Charter

Working together

We’re nothing without you

The People’s Powerhouse is built by people, for people.

Our movement exists to bring people across the North together,  to connect, share, celebrate, and support the amazing grassroots work already happening in our communities.

When we stand together, our voices are stronger. Together, we shine a light not only on the challenges Northerners face every day, but also on the brilliant ideas and solutions that come from local people themselves.

The People’s Powerhouse works alongside residents, community groups, and organisations to make sure those with power truly listen and act. By speaking up together, we can push for change and create a fairer North for everyone.

Our charter: shaped by Northerners

Back in 2017, people across the North helped to shape our charter — and it’s still open to all today. When you sign up, you’re showing your support for a different kind of vision for the North: one built on fairness, inclusivity, and collaboration.

We believe in celebrating the North’s culture, spirit, and diversity. We believe every voice matters. And we believe that, by coming together, we can build an agenda that reflects all of us.


Our five pillars for a People’s Powerhouse

A fairer North is possible — and it begins with people. Together, we’re working towards:

  • An inclusive North where every voice and every strength is valued.
  • A fair economy that works for more people and communities.
  • Devolution done differently, where local people help shape local decisions.
  • Celebrating the value of place, honouring the unique character of our towns, cities, and communities.
  • Collaboration and learning, so we can grow stronger together.

Why your voice matters

The more people and organisations who join us, the louder and stronger our movement becomes. Your ideas, your experiences, and your energy are what drive real change in the North.

What we do — together

The People’s Powerhouse isn’t an organisation apart,  it’s all of us. We listen, learn, share, amplify, and connect.

We’re creating an online space where Northerners can share what’s working in their communities,  whether it’s a grassroots project, an event, or a new resource that others can use. We’re building a programme of events, both online and in person, so people across the North can come together, swap ideas, and shape the future.

Most importantly, we’re creating spaces where people with power must listen to the real experiences and opinions of Northerners. Because together, we can build a North that truly works for everyone.

Our Team

James Armstrong

Connection and Impact Manager

Peoples Powerhouse

Reemer Jane Bailey

Operations Manager

The People’s Powerhouse

Abbie Bradshaw

Project manager

The People’s powerhouse

CIC Board

Mark Swift

Board Director

The People’s Powerhouse

Steve Everitt

Board Director

The People’s Powerhouse

Edna Robinson

Chair

The People’s Powerhouse

Tracy Fishwick OBE

Board Director

Sarah Longlands

Board Director

Racial Justice Network

Adiba Rashid

People’s Powerhouse Racial Justice Network

Bradford Metropilitan District Council

Nazma Islam-Khan

People’s Powerhouse Racial Justice Network

Lancashire BME Network

Humma Nizami

People’s Powerhouse Racial Justice Network

Race Equality Network

Hattie Charnley-Shaw

People’s Powerhouse Racial Justice Network

National Science and Media Museum

Neena Punnu

People’s Powerhouse Racial Justice Network

Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Michal Chantkowski

People’s Powerhouse Racial Justice Network

International Community Organisation of Sunderland

Strategic Advisors

Professor Kate Pickett

University Of York

Nazir Afzal OBE

Ex Chief Prosecutor for the North West

Richard Scorer

Head of Abuse Law and Public Inquiries at Slater & Gordon Lawyers (UK)

Neil McInroy

Global Lead for community wealth building

The Democracy Collaborative

The Three Hijabis

Amna Abdullatif, Huda Jawad & Shaista Aziz

Anti-racism campaigners

Helen Furnivall

Managing Director

High-Rise Communications

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question don’t hesitate to get in touch but check our FAQs first to see if we’ve already answered it.

Does it cost anything to take part?

There’s no cost to collaborating with People’s Powerhouse, you can add your organisation to our community map, share an event or a resource with others for no cost. There are also events throughout the year, opportunities to collaborate and partner with us. Just get in touch.

To help us cover our costs we do charge a fee for attending our convention, but this enables us to provide free tickets to lots who would otherwise not be able to attend.

Where do you meet?

We have events both online and in person throughout the year, these are in different places. Check out our Events page.

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