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 ⁄ Transport & mobility
Coronavirus exposes council failure to deliver Exeter transport plans
Devon County Council's failure to deliver overdue Exeter transport strategy and cycling and walking plan has led to an inadequate response to government demands for emergency coronavirus road layout changes.
News ⁄ Transport & mobility
Coronavirus halts decision to spend £3.9 million on car park repairs and upgrade
Exeter City Council spending plans will be revisited in June at same time as Net Zero Exeter carbon reduction plan is discussed by Executive.
Analysis ⁄ Planning & place
Exeter's first "zero carbon" housing development includes 96 car parking spaces for 40 homes
Exeter City Council has approved plans to develop land at Pinhoe with a parking ratio of 2.4 cars per household as part of an "exemplar scheme for future residential development in the city" while accepting that zero carbon construction comes "at a cost to the provision of affordable housing".
News ⁄ Planning & place
Cranbrook town centre community building application submitted
Devon County Council is to develop new town centre facilities including a children's centre with public health nursing provision, youth centre with indoor and outdoor recreational spaces and library with small café.
News ⁄ Democracy & governance
Exeter City Council announces £1.584m April budget shortfall caused by COVID-19 restrictions
Council revenues have fallen dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, prompting a £6.357 million capital spending deferment. But financial support from government has so far been limited.