Glastonbury Town Council Joins National Innovation Network to Strengthen Community Voice and Climate Action

This move reflects the Council’s ambition to deepen its work with residents, businesses, and local organisations, ensuring that decision-making is not only transparent, but genuinely shaped by the people of Glastonbury.

A Shared Vision for Community Empowerment

Glastonbury has long been recognised as a town with strong co-operative roots, from community energy initiatives to local food networks and mutual support organisations. By joining CCIN, Glastonbury Town Council is aligning itself with a growing national movement that champions co-operative values such as democracy, equality, social responsibility, and collective action.

These principles, originally defined by the International Co-operative Alliance, place people at the heart of decision-making. Through CCIN membership, the Council will gain access to a wide range of practical tools, training, and shared learning designed to turn these values into real, everyday practice.

Supporting Climate Action Through Collaboration

Responding to the climate and ecological emergency requires bold action, but also trust, understanding, and collaboration. The Council recognises that many of the changes needed will raise important questions and concerns within the community.

By embracing the co-operative approach, the Council aims to create safe, open spaces where all voices can be heard. Recent community events have already demonstrated the power of this approach. At a local screening and discussion of the People’s Emergency Briefing film, residents from a wide range of perspectives, including those with differing views on climate change, were able to share ideas constructively in a respectful and well-structured environment.

This experience highlighted the value of clear frameworks and inclusive dialogue, an approach that CCIN is well placed to support and develop further.

From Consultation to True Partnership

A key benefit of joining CCIN is the opportunity to move beyond traditional consultation towards genuine partnership with the community. This means working with residents, rather than simply seeking feedback after decisions have been shaped.

Through access to national case studies, policy prototypes, and networking opportunities, the Council will be better equipped to:

• Involve residents directly in shaping local priorities
• Co-design services and solutions with the community
• Strengthen local resilience and shared responsibility
• Support grassroots innovation and community-led initiatives

Importantly, this approach helps avoid the pitfalls of tokenism by ensuring engagement is meaningful, inclusive, and impactful.

Investing in Glastonbury’s Future

With a modest annual membership cost, joining CCIN represents a valuable investment in the town’s future. It brings access to expertise, funding opportunities, and a supportive network of councils working together to tackle shared challenges, from climate change to community wellbeing.

As Glastonbury continues to build on its identity as a vibrant, co-operative town, this step signals a clear intention to place community voices at the centre of decision-making and to work collectively towards a more sustainable, resilient future.