Southwold adviser helps national project give people a voice in Britain’s future

Southwold-based leadership and communications adviser Erika Clegg DL is supporting an ambitious initiative to bring people across the UK into informed discussions about the country’s future.

The National Strategy Project aims to help the UK make better long-term decisions by combining evidence and expertise with the considered views of the public. Independent of government and political parties, it was co-founded by Catherine Day, who advised successive Prime Ministers on national strategy, security and institutional reform, and Sir Matthew Rycroft, former UK Ambassador to the United Nations.

Erika is helping develop the project’s communications and engagement approach, drawing on her experience of connecting organisations with the people and communities they serve. Her contribution focuses on making the project clear, accessible and relevant to everyday life, alongside helping build understanding and support among national leaders.

“People care deeply about the future of this country, but it can be difficult to see how we can make a meaningful contribution,” said Erika. “This project creates an opportunity to think things through together, understand the choices we face and help shape what happens next.

“For me, the connection between national ambition and local life is essential. Here in Suffolk, we know how much knowledge, experience and commitment exists within our communities. A national strategy needs to draw on that, giving people the information and space to contribute thoughtfully.”

Working with Stanford University’s Deliberative Democracy Lab, the project uses an approach known as deliberative democracy. Participants consider reliable information, hear different perspectives and discuss the choices facing the country before forming their views.

Its first major exercise, ‘UK in One Room’, is planned for November 2026. It will bring together 500 people selected to reflect the diversity of the UK population, with the ambition of extending participation much more widely across the country.

Erika co-founded Southwold creative agency Spring and now advises leaders of businesses, charities and institutions through her consultancy, Larkenby. Her previous work includes HyperLocal Everywhere, a network of independent communications businesses across the British Isles, built around their knowledge of local communities.

“So much of my work comes back to trust, clarity and understanding what matters,” she said. “Those things are just as important to a country as they are to an organisation. I’m delighted to be contributing to a project that gives people a practical way to help build a future we can believe in.”

Further information about the National Strategy Project is available at nationalstrategy.uk.