The hotseat event marks the launch of a newly published, Local Government Association funded research report undertaken by Dr Rachael Chapman (Northumbria University) on effective partnership and engagement between local authorities and faith & belief groups. Copies of the executive summary and full report can be found on the LGA’s website:http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/publications/-/journal_content/56/10171/3692893/PUBLICATION-TEMPLATE

Rachael will be leading the hotseat event to answer questions and participate in online discussions and debates on this topic. She will be joined by a panel of experts from local government and faith based organisations, who will offer a range of insights, experiences and lessons of effective partnership and engagement. Confirmed panel members so far include:

• Julie Pal, Strategic Policy Adviser, Barnet London Borough Council
• Jenny Kartupelis MBE, Director of the East of England Faiths Council
• Jim Robertson, North East Churches Regional Commission

The event is likely to be of particular interest to local government officers and elected members, policy-makers, faith and belief communities, voluntary and community sector organisations, academics and researchers.