Insider perspectives on councils, mayors and grassroots impact.
It is a big moment for local power across England, as the new government is moving intentionally towards a ‘devolution revolution’. More powers are being transferring out of Westminster and into the hands of local people in areas like transport, housing, and skills. It will mean that the majority of life decisions affecting ordinary people will be made by local authorities and metro Mayors.
How much do campaigners know about how local power works? This local campaigning workshop will demystify processes, help you understand where local decisions are made and how to increase your campaigning impact locally.
SMK Associate and Bow Councillor Abdi Mohamed and former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the West Midlands Lucy Caldicott will co-facilitate this local campaigning workshop for both experienced and those new to local influencing.
In this local campaigning workshop, you will:
- Gain an insider’s perspective on local power including the key channels and players
- Consider how to maximise your local campaigning and have a real impact ahead of the May 2025 local elections and the ‘all out’ 2026 local elections
- Dive deep into some examples of what makes for a successful local campaign
- Understand how to best engage local activists
Please note that this workshop has participatory elements. If you are unable to participate for any reason or in a specific manner (e.g. speaking, camera on, chat function, breakout rooms, etc.), please put that in the “Accessibility Requirements” section during checkout, and remind your facilitator at the beginning of the session.
If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much are the workshops?
SMK’s Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:
- Small orgs (£10k – £100k) – £96 + VAT
- Medium orgs (£100k – £1m) – £160 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 1: £1m – £10m) – £240 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 2: £10m+) – £280 + VAT
Independent campaigners will pay the ‘small orgs’ fee.
How can I pay for a workshop?
You have the option to pay by card or invoice – just choose your preferred method during the checkout.
Are the workshops online or in-person?
They’re delivered online via Zoom.
How long are the workshops?
The workshops are three hours long. The online get-togethers are an hour and a half.
What if I can’t participate during the workshop?
This workshop includes participatory elements. If you have any access requirements or prefer not to participate in certain ways (e.g. speaking, camera use, chat or breakout rooms), please note this at checkout and let your facilitator know at the start of the session.
Can I attend any of these workshops as a package, instead?
Yes. You can find out more information about our Campaign Carousel programme here.
Who can I contact with questions about this workshop?
For any questions about our Open Training, please email SMK’s Programmes Manager Megan Poyiadzis
Workshop Dates
tade tbd
About the facilitators
Abdi Mohamed
SMK Associate and Bow Councillor
Abdi’s interest and expertise is influencing policy makers and mobilising local communities on disability issues and other areas of social justice.
Abdi currently works for a large charity, having previously been parliamentary researcher and policy advisor to the Shadow Minister for Disabled People. He has also worked for the Labour Party and led an innovative community programme in east London which included setting up a local Somali Task Force. Previously Abdi was a campaigner for Action for Children and the National Union of Students (NUS). He is a governor at Bow Secondary School, a non-executive Director of Hackney Wick & Fish Island Community Development Trust, and a trustee of PohWER.
Lucy Caldicott
Former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the West Midlands
Lucy Caldicott is a charity leader and campaigner working to address issues of inequality, injustice and exclusion, through her consultancy, ChangeOut. She has been a Lambeth Cabinet member and was Chief of Staff to Labour’s Richard Parker, the new Mayor of the West Midlands, following his election win in May 2024.
Recommended workshops
Three-hour workshop, online
Influencing in parliament and central government
This political campaigning workshop features a political insider’s perspective into where power in our political system lies, focusing on Parliament, 10 Downing Street and Whitehall.
Workshop Dates
Wed 11th Mar 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 29th April 2026, 10am-1pm
Thurs 5th Nov 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 17th Feb 2027, 10am-1pm
Community organising
Our community organising workshop is full of tips and tricks on how to best work locally to build lasting communities of change.
Workshop Dates
Tues 24th Feb 2026, 10am-1pm
Tues 19th May 2026, 10am-1pm
Tues 27th Oct 2026, 2-5pm
Thurs 25th Feb 2027, 10am-1pm