Event overview

The fabric of Western society is unravelling. Everywhere we face a crisis of connection – from our fellow citizens, the places we inhabit, the institutions vested with shared culture and history. But there is growing evidence that the problems we face – polarised politics, lopsided economies and fraying communities – are surmountable if we take the time to renew the networks and institutions that bind people together. We need to restitch the social fabric as the pandemic subsides.

The Social Fabric Summit will bring together some of the world’s most interesting thinkers and experienced practitioners to celebrate community, discuss the challenges affecting our societies, and share practical steps to create more connected and rooted societies. It will be held in the UK over two days in London (24 May) and at the magnificent Piece Hall, the last surviving cloth hall in Northern England, in Halifax (27 May).

The agenda, curated by the thinktank Onward and social enterprise Create Streets, will be ambitious. We will discuss everything from the nature of modern work and the role of faith and business in today’s society, to how to create thriving places and strong communities that make people happy and prosperous. Session formats will range from familiar panels and speeches to less conventional fireside chats, participatory workshops and visits to local landmarks. Proceedings will be both in person and broadcast online

The Social Fabric Summit will bring together leading politicians, community and faith leaders, leading thinkers, and ordinary citizens to generate ideas, momentum and conversations to renew society in the wake of coronavirus. At a time of rising interest in the role of social institutions and networks in supporting democracy and economic prosperity, we want to identify how we can create more connected and rooted societies. It is organised by Onward and Create Streets.

Speakers

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Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP

SeCRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

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Lisa Nandy MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

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Andy Haldane

PERMANENT SECRETARY TO THE LEVELLING UP TASKFORCE, CABINET OFFICE, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, RSA

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Rory Stewart

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND VISITING PROFESSOR, YALE

Helen Thomp

Helen Thompson

PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL ECONOMY, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

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Michael Sandel

Professor of Government, Harvard University

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Charles Marohn

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF STRONG TOWNS

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Ben Page

CEO, IPSOS GROUP

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Dame Sara Khan

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND CEO OF INSPIRE

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Richard Bacon MP

MP FOR SOUTH NORFOLK

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Mayor Tracy Brabin

MAYOR, WEST YORKSHIRE

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Claudia Kenyatta

Historic England

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Dr David Halpern

BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS TEAM

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Jason Stockwood

CHAIRMAN, GRIMSBY TOWN FC

John Penrose MP

John Penrose MP

MP FOR WESTON-SUPER-MARE

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Fiona Fletcher Smith

L&Q, CENTRE FOR LONDON

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Shreya
Nanda

Economist, IPPR

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Reverend Angus Ritchie

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