Yorkshire and Humber Rural Network

The Yorkshire & Humber Rural Network (YHRN) is a partnership between Humber and Wolds Rural Community Council, Rural Action Yorkshire and Involve Yorkshire & Humber.

The YHRN seeks to strengthen communication and collaboration to support an informed and influential rural VCS voice in Yorkshire and Humber by briefings, research, information and networking and gathering evidence of the special needs and issues facing rural VCS groups. This work is then used to inform and influence the policy, practice and understanding of government, agencies, the media and other bodies in Yorkshire and Humber and further afield.

Current work being undertaken

Rural Policy Group - we are bringing together a range of leaders of the VCS to share knowledge and lobby national and local decision makers on pertinent rural policy issues. Read one of our guest speaker's articles (Simon Wallace) about dementia here.

YHRN - Final Evaluation - let us know what you thought of the Network and how it has helped you.
Government Ministers - This briefing looks at the role of Ministers and how to contact and influence them successfully.

Defra’s Rural Communities Policy Unit (RCPU) - This policy briefing looks at how the RCPU came about, what it does and why you need to know about it? 

EU Common Strategic Framework Funds 2014-2020 -This briefing looks at the consultation currently being held looking at the role of the voluntary sector in shaping future EU programmes.

On the Ground the Localism Act in Practice - The YHRN has just launched - On the Ground the Localism Act in Practice Report - the report's key findings show:The localism agenda is having little impact on the ground as yet, local groups leading inspirational projects – but without using new rights and localism policy potentially favours better-off areasin particular what’s positive and what stops change happening. Click here for a list of top ten tips on localism.  Click here for a list of questions and answers from the events that we held in February.


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Rural Voice is one of our local partners whose aim is to support the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in the most remote rural parts of North Yorkshire.

Local partners
The YHRN works closely with its local partners who consult with front line rural groups about their needs, priorities and concerns. The YHRN ensures a collective voice to government, agencies, the media and other bodies in Yorkshire and Humber and further afield.

Staff contact

Ed Poulter

Ed Poulter
Rural Policy Officer

07896 802 062

Email Ed

julie hutton

Julie Hutton
Rural Network Manager

0113 394 2300

Email Julie

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