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Community Foundation North East will welcome former MP Jon Cruddas as keynote speaker at its Annual Meeting on Wednesday 4 November 2026, bringing together members, trustees and guests to reflect on our work and explore how stronger, more connected communities can be built.
The event will take place at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a review of the Foundation’s year followed by a keynote speech, panel discussion and audience questions.
Jon Cruddas is co-chair of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, alongside Sir Sajid Javid. The Commission was established following the riots across the UK in summer 2024, and is examining how to build a more united country, where people from different backgrounds can come together, develop shared connections and feel a sense of belonging.
Jon served as an MP from 2001 to 2024 and previously worked as deputy political secretary to Prime Minister Tony Blair. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the University of Oxford’s McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life.
His keynote speech will provide an opportunity to consider the role of communities, local organisations and wider partnerships in strengthening relationships and creating places where everyone feels able to participate.
The discussion will continue with a panel bringing together perspectives from community organising, equality and inclusion, and regional leadership.
Panellists are:
- Oliver Armstrong, a community organiser and creative practitioner whose work focuses on building community power and ensuring local voices shape decisions.
- Ngozi Lyn Cole, co-founder of the North East Anti-Racism Coalition, which works to challenge racism and promote inclusion across the region.
- Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Business, Partnerships and Place at Newcastle University and a commissioner on the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion.
The Annual Meeting will also provide an opportunity to reflect on Community Foundation North East’s work over the past year and bring together people with a shared interest in supporting communities across the region.
The event will begin at 1.00pm with refreshments and a light lunch. The formal programme will start at 2.00pm, with the meeting closing at 3.30pm.
The event is in-person only, and attendees are asked to provide any dietary or access requirements when registering.
Registration for members is here.
Registration for guests is here.