ABOUT COP
What is the Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent COP?
The Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent COP (Celebration of the Possible) is a non-profit regional initiative bringing together people; through councils, communities, businesses, academia and local organisations to build a more sustainable future—one that’s fairer, greener, and works for everyone.
It’s not just about tackling climate change. The COP supports action on everything from health and housing to energy, nature, education and jobs. It’s about shaping places where people and planet can thrive together.
How COP Was Formed
The COP was created through co-design—meaning it was built with input from a wide range of people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, not just designed behind closed doors but with more than 300 people contributing their voice in shaping the programme. Local councils, charities, businesses, and community leaders came together in workshops and meetings to help shape what it should be and how it should work.
That collaborative process helped ensure the COP reflects the real needs and ambitions of the region, and that everyone has a role to play in making change happen.
What COP Is Today
The COP is now a shared platform for local action on sustainability. It connects people and organisations working to make Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent more resilient, more equitable, and better prepared for the future. It supports collaboration, learning, and innovation—turning big ambitions into practical projects on the ground.
At the heart of the COP is a Charter—a voluntary commitment that organisations can sign to show their support for a more sustainable region. The Charter is shaped by Doughnut Economics, an approach that balances social needs with environmental limits.
The COP also hosts an annual conference, bringing together over 150 people from across the region to share ideas, celebrate progress and spark new collaborations.
COP’s Core Elements
The COP drives change through four core elements:
- Portrait of Place – tracking local climate policy and progress
- Action Mapping – aligning plans and regional efforts via the OnePlanet tool
- Wraparound Support – coordinating training and activity
- Communications – sparking awareness and action through inclusive storytelling and events
Together, these elements help shape a fairer, greener future for the region.
What the COP Aims to Achieve
The COP is underpinned by six core objectives:
- Climate Action: Support efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, working towards net-zero by 2050.
- Sustainable Development: Encourage better ways of living and working—across energy, transport, food, housing and more—that reduce harm and make better use of resources.
- Nature and Biodiversity: Protect and restore our natural environment, supporting local and global targets for biodiversity.
- Inclusive Engagement: Make sure everyone has a voice—especially local communities—and benefits from the shift to a more sustainable way of life.
- Equity and Social Justice: Tackle inequality and ensure no one is left behind as we build a better future.
- Education and Awareness: Raise understanding and confidence so that more people and organisations feel empowered to take action.
That collaborative process helped ensure the COP reflects the real needs and ambitions of the region, and that everyone has a role to play in making change happen.
COP Charter
The COP Charter is open for Signatories from the 20 Sep 2024. This is the first step in bringing those together that want to collaborate through the COP.
COP Framework
Using Doughnut Economics, we are mapping and aligning a shared framework for the whole region.
PARTNERSHIP BOARD
The COP Partnership Board is made up of local anchor organisations that provide strategic guidance and help shape the direction of the programme to ensure it delivers maximum positive impact across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The Board meets every two months. If you would like to find out more or get in touch, please email info@staffordshirecop.com.
