Shared Ground

Shared Ground supports those collaborating with residents and within neighbourhoods to promote harmony and effectively manage community tensions – including local authorities, housing associations, statutory authorities including the police and fire services working directly with communities at risk of or experiencing conflict. It will also be of use to charities, voluntary organisations, faith groups, education providers and community groups working on conflict resolution and community building at a local level. 

What does Shared Ground cover?

• Social Cohesion and Democratic Resilience: Including insights from the latest policy proposals
• Impact of Global Conflicts: Looking at the effects of international conflicts (including Gaza and Ukraine) on local communities in the UK and how to respond
• Immigration and Identity: Managing and responding to crucial debates following the general election
• Local Community Dynamics: Navigating challenges to existing community dynamics and working constructively with social change
• Understanding the causes and drivers of community conflict – how to address the dynamics around disputed issues and overcome the barriers to resolution
• How to assess the potential for community tensions in your area – using and understanding conflict analysis tools and measurement frameworks
• Building local leadership – to defuse or prevent conflict and tensions and to develop positive strategic responses

When does it start?

• The next intake for Shared Ground starts in November 2024, running for six months. Sessions will take place monthly with a mix of online and in person events, with one-to-one support from our expert trainers and facilitators available in-between.

Programme Benefits:

• In person learning and networking days to start and close the programme plus a series of four further online sessions (of two hours each)
• Interactive learning – discussion, activities, and training exercises
• CPD Accredited Training – Gain professional development credits for those attending all six sessions
• Peer-to-peer learning – hear examples of ‘what works’ and share challenges 
• Highly experienced tutors and facilitators – All sessions facilitated by Belong team members who bring substantial expertise of working on disputed social issues, and direct experience of work in situations where there are community tensions and conflict
• Guest speakers: from across local government, civil society and social cohesion sectors

Build your professional networks: connect with others in similar roles around the UK

How much does it cost?

• The standard cost for places is £750 per person, with discounts for Belong Network members – please contact us for details. This includes enrolment, course materials, CPD accreditation and one-to-one support.

Find out more or book your place by contacting hello@belongnetwork.co.uk or filling out the contact form below.