Sir Keir Starmer.
an outright majority. The Conservatives hope to see a narrowing of the polls before election day, leveraging better economic news and tax cuts. Before then, in the context of one in five councils facing the need to move to statutory only services, the first political flashpoint will be the May local elections. Councils up for election in this round were last elected in 2021, where the Con- servatives made big gains. Labour will hope to see a large swing if it is on course to win the General Election. There will also be 10 Metro Mayoral elections, including new Metro Mayors in York, North Yorkshire, and the North East. Regional devolution is now a significant part of our political infra- structure, and these mayoral elections provide a new opportunity for CILIP to carve out its influence in a devolved landscape, working with regional stakeholders to champion the value of its members.
Improving society
With the significant political change coming, it is vital that we bring you on this journey with us to advocate for LIK professionals to an external audience. It is essential that both the candidates and the electorate are able to draw the line connecting our profession with im- proved social and economic outcomes. With all parties in campaigning mode, the CILIP public affairs work in 2024 has two key objectives: to help candi- dates and the electorate understand the value of our profession to their objec- tives, and then to ensure that they know who their key partners are within the sector to take that work forward. Whether there is a change of govern- ment or not, it is important to recognise that there are going to be severe pres-
January-February 2024
sures on public spending. This presents a real threat to the essential services that we work hard to deliver. We must make the case for the valuable contribution we can make across the political agendas in order to protect these services.
Relationship building is going to be key. This includes direct approaches by the CILIP team, but also it means mobilising and supporting all our members to take advantage of the opportunities to have those conversations, build our presence, and create awareness. We are a profession grounded in ethics and mission, which is a great narrative to share with candidates who are looking to connect with the elec- torate and make a positive difference.
Opportunity in challenging times Not only do we understand the impor- tance of working in that way, but the out- puts of our profession directly contribute to key political objectives. We must make the best case for our value and strategic importance with decision makers. In chal- lenging times, it is the best way to protect our services, find new ways of working, and encourage collaboration. What we do is inspirational and aspirational, and we want to land that message for buy in and investment. In part, our CILIP public affairs pro- gramme for 2024 will focus on how library, information and knowledge professionals are making a positive difference in people’s lives.
We will demonstrate how the profession is key to the future economy in an age of increasing information and digitisation, using this as a catalyst to engage new relationships with leaders and stakehold- ers. Our profession harnesses the skills of information as an asset, optimising efficiency and driving innovation that is crucial to the future economy.
We also want to showcase the shining examples of the sector to candidates and the electorate. Well-supported and posi- tioned libraries improve outcomes around health, literacy, digital transformation, education, sustainability, and inclusion. We will create opportunities for our mem- bers to demonstrate the positive impact situated in our communities’ through library services. We will make introduc- tions, provide briefing support, and key messages to help you advocate. Furthermore, we will make sure that our members have access to political develop- ments where CILIP has touch-points and provide the opportunity to contribute. You will see a greater emphasis in the CILIP newsletter, and in the magazine on our public affairs work. We want to give you the information that you need, and highlight the opportunities to help us shape the political landscape for our sector. The public affairs work is built to showcase the contributions from across the whole profession. We are creating space to start new conversations around business and growth, communities and enrichment, and better life chances for all. As one profession, we all contribute to these outcomes.
Influence The aim is for all of us to have a greater awareness of the opportunities to influence and engage with confidence. By being briefed and connected, and having clear and concise messaging, we can build influence and relationships to promote and protect our services. We want infor- mation professionals talking about how library, information and knowledge are at the heart of positive change for any government.
CILIP’s role is to empower all of us to create and take the opportunities to promote our contribution and value. This messaging, in an Election year, is designed to land with an external audience. We want it to open the doors for longer conversa- tions, stronger relationships, and attract investment to our sector. This is how we grow and adapt.
How can we work together to take advantage of this opportunity in a year that promises political change? Help us when we put out calls for evidence or offer to strengthen your connection with key stakeholders. We will be looking for members in particular to evidence and provide examples of the role we play in supporting social mobility and creating opportunities for all, no matter their background.
Have the conversations. We want to empower members — we are our own best asset for the profession! The biggest impact will come from the membership having the confidence and right messag- ing to advocate. IP
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 17
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