Exeter Observer provides free key topic workshops which cover specific local, subregional and regional public interest issues in depth to help contributors better understand policy and practice in and around Exeter.
Workshops covering practical journalism skills such as making requests under freedom of information legislation are also planned.
These are in addition to the community journalism courses and news writing seminars that Exeter Observer offers to help potential contributors learn skills and gain confidence.
Workshops are presented in three hour small group sessions and are supported by resources which include notes, references and documents such as relevant local strategies and policies.
Attendance at the workshops is normally restricted to Exeter Observer contributors. If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch to request a place, including a few details about yourself and why you want to come along.
Key topic workshop notes
- Exeter regional arts & culture
- Exeter regional climate & environment
- Exeter regional democracy & governance
- Exeter regional economy & enterprise
- Exeter regional education & skills
- Exeter regional health & wellbeing
- Exeter regional planning & place
- Exeter regional transport & mobility
Journalism skills workshop notes
- Digital information and communications security
- Local government finance, budgets and accounts
- Freedom of Information requests
- Data journalism
Analysis ⁄ Democracy & governance
Exeter City Council executive members take direct control of city planning decisions
Council's executive now possesses majority on city planning committee, with council leader and planning portfolio holder also included despite national guidance, offering basis to challenge decisions and increasing democratic deficit.
News ⁄ Transport & mobility
Council abandons temporary COVID-19 cycling and walking safety plans in Exeter city centre
Devon County Council cites "pushback" from traders as schemes on North Street, South Street, Fore Street and Cowick Street are scrapped. Meanwhile temporary changes in Topsham are dropped after "snap poll".
Analysis ⁄ Climate & environment
Is the "Net Zero" Exeter plan fit for purpose? Part I: Exeter's carbon footprint
Exeter City Futures' carbon reduction plan ignores over a million tonnes of carbon emissions and massively underestimates the challenges facing the city. First in a series examining its flaws by Fridays For Future youth climate activists.
Analysis ⁄ Democracy & governance
Unelected Liveable Exeter Place Board created to oversee city from the shadows
Exeter City Council has convened an unelected board that meets in private, does not publish its discussions or decisions and is taking responsibility for major policies which will determine Exeter's future.
Analysis ⁄ Community & society
Exeter rough sleepers in COVID-19 emergency accommodation face uncertain future
Exeter City Council has yet to confirm whether it will use any of the £2.15m Rough Sleeping Initiative funding it has received since 2018 to keep housing rough sleepers when government emergency accommodation funding runs out.