The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COP (Celebration Of The Possible) programme was recently presented to the CEO Leaders Group for all councils within Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent. Showcasing how the COP initiative aims to inspire and mobilise local people-power towards a sustainable and thriving future.

The Council officials heard how fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices, the programme addresses pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. This session follows on from a briefing provided to the Stoke-On-Trent Cabinet as well as individual presentations to other Councils including East Staffordshire Borough Council and Cannock Chase District Council.

Highlights of the Presentation

Key highlights and discussions included:

  • Portrait of Place: A comprehensive snapshot of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s social and ecological well-being, mapping local strengths and challenges.
  • Doughnut Economics Compass: A framework to guide decision-making processes for strategies, policies, or projects, ensuring actions contribute to sustainable balance.
  • Digital Dashboard (such as Futureproofed): A tool for tracking progress and visualising data, enabling informed decision-making and identifying partnership opportunities.
  • Pilot Projects: Initiatives designed to bridge gaps identified through previous work, testing innovative solutions that can be scaled up.

Democratic Buy-In and Council Collaboration

The success of the COP programme hinges on democratic buy-in and close collaboration with local councils. Engaging regional leaders, elected officials, and council members ensures that the programme aligns with community needs and aspirations, gaining the legitimacy and support required for sustainable impact.

Next Steps for the COP Programme

From these ongoing council discussions, a COP Charter is now in development. This charter will allow all people and organisations to become signatories, demonstrating their support for the project and commitment to sustainable development.

If you represent a Council and would like to arrange for further details or a presentation for your department please Contact Us