Changes to events: March-September 2020

The government has now advised people to avoid all non-essential contact with others to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In light of this, we will not be holding any face-to-face events until at least September 2020.

This includes Big Local Connects 2020, which will be moved to a new date in 2021.

If you have already registered for an event between now and September, the organiser will contact you by 27 March with information about whether your event has been postponed until later in the year or cancelled.

If you have paid for travel or other expenses, Local Trust will repay you in line with our usual expenses policy. Please note that expenses can no longer be processed by post and must be sent by email to finance@localtrust.org.uk. Please send a picture of the receipt when you email the form.

We will continue to support learning and networking between Big Local areas in different ways and are currently developing a new programme of online activities, including help for people who are unfamiliar with this way of working. We will be sharing further guidance on this.

We know that our events are highly valued by many Big Local residents because they offer a chance to meet and share ideas with Big Local areas from around the country. During this period, networking can be done online using Workplace where there are special-interest groups on many different topics.

Find out more about Workplace in our Guide to Staying Connected which includes more information about holding meetings via phone and online when you can’t meet in the same room.

Thank you for your understanding and please do stay in touch with us – our website, newsletter, Workplace and Facebook page will be kept up to date with the latest information.