Ready to Represent - Session 1 - Unlocking local democracy to serve our communities

Start: Thursday, September 03, 2026•06:30 PM

End: Thursday, September 03, 2026•08:00 PM

Location: Southsea Cinema• 1-3 Palmerston Rd, Portsmouth, PO5 3QQ GB

Host contact info Chair@portsmouth.greenparty.org.uk

Seven Portsmouth Green Party election candidates stand together on a wooden stage in front of a projection screen displaying the Portsmouth City Council logo and Spinnaker Tower skyline. All candidates are wearing bright green election rosettes. The group includes individuals in a mix of formal suits, smart-casual jackets, and branded tops, smiling for the camera with election accreditation lanyards around their necks.

Ready to Represent (Session 1) — Unlocking local democracy to serve our communities

Join us for the first session of Ready to Represent, a tailored three-part local government training series designed for Portsmouth Green Party members.

Led by former Labour Councillor Judith Smyth, this series offers a practical look into how Portsmouth City Council operates from the inside out. Whether you are considering standing for election in the future, helping us coordinate local campaigns, or simply looking to understand local governance so we can drive meaningful community change, this workshop series is for you!

Session 1: Understanding the Group & Setting Our Strategy
The opening 90-minute session is interactive and collaborative. Rather than a standard lecture, Session 1 focuses on understanding the experiences, aspirations, and interests of everyone in the room.

What could be expected in Session 1:
  • Introductions & Group Discussion: Sharing our current knowledge, campaign backgrounds, and local priorities.
  • Q&A with Judith Smyth: Drawing on real-world council experience to explore how local decision-making works in practice.
  • Co-Creating Sessions 2 & 3: Identifying key topics the group wants to focus on for the remainder of the series (such as local authority finances, committee structures, planning, and effective minority politics).

Event Details:
When: Thursday 3rd September 2026, 18:30 – 20:00
(Please arrive from 18:15 for a prompt start)
Where: Southsea Cinema, 1-3 Palmerston Rd, Southsea, PO5 3QQ)
Capacity: Limited to 40 attendees. Please RSVP!

Who Should Attend?
This event is open to all Portsmouth Green Party members. While each session stands on its own, attendees are encouraged to commit to all three sessions wherever possible to get the most out of the training.

Accessibility:
Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre is fully accessible. If you have any specific access requirements or questions prior to attending, please let us know when registering or email us.
Disabled WC and baby changing facilities available. Hand sterilisers are stationed throughout the building.