About us

Meet the #notwestminster gang

The Notwestminster network brings people together to create and share new ideas for doing local democracy. It’s for everyone who has something positive to say about local democracy and for anyone who is up for a challenge. We aim to turn our discussions around local democracy and digital into some practical tools and techniques that we can all use to make democracy work better for us. Our volunteers organise an annual Notwestminster event each February in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, which is the UK’s default unconference style event for all things local democracy.

---

Carl Whistlecraft

I’m Head of Governance and Democratic Services at Kirklees Council. 25 years’ experience of working closely with elected councillors in the fields of policy and governance. I have a passion for local democracy and am fascinated by the opportunities presented by supporting and promoting democracy in a digital age.

I am currently co-lead of the Rewiring Local Democracy (RLD) work stream as part of the LocalGov Digital Programme.

Follow me on Twitter @Gr8governance or @LDBytes

or read my blog: http://gr8governance.blogspot.co.uk

 

---

Diane Sims

I’ve been helping people to use all kinds of technology to get things done in their neighbourhoods for over ten years. My work for Kirklees Council involves online communication, content development and digital engagement. I’m also a local food grower, heritage campaigner, timebanker, writer and artist. I believe that, between us, we have everything we need.

My digital projects include:
Kirklees Democracy Commission – what should local democracy be like?
Election Tales – helping local people to tell the story of the local elections
Comoodle – creating a strong sharing economy in Kirklees
I’m In, Kirklees – part of the UK Cities of Service programme

Find me online at:

@72prufrocks or @LDBytes

http://72prufrocks.wordpress.com

---

Dave Mckenna

I manage the Overview & Scrutiny Unit of the City & County of Swansea where I’ve worked for 20 years. Prior to finding a home with scrutiny, I worked in a variety of frontline and policy roles, with varying degrees of success.

I have recently completed a PhD in Local Government and Public Participation in the Department of Political and Cultural Studies.

Localopolis (blog)

@Localopolis

 

 

---

David Bundy

Passionate believer and advocate for Public Service and Local Democracy. Have worked in local government in various roles for too many years to remember! Family guy (not Peter Griffin); lifelong Arsenal supporter and punk rock fanatic!

Firmly believe that digital has a massive role to play in a enabling people to re-engage with the democratic process and have a greater stake in society.

Working with Local Gov Digital on this programme and associated projects.

You can find me on Twitter:

@DavidABundy

 

 

---

Andrew Wilson

I have been using mobile technology for creative participation for well over a decade. My work includes socially engaged software development and location aware games for children, families and even grown ups. I’ve worked with large organisations including The Guardian, the BBC, Greater Manchester Police, an NHS trust and Kirklees Council as well as local councillors, front line council staff, and many third sector and small voluntary groups including a drugs treatment agency, a regeneration charity on the Aylesbury estate in South London, tenants and residents associations and a community allotment. Some of this work has been in partnerships supported by Nesta through three of its national programmes, Reboot Britain, Make It Local and Innovation in Giving.

@__andrew_wilson

www.foldup.org

---

Spencer Wilson

I have worked at Kirklees Council for nearly ten years, with a background in neighbourhood management, neighbourhood renewal and governance of area committees. Spent some time doing project work in the housing service, particularly on implementation of the Empty Homes Strategy, before coming back ‘home’ to Governance and Democratic Services. Advocate for Digital Democracy #localgov #ldbytes; always happiest when working on change projects that include a good dose of innovation and creativity. Love my family, books, writing, film, steak. Good cook, bad baker! Would like a TARDIS if anyone has a spare!

Find me on Twitter:

@SpencerLWilson 

or visit my blog:

http://spencerwilson.wordpress.com

---

Agnieszka Wilstrop

Well, I am Polish born and bred… but spent more than half of my life in the UK… Working for local government only for just over a year now.

Passionate about democracy, Liverpool FC, international trade and travel!

You can find me on Twitter:

@Siwielec

---

Please contact us if you have any questions.