Digital platforms and public transport must be integrated for passengers to get around

Passenger transport authorities in metropolitan areas in England should strengthen their strategic control over city-regional public transport systems - including the integration of digital mobility platforms such as Uber - if they are to deliver better services, a group of University of Manchester experts has argued.

Writing in On Infrastructure - a newly released collection of articles from Policy@Manchester - Professor Michael Hodson, Professor Andrew McMeekin and Dr Andrew Lockhart describe how, over the last 15 years, digital mobility platforms for ride hailing like Uber, bike sharing like Beryl, e-scooter rental like Lime and journey planning apps like Citymapper have become common in urban societies.

“They are often seen as ‘disrupting’ the organisation of existing public transport systems and creating competition,” the authors explain. “Yet these platforms can be strategically incorporated into existing systems by public authorities aiming to address public policy priorities and improve systems. They also address sustainability challenges, especially in accelerating the shift away from personal car use.”

Transport authorities must have control of local systems if services are to improve, researchers warn (Credit: iStock/Bob Douglas)

Hodson, McMeekin and Lockhart acknowledge that digital systems and existing transport systems can be organised in different ways, but add, “policymakers and public bodies must navigate the tension between contributing to public policy goals and creating new markets and commercial opportunities for private platform providers.”  They continue: “Given this dilemma, there is a need for bodies such as the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to develop a clear position in response.”

The University of Manchester academics contend that establishing who controls platforms, “has profound implications at city-regional scale, where transport authorities must consider how the public good is best served by the opportunities they provide.”  

They write: “Strategy at this scale needs to decide how platforms and the existing transport system should be organised and which transport services, infrastructures and sources of data should be under public control. This clearly requires a framework to support challenging and ongoing conversations on this issue within combined authorities and transport authorities, and with national government.”

Drawing on their own research and expertise, Hodson, McMeekin and Lockhart reveal that they have developed a framework, known as the  Urban Digital Stack, to assist policymakers in considering how multiple platforms should be organised in relation to existing urban public transport systems.

“Looking at how multiple platforms can be shaped and organised by existing urban decision makers and public transport systems, we focus on how platforms can add to the existing landscape of urban public transport systems,” they explain. “The tool explores what social and political challenges this raises for the control of existing and digital forms of infrastructure, and implications for the organisation and ownership of data.”

They add: “The Stack does not provide simple prescriptions. Its purpose is to help urban policymakers and decision makers to think about and to debate key challenges and questions with colleagues and other stakeholders and to support them in developing strategies and plans for responding to the challenge of digital mobility platforms.”

On Infrastructure is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

New research exposes UK’s digital infrastructure divide

A spatial divide in broadband coverage, accessibility and speed across the UK and between rural and urban areas has been uncovered by University of Manchester researchers.

University of Manchester researchers have uncovered the scale of the national digital divide (Credit: iStock/phaustov)

In an article in the newly released Policy@Manchester publication, On Infrastructure, Professor Cecilia Wong and Dr Helen Zheng note that, according to the Ofcom’s 2023 Connected Nations report, 97% of all residential premises in the UK have access to superfast broadband of at least 30 Mbit/s.

But a closer look at the numbers reveals that “England, Scotland and Wales (55% or less) are lagging behind Northern Ireland (90% and over) in a major way in terms of gaining access to full fibre broadband, and the spatial divide is also witnessed in gigabit capable broadband.”

They add: “Our data also highlights major urban/rural differentials in England, Scotland and Wales: while 82% of residential premises in Northern Ireland’s rural areas have access to full fibre/gigabit capable provision, the comparable figures for England, Wales and Scotland are at least halved.”

The authors highlight the reliance on government-funded schemes to boost broadband coverage in hard-to-reach areas, with Northern Ireland doing especially well as a consequence of the confidence and supply agreement between the Democratic Unionist Party and the Conservatives after the 2017 general election.

Whilst acknowledging that the delivery of broadband infrastructure projects often involves local authorities and the devolved administrations, Wong and Zheng underline that the UK government has primary responsibility for broadband policy and coverage targets.

They continue: “When examining the funding distribution of Building Digital UK (a UK government executive agency, responsible for bringing fast and reliable broadband and mobile coverage to hard-to-reach places across the UK) for superfast broadband development in 2020, it is clear that has been a strong spatial bias of government spending as 73% was for England but less than 10% for Wales.”

Wong and Zheng remind readers of the previous Conservative government’s policy commitment “to improve broadband connections to the very hard- to-reach premises in rural and coastal areas.” 

They write: “The target was seen as overambitious due to the lack of commitment of sufficient funding.  With a new government, a placed-based approach could award more powers to combined authority mayors, such as North Yorkshire and East Midlands, to make long-term strategies and prioritise investment. Empowering local planners, working in tandem with communities to remove red tape and designate where improved broadband infrastructure projects are prioritised, may be a key to unlocking crucial access for some rural and coastal areas.”

The authors warn that a lack of clarity on “how and where taxpayers’ money will be spent” has provided less impetus for investors in the industry. But they argue: “A place-based approach, which tangibly shows the outcomes of investment in communities, could address this gap and encourage more local investment.”

Wong and Zheng conclude: “The dramatic turnaround of broadband provisions across urban and rural areas in Northern Ireland, however, serves as an exemplar (which government, civil service working with industry and Ofcom could use as a blueprint), demonstrating that things can be done if there is a political will and the backing of funding resources.”

On Infrastructure is available to read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.

Community pharmacy delegation to meet with NIO Minister as funding crisis deepens

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan is to lead a delegation of local pharmacists to meet with Northern Ireland Office Minister Fleur Anderson after pharmacy owners in Northern Ireland, England, Wales voted to reduce services because of a lack of government funding.

The National Pharmacy Association, which ran the ballot and represents 6,500 of the UK's community pharmacies, has said that 99% of those who voted said they were willing to limit their services in the absence of additional finance.

Lord Rogan

In a statement, Lord Rogan said: “For far too long, local pharmacists across Northern Ireland have been dispensing prescriptions at a loss dealing whilst with other rising cost pressures which has placed their very existence at risk. 

“Last year, I led a delegation to meet with a Northern Ireland Office Minister in the Conservative Government to try to find a resolution - but to no avail.

“The Labour Government has now placed another major cost burden on community pharmacists by using last month’s Budget to announce significant increases in employers’ national insurance contributions and the national living wage.

“Crucially, Ministers have refused to cover these extra costs for pharmacists – despite agreeing to do so for other parts of the NHS.

“This has placed innumerable community pharmacies in Northern Ireland – especially those in rural areas - in a potentially unsustainable financial position.

“This is not a matter for Stormont, but a problem created by UK Ministers and only they have the power to fix it.

“I look forward to a constructive meeting with Fleur Anderson and hope that a positive outcome can be achieved.”   

New publication to inform decisions on UK national infrastructure

A new collection of articles featuring expert analysis, research-based evidence and policy recommendations to address the critical challenges decision-makers face on UK infrastructure policy has just been launched.

New Policy@Manchester publication makes recommendations on UK infrastructure (Credit: miki-tiger)

Published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, On Infrastructure incorporates eight contributions from leading academics covering a diverse range of issues – each with a major impact on the nation’s infrastructure.

Topics covered include broadband connectivity, public transport, housing, planning, the NHS and green infrastructure.

The publication begins with an insightful foreword by Dr Janet Young CBE, Director General and Secretary of The Institution of Civil Engineers, who argues that modern infrastructure services such as energy, transportation, communication and water networks “must serve growing populations, contribute to growing economies, and respond to the growing threats of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

She describes current UK infrastructure as “under the kind of pressure it’s never faced before.”  Dr Young writes: “To deal with competing social, economic, and environmental demands, infrastructure will need to be smarter, greener, and more resilient.  We cannot just be reactive to changing trends and new challenges. We must be proactive.”

She stresses that the development decisions governments make now “will affect generations to come,” adding: “The physical structures engineers design and deliver need to last for decades – ideally centuries. And that means their footprint, the patterns they form, and the behaviours they create will last just as long.”

Dr Young predicts that the future “will continue to see spectacular innovation in our field.”

She writes: “The research led by Policy@Manchester and the articles included in On Infrastructure are vital in driving that progress. They help provide policymakers and engineers with the knowledge and expertise they need to design and deliver resilient, sustainable, thriving communities.”

The publication includes an article on the digital infrastructure divide co-written by Professor Cecilia Wong, Director of the Spatial Policy and Analysis Lab at The University of Manchester and Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester.

She said: “It was a pleasure to contribute a piece with my colleague Dr Helen Zheng based on our own research which uncovered a spatial divide in broadband coverage, accessibility and speed across the UK and between rural and urban areas.

“On Infrastructure is the latest in a series of publications produced by Policy@Manchester on the most pressing policy challenges facing this country,

“Effective infrastructure is critical for delivering economic growth, providing essential services and addressing the national challenges ahead.

“On Infrastructure features expert articles on how we can best meet our infrastructure needs, reimagining our transport systems with new technology, the impacts of climate change on our essential supply chains, the transition towards sustainable urban development, and the action needed for better healthcare systems.

“Our research-led recommendations provide policymakers with solutions to build capability, tackle inequalities and deliver on environmental objectives to create a resilient and sustainable future.”

On Infrastructure is available to read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.

On Infrastructure, the latest research-based publication produced by Policy@Manchester

New research produces recommendations to tackle abuse of women runners

Two University of Manchester academics have formulated a six-point plan based on their own research to protect women runners from abuse.  

In a new article published by Policy@Manchester, Dr Caroline Miles and Professor Rosemary Broad reveal the findings of their analysis of data provided by Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police.

This information was supplemented by a survey they conducted of 498 women runners, with a further ten asked to keep audio diaries for one month.

“Our analysis of police data showed there were 81 offences involving the abuse of women runners recorded by Greater Manchester and Merseyside Police between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022,” they write. “The majority involved sexual offences, followed by offences causing intentional harassment, alarm and distress, and then physical assaults.”

Of the 498 women who completed the online survey, more than two thirds – 68% - said they had experienced abusive behaviour whilst out running, although only 5% had reported the abuse to the police. 

“For these women, the most common type of abuse experienced was verbal abuse (91%), although a substantial number of women also reported being followed (29%), flashed at (10%), and experiencing ‘other’ forms of abuse (20%), the most common being abuse from men in vehicles,” Miles and Broad explain.  “13 women (4%) said they had been physically assaulted, and seven women (2%) had been sexually assaulted whilst out running.”

The authors report that a variety of reasons were given by respondents for not reporting the abuse to the police, centring on three key themes: “a) the abuse of women in public being normalised; b) not perceiving incidents to be criminal offences; and c) low confidence in the police.”  

University of Manchester academics have advanced a six-point plan to protect women runners from abuse (Credit: PeopleImages)

Using the knowledge gained from their research, Miles and Broad make six recommendations to policymakers and police forces around the country.

First, they advise making it easier for women runners to report abuse, writing: “Engaging with alternative platforms through which women can disclose their experiences, such as using an app to report incidents, rather than directly contacting the police, could improve reporting.”

Second, they call on the police to do more to encourage women to report incidents of abuse “and improve their communication with victims about outcomes of investigations.”

Third, by making it easier to report abuse and increasing confidence in the police, the University of Manchester academics believe there would be an improvement in the accuracy of police data in relation to the extent, nature and distribution of incidents. They add: “Police could use this intelligence to identify patterns of abuse and detect perpetrators, as in this GMP police operation which led to a conviction of a serial perpetrator.”

Fourth, Miles and Broad call for more initiatives such as Greater Manchester’s ‘Is This Okay’ campaign “to challenge the attitudes and behaviours of boys and men that contribute to gender-based violence.”  They write: “Our research has increased knowledge of women runners’ experiences of abuse, highlighting the need for further work (via education and campaigns) that targets attitudes of men and boys, increases bystander intervention, and shifts the onus away from women to enhance their personal safety.”

Fifth, they recommend better access to access outdoor spaces for women to exercise.  The authors note: “Mapping the police reported incidents revealed that women runners experience abuse in green spaces, including parks and paths next to waterways - places that are attractive for running.”

And finally, they advocate the recognition of women runners as a distinct group.  “The research shows that women often run at quiet times of the day (around work and childcare commitments), in less populated areas, wearing fewer and particular types of clothing, carrying few items, and are more frequently alone,” they explain.  “Women runners are therefore a distinct group who frequently experience violence and abuse and need to be represented in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda.”

‘The abuse of women runners: Implications for the violence against women and girls policy agenda’ by Dr Caroline Miles and Professor Rosemary Broad is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Happy times by the Thames as Staines nursery impresses Ofsted inspector

The Thames Club Day Nursery and Pre-school in Staines is celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ in all areas following an Ofsted inspection.

Handily situated close to the town centre with excellent transport links to London, the setting is one of 106 operated by Partou in the UK following the recent merger of Just Childcare and All About Children under the Partou banner.

In her report, the Ofsted inspector observes that children at The Thames Club are “keen to enter the nursery with their parents.”

She writes: “Staff and their key children demonstrate strong bonds with each other. This enables children to feel secure with these familiar adults.”

The inspector notes that “children throughout the nursery receive encouragement to develop their communication and build on their independence and social skills.”  She adds: “Children make good progress. The provider understands what they want children to learn and provides a curriculum to engage children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

Management at the setting is warmly praised for having “a clear overview of the nursery.”  The report continues: “It has a good understanding of what is working well and explains the improvements already being embedded to support staff's practice and outcomes for children further.  Management is clear of its responsibilities to protect children, and staff with key roles for safeguarding implement these procedures appropriately.”

Together with a tour of all areas of the nursery, observations of the quality of education being provided and a review of relevant documentation, the Ofsted inspection included conversations with children, families and team members.

In her adjudication, the inspector commends team members for being “good role models” with the children receiving “clear guidance on what is expected of them.”     

Partnerships with families are described as “strong.”  The inspector writes: “Parents are happy with the information they receive from staff, during daily discussions or through the online app.”

And the “open and positive culture around safeguarding” at The Thames Club is applauded for putting “children's interests first.”

Children and team members at The Thames Club in Staines celebrating the Ofsted report which rated the setting ‘Good’ in all areas

Nicola Walker, The Thames Club Nursery Manager, said: “We are proud of our nursery and the outcome of the inspection.

“Together with a large outdoor space where the children can enjoy a sense of adventure whilst connecting with nature, The Thames Club has a wonderfully resourced indoor environment with age-dedicated playrooms to support the different stages of development.

“As a team, we enjoy being part of the children’s development as they transition through the rooms, grow in confidence and prepare to start school.

“As a childcare professional for more than a decade, it is really satisfying that the passion we have for what we do has been recognised in such a positive way by Ofsted.”     

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “As a Partou nursery, The Thames Club adopts a personalised approach for each child, taking great care to plan learning activities that reflect their natural needs and interests.

“As the Ofsted report highlights so clearly, the manner in which Nicola and her team conduct themselves is inspiring and highly impactful on the children.”

Online toolkit can be the key to government meeting 1.5 million new homes target

A free online mapping toolkit set to launch in 2025 can help the government meet its target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years by giving policymakers the tools to make evidence-based decisions on where, how and when to build.

Online toolkit can help government meet its housing target (Credit: iStock / Paul Brown)

In an article published by Policy@Manchester, Professor Richard Kingston – director of the National Environment Research Council (NERC) funded academic team behind the Digital Solutions Hub (DSH) - highlights the principal challenges facing ministers if they are to achieve their housebuilding objective.

“Identifying appropriate land for housing requires balancing multiple factors -availability, environmental protection, and infrastructure capabilities,” he writes.  “Ensuring access to reliable transport networks, utilities, and public services is critical for creating not just houses but thriving communities. Simultaneously, new housing projects must address climate concerns, minimise carbon footprints and adapt to risks like flooding or biodiversity loss.”

However, Kingston stresses that spatial data, environmental monitoring, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can offer cutting-edge solutions to these problems with the DSH set to play a transformative role.  He continues: “With access to a wealth of environmental data, and the ability to model and visualise complex spatial relationships, the Hub empowers local authorities, planners, and developers to better align housing expansion with environmental, social, and economic goals.”

The ability to gather, analyse and visualise spatial data is “at the heart of the DSH,” the Professor of Urban Planning and GISc at The University of Manchester explains, adding: “GIS tools, combined with real-time environmental monitoring, offer policymakers insights into the interaction between proposed housing developments and the natural landscape.”

He describes how DSH provides detailed information about land use patterns, soil quality, water resources, flood risks and biodiversity hotspots, allowing planners “to avoid ecologically sensitive areas and prioritise locations where environmental disruption can be minimised.”

Richard Kingston, Professor of Urban Planning and GISc at The University of Manchester

Kingston underlines that GIS-based models, supported by the DSH, “provide a clear picture of existing infrastructure and highlight gaps or pressure points that new developments would create.”  He continues: “Using spatial data, planners can map proximity to transport hubs, roads, and green spaces, identifying areas where housing could reinforce local economies and improve social mobility.”

And he informs readers that GIS technology enables planners “to assess the climate risks associated with specific sites and to explore opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and thermal power, into housing projects.”  He adds: “The DSH supports this by providing detailed environmental data and models to analyse how different developments interact with energy demand, emissions outputs, and natural carbon sinks like forests or wetlands.”

In his piece, Kingston advises policymakers to follow four criteria if the government’s 1.5 million housebuilding target is to be met. 

First, he suggests they work closely with local authorities, developers and researchers to utilise GIS tools – like the DSH – in selecting sites that balance housing needs with environmental protection.  He writes: “Areas with low biodiversity impact, minimal flood risk, and existing infrastructure connectivity should be prioritised, while ecologically sensitive regions should be avoided.”

Second, he makes the case for new developments to be integrated with existing or planned transport networks, utilities and public services.  He continues: “Using the data from the DSH, planners can better anticipate where infrastructure upgrades are needed and coordinate housing projects accordingly.”

Third, Kingston argues that policymakers should develop guidelines “that require housing developers to assess and integrate climate resilience measures into their planning,” thereby “ensuring homes are built to withstand future climate risks while contributing to carbon reduction targets.”

And fourth, he calls for effective coordination between government bodies, environmental groups, local communities and the private sector.  He adds: “The DSH is a critical platform for facilitating collaboration between these stakeholders, allowing them to share data, insights and best practice.”

‘Harnessing Digital Solutions for Sustainable Housing Expansion: A GIS-Powered Approach’ by Professor Richard Kingston is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

National Insurance rise could endanger government’s housebuilding plans

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has welcomed confirmation of additional funding for affordable homes in today’s Budget but expressed concerns at the additional costs imposed on the housing sector through the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions.

Lee Bloomfield, Manningham Housing Association chief executive

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “The Chancellor’s confirmation of £500 million of new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme is certainly a positive - increasing it to £3.1 billion - but, given the additional money will deliver only 5,000 of the 1.5 million new properties Ministers have committed to provide over the next five years, it is merely a drop in the metaphorical ocean.     

“The promised 5-year social housing rent settlement will offer a degree of much-needed financial stability for housing associations, with the possibility of a 10-year settlement after a consultation process.

“However, the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions will not only add to the costs faced by housing associations, it will also impact on all other elements of the supply chain which will be expected to deliver the many new homes so desperately required.   

“I sincerely hope that the Chancellor has not made a decision she will come to regret.”   

Tackling the teacher recruitment and retention crisis: lessons for the new government

The teacher recruitment and retention crisis in England will only be addressed by more radical and ambitious government action, two University of Manchester academics have argued in a newly released article based on their own research. 

Radical action is needed to tackle teacher recruitment and retention (Credit: iStock/PixelCatchers)

In their piece, published by Policy@Manchester, Dr Louisa Dawes and Professor Andrew Howes welcome the Labour government’s manifesto pledge to recruit an additional 6.500 teachers.    

But, underlining the scale of the challenge facing Ministers, they warn that teacher attrition rates in England are currently higher than in comparable countries, with average attrition rates at 9% and trainee numbers in 2023-24 down by a quarter since 2019.  

They also highlight the restrictive impact on teachers’ autonomy of “authorised” approaches in classrooms and professional development frameworks.

“Currently, there are threads of conformity wrapped around the education system, restricting opportunity for proactive and responsive actions by teachers and leaders in schools and academy chains,” Dawes and Howes write. “Our research has found that teachers and school leaders are obliged to adhere to generic ‘what works’ evidence-based practice from a limited range of sources, rather than engage in activities based on their own professional judgement and contextualised knowledge of their own students. As a result, children’s and young people’s experience in school is all too often limited, repetitive and uninspiring.”

Their research on the Early Career Framework (ECF) has also uncovered the negative effects of “the narrow ‘one size fits all’ curriculum alongside authorised ‘legitimate’ forms of teaching practices.”

They write: “Our findings indicate a lack of autonomy for those inducting and mentoring teachers in their early career, along with an excessive bureaucratic workload for both mentor and mentee throughout the process. The competing demands of complying with ECF requirements, alongside the complex realities of their specific classroom settings, leads to disenchantment, frustration and burn out.”

The academics caution against the “high-stakes accountability that works in a vice-like manner at all levels of the sector” which, they argue, “has become overburdened and de-professionalised by the unintended consequences of external accountability.”

But they add: “In contrast to centralised accountability systems, University of Manchester researchers have shown how place-based school-led partnerships can foster collective accountability for the learning of all children, reduce the polarisation of schools within a local area, and benefit pupils who are often marginalised at the edges of the system.”

Based on their research, Dawes and Howes offer a series policy recommendations aimed at boosting recruitment and retention rates of teachers.

These include the development and implementation of a new model of external inspection for schools.  They explain: “This model should be based on professional dialogue and not rely on the threat or promise of a high-stakes single word judgement or a scorecard, but instead offer a clear, readable narrative describing the school – how the school is placed; the local, regional and national issues the school is addressing; how the school is working; and indications of change and development.”

The authors advocate the rolling out of recruitment campaigns “centred on celebrating and building on the many strengths of the teaching profession across the country.”  They add: “The new government should both overhaul recruitment and also demonstrate their commitment to improving areas identified as of concern for teachers’ workload, self-worth and wellbeing.”

And they call for greater investment in professional development for teachers.  The academics argue: “The Department for Education should move away from setting expectations of professional development through a centralised framework or thread, and move towards an approach that identifies opportunities for teacher learning in and across schools, working with centres of research and scholarship in universities, and with institutions such as the Chartered College of Teaching.”

‘Re-professionalising teaching: addressing authorisation, accountability and attrition’ by Dr Louisa Dawe and Professor Andrew Howes is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Manningham Housing Association supports efforts to bridge digital divide with tech handover

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has donated a consignment of digital equipment to a Bradford-based community interest company which repurposes old laptops, desktops, tablets and phones before passing them on to asylum seekers and refugees to help them start their lives in their new country.

The operations team at Solidaritech wipes kit provided by businesses and individuals, repairs any problems and allocates the equipment to migrants to enable them to pursue their studies, start businesses or convert their existing qualifications to UK standards.

Since its establishment in 2017, Solidaritech has provided over 4000 devices to digitally excluded people across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Ben McKenna, Solidaritech founder and chief executive, visited MHA’s head office on Manor Row to thank staff and receive a batch of laptops, power leads and smart phones which will now be reconditioned for future use.    

Solidaritech chief executive Ben McKenna (right) receiving a donation of digital equipment from MHA staff

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive, said: “Solidaritech makes a positive difference to the lives of digitally excluded people who want to do the best for themselves and their families.

“Their objectives are firmly in line with the work of Manningham Housing Association.   

 “We are proud to support Ben and his team in enabling those in need to get online and access the services that they may otherwise miss out on.

 “I would encourage other organisations or individuals with digital equipment they no longer need to get in touch with Solidaritech and help them continue their superb initiative.”

 Ben McKenna said: “Solidaritech are hugely grateful for Manningham Housing Association's donation.

“These laptops will benefit our clients, helping digitally excluded people access services, gain qualifications and start businesses.

“MHA's work to support all of Bradford's diverse communities aligns perfectly with Solidaritech's mission to ensure everyone is included digitally so they can play a full role in our society.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about what Solidaritech does or make a donation can visit its website at solidaritech.com or telephone 01274 288910 during normal office hours.  

Concerns raised over the dire state of child poverty in England

It is estimated that at least 900,000 children living in poverty in England are missing out on free school meals (FSMs) but, in a newly released article, three University of Manchester academics argue that this figure does accurately reflect the true depth of child poverty across the country.

The true depth of child poverty is worse than free school meals data suggests (Credit: iStock-123905097)

In their piece, published by Policy@Manchester, Dr Carl Emery, Dr Louisa Dawes and Sandra Clare highlight Department for Work and Pensions data which shows that 29% of children in the UK are growing up in poverty, with the number rising to almost half of all families with more than three children.

They write: “These statistics paint a dire picture, yet there is no single data source that fully captures child poverty in the United Kingdom. In English schools, FSMs tend to be a proxy for measuring child poverty. FSMs can be applied for by families in receipt of certain means-tested benefits and the number of pupils eligible for FSMs has steadily increased over the last decade to 23.8% of pupils.”

Emery, Dawes and Clare acknowledge that the FSM offer has been extended over the past four years, with the new Labour government also confirming its intention to introduce free breakfast clubs in every primary school.  

They continue: “However our research shows that as one under-served group becomes recognised, so another is revealed.”

They point out that the latest available statistics on school exclusions disclose that, of the 263,904 pupils suspended from school, 55% were FSM eligible.  

The academics write: “The statistics also show that permanent exclusions are over four times higher for FSM eligible pupils than for non-FSM eligible pupils. It is not clear whether those with an FSM entitlement facing temporary or permanent exclusion from school are receiving it.”

Further, many other children are absent for reasons other than exclusions including because local educational provision does not match their needs, or they are being home educated.  

Emery, Dawes and Clare explain: “Government guidance says that children who are ‘temporarily not attending school’ should receive a weekly food parcel, packed meals or supermarket vouchers to the value of an FSM. However, with school and local authority budgets becoming increasingly strained, it is not clear that this guidance is being implemented in practice.”

The authors put forward a series of policy recommendations to address the problems their research has identified, including a call for the government to introduce universal FSMs for all children in education aged three to 18.

They write: “The documented cost for this would be £2 billion, and accountancy firm PwC identified that free school meals could generate £41.3 billion for the economy, increasing lifetime earnings and saving costs for the NHS.”

Emery, Dawes and Clare address concerns from organisations such as Impetus about the universal approach already in place in London that, as FSM is the entry point to pupil premium funding, pupils from disadvantaged families could be left behind and schools short-changed.

They argue: “This critique illuminates a structural policy problem that, by using FSM as the gatekeeper to pupil premium funding, millions of children are already missing out and going hungry too. We would therefore also recommend that pupil premium funding be separated from FSM.”

And, in a final piece of advice to policymakers, they add: “For children not currently in school, we recommend local authorities administer payments to those taking charge of their education, including their parents, to ensure they are well fed.”

‘Breaking down barriers with free school meals’ by Dr Carl Emery, Dr Louisa Dawes and Sandra Clare is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Harrogate nursery Partou Little Dragons in line for more national awards

Partou Little Dragons Nursery and Pre-school in Harrogate is celebrating after being shortlisted in two categories for the National NMT Nursery Awards 2024.

The setting at East Parade is one of the finalists vying for the Nursery Training and Development prize, with Nursery Manager Bambi Wainwright in the running for the SENCo Award.

Earlier this year, Partou Little Dragons made headlines by winning the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Award for Nursery Training and Development with Bambi leading team members on stage to collect the trophy at a ceremony in Coventry.

They will now travel to ExCeL in London on Saturday November 30 for the National NMT Nursery Awards presentation evening.

The settings chosen by the judges to compete for the Nursery Training and Development accolade were singled out for their “exceptional commitment to training and developing staff.” 

Meanwhile, the SENCo Award will be presented to “an outstanding Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who has shown an exceptional commitment to the sensitive assessment of children with possible SEN and the skilled planning, delivery and monitoring of SEN care.”

On the same day the finalists were announced, Partou Little Dragons was accredited with the Dingley's Promise Mark of Achievement which recognises early years settings that demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice for children with SEND.

Bambi Wainwright, Nursery Manager at Partou Little Dragons in Harrogate, receives the Nursery Training and Development trophy with team members at the National Day Nurseries Association Awards 2024 (Credit: NDNA)  

Bambi Wainwright said: “The ethos at Partou Little Dragons revolves around fostering a nurturing and supportive environment where every team member feels valued and respected.

“Our comprehensive training programmes have yielded significant benefits, with team members feeling empowered, motivated and valued. 

“This is reflected in the low turnover rate and the positive, supportive work environment we have cultivated.

“I am thrilled that Partou Little Dragons has received national recognition once again for our resolute commitment to training and development.

“On a personal level, I am humbled to be shortlisted for the SENCo Award for which so much credit must go to my incredible team.”

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Since assuming the role of SENCo/Nursery Manager in 2019, Bambi has profoundly impacted Partou Little Dragons, enriching the lives of children, families and team members.

“Her dedication to children with SEN and deep-seated passion for inclusion is driven by personal experiences within her own family and education, as well as her journey in understanding her own neurodivergence.

“She has also been the driving force behind the training and development regime which has already won a national award this year.  

“Bambi and her team should feel immense pride in what they have achieved.”     

Partou Little Dragons is one of five settings operated by Partou in Harrogate after the reopening of Partou Safehands Day Nursery and Pre-school on Kent Road following refurbishment. 

Housing Champion Carolina tops the charts

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, Manningham Housing Association’s high-flying Corporate Project Manager, has been named as one of Housing Today’s Top 30 Housing Champions.

Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined the BME organisation – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley - as an Administrative Assistant in 2019, before rising through the ranks to her current position.

Her remarkable ability to use technology - particularly AI - to deliver better services and improved customer satisfaction at Manningham Housing Association, coupled with her willingness to share her experiences and successes with the wider housing sector, earned her the title of Inspirational Colleague of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024 in June.

Carolina’s continued commitment to her work has resulted in her latest accolade as part of leading online publication Housing Today’s Every Person Counts campaign, which aims to provide a space for housing professionals to engage in debates and share solutions about skills, employment, regulatory compliance, equality diversity and inclusivity, and workplace culture.

The Top 30 Housing Champions, chosen from housing providers across the country, recognise “the individuals who are passionate about creating thriving housing communities.”

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, Corporate Project Manager at Manningham Housing Association

Commenting on her inclusion, Carolina said: "I am so proud of what we do at Manningham Housing Association, knowing that it genuinely changes lives.  

“For me, housing is not just about providing roofs over heads.  It is about creating safe, thriving communities where people can grow and feel secure. That is what makes it so rewarding.

“Success also depends on teamwork and that is what Manningham Housing Association excels at.  

“It is an honour to be included in the Top 30 Housing Champions, but it is an achievement I share with my colleagues.”  

Lee Bloomfield, Manningham Housing Association Chief Executive, said: “Carolina is a results driven professional with a proven track record in project management, communications and marketing.

“Qualified in digital UX and AI as well as marketing and communications, she is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to drive digital transformation and operational efficiency.

“All of these attributes, together with her boundless energy and commitment to continuous learning, make her a standout housing professional.”   

Rupert Pometsey, Manningham Housing Association Chair, said: “Carolina is a role model inside and outside the organisation and a first-class ambassador for Bradford district.

“We are thrilled at the national recognition she is receiving for her inspirational and innovative work.”

Partou Hilltops to spread the joy of reading with free Chorley Library story time sessions

Partou Hilltops Day Nursery and Pre-School in Chorley is launching a story time club in the town’s library for young children aged 0-4 and their families.  

Hosted by Nursery Manager Jo Hindle, the free half-hour sessions will be held fortnightly at 10am from Monday 14 October until Monday 21 July 2025.

Jo said: “We’re proud to be reaching out to spread the joy of reading through these interactive sessions.

“At Partou Hilltops, we help children discover inspiring books as part of every activity they are engaged in.

“For example, in the construction area, they might find books on building. In the role play area, they are likely to find books on cooking or home life

“The team is incredibly excited to be sharing the Partou Hilltops ethos with the wider community in such an iconic Chorley setting.”

Partou Hilltops Day Nursery and Pre-School is hosting fortnightly story time sessions in Chorley Library

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Books are an essential element of all Partou nursery environments and are present in almost every aspect of a child’s day. 

“Whilst screens are a reality of modern lives, it is through books that children truly develop their imaginations.

“It is wonderful that the Partou Hilltops team is undertaking this initiative which I hope will stimulate a really positive response from the local community.”   

Set in a converted Georgian mansion on Heapey Road, Partou Hilltops Nursery and Pre-School provides exceptional childcare and education to families in Chorley.

With spacious indoor playrooms and a stunning outdoor area surrounded by open fields, the setting is known for its friendly ‘home from home’ atmosphere which celebrates the personalities and interests of every child.

For more information about the story time sessions or Partou Hilltops, Tel: 01257 267023 or email: Hilltops@partou.co.uk 

Drive to make UK a ‘clean energy’ superpower poses policy and political challenges for Ministers

The new UK government has made a “vigorous” start on climate action but its approach has created policy gaps and potential political problems, according to a University of Manchester environmental politics expert.      

‘Clean energy superpower – and climate action kryptonite’ is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website (Picture credit: Istock/glegorly)

In a new article published by Policy@Manchester, Professor Matthew Paterson references a series of legislative initiatives already in progress including to create Great British Energy, reform the Crown Estate and promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel.

He continues: “Beyond legislation, the approval of new solar plants, rescinding the ban on onshore wind, expanding financing for renewable energy and announcing relaxation of planning rules for future renewable energy projects, all signify a more rapid start than most commentators anticipated.”

Professor Paterson explains that framing these measures as making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ entails two interconnected ways of focusing climate policy action.

“Firstly is the focus on energy security – an argument that enhanced climate action can also address the risks to the UK energy system made acute by Russia invading Ukraine,” he writes. “The rationale for aggressively pursuing renewable energy has been to show that it can detach UK energy prices from world natural gas prices and thus from the risks of global crises.”

He goes on: “Secondly, it is framed in terms of industrial innovation and investment. The creation of Great British Energy, but also reforms to the Crown Estate and the creation of the national wealth fund, all are driven by a concern about under-investment not only in (renewable) energy, but the economy more generally.”

The University of Manchester academic argues that this approach signifies the new government’s decision to integrate climate policy deeply into its overall political and economic strategy.

But, in his piece, he warns of several future challenges Ministers must face, including on the climate aspects of transport and the energy demand side within buildings, especially housing.

Professor Matthew Paterson

“The Warm Homes Plan was an integral element of the overall strategy in the manifesto,” Professor Paterson remind readers. “This would involve noticeable investments (the manifesto mentioned £6.6bn over the life of the Parliament) in retrofitting housing to achieve energy demand reductions. Delivering climate policy benefits whilst addressing energy poverty and housing-related health inequalities. But this has been little mentioned since the election.”

He also highlights the vital role Great British Energy is set to play in generating investment in ‘clean energy,’ stimulating industrial innovation and creating jobs.  

“Presently the UK imports the vast majority of renewable energy capacity – solar panels, wind turbines, EV batteries, and all the components involved in making those back to mining the key minerals involved,” he writes.  

“‘Onshoring’ much more of this production could deliver huge economic benefits in terms of jobs and investment. But when the government talks about the details of what GBE will do, it focuses almost exclusively on the installation of renewable energy capacity – the wind turbines generating ‘clean’ electricity for the UK. This is crucial to keep emissions going down but limits economic benefits the UK could get from such a strategy that will make it sustainable in the face of political challenges.”

Concluding his article, Professor Paterson warns Ministers of the need to devise a strategy to counter the ongoing backlash against climate policy in the UK.

“While in recent years this has been focused on EVs, heat pumps and fracking, the looming tension is over expansion of electricity infrastructure,” he writes.

“The Conservative government had in fact already announced major investments in such infrastructure in early 2024. This is integral to the electrification of home heating, transport, and industry: electricity capacity is estimated to need to be triple current capacity to achieve this. Focusing more on reducing demand mitigates this problem by reducing overall energy consumption – but only to an extent. We have already seen an emerging backlash against this that the government will have to manage and respond to.”

‘Clean energy superpower – and climate action kryptonite’ by Professor Matthew Paterson is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Partnership event empowers West Yorkshire BME women to enter digital world

Leeds Media Centre has hosted a unique in-person event for underrepresented ethnic minority women in West Yorkshire keen to improve their digital skills.

Six influential female panellists share their personal digital journeys (from left to right): Olubunmi Fajuyigbe, Skill Her Up CIC; Jordan Dargue, Lifted Ventures; Paula Grizzard, She Business; Dally Kaur, Ideas That Work; Arifa Chakera, Crystal Change Consultancy; and Rebecca Padgett, Leeds University Business School

Delivered as part of Leeds Digital Festival 2024 by West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech in partnership with Unity Enterprise, the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA), AD:VENTURE, Digital Enterprise, Transition Partners, The Coders Guild and Trust Leeds, the half-day gathering – titled ‘EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ - featured a series of presentations, panel debates, and question and sessions highlighting the support available in the region’s vibrant digital sector.   

Following an introduction from AD:VENTURE Marketing and Events Manager Daneile Moore, six influential female panellists - Olubunmi Fajuyigbe, Jordan Dargue, Paula Grizzard, Dally Kaur, Arifa Chakera and Rebecca Padgett - shared their personal digital journeys with the more than 30 attendees before opening the discussion to the floor.     

AD:VENTURE Marketing and Events Manager Daneile Moore welcomes attendees to ‘EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ at Leeds Media Centre

This was followed by a presentation on confidence building and transferrable skills by Faith Dada and Crispin Reed from The Coders Guild, and an outline of the work of Trust Leeds from its Chief Executive Liza Kellett.

The event concluded with words of thanks to all involved from YABA Director Satvir Meen, in advance of a networking lunch - giving everyone the chance to chat and connect.

Leeds Media Centre is one of three business centres operated by Unity Enterprise, the not for profit subsidiary company of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Our doors will always be open to initiatives designed to encourage women to fulfil their business potential, particularly those from a BME background who might not otherwise have that opportunity.

“Earlier this year, we were privileged to host the inaugural West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech roundtable at Leeds Media Centre.

“’EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ was an ideal forum for ethnic minority women in West Yorkshire wishing to progress in digital to connect with others and access the support needed to take that vital next step.”  

Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise Chair, said: “I am proud of the role we play in partnership with so many other organisations regionally and nationally to provide pathways into entrepreneurship.

Trust Leeds Chief Executive Liza Kellett addresses the ‘EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ half-day event at Leeds Media Centre

“As founder of YABA, I am doubly delighted at the synergies we have been able to create by bringing a diverse mix of people together in the name of enterprise.

“With West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech in the lead, the focus of EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ was firmly on assisting BME women across the region into digital.

“Follow-up events are already being planned as we work to create pathways to flourish in this hugely important sector of the regional economy.” 

Daneile Moore said: “It was a wonderfully inspiring event with lots of interaction throughout the day.

“Ethnic minority women in Yorkshire, as elsewhere in the UK, face a complex intersection of challenges when it comes to accessing and participating in the tech and digital world.

“Working with our partners, we are determined to help them overcome these hurdles with the right business support services and professional advice.

“’EmpowerHer: Digital Confidence’ was a real triumph, evidenced by so much positive feedback, connections made, knowledge grown, and discussions had with women who felt confident in sharing their personal barriers in a safe environment.”

Unity reflects on year of progress and challenges at Annual General Meeting

Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has marked another year of achievement with powerful speeches from the Chair and Chief Executive at its Annual General Meeting.

Abdul Hamid

Addressing partners, stakeholders and customers at The Sheepscar close to the association’s head office in Chapeltown, Unity Chair Abdul Hamid described the past year as “one of considerable progress and challenges.”

He said: “The challenges included a cost-of-living crisis, in which we faced rising costs for materials for repairs, components for planned maintenance and labour employed by contractors and agents.

“The greatest impact, however, fell on our tenants, with several of them grappling with the increased cost of feeding their families, sustaining their homes and maintaining their wellbeing.”

Despite this, he said, significant progress had been made in meeting the goals set out in Unity’s corporate plan with highlights including the introduction of a new system for recording, monitoring, and reporting building compliance; the launch of new outreach services in the community to make the association’s business advice and support services more accessible to local people; and the rolling out of a skilled matrix framework “to give us a solid framework to train and develop for the future, because our staff are still our most important resource.”

Looking to the future, Mr Hamid said that Unity had “ambitious plans to further enhance our services and expand our reach” with priorities including a revamp of its website to enable customers to access real time information and self-service options; a new strategy to boost tenant satisfaction on the association’s high priority estates; and enhanced goals to raise improve the home repairs service.   

“We will continue to listen to our residents, understand their needs and involve them in decision-making processes,” he said.  “Together, we have built a solid foundation, and I am confident that we will continue to thrive and make a difference in our communities.”

Cedric Boston

In his remarks, Unity Chief Executive Cedric Boston described the organisation as “more than a housing association.” He said: “One of the key things for people, after getting a decent home, is getting a job.  There are people in this community who aspire to set up their own business.”

He revealed that, as a result of Unity’s efforts in the last financial year, 178 people had been supported into employment, 274 received training and a further 22 were helped into volunteering positions.

Mr Boston said: “Our enterprise subsidiary continues to enable local businesses to access rental space and, at the end of March, we had 153 business tenants providing employment for over 800 people in and around the Chapeltown area.  We continue to develop our offering of business courses to help others set up new businesses and grow existing ones.”       

He added: “We will go to where the need is because our ambition is to help people to improve their life chances and, in particular, to enable people with talent in this community to have an outlet to showcase that talent to the world.”    

The meeting also featured contributions from Matthew Williamson of West Yorkshire Police and former Leeds Lord Mayor Alison Garthwaite who, earlier this year, officially opened the new business hub at Leeds Media Centre, one of three business centres operated by Unity.

Alison Garthwaite

In a wide ranging and deeply personal speech, Ms Garthwaite talked about her role in fighting prejudice and inequalities over many decades in Leeds, particularly in confronting the economic and social challenges faced by women, BME people and the LGBT community.    

She added: “I must thank everybody who has been involved in helping the community of Chapeltown over the years and particularly in delivering the new, wonderful Leeds Media Centre that is so great.

“What Unity has done for housing in Chapeltown and elsewhere in Leeds is absolutely brilliant.  Without our housing associations providing social housing, I just do not know what so many people would be able to do.”

After the speeches, guests were treated to an inspirational musical performance by Reggie’s Reggae Choir, also from Chapeltown, followed by a buffet dinner.

Reggie’s Reggae Choir

Sport, arts and culture boosts young people's wellbeing – new research

The wellbeing of young people in the UK has significantly decreased in the last two decades with a major international study ranking the UK’s young people fourth from bottom out of 74 countries in terms of life satisfaction.

However, ongoing research into creative health from The University of Manchester has found increasingly positive links between young people’s wellbeing and participation in arts, culture, entertainment and sport.  

In a new article, Stephanie Ray, Samuel Hugh-Jones and Professor Neil Humphrey reveal that findings from their recent study as part of the #BeeWell project demonstrate that “those who engaged with wide-ranging or selective activities had improved wellbeing one year later compared to those with generally low engagement.”

But they warn: “Our research shows inequalities in how frequently young people participated in arts, culture, entertainment and sports activities” with, for example, LGBTQ+ young people and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds participating less in sports, other physical activities or playing computer games.

The academics highlight a growing body of evidence which demonstrates the efficacy and economic value of Supporting Participation in Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Sports (SPACES) in addressing the crisis in young people’s wellbeing.

This includes the 2023 Creative Health Review by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing which concluded that: “The long-term value of investing in creative health must be recognised and appropriate resources should be allocated by HM Treasury.” 

‘Creating SPACES for young people’s wellbeing’ can be read on the Policy@Manchester website  (Credit: iStock-1347699624-2

In their piece, published by Policy@Manchester, Ray, Hugh-Jones and Humphrey remind readers that the new Labour’s government’s general election-winning manifesto pledged action to address the “mental health epidemic that is paralysing lives, particularly those of children and young people.”

The University of Manchester experts write: “A national creative health strategy could work to address this epidemic. Such a strategy must take into consideration the barriers to young people’s participation in creative activities.  Central to both local and national strategies must be a commitment to listen to young people’s voices as this work takes shape.”

They continue: “To address inequalities in participation, increased provision is needed in and out of school, with a focus on making a diverse range of activities and programmes that are accessible and appealing to all.”

Several examples of existing local activities which could shape a national strategy are suggested including the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate which provides “an ambitious pathway for young people from the age of 14 to undertake high quality technical qualifications that combine core academic skills with performing arts and design, offering a direct route to creative, culture and sport employment sectors.”

Ray, Hugh-Jones and Humphrey advocate the implementation of a national Creative Health Strategy “coordinated by the Cabinet Office and strongly involving the Department for Education, the Department for Health and Social Care, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.”

They write: “Our research can inform such a strategy, which can only be truly realised through a unified effort involving researchers, educators, policymakers, practitioners and young people.  It is only by collaborating across these diverse sectors that we can ensure SPACES becomes a firmly established catalyst for wellbeing benefits that resonate across generations.”

‘Creating SPACES for young people’s wellbeing’ by Professor Neil Humphrey, Stephanie Ray and Samuel Hugh-Jones is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

A #BeeWell webinar organised by The University of Manchester is being held on Tuesday 8 October from 5-6.30pm. At the event, researchers, artists, allied professionals and young people will discuss how participation in arts, culture, entertainment and sports can improve young people’s wellbeing.  Anyone wishing to attend can register here.   

It’s back to the future at Coleraine Grammar Rugby Association dinner

It was an evening of fun, nostalgia and rugby chat when Coleraine Grammar Rugby Association hosted a dinner at The Golf Links Hotel in Portrush.

Andrew Trimble (centre) and Kieran Campbell (right) take part in a question and answer at the Coleraine Grammar Rugby Association dinner in Portrush

Compered by local actor, comedian and ex—Coleraine Inst player Alan McKee, the event featured lively and entertaining contributions from Ulster and Ireland great Andrew Trimble alongside Kieran Campbell, Coleraine Grammar’s first full-time Director of Rugby.

Earlier in the day, several attendees - made up predominantly of former Coleraine Inst players and supporters of the rugby revolution in full swing at the ‘School on the Hill’ - watched Coleraine Grammar 1st XV defeat Regent House in a morning kick-off before visiting the school museum.

Richard Beggs, Coleraine Grammar Head of Sport who organised the dinner, said: “It was fantastic to catch with old friends, players and teammates who were united in their desire to see the rugby glory days return to the Castlerock Road.

“Most importantly, it was about friendship, camaraderie and enjoyment in the best traditions of the sport.

“We hope it will be the first of many such gatherings in the future.”