At our January meeting we announced Susan Ritchie as the new chair of the PB network. Susan introduces herself below:
"A big hello to the PB network from me – it is such a pleasure to take on this role and help take the network forward. A huge thank you to Davy Jones, my predecessor, who is not only a great guy but someone who has been instrumental in establishing the network and movement of PB here in the UK, for which I personally benefited from when I was working in local government and at the Home Office.
I see the network as having two roles really: one which generates a social movement which pushes for a re-balancing of public participation in budgetary decisions, and as a result enhances and strengthens our democracy; and the other as a possible ‘organisation’ which might collectively decide that it wants to be more organised than a loose network – that might mean attracting funding to support the identification, analysis and dissemination of the learning around PB, as we discussed at the meeting in January.
There may well be more or other roles that the network might play, but one thing is for sure, it won’t happen without YOU!
So my next step to understanding the future role of the network is to invite you to share your thoughts with me so that we can hear your voice at the PB steering group. And if you would like to join that steering group please do get in touch. In the meantime we will work on your behalf to develop your network as best as we can and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the next network meeting.
Yours,
Susan Ritchie, Acting Chair of the PB Network"
Photo: Susan Ritchie presenting at the last PB Network gathering