In co-operation with the Local Government Association and the Jo Cox Foundation, the University of Liverpool has today (9 June 2025) launched its new 'Safer Politics' project, an essential online resource featuring practical safety toolkits and training modules for political parties and their communications teams.
Led by DigiPol: The Centre for Digital Politics, Media and Democracy, the hybrid launch event took place at the School of the Arts Library. Speakers at the launch included:
- Will Fletcher, Interim CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation
- Jo Kibble, Policy Adviser - Democracy, Equalities and VCS at the Local Government Association
- Cllr Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of Cheshire West & Chester Council
At the launch, DigiPol unveiled the new Safer Politics website, with materials designed to help political parties, elected representatives, and their communications teams use social media more safely and effectively, while providing clear guidance on how to report and respond to online abuse.
The project is based on academic research by Dr Emily Harmer, Senior Lecturer in Media, and Dr Rosalynd Southern, Senior Lecturer in Political Communication and Co-Director of DigiPol. It is led by Dr Vera Slavtcheva-Petkova, Reader in Global Journalism and Media and Co-Director of DigiPol, and supported by Research Assistant Angela Ferguson, with funding from Research England.
"We know that online abuse has become a barrier to participation in political life for some, particularly women and underrepresented groups," said Dr Vera Slavtcheva-Petkova. "Our goal with the Safer Politics project is to provide practical, research-informed tools that help politicians and their teams feel more confident and supported online, promoting safer and more inclusive digital spaces for political communication."
"The abuse of elected representatives poses a threat to our democracy", said Will Fletcher, Interim CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation. "We're pleased to be a partner for the Safer Politics Toolkits as part of our work to address this abuse and foster more respectful politics".
"The LGA's surveys of councillors have found that nearly three quarters are experiencing abuse and intimidation, and that nearly half feel this is getting worse", said Jo Kibble. "We know that online harassment is increasingly prevalent, and is having serious impacts on the well-being of councillors, their ability to use social media as a way to communicate with residents, and on the recruitment and retention of candidates. It's very welcome to see these excellent resources produced by the University of Liverpool to help elected members navigate this difficult world, protect themselves from abuse and to signpost them to where they can find help and support."
The launch event marked a significant step toward creating a safer and more respectful digital environment for those involved in public and political life. The Head of the Department of Communication and Media Professor Kay O'Halloran welcomed the initiative and said that the department is delighted to work with the Local Government Association and the Jo Cox Foundation on this important issue.
DigiPol: The Centre for Digital Politics, Media and Democracy is an interdisciplinary centre that champions challenge-led collaborative and interdisciplinary research to address some of the most pressing research questions around digital media and democracy. The Safer Politics project reflects DigiPol's mission to connect academic expertise with real-world impact.
