28 March 2025Lara Jacob, SLCC’s Branch Empowerment Officer, has been busy this week engaging with branches across the country, both in-person and virtually.
She had a great conversation with the Warwickshire and West Midlands branch, who have just held their relaunch meeting—an exciting milestone! Lara also caught up with the Somerset branch, where discussions focused on “what makes a successful branch”.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Lara virtually attended branch meetings in West Wales and Greater Gwent. While travel times to meetings remain a challenge in these areas, she noted that “running hybrid council meetings means hybrid branch meetings are more manageable”, giving Welsh colleagues a valuable advantage.
Lara also reconnected with the Bedfordshire branch, gaining insight into “successful event planning” after their innovative approach to their March meeting—her very first branch visit, which she says “feels like so long ago now!” She ended the week with a trip across the Pennines to join the East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire branch. This branch is focusing on revitalising and growing its network, with plans to “meet new and less-engaged clerks to encourage them to attend the next branch meeting.”
Next week, Lara will be taking a well-earned break with a visit to Bamburgh to enjoy the castle and beach, so there will be a short pause in her updates. However, she assures everyone that “I’ll be back!”
If you’d like to connect with Lara and discuss your branch, she’s always happy to hear from you— [email protected]
