Conference App

Download our Conference App for the Online Autumn Conference, with great features such as My Schedule (the easiest way to plan your Conference) and a searchable Fringe Guide and Agenda. Available from early September.

To download the App visit App Store or Google Play

For Blackberry / Windows Phone visit www.libdemconference.org.uk Contents Welcome to the Liberal Feature 4–5 Democrat Autumn 2020 conference Directory. Welcome to our Online Autumn Conference Please note that the Directory is by only available online and not in hard copy format. Conference information: 6–9 If you have any questions whilst at conference, please email the Exhibition: 10–15 conference team at: Fringe & training guide: 16–48 [email protected] Fringe & training intro For details of the main auditorium and key 17 sessions, see the separate Friday fringe & training 20 conference Agenda, available at: Saturday fringe & training 25 www.libdems.org.uk/a20-agenda Sunday fringe & training 34 Our virtual conference Monday fringe & training 43 venue – Hopin Registered attendees will be emailed details of how to log onto Further information, registration the Hopin platform a few days prior and conference publications to the start of the conference. See (including plain text page 6 for information about and clear print Hopin. versions) are available at: Please note that all events taking place on the Hopin platform www.libdems.org.uk/conference (including fringe events and exhibitors) require you to have a valid conference registration. To register, please go to: www.libdems.org.uk/ autumn-conference

Published by The Conference Office, Liberal Democrats,8–10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE. Design and layout by Mike Cooper, [email protected]. Photographs © Liberal Democrats unless stated.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 1 Spokespeople Q&A sessions There will be four Q&A sessions during conference where you can ask questions of our spokespeople. Foreign affairs and looking beyond the end of the transition period Baroness Northover (Lords Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs) Baroness Ludford (Lords Spokesperson for Europe) MP (Spokesperson for the Treasury, Brexit, Europe and Trade) MP (Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs & International Development) Chair: Chris Maines Saturday 10.00–10.40 in the auditorium The climate emergency Lord Oates (Lords Spokesperson on Climate Change), Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (Lords Spokesperson for the Environment) Lord Teverson (former Lords Spokesperson for Energy) MP (Spokesperson for the Climate Emergency, Business & Energy and Transport) Chair: Belinda Brooks Gordon Saturday 16.00–16.50 in the fringe Coronavirus: the economic, work and educational legacy Lord Fox (Lords Spokesperson on Business) Baroness Kramer (Lords Spokesperson for the Economy) Lord Storey (Lords Spokesperson for Education) MP (Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Education) Sarah Olney MP (Spokesperson for the Climate Emergency, Business & Energy and Transport) Chair: Cllr Joe Otten Saturday 18.00–18.45 in the auditorium Coronavirus: the health approach and the impact on communities and society Baroness Brinton (Lords Spokesperson for Health), Baroness Pinnock (Lords Spokesperson for Communities & Local Government) Lord Shipley (former leader of Newcastle City Council) MP (Spokesperson for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care) Chair: Chris Maines Sunday 16.00–16.50 in the fringe Voting members can submit concise questions (maximum 25 words) on the subject of the session, until 16.00 on Friday 25 September via the website at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_submissions or using the conference chat whilst the session is in progress.

2 DIRECTORY Feature

PASTORAL CARE

Amanda Curtin MA, BSc (hons) HCPC

CONFIDENTIAL ONE TO ONES MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT CRISIS INTERVENTION WORKSHOPS REFERRALS

[email protected] T: 073 850 31170

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 3 Feature Welcome to our online Autumn Conference by Mark Pack

As we gather virtually for our very not stop at borders. One that needs first online federal conference, I’m greater international cooperation. reminded of the words of David One that welcomes the flow of skills Lloyd George. Speaking at the close and expertise across borders. One of the First World War, he said the that requires our best and task for politicians was, “to make generous nature to overcome. Britain a fit country for heroes to You can see those two visions at live in … There is no time to lose. I odds in the questions over who we want us to take advantage of this welcome into our country. new spirit. Don’t let us waste this Conservatives are so hostile to the victory merely in ringing joybells”. outside world that they even want As we struggle through coronavirus, to exclude most care workers from we now face a similar challenge. post-Brexit visas. What sort of country do we want And as for Labour? It’s a split our recovery from coronavirus to coalition, as its twisting over produce? There are two answers to immigration and free movement that. shows. It is certainly welcome that There’s the illiberal, nationalistic, Keir Starmer is steering Labour suspicious response. One that sees away from the worst excesses of the answer to coronavirus as Corbynism. His steps on tackling cutting ourselves off from the anti-Semitism are much needed. world. One that puts up barriers But Labour is not a liberal party. and keeps people out. One that’s Our values cannot be trusted to about hunkering down in a corner. them. Or there’s the liberal answer. One Which is why continuing and that sees coronavirus – like climate accelerating our recovery is so change – as a problem that does important. Many thanks are due to

4 DIRECTORY I look forward to hearing at conference your views

on all those, and other Feature steps you think we need to take. The move to an online conference is an exciting innovation for the party. It means we can involve far more people. Those of us used to conference will miss the chance to catch-up with old friends in person. But I’m sure the many new opportunities of an online conference will give us something different to enjoy instead. However, the circumstances which have forced the move to an online conference are, Dorothy Thornhill and her of course, born of tragedy. Many colleagues for their frank election long-standing friends are absent, review. It sets out the huge task we their lives cut short by COVID-19. have as a party to fix how we Our thoughts and sympathies are campaign, how we communicate with all those who have lost friends, and how we organise ourselves. colleagues and relatives. Let us remember them as we discuss, We’ve made a big start on that so debate and vote on the way ahead far. We have the largest field staff for the party they contributed so team in place at this point in a much to. Parliament since Charles Kennedy was leader. We’re making a major investment in improving our technology. In response to the Thornhill Review’s criticisms of the way the party is run, the Board is piloting a new Steering Group. A Mark Pack, new plan to improve our record on President of the Liberal diversity and inclusion is on its way, Democrats and much more.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 5 Conference information Any questions programs open. If something goes wrong, try refreshing your browser!

Information l If you have any questions prior If you do not have a computer and to or during conference please are using a tablet, please ensure email: you have downloaded Google [email protected] Chrome and are using this browser to enter Hopin. l If you have any tech queries, please go to the tech helpdesk in There is a short video on how the exhibition area of the online Hopin works on our website: conference (see page 9). www.libdems.org.uk/ l If you have a formal request that autumn-conference you wish to make of the chair of a debate, please email: After the conference, all sessions will be available for 72 hours on [email protected] Hopin and the auditorium sessions (available 24–28 Sept). will be available on YouTube. l If you have a question with Hopin navigation regards to the session you are in, please use the conference chat On the Hopin platform, the menu function; do not use chat to bar appears on the left. communicate with the chair of a Home session. See guidance on page 7. View the agenda and the exhibition tiles (one for each entity in the Attending conference exhibition area). Hopin: our virtual Auditorium conference venue Watch the debates and speeches. Members can vote on motions via All registered attendees will be polls (within Hopin). There will be emailed details of how to login to BSL signers during auditorium Hopin, our virtual conference sessions. venue, just prior to the conference starting. Fringe & Training For best results on 25–28 Fringe is available for all to view. September, please use a computer Fringe events happen outside when logging into Hopin, and use auditorium hours. Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Training is only for party members Ensure you turn off your ad to view and is run simultaneously blockers and don’t have any other

6 DIRECTORY Conference information alongside the auditorium sessions. For the emergency motions ballot, mi-voice voting will be used and See the fringe and training guide on registered members will be emailed pages 16–48 for details. a link prior to conference to vote in Exhibition the ballot.

You can enter this area to view the Conference Chat exhibition stands throughout conference, view exhibitor’s videos, In each auditorium session there Information ask questions in the chat function will be a chat feature enabled, and connect to their websites. which allows attendees to post their views and comments about Please note that all stands will be events in the auditorium. live to chat to those interested at the following times: The chat is public and visible to everybody: bear this in mind when Friday 25 Sept. 17.30–18.30 posting. All comments in the chat Saturday 26 Sept. 12.00–12.45 must be respectful, lawful, and in & 16.30–17.15 keeping with the Members’ Code of Sunday 27 Sept. 12.00–12.45 Conduct, accessible here: & 16.30–17.15 Monday 28 Sept. 12.00–12.45 www.libdems.org.uk/ & 16.30–17.15 code-of-conduct See pages 10–15 for details. The chat will be moderated, and if Networking your post does not meet the required standards of behaviour, Chat with a randomly selected sanctions start with post deletion, participant and share common and more serious breaches may interests. lead to you having your conference If you wish to contact a particular access revoked and/or disciplinary individual to chat with them or have action within the party. a live video link, please click onto Please do not use the chat to ‘people’ next to the ‘chat’ function attempt to communicate with on the top right of the Home page members of the FCC or the chairs and find the person you wish to and aides of debates. There is a connect with. dedicated email address for raising Voting points of order etc: [email protected] Only registered members can vote at conference. Voting will be Some Q&A sessions may use the available through Hopin and the chat to solicit questions; but not polling function in the auditorium.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 7 Conference information formal party reports, to which The fund consists of a contribution questions must be submitted in the from the conference budget as well as donations from party members.

Information usual manner, see the Agenda for details. Contributions made by members are ring-fenced. All donations from The chat is there to facilitate this conference will be carried over interactivity in our virtual to the next physical conference. conference, but it can only do this if everyone in it behaves responsibly For details see: and with courtesy and respect www.libdems.org.uk/access-fund towards each other and the moderators. Conference App Auditorium information The Conference App will be available Details of the auditorium sessions early September. All attendees will at conference, and about speaking, receive an email once it is live. voting etc, can be found in the The Conference App will include the Agenda, available at: full agenda, general information, www.libdems.org.uk/a20-agenda fringe, training and exhibition listings Conference Extra and Conference Daily. Conference Access Fund Conference Extra and To improve accessibility for members attending conference we Conference Daily have established a Conference Access Fund. Conference Extra is published ahead of conference and Conference Daily is published each day of conference. They both Spring Conference contain updates to the agenda including amendments, topical 19–21 March 2021 issues, emergency motions and questions to reports and changes FCC is currently reviewing the to timings. timing of deadlines for Spring Conference – the deadlines will You can find them via the be announced in Friday’s Conference App and online at: Conference Daily and via other www.libdems.org.uk/ channels. conference_papers

8 DIRECTORY Conference information Federal Board and Social media

Federal Conference Follow conference on social media: Committee helpdesks

Members of the Federal Board and members of the Federal

Conference Committee will be @LibDemConf #LDConf Information available to chat with conference attendees at their helpdesks in the virtual exhibition at the following times: www.facebook.com/groups/ldconf Friday 25 Sept. 17.30–18.30 Saturday 26 Sept. 12.00–12.45 & 16.30–17.15 live blog Sunday 27 Sept. 12.00–12.45 www.libdems.org.uk/ & 16.30–17.15 conferencelive Monday 28 Sept. 12.00–12.45 & 16.30–17.15

Spokespeople Q&A sessions www.libdems.org.uk/ autumn-conference There will be four Q&A sessions during conference where you can ask questions of our spokespeople. Technical helpdesk Voting members can submit If you have any tech issues during concise questions (maximum 25 the conference, we have a tech words) on the subject of the session helpdesk located in the exhibition via the website at: area which will be open at the www.libdems.org.uk/ following times: conference_submissions Friday 25 Sept. 11.00–21.00 until 16.00 on Friday 25 September, Saturday 26 Sept. 08.30–19.00 or using the conference chat whilst Sunday 27 Sept. 08.30–19.00 the session is in progress. Monday 28 Sept. 11.30–21.00 See page 2 for details of the sessions.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 9 The exhibition The exhibition is accessed through All stands will be live to chat at the Hopin – our virtual conference following times: venue – see page 6. Friday 25 Sept. 17.30–18.30 You can view the exhibition stands Saturday 26 Sept. 12.00–12.45 throughout conference, view & 16.30–17.15 exhibitor’s videos, ask questions in Sunday 27 Sept. 12.00–12.45 the chat function and connect to & 16.30–17.15 their websites. Monday 28 Sept. 12.00–12.45 & 16.30–17.15 Exhibition Directory of exhibitors

ALDC – Liberal Democrat ALDC – Kickstart Campaigners and Councillors Find out more about our flagship ALDC provide advice, training and training weekend of bespoke training resources for activists, campaigners for your team with the party’s most and councillors. Our staff and experienced campaigners. volunteers are experts who can help https://aldc.org/kickstart-weekend you build a winning campaign. www.aldc.org

ALDC – Local Election Appeal ALDC – Artworker 2021 will see a huge set of local ALDC Artworker is the new way to elections. Find out how your quickly and easily design professional contribution can make a difference. leaflets online. https://aldc.org/local-election-appeal https://artworker.aldc.org

ALDE Party ALDC – Be a councillor The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats Lib Dem councillors work hard for local for Europe (ALDE) Party is the party for people, stand up for our communities liberal democrat values in Europe. It and make sure everyone knows the consists of 70 member parties including difference the Lib Dems make. You can the Liberal Democrats and thousands be a councilor too. of individual members. https://aldc.org/stand-for-council www.aldeparty.eu

10 DIRECTORY Directory of exhibitors

ALDTU (Association of Liberal Democrat Trade Unionists) Chinese Liberal The Association of Liberal Democrat Democrats Trade Unionists (ALDTU) is here to A bridge between the party and the support Liberal Democrats who are Chinese & SE Asian diaspora active in their trade union and in the communities in UK. Outreach. community of their workplace. Campaigning. Policy advice. https:// https://associationofliberaldemocrat chineselibdems.org.uk/en/page/join-us. tradeunionists.wordpress.com/ Chair: Dr Yeow Poon. Facebook: Chinese Liberal Democrats. Twitter: @chineselibdems

https://chineselibdems.org.uk Exhibition ALTER ALTER seeks to build support for Land Value Taxation amongst Liberal Democrats; and to promote and Federal Board campaign for this policy as a more The Federal Board provides strategic sustainable and just resource-based direction for the Party. It is currently economic system particularly focused on implementing www.libdemsalter.org.uk the 2019 Election review and developing the party’s strategy for this Parliament. www.libdems.org.uk/federal_board

Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists The Association of Liberal Democrat Engineers and Scientists (ALDES) Federal Conference Committee provides a resource of engineering and FCC is responsible for organising our scientific know-how to support the two Federal Conferences per year. Party. Meet our members and learn Come and chat to us about how we how to get involved. select the agenda and run the event www.aldes.org.uk and ask us any questions you may have about conference. www.libdems.org.uk/federal_ Conference Daily conference_committee Conference Daily will be available each morning of conference, online at www.libdems.org.uk/conference and via the Conference App.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 11 Directory of exhibitors

Liberal Democrat Christian Forum Green Liberal Democrats We are a Christian voice in the Party Promoting sustainability in politics, GLD and a voice of liberal democracy among is the environmental conscience of the Christians. We support Christians of all Party. Visit our booth for advice on how backgrounds to engage positively and to make a difference. Change the world. constructively in politics. Save the planet. www.ldcf.org Exhibition @GreenLibDems Visit: www.greenlibdems.org.uk

Liberal Democrat Disability Association Humanist and Secularist Working to win the votes of disabled Liberal Democrats people. Providing a voice for disabled For Liberal Democrats who believe the members. Influencing policies to state should treat everyone equally ensure they reflect the views of regardless of their religion or belief. disabled people and carers. Recent campaigns cover caste www.disabilitylibdems.org.uk discrimination, humanist weddings, discrimination by schools and illegal schools. www.hsld.org.uk The Liberal Democrat Education Association The Liberal Democrat Education Association aims to improve education LGA Liberal Democrat through: publishing articles; running Group conferences; generating new ideas; We work within the LGA and the party promoting Lib Dem education policies to support our 2,500 councillors and and providing advice to Liberal promote Liberal Democrat values. Democrats in power. Liberal Democrats run over 50 councils, www.libdemeducation.org influencing budgets of over £5 billion. www.libdemgroup.lga.gov.uk Liberal Democrat European Group The Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG) campaigns for the closest LGBT+ Liberal Democrats possible relationship with the EU, LGBT+ Lib Dems are the party body for including in due course to rejoin. gender and sexual minorities, including Subscribe to our email updates at lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. https://ldeg.org https://lgbt.libdems.org.uk

12 DIRECTORY Directory of exhibitors

Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine Liberal Democrats for LDFP fights for the rights of the Electoral Reform Palestinian People, for immediate The home for Lib Dems who support a recognition of Palestine as a State, and fairer and more effective voting system, for the human rights of Palestinians as working to ensure the party gets the defined in international law. arguments and the politics right, to www.ldfp.eu make reform happen. http://lder.org www.facebook.com/ libdemsforelectoralreform/ Liberal Democrat History

Group Exhibition The past illuminates the present. Subscribe to the Journal of Liberal Liberal Democrats History. Buy Liberal history for Seekers of Sanctuary publications, including booklets on LD4SOS believe in standing up for Liberal thinkers, Liberal thought and a asylum seekers in the UK and treating short history of Liberal politics in them with compassion, humanity, Britain. dignity and respect. Our Party’s and www.liberalhistory.org.uk Country’s policies and practice should reflect this. www.ld4sos.org.uk Liberal Democrat Image Liberal Democrat Image for all your Liberal Democrat merchandise and campaign materials. For over 20 years Liberal Reform we have been the parties official Liberal Reform exists within the Liberal supplier helping you with your Democrats to promote personal liberty campaigning. and a fair society supported by free, www.libdemimage.co.uk open and competitive markets. We seek to make these values central to party policy. www.liberalreform.org.uk Liberal Democrat Women Liberal Democrat Women works to promote women’s voices and policies that will help women across Britain. Liberator Magazine On Line Our fringe focuses on the Read the latest from the Party’s leading disproportionate impact Covid has had thinkers. As ever RB, shines light on the on women. Join us! dark corners of the Party. www.libdemwomen.org.uk www.liberator.org.uk

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 13 Directory of exhibitors

National Education Union The Liberal Democrats in England The National Education Union brings The Liberal Democrats in England: a together the voices of more than federation of the eleven Regional 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support Parties, plus the English Young Liberals. staff and leaders, to form the largest We support Regions so they can education union in Europe. support their local parties even more Exhibition www.neu.org.uk effectively. www.englishlibdems.org

Prater Raines Ltd Supporting Lib Dem Local Parties, Transport for the North Regions and Organisations with website We are England’s first Sub-national and email campaigning since 2003. Transport Body. We were formed to Developers of lighthouse.libdems.org. transform the transport system across uk & libdemdraw.org.uk. We’ll help you the North of England, providing the WIN: great support, fair pricing and infrastructure needed to drive essential tools. economic growth. www.praterraines.co.uk https://transportforthenorth.com

Social Liberal Forum SLF exists to create a society where Young Liberals everyone has access to the wealth, We provide a platform for young power and opportunity to enable us to people and students to have their lead full and rewarding lives, unfettered voices heard and act as a radical by conformity and hardship. pressure group within the Liberal www.socialliberal.net Democrats. www.youngliberals.uk

The Legacy Society The Legacy Society is the Liberal Democrat society for those wishing to leave a gift to the Party in their will. Training courses You can learn more by visiting our stall. Training courses are taking place www.libdems.org.uk/legacyfund throughout conference. See details in the fringe & training guide on pages 16–48.

14 DIRECTORY Building resilient communities fit for the future Exhibition We are at the forefront of innovation in our industry. Using modern methods of construction and leading BIM methodology, we fast-tracked the completion of the Grange University Hospital and made 350 new beds available to meet COVID-19 demand.

Find out how we add value

Project Management / Cost Management / Building Surveying / Advisory

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 15 The impact of poverty on educational outcomes; do schools need more support? Saturday 26 September 4pm to 4.50pm

Speakers: Dr Mary Bousted Joint general secretary, National Education Union Nigel Jones Fringe & training Chair, Liberal Democrat Education Association Councillor Lucy Nethsingha Lead for Children & Young people, Liberal Democrat Local Government Association group David Bradley Child Poverty Action Group

Up to the grade? - England’s education system in the pandemic Sunday 27 September 12pm to 12.50pm Speakers: Kevin Courtney Joint general secretary, National Education Union Daisy Cooper MP Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Other speakers to be confirmed

16 DIRECTORY Fringe & Training guide

Fringe and Training events are accessed in Hopin – our virtual Q&A sessions conference venue – see page 6. There will be four Q&A sessions Fringe events are available for all during conference where you can conference attendees to view and ask questions of our spokespeople. happen outside auditorium hours. Foreign affairs and looking beyond the end of the Brexit transition Training is only for party members period (F9) – Saturday 10.00 in the to view and is run simultaneously auditorium. The climate emergency alongside the auditorium sessions. – Saturday 16.00 in the fringe. Coronavirus: the economic, work and educational legacy (F16) Key to fringe listings – Saturday 18.00 in the auditorium. Coronavirus: the health approach British Sign Language and the impact on communities and society – Sunday 16.00 in the By invitation only fringe. See page 2 for details. training Fringe &

Self-Determination is Democracy Gibraltar House 150 Strand, London, WC2R 1JA Tel: 00 44 (0) 20 7836 0777 [email protected] www.gibraltar.gov.gi

#ThinkGibraltar

ONLINEONLINE AUTUMN AUTUMN CONFERENCE CONFERENCE 2020 2020 17 training intro

Training & Skills Programme

Welcome to our Autumn Conference Each training session is ‘tagged’ with 2020 training programme! coloured buttons that indicate what you can expect to learn. Whether you’re just starting out as a Liberal Democrat member, or whether You can turn up to any session you you’ve been a member for decades, like, just make sure you login before there’s a training session for everyone. the start time in order to get the most from the training. Once you’re logged in You can learn new skills, brush up on you’ll be able to listen to the full session existing skills or even learn how to take and ask questions in the chat bar. on new roles in the party. Enjoy your conference!

What skills will you learn at conference?

DIVERSITY Fringe & CAMPAIGNING training Learn how to engage diverse people Whether you have been campaigning and communities, or find out how to and fighting elections for decades, build a successful and sustainable or are just getting started, learn the political career as a person from an latest techniques and brush up on your under-represented group. existing skills

DIGITAL COMPLIANCE Learn how to get the most from the These courses will keep you up to party’s suite of digital tools. Find out date on legal and compliance issues. how to engage voters and supporters Particularly useful for election agents through a range of digital channels. and local party officers.

FUNDRAISING PERSONAL Whether you are trying to win an Personal development courses will help election or grow your local party, you develop a range of skills that will fundraising is crucial. Learn how to enable you to grow in your roles within raise regular income, get ideas, tips, the Liberal Democrats as well as in the tricks as well as advice and support. outside world.

PARTY ROLES TEAMS

Across the party there are many roles Building diverse, winning teams is you could take on. Learn the skills crucial to our success at all levels. These needed to take on different party courses will help you build a team and roles and find out about how you can enable your team to thrive and grow develop your skills further. further.

18 DIRECTORY Training & Skills Campaign Surgeries

Planning your campaign

Using Connect

‘Make my leaflet better!’

Improving your online campaign training Fringe &

Spend 30 minutes with Campaigns and Elections and pick their brains on the topics above.

Available time slots:

Friday 15.30 16.00 19.30 20.00

Saturday 10.30 11.00 14.30 15.00 17.30 18.00

Sunday 10.30 11.00 14.30 15.00 17.30 18.00

Monday 14.30 15.00 17.45 18.15

Get in touch with [email protected] to make an appointment

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 19 Friday 25 September

Fringe Friday 17.00–17.50

Cambridge Liberal Democrats LGA Liberal Democrat Group and The Generous Society – creating the ALDC future that liberals want How can we revive our town centres? Britain desperately needs an inspiring How can we help our town centres and compelling liberal vision. ‘The recover and what are the challenges? Generous Society’ sets out what With MP; Councillor Emily that vision could be – join Tom King, Smith, Vale of White Horse Mayor; Julian Huppert, Alibhe Rea and Polly Dave Hodgson, Bedford; Kirsten Henly, Mackenzie to discuss this exciting new Kingston First. Chair: Councillor Heather booklet. Kidd, LGA Liberal Democrat Group.

Green Liberal Democrats The National Academies 2020 Vision – Leadership on the Road Ask the experts: Coronavirus to COP Join us to hear from Munira GLD together with sponsors Wilson MP, Health & Social Care sustainability hub welcome Sir Ed spokesperson, and researchers and Davey, Sarah Olney and others to innovators who are working together discuss how Liberal Democrats can across the globe to help us better show leadership in the run up to understand COVID-19 and develop Friday COP26. With Keith Melton, Karen innovations and interventions to Potter and other guests. treat, live with and ultimately to stop the spread of the virus. London Assembly Candidates’ Q&A and Quiz A Q&A with a difference. Come along to the London LibDems’ conference kick-off to celebrate, quiz and find out unusual facts about our LA candidates. We’ll test your London knowledge and there will be prizes! Admittance conditional on you having a glass of wine, cake or other treat to enjoy. Speakers include Caroline Pidgeon, Gareth Roberts and Hina Bokhari.

20 DIRECTORY Training & Skills Friday 15.30–16.30

Don’t forget to log onto your training session a little earlier than the start time to get settled in! Remember, if you want to ask questions then you can message the trainers using the chat function. If you have any questions that don’t get answered email them to: [email protected]

Pastoral care Adjudicator training and Q&A By invitiation only Safeguarding goes hand in hand with wellbeing and is an area which An invite only session for members is paramount in an effective political who are volunteering as Adjudicators in party which cares about each and every the Disciplinary process. person. Join the party pastoral officer Federal Board – Disciplinary subgroup for a session on safeguarding and pastoral care. PARTY ROLES | PERSONAL Pastoral care team Growing your council group – PERSONAL | TEAMS Developing your targeting strategy You have established yourselves as an Setting up and running a Young opposition group. Now, how do you Liberals branch grow the size of your group and move Covering everything from establishing to the next level? Friday your branch, to running events and ALDC maximising your membership’s potential, this session will provide a CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS comprehensive guide to building a branch from the ground up. Young Liberals PARTY ROLES | TEAMS

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 21 Training & Skills Friday 15.30–16.30 continued

Agent training – Part 1 Adapting a template effectively What every agent and campaigner need Find out how to access the party’s large to know about running an election, bank of template campaign materials, from standing candidates to completing both for print and online, and what expenses returns. Part one of a four- makes a successful local adaptation of part course. a template. ALDC Campaigns and Elections PARTY ROLES | COMPLIANCE DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING

Be a councillor – Getting your Grow to win approval and selection process right You need an election-winning machine This session covers the approvals to win elections. Join us at this popular process in detail, discussing why it is session to find out how to build one. necessary, how to do it and how to Campaigns and Elections carry out your local selection process. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS ALDC PARTY ROLES | TEAMS Becoming a target seat If you want to win your Westminster Affinity Publisher – an introduction seat, this session is for you. Find out Friday Getting started learning basic skills more about what it takes to make your in Affinity Publisher, the party’s constituency a party target. recommended desktop publishing Campaigns and Elections package. Find out how to use our templates and where to find them. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING

22 DIRECTORY Training & Skills Friday 19.30–20.30

Outlook across the party Growing through issue campaigns An opportunity for you to meet the new Running strong single issue campaigns Head of People and People Adviser. We can deliver positive change in your will share why we want to be a more community and nationally – and grow people-focused team and why we have your team. Find out more in this made a shift from policies to people. session. Pastoral care team Campaigns and Elections PERSONAL | TEAMS CAMPAIGNING

How CGB can help women succeed in Digital campaigning – Planning your the Lib Dems digital campaign Join us for a session about how CGB Digital campaigning can be very can help you in your journey through effective, but you need to have a the Lib Dems. Learn about the consistent message across all channels. resources and the people who can help In this session you will get the support you succeed. you need to make sure your message reaches as many people as possible. Campaign for Gender Balance ALDC PERSONAL | DIVERSITY DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING How Parliament works Being an effective councillor – Want to learn how Parliament works? organising your work as a councillor

We will be covering everything from Friday select committees to amending Being a councillor is busy and in this legislation. This training session will training session you will learn how to help PPCs build credibility as MPs in prioritise and make the best use of waiting. your time. Lib Dem Lawyers ALDC PERSONAL | PARTY ROLES PERSONAL | PARTY ROLES

Investigator training By invitiation only An invite-only session for members who are volunteering as Investigators in the Disciplinary process. Federal Board – Disciplinary subgroup PERSONAL | PARTY ROLES

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 23 Training & Skills Friday 19.30–20.30 continued

Campaigning effectively with surveys Digital campaigning – what we’ve and petitions learnt in lockdown Surveys and petitions are a key part of The last six months have seen many any campaign, especially in the era of local parties experiment much more social distancing. They help you identify with online campaigning. Improve your issues, find out what is important to skills through examples of best practice people and get the data you need to from around the UK. win. Campaigns and Elections ALDC DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING CAMPAIGNING

Affinity Publisher – Advanced Take your skills in Affinity Publisher, the party’s recommended desktop package, to the next level. This session is for people who already have basic Affinity knowledge. Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Friday

Don’t forget to log onto your training session a little earlier than the start time to get settled in! Remember, if you want to ask questions then you can message the trainers using the chat function. If you have any questions that don’t get answered email them to: [email protected]

24 DIRECTORY Saturday 26 September

Fringe Saturday 09.00–09.50

LGA Liberal Democrat Group and Quiet Reflection ALDC Meditation with guidance, reflective Working in coalition in councils – From reading, silent contemplation, York to Bournemouth, Christchurch and discussion/questions. The stillness of Poole meditation can help induce calm and What are the challenges and successes insight helping us be more creative in working with other parties to run our in problem solving in everyday life. councils? Speakers include: Councillor Facilitator Jane Graham Reed. Her Keith Aspden, Leader, City of York; approach has been developed from Councillor Darryl Smalley; Councillor being a Quaker since 1976 and training Vikki Slade, Leader, Bournemouth, over the last 20 years in Zen and Christchurch & Poole Council. Chair: Tibetan Buddhism. She has been an Councillor Alan Connett. active LibDem since 2015.

Fringe Saturday 12.00–12.50

Federal International Relations Liberal Democrat Friends of Committee (FIRC) Palestine Diplomats Briefing: Foreign Affairs Speaker from Breaking the Silence in An opportunity to question the Israel with Q&A Party’s Foreign Affairs spokespeople BreakingtheSilence was formed by ex- in the Commons and Lords, Layla soldiers from the Israel Defence Force Moran MP and Baroness Lindsay who oppose current Israeli government Northover, on key areas of concern policy towards the Palestinians, and on the international stage. Moderator: want to speak out about human rights Jonathan Fryer (Chair, FIRC). issues they encountered while doing military service. Saturday Green Liberal Democrats Liberal Democrat History Group 2020 Vision – Wellbeing beats GDP The post-war welfare state, Beveridge The time is right to transition the and the Liberal Party 75 years on UK economy to one that values 2020 marks 75 years since the 1945 Wellbeing as highly as GDP. Join GLD election and the creation of the welfare for a joint session with Liberal Reform state. Join Professor Pat Thane and and Young Liberals that promises to Doctor Peter Sloman to discuss the be enlightening and lively… contribution of Liberal Party thinkers and politicians to the development of post-war social security.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 25 Fringe Saturday 12.00–12.50 continued

Northern Liberal Network Building Back Better in the North Join Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of York City Council and Board Member, Transport for the North, Julia Muir, founder and CEO of Gaia Innovation, and Professor Peter Styring, University Federal Party of Sheffield. Chair: Cllr Lisa Smart. Governance consultation session - with Elaine Bagshaw (Vice Chair, Federal Board) and Jack Coulson (Company Fringe Saturday 13.00–13.50 Secretary) The Federal Party is looking to improve Defend Digital Me of religious institutions, beliefs and its governance in order to improve Making predictions and measuring practices should be acceptable? Chair: its effectiveness. Help us determine progress: Questions for local and Christine Jardine; Pragna Patel (Southall what comes next so we can win more national government Black Sisters); Mohammed Amin MBE; elections. Daisy Cooper MP, Spokesperson Dr Rajin Chowdhury (2019 candidate, for Education; Swee Leng Harris, Sheffield SE). Principal in Data and Digital Rights, Luminate; Kathy Evans, Chief Executive, LGA Liberal Democrat Group Children England; and Jen Persson, How to oppose government meddling in defenddigitalme. The challenges, rights our planning system while delivering the and wrongs of emerging technology in homes we need. children’s social care and schools. Speakers include: Councillor Tumi Twitter: @defenddigitalme Hawkins; Baroness Olly Grender; MP, Liberal Democrat Leader. Federal Party Chair: Councillor Howard Sykes. Governance consultation session – with

Saturday Elaine Bagshaw (Vice Chair, Federal Liberal Democrat Disability Board) and Jack Coulson (Company Association (LDDA) Secretary) Liberal Democrat Disability Association The Federal Party is looking to improve Annual General Meeting its governance in order to improve The LDDA AGM is the annual meeting its effectiveness. Help us determine of the party’s leading disability what comes next so we can win more campaigners. This meeting features elections. updates on the association’s candidate support activities, policy development Humanist & Secularist Liberal and strategy for 2020-21. With address Democrats from Spokesperson for Work and You Can’t Say That! Criticising religious Pensions, MP. beliefs in a hostile environment With widespread hostility towards members of some faith groups, especially Muslims, what criticism

26 DIRECTORY Fringe Saturday 13.00–13.50 continued

The Liberal Democrat European Social Liberal Forum Group (LDEG) Can the Lib Dems ‘do business’ with The UK’s relationship with the EU: Pirate Labour? State – Vassal State – Member State? MP, LibDem Chief Do not miss the opportunity to hear Whip and Ian Kearns, SLF Director insight directly from Europe’s political Going forward: building alliances by leaders on this most important topic campaigning together, sharing new shaping our country’s future. (and old) ideas, quiet understandings, local arrangements, national pacts or Liberal Reform just mutual assured destruction? Chair: Dadabhai Naoroji: the 1st Indian MP Denali Ranashinghe, SLF Vice-Chair. in the House of Commons Dadabhai Naoroji was an extraordinary man – a founder of Indian National Congress, described by Gandhi as ‘father of the nation’, Liberal MP for Finsbury and much more. Dinyar Patel, author of new biography will be in conversation with Isabelle Parasram.

Fringe Saturday 16.00–16.50

Federal Policy Committee London Liberal Democrats Principles and Values – What do the London 2021 Campaign Briefing Liberal Democrats stand for? A special event with a London focus A consultation session to allow – hear about our campaign plans for members to comment on consultation the election in May 2021 from the paper 141, Principles and Values. Campaign Director and Chair of London Chaired by Duncan Brack. See Region. www.libdems.org.uk/s20-

consultation141 National Education Union & Liberal Saturday Democrat Education Association Green Liberal Democrats The impact of poverty on educational 2020 Vision – Challenging the Tory outcomes; do schools need more Planning Regime support? Join GLD as we discuss the Tories’ Join the NEU and LDEA to discuss the proposed changes to planning rules support that schools need given that and the resulting impact on people poverty is on the increase. Speakers: and place. Speakers include Cllr Pippa NEU Joint General Secretary Mary Heylings and Cllr Adele Morris (LGA Bousted; LDEA Chair Nigel Jones; and Lib Dems), and CPRE guest speaker. Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Local Chair: Martin Horwood. Government Association group.

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 27 Saturday training 1

Fringe Saturday 16.00–16.50 continued

Question and Answer Session Young Liberals The Climate Emergency The role of young people in the Liberal Chair: Belinda Brooks Gordon. The Democrats panel will include: Lord Oates (Lords A panel discussion about the role of Spokesperson for Climate Change), young people in the party. Featuring Baroness Bakewell of Hardington university and regional Young Liberals Mandeville (Lords Spokesperson for the branch chairs, members of the Young Environment), Lord Teverson (former Liberals executive and members of the Lords Spokesperson for Energy), and wider party. Sarah Olney MP (Spokesperson for the Climate Emergency, Business & Energy and Transport). Voting members may submit questions to the panel – see page 9.

Fringe Saturday 18.45–19.35

ALDES (Association of Liberal Green Liberal Democrats Democrat Engineers and Scientists) 2020 Vision – Carbon Tax and Dividend Beijing to Silicon Valley: What is the Join GLD for a debate on Carbon Liberal future for Artificial Intelligence? Pricing in relation to cutting GHG Who should own the fruits of AI? What emissions – Carbon Tax & Dividend limits should we place on it? And why vs Emissions Trading Scheme. Keith do we keep teaching our AI to be racist? Melton, John Leach, Julian Hawkins Join ALDES, Lord Tim Clement-Jones and others, plus a film from Deiter and former MEP Lucy Nethsingha to Helm CBE. discuss Artificial Intelligence.

Saturday Liberal Democrats for Electoral Federal Policy Committee Reform The Natural Environment The UK: a ‘democracy’ that cheats the An opportunity for members to feed voter into the work of the party’s Natural Why the UK badly needs true Environment Policy Working Group. democracy – and how to get it. Chaired by Richard Hebditch. Speakers include: Wendy Chamberlain MP, our front bench spokesperson; Darren Hughes, Chief Executive, Electoral Reform Society; Peter Dunphy, Unite to Reform; Emma Knaggs, Grassroots Leader, Make Votes Matter.

28 DIRECTORY Fringe Saturday 18.45–19.35 continued

Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary (LD4SOS) The Plight of LGBT+ asylum-seekers Leila Zadeh (Director of UKLGIG & former refugee) and Christine Jardine MP in conversation with LD Seekers of Sanctuary Council member Dr Ruvi Ziegler (University of Reading) on the legal & political challenges facing LGBT+ asylum-seekers in the UK.

Fringe Saturday 19.45–21.00

Comedy Night Liberal Democrats Creative Network Cracking Up The House Comedians battle it out to pitch a new law for post pandemic life in Cracking Up The House 3, with the winning idea being taken to parliamentarians. The Lib Dem Creative Network is a forum working in support of the creative industries.

Training & Skills Saturday 10.30–11.30

Local and Regional media training Intro to Lighthouse How can you make a bigger impact in Lighthouse is the party’s new tool for your regional and local media? This managing your local party, membership session, run by the HQ press office, will and donations. Join us and learn how it give you the basic tools you need to works and what it can do for you. succeed. Membership team Press team DIGITAL | PARTY ROLES TEAMS | PARTY ROLES Saturday Affinity Publisher – an introduction People behind the scenes Getting started learning basic skills Not everyone wants to be an MP, but in Affinity Publisher, the party’s every MP needs help to get elected. recommended desktop publishing Agents, Returning Officers and package. Find out how to use our Assessors are essential. Here’s what templates and where to find them. you can do to help. Campaigns and Elections Candidates team DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING PARTY ROLES | PERSONAL

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 29 Saturday training 3

Training & Skills Saturday 10.30–11.30 continued

Digital campaigning – what we’ve Be an effective councillor – Building learnt in lockdown a councillor brand The last six months have seen many Make sure that being a councillor is local parties experiment much more more than just a title. This session with online campaigning. Improve your will help you be a visible and trusted skills through examples of best practice superhero for your community. from around the UK. ALDC Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING How the party works, for new Growing through issue campaigns members Running strong single issue campaigns New to the party? This session will help can deliver positive change in your you navigate Party structures and find community and nationally - and grow out how you can make a contribution. your team. Find out more in this ALDC session. PARTY ROLES | PERSONAL Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING

Pick a ward and win it – Developing your plan and team Turn your ambitions into a concrete plan and understand who you need to make it work. This session is a must for campaigners looking to win at their Saturday TOP TIP FOR TRAINING next election. Part one of the ‘Pick a ward’ series. The coloured tags underneath each description make ALDC suggestions as to what skills CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS you will learn in each session

Don’t forget to log onto your training session a little earlier than the start time to get settled in! Remember, if you want to ask questions then you can message the trainers using the chat function. If you have any questions that don’t get answered email them to: [email protected]

30 DIRECTORY Saturday training 4

Training & Skills Saturday 14.30–15.30

Digitalise your local party Digital campaigning – Great Emails Knowing what technology to use can be Whether you are sharing information hard. Learn about how to plan, using about road closures, letting people technology to allow you to collaborate, know about local success or rallying make decisions and move forward in a support for your campaign, this session COVID19 world. Who knows, you may will make sure you know how to use want to stick with it. email to get your message out there. Technology Team ALDC DIGITAL | TEAMS DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING

Unconscious Bias Grow to win Unconscious Bias is the source You need an election-winning machine of prejudice and discrimination. to win elections. Join us at this popular Understanding how to recognise session to find out how to build one. Unconscious Bias and challenge it Campaigns and Elections appropriately are the key to building high performing teams. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS

Diversity team How to campaign when you have DIVERSITY | TEAMS two, or more, elections on the same day Agents training – Part 2 2021 is going to be a huge polling day! What every agent and campaigner This is an exciting prospect but it is needs to know about running an important we plan NOW for the best election, from standing candidates to integrated campaign possible. completing your expenses returns. Part ALDC two of this four-part course. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS ALDC

COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Regional elections (PR lists) – Lessons Saturday from Get ready for the 2021 proportional elections in Scotland, Wales and TOP TIP FOR TRAINING London in this session drawing on best practice from past PR elections. The coloured tags underneath each description make Campaigns and Elections suggestions as to what skills CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS you will learn in each session

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 31 Training & Skills Saturday 14.30–15.30 continued

Fundraising for freshers and Regional elections (SV) – refreshers Lessons from Cambridgeshire & Peterborough This session will cover the basics of political fundraising for those who Get ready for the regional Mayoral and are starting out or who want to Police & Crime Commissioner elections, rethink and improve their approach to learning from the experience getting raising money for a local seat in these into the run-off in Cambridgeshire and straightened times. Peterborough in 2017. Fundraising team Campaigns and Elections FUNDRAISING | TEAMS CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS

Training & Skills Saturday 17.30–18.30

Be a councillor – Make your Adapting a template effectively candidate pool more diverse Find out how to access the party’s large Finding new candidates can be difficult. bank of template campaign materials, This session looks at ways to find new both for print and online, and what candidates and to help your pool of makes a successful local adaptation of candidates look like the communities a template. you are trying to represent. Campaigns and Elections ALDC DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING DIVERSITY | TEAMS One polling day – (up to!) Four Saturday Affinity Publisher – Advanced elections Take your skills in Affinity Publisher, the Learn how to get the most out of party’s recommended desktop package, multiple elections happening at the to the next level. This session is for same time in your area, drawing on people who already have basic Affinity best practice from places that have knowledge. fought multiple elections and won. Campaigns and Elections Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS

32 DIRECTORY Training & Skills Saturday 17.30–18.30 continued

Pick a ward and win in – Getting Growing your council group – started with literature and comms Building the team Have something to say but not sure Use this session to take the time to where to start? This session will help reflect on the strengths of your current you to plan what you are going to say, council group but also to assess what when and to whom. Part two of the talents and skills you need in the future. ‘Pick a ward’ series. We look at how to build a sustainable, effective council group. ALDC ALDC TEAMS | CAMPAIGNING TEAMS |PARTY ROLES

Don’t forget to log onto your training session a little earlier than the start time to get settled in! Remember, if you want to ask questions then you can message the trainers using the chat function. If you have any questions that don’t get answered email them to: [email protected]

Conference Extra and Conference Daily Saturday

Conference Extra is published ahead of conference and Conference Daily each day at conference, containing updates to the agenda including changes to timings, amendments, topical issues, emergency motions and questions to reports.

Available via the Conference App and at: www.libdems.org.uk/conference_papers

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 33 Sunday 27 September

Fringe Sunday 09.00–09.50

Quiet Reflection Meditation with guidance, reflective reading, silent contemplation, discussion / questions. The stillness of meditation can help induce calm and insight helping us be more creative in problem solving in everyday life. Facilitator Jane Graham Reed. Her approach has been developed from being a Quaker since 1976 and training over the last 20 years in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. She has been an active LibDem since 2015.

Fringe Sunday 12.00–12.50

Board of Deputies of British Jews / National Education Union Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel Up to the grade? England’s education A conversation with Sir Ed Davey on system in the pandemic issues of concern to Britain’s Jewish Join Kevin Courtney, Joint General community Secretary of the National Education The Board of Deputies and LDFI are Union, and other speakers to discuss pleased to host the Leader of the the challenges facing England’s Liberal Democrats, to discuss topics of education system during the pandemic interest to the Jewish community in the and how we can build back better. UK. A speech by Sir Ed will be followed by a Q&A session with the Leader led by Gavin Stollar, Chair of LDFI. Twitter: @BoardofDeputies www.facebook.com/boardofdeputies Sunday LGBT+ Liberal Democrats LGBT Reflections on COVID-19 LGBT people face particular challenges from Covid-19. What can Liberal Democrats do about LGBT homelessness, abusive situations, and access to healthcare? Panel: Stonewall, Albert Kennedy Trust, LD Spokes (TBC).

34 DIRECTORY Sunday training 1

Fringe Sunday 13.00–13.50

Humanist & Secularist Liberal Lib Dems Overseas Democrats Frozen Pensions to Lost Pensions – Humanist Marriage – why the delay? dealing with Britain’s pension After seven years of waiting, six mis-steps couples have gone to court to force the No one’s getting younger. This government to give humanist marriage concerns everyone. Triple lock ceremonies legal recognition. With Dr threatened. Half million pensions Julian Huppert (HSLD Co-President); frozen abroad. Our pensions under Richy Thompson (Humanists UK); legal attack. What’s to be done? Join: claimant and humanist celebrant Kate Baroness ; John Duffy, Harrison. International British Pensions Pensioner Testimonials. Moderator: LGA Liberal Democrat Group and George Cunningham, Chair LibDems ALDC Overseas. You’ve declared a climate emergency, what next? Social Liberal Forum Hear what steps Liberal Democrat Radical Federalism Councils are taking. Wendy Chamberlain MP, Lib Dem MP; Victoria Marsom, Friends of the spokesperson on the Constitution, and Earth; Councillor Pippa Heylings, South , leader of the Welsh Liberal Cambridgeshire DC; Councillor Giles Democrats, discuss liberal federalism, Archibald, Leader, South Lakeland the UK’s shocking regional inequalities DC; Councillor Adele Morris. Chair: and Keir Starmer’s new idea. Chair: Cllr Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader, Gordon Lishman, SLF Council. Sutton Council. Sunday Sunday

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 35 Fringe Sunday 16.00–16.50

ALDES (Association of Liberal Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Democrat Engineers and Scientists) Sanctuary (LD4SOS) Who owns the conversation? Social AGM and Open Forum on current issues Media, with Daisy Cooper and Young affecting asylum seekers and refugees Liberals After the AGM business an open The banning of TikTok around forum to discuss pressing issues faced the world opens up wide-ranging by seekers of sanctuary in the UK questions on who should own our including the right to work, detention, digital commons. Join ALDES, Daisy housing, unaccompanied children and Cooper and Young Liberals as we kick family reunion, with contributions from off a discussion on the intersection of campaigners and Parliamentarians. Liberalism and the digital world. Have your say.

Her Majesty’s Government of Question and Answer Session Gibraltar Coronavirus – the health approach and BREXIT IN TIMES OF COVID-19 the impact on communities and society Brexit and COVID-19 seriously challenge Chair: Chris Maines. The panel will the UK’s nations. Alistair Carmichael include: Baroness Brinton (Lords MP, Lib Dem Home Affairs, Dr Stephen Spokesperson for Health), Baroness Farry MP, Alliance Deputy Leader, and Pinnock (Lords Spokesperson for Dr Joseph Garcia, Gibraltar Liberal Party Communities and Local Government), Leader and Deputy Chief Minister, Lord Shipley (former leader of debate. Newcastle City Council) and Munira Wilson MP (Spokesperson for Health, LGA Liberal Democrat Group and Wellbeing and Social Care). Voting ALDC members may submit questions to the How can the arts and heritage sector panel – see page 9. recover from COVID-19? What can local councils do to help the sector? Stephen Crocker, CEO, Norwich Theatre Royal & Playhouse; Councillor Chris White, St Albans; Baroness Jane Bonham Carter. Chair: Councillor Gerald Vernon Jackson, Portsmouth.

Sunday Liberal Democrat Christian Forum Civil disobedience – should Christians respect the government or take action against it? Join with LDCF as we debate the Biblical and historical perspectives of civil disobedience.

36 DIRECTORY Fringe Sunday 18.45–19.35

Federal Policy Committee Liberal Democrat Women Utilities Protecting Women’s Employment in the A consultation session to allow COVID-19 Crisis and Beyond members to comment on consultation The COVID-19 crisis has paper 142, Utilities. Covering disproportionately hurt women in its issues including water, energy, impact on the economy. Join us in a telecommunications and rail. Chaired discussion of practical policies that by Neil Stockley. See can protect women’s jobs, provide www.libdems.org.uk/ opportunities through government consultation-paper-142 investment, and how we can support women-run businesses. Liberal Democrat Education Association Social Liberal Forum What do school leaders expect from The radical tradition in British politicians in the current climate ? Liberalism Join with our speakers to assess what Duncan Brack (Editor, Journal of Liberal our party needs to do and say for History) and Michael Meadowcroft education. Geoff Barton, General explore the radical roots of British Secretary, Association of School and Liberalism, its development during College Leaders; Paul Whiteman, Jo Grimond’s leadership and lessons National Association of Head Teachers. for today. Chair: Chris Willmore, SLF Chair, Nigel Jones (LDEA). Council.

Fringe Sunday 19.45–21.15

Lib Dem Book Club Join our discussion “ Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race”. The Lib Dem Book Club is a collaboration between various local parties and the Young Liberals. We’ll be showcasing the Book Club concept, and discussing the book: Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race. The Book Club aims to rediscover the ideas and values of Liberalism, and explore themes of diversity. We hope you’ll join us! Twitter: @LibDemBookClub www.facebook.com/LibDemBookClub Sunday Sunday

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 37 Training & Skills Sunday 10.30–11.30

Getting ready for a selection Growing through issue campaigns campaign Women only Running strong single issue campaigns can deliver positive change in your Top tips on getting ahead in a community and nationally – and grow candidate selection from building your team. Find out more in this support in the membership to acing session. the hustings. Come along get the inside scoop from experienced candidates. Campaigns and Elections Campaign for Gender Balance CAMPAIGNING

DIVERSITY | PERSONAL Regional elections (PR lists) – Lessons from Scotland Your journey to becoming an MP BAME only Get ready for the 2021 proportional elections in Scotland, Wales and This will cover all stages of the journey London in this session drawing on best and will cover: becoming approved, practice from past PR elections. choosing your seat, a winning selection campaign and support available Campaigns and Elections throughout from the RDC. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Racial Diversity Campaign Pick a ward and win it – Talking to DIVERSITY | PERSONAL voters Talking to voters is key to winning Affinity Publisher – Advanced elections but we can’t talk to everyone. Take your skills in Affinity Publisher, the How should we decide who to talk to, party’s recommended desktop package, what sorts of conversations should we to the next level. This session is for have and how should we handle the people who already have basic Affinity data? Part three of the ‘Pick a ward’ knowledge. series. Campaigns and Elections ALDC DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Sunday

38 DIRECTORY Training & Skills Sunday 10.30–11.30 continued

Growing your council group – Pick a ward and win it – Developing Developing your local message your plan and team Help your council group develop Turn your ambitions into a concrete their message for year round plan and understand who you need to communication, and how to use it on make it work. This session is a must for leaflets, direct mail and social media. At campaigners looking to win their next the next polling day, this is what will set election. you apart. ALDC ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS

Training & Skills Sunday 14.30–15.30

Compliance – The basics How to become an approved candidate Want to know about the basics of compliance? Join this session to find out It’s probably four years to the next about donations, loans and complying election, but if you want to be a with PPERA. This session is aimed at candidate your best chance is to anyone involved in running their local start now – and start here! All the party. information you will need to get going. Compliance team Candidates team COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES PERSONAL | PARTY ROLES

Resilience for women candidates Adapting a template effectively Being a candidate can be nerve- Find out how to access the party’s large wracking. Come along and learn bank of template campaign materials, techniques on how to deal with being both for print and online, and what a candidate in the modern political makes a successful local adaptation of climate. a template. Campaign for Gender Balance Campaigns and Elections DIVERSITY | PERSONAL DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Sunday Sunday

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 39 Training & Skills Sunday 14.30–15.30 continued

Regional elections (SV) – Digital campaigning – Making the Lessons from Cambridgeshire & most of Facebook Peterborough Love it or loathe it, Facebook has Get ready for the regional Mayoral and become an important tool in the Police & Crime Commissioner elections, campaigner’s armoury. This session will learning from the experience getting point you in the right direction to using into the run-off in Cambridgeshire and Facebook in your campaigning and Peterborough in 2017. communications. Campaigns and Elections ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS CAMPAIGNING | DIGITAL

Becoming a target seat Pick a ward and win in – Getting started with literature and comms If you want to win your Westminster seat, this session is for you. Find out Have something to say but not sure more about what it takes to make your where to start? This session will help constituency a party target. you to plan what you are going to say, when and to whom. Part two of the Campaigns and Elections ‘Pick a ward’ series. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS ALDC One polling day – (up to!) Four TEAMS | CAMPAIGNING elections Agents training – Part 3 Learn how to get the most out of multiple elections happening at the What every agent and campaigner same time in your area, drawing on needs to know about running an best practice from places that have election, from standing candidates to fought multiple elections and won. completing your expenses returns. Part three of this four-part course. Campaigns and Elections ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Sunday

40 DIRECTORY Training & Skills Sunday 17.30–18.30

Compliance Clinic – Conference Pick a ward and win it – Get out the Special vote Join a Compliance Clinic Conference You’ve campaigned all year, but now Special where you can ask questions you need to turn those pledges into of the Compliance Team on the issues votes. This session is to make sure you that matter to you. For example, what know now what will make a difference are the donation limits? How do I on the first Thursday in May. Part four record gifts received? of the ‘pick a ward’ series. Compliance team ALDC PARTY ROLES | COMPLIANCE CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS

Building your profile in the Lib Dems Being an effective councillor – BAME only success as a ward councillor This session looks at ways you can The ultimate sign of success as a ward build your brand reputation within councillor is getting re-elected. Plan the Lib Dems. We will explore how now how to make a real difference for best to navigate the party, where the your community and make that happen opportunities are and how to make the at your next election. most of them. ALDC Racial Diversity Campaign CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS DIVERSITY | PERSONAL

Understanding the complaints process Join our team to learn all about the Party’s complaints process and how the Federal Board Complaints team works. Federal Board – Complaints team DIVERSITY | PERSONAL

Don’t forget to log onto your training session a little earlier than the start time to get settled in! Sunday Sunday Remember, if you want to ask questions then you can message the trainers using the chat function. If you have any questions that don’t get answered email them to: [email protected]

ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 41 Training & Skills Sunday 17.30–18.30 continued

How to campaign when you have Digital campaigning – what we’ve two, or more, elections on the same learnt in lockdown day The last six months have seen many 2021 is going to be a huge polling day! local parties experiment much more This is an exciting prospect but it is with online campaigning. Improve your important we plan NOW for the best skills through examples of best practice integrated campaign possible. from around the UK. ALDC Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING

Affinity Publisher – an introduction Grow to win Getting started learning basic skills You need an election-winning machine in Affinity Publisher, the party’s to win elections. Join us at this popular recommended desktop publishing session to find out how to build one. package. Find out how to use our Campaigns and Elections templates and where to find them. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Campaigns and Elections DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING

TOP TIP FOR TRAINING The coloured tags underneath each description make Sunday suggestions as to what skills you will learn in each session Follow us on Twitter

@LibDemConf Follow our live blog #LDConf www.libdems.org.uk/ conferencelive

42 DIRECTORY Monday 28 September

Fringe Monday 12.00–12.50

Federal International Relations National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Committee (FIRC) Feeding Britain: The importance of Diplomats Briefing: International food security following COVID-19 Development Britain was rocked by images of Why the Liberal Democrats are empty supermarket shelves in the opposed to the downgrading of DFID wake of COVID-19. This event will look and a look at the Party’s priorities in the at the Government and supply chain field of International Development, with response, the potential lessons learnt Baroness Shas Sheehan and Councillor for supply chain resilience and the Martin Horwood (ex-MEP). Moderator: importance of domestic food supply. Jonathan Fryer (Chair, FIRC).

Solicitors Regulation Authority Green Liberal Democrats (SRA) 2020 Vision – Dr Jane Goodall – advice How can Lawtech help people better on caring for the planet understand their legal rights? GLD welcomes Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, The coronavirus crisis has brought Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute issues about how we use technology & UN Messenger of Peace, for advice to find information and access on improving the lives of people, services to the fore. What role can animals and the environment. Lawtech play in helping people access ‘Everything is connected – everyone legal services, better understand how can make a difference’ – Dr Jane to use them and legal rights? Goodall. ‘We believe that each Twitter: @sra_solicitors generation is responsible for the fate of our planet…’ – Lib Dems. UK Finance www.janegoodall.org.uk The future of business support and the www.rootsnshoots.org.uk economic recovery This panel will bring together leading London Councils figures from the worlds of finance, London’s Green Recovery business, journalism and politics to How London recovers from the discuss the future of business support COVID-19 crisis will shape our country’s and the economic recovery. Delegates economy and society. Can the capital are encouraged to submit questions in recover in a green and sustainable advance to: manner? What are the risks and [email protected] opportunities? www.ukfinance.org.uk Twitter: @londoncouncils Monday ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 43 Fringe Monday 13.00–13.50

CPRE The countryside charity Public Policy Projects and the Country, the CLA and the Are volunteers the answer to support Federation of Small Businesses the future of care? Unlocking the potential of the rural With COVID-19 we saw what can economy post-coronavirus be achieved when volunteers were A private roundtable discussing how mobilised further, so what part can rural communities and businesses volunteering play in developing person- can thrive in a post-coronavirus centered integrated care and support world and drive economic recovery. that is cost-effective and responsive to The discussion will focus on small needs of different communities in the businesses, public transport, affordable future? housing, and improved broadband and Twitter: @Policy_Projects rural connectivity. To attend please www.publicpolicyprojects.com email [email protected] www.linkedin.com/company/ Twitter: @CPRE public-policy-projects/ www.facebook.com/ CPREcountrysidecharity Railway Industry Association and High Speed Rail Group Education Policy Institute and Core The Rail Interview Cities UK RIA and HSRG will be hosting the Reskill, Retrain, Recover: What’s the Lib Rail Interview where Sarah Olney Dem Plan for Cities and Regions? MP, Liberal Democrat Transport Join us to discuss what regional Spokesperson (tbc) will be interviewed education provision is needed for on her thoughts about rail policy and Covid recovery. With: Daisy Cooper the future of our railway system. MP, Education Spokesperson (invited); Andrew Carter, Centre for Cities Thakeham Homes (invited); Chris Murray, Core Cities UK; Zero-carbon Placemaking and Frances O’Grady, TUC (invited). How do we build the new homes Chair: David Laws, EPI. Britain needs, while achieving net- Twitter: @EduPolicyInst zero? What can housebuilders do to create new homes in an environmentally sustainable way? Join Thakeham and MPC for a panel discussion on sustainable, infrastructure-led placemaking. Twitter: @Thakeham www.facebook.com/Thakeham Monday

44 DIRECTORY Fringe Monday 16.00–16.50

UK in a Changing Europe The Lib Dems and Europe post-Brexit: Should remain become rejoin? Speakers confirmed: Daisy Cooper MP; Christine Jardine MP; Mark Pack, President, Lib Dems; Professor Tim Bale, UK in a Changing Europe; Polly Toynbee, Guardian (chair). Twitter: @UKandEU www.facebook.com/ TheUKinaChangingEurope

Monday 28 at 11.00 in the auditorium Interview with the Irish Taoiseach, Michaél Martin TD, conducted by Hugo Gye at TheI Michaél Martin has been Taoiseach since June 2020 and leader of Fianna Fáil since January 2011, a sister party of the Liberal Democrats and member of Liberal International, ALDE and Renew Europe. Michaél Martin has previously been leader of the opposition from 2011 to 2020, and prior to that the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Minister for Health and Children, Minister for Education and Science and Lord Mayor of Cork. Michaél Martin formed a coalition government with the Green Party and Fianna Fáel’s historic rivals, Fine Gael in June 2020.

We want to hear from you!

We will be sending round a feedback survey link soon.

Please let us know about your experience of conference. Monday ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 45 Monday training 2

Training & Skills Monday 14.30–15.30

Building a diverse team Grow to win Is your team as diverse as it could be? You need an election-winning machine Does your membership reflect your to win elections. Join us at this popular community? This session will help session to find out how to build one. you make the most of the talents of Campaigns and Elections every member of the party and the communities in your area. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Diversity team Agents training – Part 4 DIVERSITY | TEAMS What every agent and campaigner needs to know about running an How to be an effective treasurer election, from standing candidates to Being a treasurer is a tough job in a completing your expenses returns. Part local party. Come and join our session four of this four part course. on how to be an effective treasurer ALDC and hear from other treasurers about how they manage the requirements of COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES PPERA and share best practice. Compliance team Growing your council group – Campaigning on the council COMPLIANCE | PARTY ROLES Understand how people perceive the jobs the council does and how to use Affinity Publisher – an introduction that to your advantage. Use the council Getting started learning basic skills to run effective campaigns and make in Affinity Publisher, the party’s changes, even in opposition. recommended desktop publishing ALDC package. Find out how to use our templates and where to find them. CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Campaigns and Elections Pick a ward and win it – Get out the DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING vote You’ve campaigned all year, but now Adapting a template effectively you need to turn those pledges into Find out how to access the party’s large votes. This session is to make sure you bank of template campaign materials, know now what will make a difference both for print and online, and what on the first Thursday in May. Part four makes a successful local adaptation of of the ‘pick a ward’ series. a template. ALDC

Monday Campaigns and Elections CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING

46 DIRECTORY Monday training

Training & Skills Monday 17.45–18.45

Intro to Lighthouse Digital campaigning – what we’ve learnt in lockdown Lighthouse is the party’s new tool for managing your local party, membership The last six months have seen many and donations. Join us and learn how it local parties experiment much more works and what it can do for you. with online campaigning. Improve your skills through examples of best practice Membership team from around the UK. DIGITAL | PARTY ROLES Campaigns and Elections Fundraising and running Young DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING Liberals events Growing through issue campaigns This session will outline basic approaches to fundraising followed by Running strong single issue campaigns a specific look at YL events and how can deliver positive change in your community fundraising approaches can community and nationally – and grow be used in a campus setting. your team. Find out more in this session. Young Liberals Campaigns and Elections FUNDRAISING | PARTY ROLES CAMPAIGNING Building your profile ready for a selection Digital campaigning – Effective Women only videos Good social media is interactive and Thinking about going for selection? punchy. Learn what makes a great Learn about building your profile to video which you can use across all of give you the best possible chance of your social media platforms. success. ALDC Campaign for Gender Balance DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING PERSONAL | DIVERSITY Being an effective councillor – Affinity Publisher – Advanced Making an impact on the council Take your skills in Affinity Publisher, the The job of a councillor is to represent party’s recommended desktop package, the people to the Town Hall. This to the next level. This session is for session will take you through what you people who already have basic Affinity need to do to make sure their voice is knowledge. heard. Campaigns and Elections ALDC DIGITAL | CAMPAIGNING CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS Monday ONLINE AUTUMN CONFERENCE 2020 47 Training & Skills Monday 17.45–18.45 continued

Pick a ward and win it – Talking to voters Thanks so much for Talking to voters is key to winning joining us for training at elections, but we can’t talk to everyone. the first online conference! How should we decided who to talk to, what sorts of conversations should If you have any questions we have and how should we handle about training please the data? Part three of the ‘Pick a ward’ get in touch on series. [email protected] ALDC CAMPAIGNING | TEAMS

Spring Conference 19–21 March 2021

FCC is currently reviewing the timing of deadlines for the Spring Conference.

The deadlines will be set by the time that the online conference starts, and will be announced via Conference Extra and on the party website at www.libdems.org.uk/conference Monday and other channels.

48 DIRECTORY