Data that Makes a Difference

Wednesday 17 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30
Part of the National Rural Conference 2025
Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme

Behind every statistic is a story. Data isn’t just about numbers on a page — it’s about what those numbers reveal, the connections they make, and how they shape our understanding of rural life.

This year, the National Rural Conference introduces a brand new session: Data that Makes a Difference. It will explore how evidence and insight can be used not only to describe the challenges rural communities face, but to inform solutions and inspire change.

From community land ownership and rural schooling to participatory research and national fellowship programmes, this session showcases how data underpins real-world outcomes. It’s about seeing the bigger picture — and understanding the figures behind the reality.

Meet the Speakers

	Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, The Rural Services Network The RSN team will launch new research exploring what “delivering for all” really looks like in practice, highlighting key evidence to shape the future of rural policy and services.
	Maram Tabidi, Research and Engagement Officer, The Churchill Fellowship Maram brings a background in grassroots activism and works with Fellows across universal themes. She’ll outline how the Fellowship supports innovation and change across sectors, by providing a broad range of exciting fellowship research opportunities.
	Rima Berry, Churchill Fellow, The Churchill Fellowship Rima, Development Manager with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, will share insights from her Fellowship research into community land trusts in the USA, exploring how their lessons can support affordable rural housing in the UK.
	Howard Nelson, Churchill Fellow, The Churchill Fellowship Howard, Chief Finance and Operating Officer at Keys Academies Trust, will present his Fellowship findings on how small rural schools can thrive by serving as hubs for collaboration, wellbeing, and community resilience.
	Philippa Simmonds, Postdoctoral Researcher, Countryside and Community Research Institute, and Aimee Morse, Research Fellow, NICRE Philippa and Aimee will showcase how participatory approaches can help rural communities shape research agendas and deliver evidence that leads to real-world impact — from climate action to local resilience.

This session is one of eight themed events running from 15–18 September as part of our member-exclusive conference. Free to attend for all eligible RSN member organisations, sessions are held online via Zoom and are not recorded — so to be part of the discussion, you need to join us live.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how data can reveal, connect, and inspire change in rural communities.

Book your place now and view the full programme.