Together Liverpool will be running run a three-part evening series this autumn exploring how churches and faith communities can better understand civic life, build confidence and help shape the common good across Liverpool City Region.
Our speaker for the Faithful Civic Life: Power, Place and the Common Good series will be Councillor Jane Corbett, Assistant Mayor of Liverpool and Mayoral Lead for Fairness & Tackling Poverty.
With many years’ experience of local leadership and public service, Jane will help participants explore how faith communities can engage constructively in civic life and contribute to the common good.
Many churches and faith communities have a deep understanding of their local areas. They know the challenges their communities face and have a strong desire to make a difference. However, people are often less certain about how local power works, where decisions are made or how to build the relationships that lead to meaningful change.
The sessions will run on Monday 21 September, Monday 19 October and Monday 23 November 2026, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at a Liverpool venue to be confirmed soon – please keep an eye on our newsletters and social media for booking details in August!
A shared vegetarian meal will be provided at each session, with participants able to share any other dietary requirements when booking.
This reflective and practical series is designed to help participants move from goodwill to informed, credible civic action. It will help people develop a clearer understanding of civic structures, build confidence to engage with decision-makers and explore how faith communities can contribute to the common good.
The series will provide space for reflection, discussion and practical learning about how civic life works, where opportunities for influence exist and how churches and faith communities can work alongside others for the benefit of their communities.
It is offered as part of Together Liverpool’s Manifesto for Hope work with Churches Together in the Merseyside Region. The Manifesto sets out a series of priorities for engaging faithfully in civic life and working together for the common good.
Through this series, Together Liverpool is exploring how those priorities can be embedded in our local communities. Understanding how faith communities can engage well with civic leadership is central to creating a fairer, more just and kinder region.
Rev James Green, CEO of Together Liverpool, will facilitate the sessions. He said: “We’re delighted to have Councillor Jane Corbett joining us for the Faithful Civic Life series. Her experience of local leadership and commitment to tackling inequality will bring valuable insight as we explore how civic life works across Liverpool City Region.
“Faith communities are already making a huge contribution in their neighbourhoods, but many people are unsure where decisions are made, how influence works or how best to engage with those who shape our communities.
“This reflective and practical series will help participants build confidence, develop relationships and move from goodwill to meaningful civic action. This is not about party politics — it is about understanding our communities better, working constructively with others and exploring how we can all contribute to the common good.”
Councillor Jane Corbett said: “Faith communities and people of Faith are already deeply rooted in their neighbourhoods and across the City Region. This series aims to help people understand how civic life works, form partnerships built on trust, mutual respect and understanding, and so work effectively together for the common good.”
Who is this series for?
The series is for clergy, faith and community leaders, trustees, staff and volunteers involved in social action, community engagement or public life across Liverpool City Region.
It is particularly suited to people who want to better understand how civic decisions are made and how faith communities can influence them constructively.
No prior knowledge of civic systems or local government is needed.
We will be charging a fee of £15 for the full three-session series to cover costs. The same fee applies whether you are attending one or all three sessions.
What will participants gain?
Through the series, participants will develop:
• A clearer understanding of where civic decisions are made and how influence works across Liverpool City Region.
• Greater confidence to build constructive relationships with elected representatives, public bodies, businesses and community partners.
• Practical ways churches and faith communities can use their roles as employers, purchasers, convenors, advocates and trusted local institutions.
• Connections with others who want to contribute to the common good across the City Region.
The sessions
The three sessions are designed to build on one another, so participants are encouraged to attend the full series.
Session 1: How the City Works
Power, process and relationships
Monday 21 September 2026
This session will explore how civic life works across Liverpool and the wider City Region.
Participants will consider:
• where key decisions are made
• who holds formal and informal influence
• how relationships shape civic life
• how churches and faith communities can engage constructively
Session 2: Where Opportunity Lies
Fairness, poverty and the purpose of business
Monday 19 October 2026
This session will focus on current opportunities to promote fairness and community wellbeing.
It will explore:
• poverty, employment and economic fairness
• responsible business practice
• the role of faith communities as employers and purchasers
• how churches can act as convenors, advocates and trusted local institutions
Session 3: Making the Most of It
From goodwill to civic influence
Monday 23 November 2026
This practical final session will help participants move from concern to credible action.
It will cover:
• building trusted civic relationships
• identifying and communicating clear asks
• engaging public bodies effectively
• turning local knowledge, goodwill and influence into practical action
About our speaker:
Cllr Jane Corbett lived in Everton for 44 years moving to Toxteth in 2023 when he husband, Henry Corbett, retired as Vicar of St Peter with St John Chrysostom, Everton. Involved in community development in West Everton since 1981 she has been a Trustee of West Everton Community Council for many years and received the Dr Duncan medal for community work in the mid-1990s. As a mature student she gained an MSc in Urban Renewal from LJMU in 2004 and was made a Senior Fellow of Liverpool Hope University in 2012.
Jane been a Labour Councillor since 2002 for Everton, now Everton West. She served on the Leader / Mayor’s Cabinet between 2010 and 2017 and was Deputy Mayor from 2021 to 2023. She set up Liverpool’s Poverty Action Group in 2013 which she chaired until 2023, the Marmot Partnership Group (now called the Fairer, Healthier Liverpool Partnership), was Deputy Chair of the Liverpool Health and Wellbeing Board for several years, and was made an Honorary Member of the Faculty of Public Health in 2023. Jane is a member of the College of Canons of Liverpool Cathedral and worships most regularly at Princes Park Methodist Church.
