This is a pivotal moment for the future of the UK finance sector. Following Brexit, the rules governing financial policy and regulation are undergoing a fundamental review – and a general election isn’t far off now. This could be a unique opportunity to create a regulatory and legal framework that drives the financial system to good outcomes. But in order to ensure that the new regime contributes to social and environmental justice, there is a need to better understand how to engage the public and amplify their voices in the policy decision making process.
In the summer of 2022, the Lab joined forces with the New Economy Organisers Network (supported by The Sunrise Project) to explore how we might shift the public debate on financial reform in order to support progressive change. As a first step, we published a briefing that summarised existing research on how the UK public perceive the finance industry and its regulation. We then built on those insights, and developed messaging, via a series of focus groups held by research consultancy Public First and collaboration with members of the Transforming Finance Network.
In March 2023, we are holding a briefing call to share findings from the project. Representatives from civil society organisations working to achieve financial reform for people and planet are invited to attend this workshop to:
- Discover and discuss the findings from focus groups held in politically salient constituencies – with Public First’s Liv Bailey.
- Learn the latest tips for framing and messaging your financial reform advocacy campaigns to shift public thinking and influence legislators – with NEON’s Funmibi Ogunlesi.
- Find out more about the overall project, new resources available, and how you can get involved going forward.