‘Knowing the Ground: Care, Public Safety and Policing the Inner City’ is a community event focusing on public service reform. It will be held on Tuesday 24 January between 5.00 and 7.45pm at the Compton Road Library at The Compton Centre in Harehills, Leeds.

The event originated from Strategic Leader and Consultant in Public Policy Chijioke Ojukwu, and has been curated in partnership between Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Church Institute (LCI) and the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA).

The aim of this community event is to provide residents in Leeds and professionals from higher education and policing an opportunity for open discussions and collaborative working to seek positive changes in terms of trust, care and safety. It will feature a panel discussion and breakout spaces to explore various topics.

‘Knowing the Ground’ is part of an ongoing series of community events supported by the Office for Institutional Equity at Leeds Trinity University, which was developed in 2021 to establish a fairer, inclusive environment for all.

Dr Tamsin Bowers-Brown, Director of the Office for Institutional Equity at the University said: “Leeds Trinity University is in the process of developing a Social Justice Framework which will influence our practice in ways which speak to equity and hearing people’s voices in a way which demonstrates that we all matter. Our events in the community are focused on co-creating change that will influence our programme delivery and our collaborative working across the region. I hope that people will find value in attending this event and sharing positive ideas for change.”

The evening will commence with a panel discussion with Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds from West Yorkshire Police, the Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire Alison Lowe, and residents from the Harehills community.

The event will also include four breakout sessions dedicated to specific topics including Dealing with Trust and Authority; Care, Community Rights and Responsibility; The Use of Force and Public Safety; and Fear and Perception of the Inner City.

Attendees can expect an in-depth debate and conversations with a chance to listen to different points of view, whilst enjoying authentic African and South Asian cuisine with like-minded individuals wanting to contribute to social justice in Leeds.

Chijioke Ojukwu, strategic leader in public policy, community development and advocacy said: “I feel privileged and grateful to be part of this conversation to try and help transform the Harehills area of Leeds. I am pleased Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Church Institute (LCI) and the David Oluwale Memorial Association along with West Yorkshire Police and residents from the area are taking part in this two-way dialogue to re-imagine our shared responsibility to one another, especially those who live with the daily reality of life in the margins of the inner city.”

The ‘Knowing the Ground’ event is open to students and staff from colleges and universities, residents of Harehills and the wider Leeds city region and is free to attend.

For more information and to book a place, visit Eventbrite.