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The Jo Cox Civility Commission, launched today (Tuesday 28 February 2023) by The Jo Cox Foundation, seeks to drive change in British democracy by working to find implementable solutions to make life safer for political representatives and candidates for office.

In the last seven years, two MPs have been murdered in their constituency and many more elected politicians have faced physical assaults and threats. 

This Commission has been established by The Jo Cox Foundation to raise awareness of the detrimental impact on individuals, democracy and society, of the current levels of abuse and intimidation in political life. 

Inspired by our More in Common Awards, held in partnership with Kirklees Council, the Volunteering Spotlight focuses on a smaller number of groups contributing positively throughout Kirklees.

One of the main challenges community groups face is a need for awareness of their activities, leading to overlooked services and missed chances to volunteer. We want to put volunteer organisations and clubs into the spotlight - raising their profile and encouraging more people to participate and volunteer, enabling an opportunity to learn, develop, and share skills.

The groups explored here embody the More in Common spirit and work to bring people together. From combating social isolation to providing welcoming spaces, we talked to 6 volunteer groups about how they work with their communities.

Small charities doing vital work to support local communities are facing untenable challenges because of the cost of living crisis. Because of increasing costs, workforce challenges and significant rises in demand from beneficiaries, almost half of those we surveyed are fighting for survival. Urgent government intervention is required to ensure they can keep supporting their communities. 

A statement from The Jo Cox Foundation:

Today marks one year since the murder of Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West. The thoughts of the Jo Cox Foundation team are very much with his family, loved ones, and colleagues on this tragic anniversary.

It reminds us of the appalling fact that two MPs were murdered in the space of six years. The intimidation and violence we see against elected representatives must never be viewed as an inevitable part of our politics. It is a serious problem that is harming our democracy, and concentrated effort is needed to find solutions.

Sir David’s family, like Jo’s, wanted some good to come from this tragedy. We must all reflect on and take inspiration from their moving words last year:

"We ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness."

Since 2021, Meta has partnered with the Connection Coalition to provide small grants to members who want to test ideas and ways to build connections and community through the pandemic and beyond.

Our Stronger Communities Officer Ella describes her Kickstart experience and the importance of an understanding workplace.

This World Humanitarian Day we want to celebrate the life of Jo Cox, a lifelong humanitarian, and champion some of the amazing work that has happened in her name around the world through the Jo Cox Memorial Grants.

In late 2021 we applied for the TPP inclusive recruitment grant. At The Jo Cox Foundation, we want to talk openly about how we’re on a journey to becoming a more inclusive organisation - we’re doing some things right, but we know we have more progress that we can make.

A statement from The Jo Cox Foundation:

Six years ago today, on 16 June 2016, Jo Cox was murdered while on her way to a constituency surgery in Batley and Spen. Those closest to Jo lost a devoted mum, daughter, sister, wife, friend, and colleague. The country lost a talented parliamentarian, passionate campaigner, and life-long humanitarian.