United Thinking: Appleby Blue Autumn Sessions
Session 1: How to Influence – Relationships and Partnership Working
How do relationships drive change? And how can partnership working foster real progress in funding, premises, and policy?
Building on the success of last year’s Appleby Blue Autumn Lecture Series, we’re delighted to launch its evolution: United Thinking: Appleby Blue Autumn Sessions.
Our first session, delivered in partnership with Community Southwark to coincide with the launch of their State of the Sector report, will bring together voices from across the council, business, and the voluntary and community sector.
Through an open, conversational panel, we’ll explore how local and national partners are working differently – reshaping funding models, strengthening neighbourhood anchors, and influencing policy at every level to enact meaningful change.
Speakers include:
Cllr Sarah King – Leader, Southwark Council (local authority)
Michelle Walker – London Area Director, Arts Council England (funder)
Sayce Holmes-Lewis – CEO, Mentivity (mentoring community organisation)
Claire Kennedy MCMI ChMC – Joint CEO, PPL (consultancy social enterprise, Chair)
Join us as we share lessons, challenges, and opportunities for influencing change together – in Southwark and beyond.
📅 Date: Tuesday 21st October
📍 Venue: Appleby Blue Almshouse
🕐 1.30pm: Arrivals
🗣 2.00pm: Panel discussion
❓ 2.30pm: Q&A
🤝 3.00pm: Networking