham City University Anti-Muslim hatred and evidence based interventions

11:15 - 12:15

Professor Imran Awan, a leading criminologist at Birmingham City University and a nationally recognised expert on hate crime, extremism and Islamophobia, will deliver an engaging session exploring the nature, causes and impacts of anti-Muslim hate—both online and offline. Drawing on cutting-edge ESRC-funded research, including analysis of the Southport incident, he will show how misinformation can rapidly fuel hostility and shape public perceptions.

The workshop moves into interactive group activities tailored for different stakeholders, giving attendees the chance to apply insights and reflect on real-world challenges. The session concludes with practical guidance and a toolkit offering tangible steps that practitioners can use to challenge stereotypes, reduce anti-Muslim hatred, and strengthen community solidarity across the West Midlands.

5. Lou Calvey, Executive Director and Emma Birks, Campaigns Manager, Asylum Matters

11:15 - 12:15

In the session Emma and Lou will explore the facts and circumstances around the asylum system in the UK, with a focus locally in the West Midlands. We’ll understand the difference between public perception and the Lived Experiences of people seeking asylum, why people might travel to the UK, how many people come to the West Midlands, what happens to them and what their outcomes are.

We’ll explore the reforms people in the asylum system need, how they can benefit our communities and tax payers more broadly. Together we’ll also explore how Local Authorities and other community leaders can help calm an increasingly tense and risky dialogue.

6. Shakil Butt, Multi -award winning Human Resources and Leadership Specialist Leading Difficult Conversations on Inclusion and Culture

14:55 - 15:55

Shakil is a renowned HR expert, author and specialist in inclusion, culture and leadership. Managers across public sector organisations increasingly find themselves navigating complex and sensitive conversations, particularly where national or local political debates intersect with workplace dynamics.

This workshop will explore how managers can strike the right balance between encouraging open and trusted dialogue while maintaining a safe, professional and inclusive workplace environment. Participants will examine how to manage changing team dynamics, address challenging perceptions and facilitate constructive discussions. The session will also provide practical tools and techniques to help leaders guide teams confidently and inclusively through the complexities of the current climate.

7. Mike Waite, Research Associate & Jill Rutter, Policy and Research lead, Belong - The cohesion and integration network

14:55 - 15:55

Managing Tensions on the Frontline

Frontline professionals are increasingly required to navigate complex and emotionally charged interactions with citizens. Whether responding to frustration, managing difficult conversations or de-escalating tension in public settings, staff need practical tools and confidence to handle these moments effectively. This workshop will focus on simple, practical techniques frontline workers can use day-to-day — from the language we use to approaches that help calm situations before they escalate.

Through real-life scenarios and practical advice, the session will explore how staff can maintain professionalism, protect their own wellbeing and support positive outcomes for residents. Participants will also hear about developing work in this area following the Common Ground Guidance, with the session acting as a consultation opportunity to help shape future support for frontline managers and professionals.

8. Mat Shaer, (former Chief Superintendent, West Midlands Police) and lead on hate crime

14:55 - 15:55

Social cohesion in the age of modern antisemitism

Mat is renowned for his community cohesion work during his extensive and senior policing career. As the Commander for Birmingham, Mat forged strong working relationships and friendships across many sectors and communities, including around his Force Lead work of hate crime. Now retired, Mat is engaged across a wide range of consultancy work, including domestic homicide reviews, venue and event security and inclusive leadership, alongside personal goals and ambitions.

During this session, Mat will share an exploration of modern antisemitism and the prospects for social cohesion in a challenging age.

9. Dan Slee, Director, Dan Slee, Future Comms made Easy

14:55 - 15:55

Communications in Challenging Times

Dan Slee is a leading communications expert who will explore how councils can proactively manage communications during periods of heightened community tension. The session will focus on how organisations can respond effectively to misinformation and disinformation, while maintaining trust and clarity in public messaging.

Dan will share practical insight into how communications teams can work alongside statutory officers, senior leaders and elected members to navigate sensitive situations, manage risk and ensure clear, coordinated messaging across organisations.Participants will gain practical strategies to help councils communicate confidently, responsibly and effectively when issues affecting community cohesion arise.