Local Authorities

I think the most positive aspect of helping to deliver the training was in sharing views and perspectives with the other trainers and the people participating on the course. With such a diverse range of participants from across the organisation, it makes you more aware of the impact and successes of the Council as a whole and of where you can play a part in this.

Andrew Chase, Policy Officer Directorate for Families, Health and Wellbeing at Manchester City Council

"It was probably one of the most insightful, life-changing training days I've ever been on... You can make change that has an impact, and you can influence others and change the way decisions are made."

Michael Cullen, Borough Treasurer at Stockport Council

"Really thought-provoking and also helpful to see we could make changes at the council if we want to move things forward. Nice to see some successes made by other councils. Really enjoyable to mix with people across the council whilst homeworking - the course was still really effective even though we were in different places. This should be rolled out to all staff, especially those with decision making powers."

Planning – Resource Officer at Winchester City Council

"It’s vital. It’s urgent. Can’t wait. Very interactive / engaging. Powerful."

Diane Eaton, Corporate Director at Trafford Council

"It was thought-provoking and incredibly valuable to step back and look at your daily activities and the impact they have on the world as an individual / community and species. You may think you’re environmentally conscious, but you realise there is always more you can do! This should become policy, not voluntary. I’d love to learn more and become a Carbon Literacy Certified Training Professional so that I can pass this information on."

Vicki Louise Clements, Bids and Tenders Manager at Leicestershire County Council

“By delivering Carbon Literacy to over 40 councillors in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire using the Parish, Town and Community Councils Toolkit course, our trainers have seen powerful and effective pledges made to tackle the climate crisis in these counties. We look forward to using the new Toolkit course to continue to drive further action and create change-makers in the communities we serve and beyond.”

Groundwork East

“I firmly believe that parish and town councils are the key to engage their communities in adapting to and reducing the impacts of climate change. By understanding the challenges we face and by working together with our higher tier authorities, with community action networks, local residents and businesses, we are stronger together. The Parish, Town and Community Councils Toolkit course builds the knowledge, motivation and confidence for councillors and community members to take positive action and improve all our futures.”

Belinda Bawden, Dorset Council, Lyme Regis Town Council Councillor and Co-founder of Dorset Climate Action Network

"We need to face up to this major challenge, partly because of the health and quality of life of our own residents. We want to clean up the air that they breathe, we want to reduce the use of plastic that's cluttering our rivers and our green spaces. We want to put Greater Manchester in a position of leadership on this crucial issue that will shape the 21st century, but if we are to succeed it does require radical action now."

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

"You will learn and think about things you hadn’t previously considered, regardless of your level of knowledge."

Paul Farrand, Senior Planner at Trafford Council

"I've been working in renewable energy and sustainability for several years, so when I went on the Carbon Literacy program, I thought, "well, I wonder what it will teach me?" And I came back inspired and driven to carry on spreading the message. I saw how valuable it was and that, if it can talk to professionals that work in the sector but also engage at a level for people that have maybe very little understanding of [climate change], to be able to have a training program that speaks across the board was just so powerful. And so I was very keen to become a trainer myself and to pass this on throughout my council. So, yes, I highly recommend it!"

Naomi Wise, Sustainability Officer at Winchester City Council

“I thought the Parish and Town Council course was brilliant. Having been involved in developing a programme for climate change in our council for a few years, I thought I knew all that I needed to know. But the course was not only a great refresher, but it was particularly great in showing me how to engage our local community in tackling climate change.”

Clerk, Town Council

“The Toolkits are really fantastic packages of learning because you get everything you need in a day to go off and start taking action and talking to other people. As soon as I got the Leadership and Management Toolkit, I thought it was exactly what we need. The overall feedback we got from learners was that they found the sessions very, very valuable. I have had feedback that learners are going to see how they can thread Carbon Literacy through their work.”

Amy Scoins, Strategic Environment Officer, Leicestershire County Council

“The toolkit is well structured and really tailored to the needs of elected members. You can feel confident that the science and insights you are providing are well researched. The training gives Councillors the tools and skills to be able to evaluate proposals based on their ability to limit climate change and bring about additional benefits.”

Clare Foster and Hannah Swinburne, Peterborough City Council

“It is vital and totally changes what you think and know about the climate emergency. Having the dedicated time to learn was incredibly valuable and something that I have never had time to do in the past.”

Community Leader, Plymouth