Policy unit to host packed fringe programme at Conservative Party conference

Policy experts from The University of Manchester will be prominent across the city over the next few days as the Conservative Party conference gets underway.

The University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, will host a series of eight fringe events next Monday and Tuesday (2 and 3 October) with six taking place outside the secure zone where a conference pass is not required and entry is free.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Arguably, the most highly anticipated gathering will be at 10am on Tuesday when the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, joins University of Manchester Lecturer and Presidential Fellow Dr Eric Lybeck, former Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield, Conservative MP for Cheadle Mary Robinson, and Chief Executive of Local Trust Matt Leach, to discuss levelling up education.   

Other topics tackled by politicians, academics and subject specialists at Policy@Manchester events on Tuesday include the role transport can play in delivering economic growth, and how the government can help build strong local institutions to deliver levelling up.

Monday’s programme features a discussion at 11.15am on initiatives to support young people in neighbourhoods with low levels of wellbeing. Chaired by Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive Mark Rowland, the impressive panel of speakers comprises University of Manchester Professor of Psychology of Education Neil Humphrey, Barnardo's Director of Health Rukshana Kapasi, and NHS Confederation Director of Policy Dr Layla McCay.

The day’s schedule also includes debates on accelerating growth through innovation, tackling UK economic inactivity and addressing ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare.

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, The University of Manchester 

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, said: “We are excited to be hosting the first round of fringe events at the Conservative Party conference in our home city, with an equally busy programme to follow at Labour Party conference in Liverpool the following week.

“These gatherings provide the opportunity to really dig down into some of the most critical and topical policy challenges facing decision-makers.

“They also enable The University of Manchester to showcase the world class research our academic experts are leading which informs national and international debates across a whole swathe of different fields.

“With the General Election expected to take place in 2024, these high-profile discussions can make a truly meaningful impact on policy development as the political parties step up their work in formulating their manifestos.”

The full list of Policy@Manchester fringe events at the Conservative and Labour Party conferences is available on the Policy@Manchester website.

Regional disparities can be tackled by more devolution and local decision-making

Policy experts have joined University of Manchester (UoM) academics and guests at Manchester Art Gallery for the launch of a new publication crammed with evidence-based solutions to tackle regional inequalities and boost the levelling up agenda.

Power in Place – published by the University's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester – brings together research and recommendations across nine public policy areas including strengthening participation in devolved policymaking, closing the attainment gap in schools for children living in poverty and addressing health inequalities in so-called ‘left behind neighbourhoods.’

Speaking at a special panel discussion chaired by Tom Pope, Deputy Chief Economist at the Institute for Government, Professor Francesca Gains, Professor of Public Policy at UoM, said she believed that in the wake of austerity, Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, major regional disparities had been revealed with significant consequences for economic growth.   

She continued: “But most of all, inequalities severely constrain the life chances and outcomes for people.  Underlying those regional geographic communities are inequalities that turbo-charge that uneven geography.”

Professor Gains, who co-authored an article in Power in Place on strengthening participation in devolved policymaking with her UoM colleague Professor Liz Richardson, said:

“The inequalities of outcomes that we face require radically better national policies, but regional devolution does offer a marvellous opportunity to support regional growth, innovation and joining up health and social care.”

She continued: “The realisation of real improvement to create sustainable and thriving communities will come through the levers of local place-based leaders working with their communities.  The real key for the next government will be to join up national policy levers with these communities.”      

Joining Professor Gains on the panel were Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority Lead for Equalities and Communities, Edna Robinson, Chair of the People’s Powerhouse, and Dr Luke Munford, Senior Lecturer in Health Economics at UoM.

Professor Francesca Gains, Professor of Public Policy at UoM (right), addressing a packed gathering at the launch of Power in Place in Manchester Art Gallery   

Dr Munford, who contributed a piece to Power in Place on addressing health inequalities in left behind neighbourhoods, told the gathering there was ample evidence that investment in social infrastructure in deprived areas – including support for recreational activities such as dancing classes – can lead to community empowerment and improvements in people’s health.

He said: “But it needs to be funded in a long-term and systematic way.  We need to think beyond the short-term two, three years.  We need to think 10, 15, 20 years.  Because if you in invest in social capital and social infrastructure today, you’re not going to change health tomorrow, you need to stick with this in the long-term. It needs to be community-led, a national one-size fits all policy doesn’t work.”

Dr Munford said UoM research showed that devolution in Greater Manchester, particularly in relation to health and social care, had enabled the region to “buck the trend in the stagnation of life expectancy compared to similar parts of the country that didn’t have devolution.”  He added: “That localised strategy can work, but I think we need to go a bit further with devolution than we’ve gone in the past to get even bigger rewards.”

Dr Munford told the meeting that access to local funding should be “community-led and community-driven so people aren’t just left on their own to get pots of money from nowhere.”  

He argued: “There needs to be some national coordination of the pot of money that is spread – but we need to target areas with high needs first.”                 

Power in Place is now available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Mission accomplished as refurnished Leeds Media Centre opens its doors

The leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, and the chair of Unity Enterprise, Sharon Jandu OBE, have jointly unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening of a fully refurbished Leeds Media Centre as a prime location for aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business dreams.  

Cllr James Lewis (centre left), Sharon Jandu OBE (third from left) and Cedric Boston (centre right) with key partners at the opening of the newly refurbished Leeds Media Centre   

Internal and external works on the building in Chapeltown got underway last autumn to install a new roof and windows, and remodel two floors to create 12 new business units together with a specially designed business hub equipped with hi-tech virtual facilities.

The £1.8 million scheme, delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council, was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.  

Leeds Media Centre is owned by the Council and managed by Unity Enterprise on a long-term lease. 

Leeds Media Centre which has just reopened after an extensive refurbishment programme

Addressing a large gathering of guests at the unveiling ceremony, Cllr Lewis said he was delighted to see the project delivered on time and on budget.

He said: “This is something we are really proud to be part of, to see a building we own as a Council being renovated into a new phase of its life as part of our work in developing an inclusive and stronger economy in Leeds.   I firmly believe that only happens when everyone in the city can fully engage. 

“We are clear that entrepreneurialism and innovation are not just things that involve a small number of people with high qualifications.

“It’s actually about letting people in the city use their graft and talents to grow businesses and make a good living for themselves.

“I really look forward to hearing about the success and growth of the project in the years ahead.”     

Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity enterprise chair, said: “I’ve seen how tirelessly my Unity colleagues have worked to pull this together. The Council has really understood the purpose and values of exactly what Unity Enterprise is all about. 

“I lived in Chapeltown for eight years and a lot of my family is still here.  This centre is exactly what we need - really creating those business opportunities and helping local communities.

“I am so pleased that Leeds City Council has had that vision. Rather than putting something like this somewhere else, putting it into the heart of Chapeltown so that communities can engage is so important.

“They feel that it belongs to them – those values, that purpose, building that trust with local communities on their doorstep. That is really powerful.”

Inside the refurbished Leeds Media Centre

Welcoming guests to the centre, Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, thanked the Council and Unity staff for completing “one of the most difficult and complicated projects” he had been involved with, adding, “they have done a fantastic job.”

He said: “At Unity, we believe that ingenuity is everywhere. 

“What we’re trying to do with this project is to give people in the surrounding community an opportunity to realise their ambition to start their own business.

“So many people in communities spend their whole lives without being able to showcase their talent and what they can offer.  This project, in a small way, is trying to offer some people an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.     

“We have got a great group of people behind it and some really fantastic partners.  Hopefully we will be here meeting the needs of generations for quite some time to come.”

Policy@Manchester launches party conference fringe programme as General Election approaches

The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit has unveiled a packed series of fringe events at next month’s Conservative and Labour Party conferences.

For several years, Policy@Manchester has brought together panels of politicians and subject specialists to discuss a broad range of pressing policy issues at the showpiece political gatherings.

Andy Burnham

This year’s programme will kick-off with eight events at the Conservative conference in Manchester on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 October, including an appearance from Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

Monday morning includes a discussion on what initiatives should be introduced to support young people in neighbourhoods with low levels of wellbeing. Chaired by Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive Mark Rowland, the line-up will feature Professor Neil Humphrey, Professor of Psychology of Education at The University of Manchester, Rukshana Kapasi, Barnardo's Director of Health, and Dr Layla McCay, NHS Confederation Director of Policy.

Amongst other issues due to be tackled by different panels on day one are growing the economy through innovation, fixing the UK’s economic inactivity problem and addressing ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare.

Day two will begin with Mayor Burnham and former Children's Commissioner Anne Longfield taking to the platform to debate how to level up education, alongside Matt Leach, Chief Executive of Local Trust, Dr Eric Lybeck, Lecturer and Presidential Fellow at The University of Manchester, and Mary Robinson, the Conservative MP for Cheadle and a member of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee.

This will be followed by two further gatherings of politicians and policy experts to discuss the role that transport might play in delivering economic growth, and how government can help to build strong local institutions to boost levelling up.  

Professor Cecilia Wong, academic co-director of Policy@Manchester, said: “We are excited to be hosting the first round of fringe events at the Conservative Party conference in our home city, with an equally busy programme to follow at Labour Party conference in Liverpool the following week.

Professor Cecilia Wong

“These gatherings provide the opportunity to really dig down into some of the most critical and topical policy challenges facing decision-makers.

“They also enable The University of Manchester to showcase some the world class research our academic experts are leading which informs national and international debates across a whole swathe of different fields.

“With the General Election expected to take place in 2024, these high-profile discussions can make a truly meaningful impact on policy development as the political parties step up their work in formulating their manifestos.”

Six of the eight Policy@Manchester events at Conservative Party conference will take place outside the secure zone so a conference pass is not required to gain entry.

Details of the full programme of Policy@Manchester fringe meetings at the Conservative and Labour Party conferences are available on the Policy@Manchester website.

Leeds mum set to scale England’s highest peak in war against non-smoking lung cancer

More than 50 people from across the UK aged from 11 to 78 - including eight with stage 4 EGFR positive lung cancer - will join Leeds mum Natasha Loveridge on Saturday (23 September) to trek up Scafell Pike to boost awareness of non-smoking lung cancer and raise funds to support patients affected by it.

Natasha, a primary school teacher from Guiseley, was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2022 and, shortly afterwards, was told that it was incurable.

She has since devoted her time to increasing knowledge of the EGFR positive mutation - most often found in non-smoking young women such as Natasha - and to raise money for charities devoted to combatting the disease.

All funds received from Saturday’s walk to the top of England’s highest peak will go to EGFR Positive UK, of which Natasha recently became a trustee, and the Roy Castle Foundation 

Alongside her family and friends, she will be joined in taking on the challenge by supporters travelling from places as far apart as Scotland and Devon, with numbers growing all the time.  

Several participants will also lay decorated pebbles along the route to remember loved ones lost to EGFR positive lung cancer.  

Natasha Loveridge (second from right) with family and friends who will be joining her on the trek up Scafell Pike, supported by team mascot Olive the Dog   

Natasha said: “I am amazed by the backing we have received, with more than £4,000 already raised for the two charities. 

“I hope people will continue to help by visiting my JustGiving page and making a donation if they can.

“However, raising awareness of non-smoking lung cancer and encouraging people to see their doctor if they feel they may have early symptoms – I had a squeakiness in my chest and a strange cough - is the other critically important reason we are doing this.  

“I am proud that eight of us with stage 4 EGFR positive lung cancer will be there on Saturday, determined to do our very best to get to the top.”   

As well as supporting Natasha by logging on to JustGiving and entering Natasha Loveridge, you can follow her story on Instagram at tasha.vs.thebigc  

Tackling poor air quality in town and cities: the value of ‘citizen sensors’

The use of data from ‘citizen sensors’ - people providing regular feedback on their daily experiences – could help to define and deliver more effective clean air strategies in towns and cities, a University of Manchester expert has argued.

A recent study conducted at the University using a citizen science mobile phone app called Britain Breathing and involving over 700 UK residents found that more individuals living in towns and cities reported significantly worse hay fever symptoms than those living in the countryside.

The research was based on 36,145 symptom reports submitted in the five-year period from 2016 to 2020.

In an article published by published by the University's policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professor Caroline Jay makes the case that the ‘citizen sensors’ approach, which can be as simple as asking people to respond to a regular prompt on their phone, could be utilised by policymakers to put everyday experiences at the heart of decisions on air quality schemes.  

“This includes identifying the locations where the measures may deliver a significant impact,” she writes.  “This could also help to build support for these schemes and initiatives where there may not have been a consensus amongst the communities impacted, such as the expansion of ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) in London and the reviewing of CAZ (Clean Air Zone) in Greater Manchester, by offering a more holistic evidence-based account of why a measure should be used.”

People rated the extent to which their eyes, nose and breathing were affected as either 0 (not at all), 1 (mildly) or 2 (seriously). Analysis found that the three symptoms captured by the app were roughly twice as severe in urban areas as in rural ones. Symptoms also endured for significantly longer periods of time for people in towns and cities.

Professor Caroline Jay, The University of Manchester    

Professor Jay writes: “Whilst previous research had looked at hospital admission and prescription data, this was the first study to capture people’s real experience of hay fever symptoms as they lived their daily lives, which is important, as most people do not go to the doctor about this.”

She continues: “The study provides evidence that urban surroundings may exacerbate hay fever and asthma symptoms.  It is also interesting from a public health perspective because it provides a broader picture of chronic health issues experienced by people in their daily lives.”

The University of Manchester academic adds: “Most research looking at the impacts of the environment on health only considers clinical data, which documents people having acute and/or serious reactions.  From this study, we can see that pollution may be affecting the health of many people who are not visible to the health service, but whose well-being is nevertheless impacted.”

“Determining the impact of poor air quality in cities on daily life: the value of using ‘citizen sensors’ and agile platforms” by Professor Caroline Jay is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Action needed to support BAME housing association residents into smaller homes

The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has told a Westminster inquiry there needs to be better choices for older people from BAME communities to downsize their properties and receive a better offer of accommodation - in terms of both quality and location.   

Giving evidence in the House of Lords to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Housing and Older People investigation into the regeneration of outdated sheltered housing, Lee Bloomfield also called for more research into the challenges faced in local authority areas with a high percentage of BAME residents.   

He said MHA - which owns just over 1400 properties in Bradford and Keighley but has more than 2,000 people on waiting lists - has adopted a “patch and mend approach to try and keep older people in their current homes” including adaptations where appropriate.

Mr Bloomfield continued: “Intergenerational living - the old assumption that people from BAME groups look after their older parents and grandparents at home - is an oversimplification.  It can no longer be expected that extended families will take on the sole responsibility for their relatives as they themselves grapple with the demands of contemporary modern life.”

MHA chief executive Lee Bloomfield (centre) giving evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Housing and Older People inquiry in the House of Lords

The MHA chief executive told the inquiry that “one size fits all does not work for all groups and places,” adding, “we need better choices for older people from BAME communities and we need different solutions.”

And he cited Leeds Jewish Housing Association as “a great example of integrated housing, housing support and on-site care framed around a community centre providing culturally sensitive services such as a synagogue on site, a café and restaurant, and arts and culture activities.”

This approach, he argued, has played a positive role in tacking isolation in the Leeds Jewish community and “is a model that can be adapted to wider BAME communities.”

Mr Bloomfield said that a balance needs to be struck between repurposing existing housing stock and building new affordable properties.  But he warned: “Opportunities under Homes England’s new strategy around regeneration of existing stock is welcome, yet older people do not feature in the new Strategic Plan.”  

He told the inquiry that, since its establishment in 1986, MHA’s mission has always been to provide larger family homes predominantly for the South Asian community, “but it cannot be ignored that older people from BAME communities have an increasing housing and care need yet lack the choice to culturally downsize into smaller and more manageable homes.”

The MHA chief executive said: “We recognise that the majority of mainstream providers of older people’s accommodation are not meeting the cultural needs of all BAME communities.  There needs to be a financial incentive to move forward by way of grants from Homes England that reflect the scale of what is needed and offers solutions to address the growing problem of outdated older persons stock.”

He added: "We are grateful to Abdul A Ravat from The Abbeyfield Society for having the courage to sponsor this important subject matter.  It is also very appreciated that as part of the panel session, looking at the service model and customers that the issue of Ageing Well for All has been centre stage and not sidelines.  We hope that our evidence will help the APPG and the sector to respond to the growing need for ensuring that the retention of existing stock and recommend meaningul changes."

Leeds mum launches Scafell Pike Challenge to raise awareness of non-smoking lung cancer

A Leeds mum with stage 4 EGFR positive lung cancer will join more than 40 people – including eight with the same prognosis – up Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, on 23 September to increase awareness of non-smoking lung cancer and raise funds to support patients affected by the disease.

Natasha Loveridge

49-year-old Natasha Loveridge, from Guiseley, was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2022 and within weeks received the news that it was incurable.

Since then, she has committed herself to improving understanding of the EGFR positive mutation - most commonly seen in young women who, like Natasha, are non-smokers - and to raise money for EGFR Positive UK, a registered charity dedicated to improving the overall survival and quality of life of EGFR positive lung cancer patients across the country. 

Amongst other events, Natasha – married to Matthew and a mother of two teenage girls - has hosted a 90s disco and a garden party with future activities planned.   

Natasha Loveridge (right) with her husband Matthew and their daughters

She said: “I am a fit, healthy non-smoker who is desperately trying to raise awareness of the early signs of lung cancer.

“My cancer was caused by a gene mutation - there was nothing I did to cause it, and nothing I could have done to prevent it.

“The fact that nine of us with stage 4 EGFR positive lung cancer will by walking up Scafell Pike together – supported by our friends and family – may well be unprecedented and demonstrates our shared commitment to raising awareness of this disease.

“We are also determined to make the most of every day. Whatever the weather, we believe that Saturday 23 September will be a day like no other.

“I recently became a trustee of EGFR Positive UK, a wonderful charity established by patients and their families and friends, which shares useful information on social media and works with a range of bodies on the status of EGFR mutation positive lung cancer.

“I hope as many people as possible will support their efforts by visiting my JustGiving page and donating whatever they can.” 

New corporate strategy for housing association ‘at the top of its game’

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has published a new streamlined corporate strategy and action plan with the theme of ‘Investing and Developing in Diverse Neighbourhoods where People Want to Live and Thrive.’  

The three-year strategy centres on four overarching objectives: Providing More Affordable Homes, Looking After Our Existing Homes and Tenants, Community Investment and Partnership, and Tackling Inequalities in the BAME Community.

It also includes a restatement of MHA Values – Customer First, Passionate About Our Work, Accountability and Embrace Diversity – which have enabled the association to establish a strong reputation in the sector regionally and nationally, including winning several recent awards.   

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield (fourth from left) with staff at the association’s Bradford head office

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, explained that the new document is focussed on delivery with defined policy outcomes and clear methods for achieving them to the fore.

He said: “It was important to have a strategy that was meaningful and easy to read and understand, whilst being ambitious in its aims.

“It is important that our customers, project partners and communities we serve can see what we are striving to do in our everyday activities and how we intend to meet our objectives.

“As well as providing more affordable homes by expanding stock numbers, we will maintain services for current tenants at the highest possible levels.

“Delivering our prized Community Investment and Partnership Strategy will remain a top priority as we seek to create new life opportunities for people of all ages in Bradford district.

“And we will continue to speak up for those whose voices are often unheard or ignored by those in authority, particularly when resources are allocated.”  

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair 

Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “As a Board, we were pleased to sign off the corporate strategy which will chart the association’s course until 2026.

“I have been involved in the production of numerous strategies over many years, and the simplicity of this document is what makes it stand out.

“One of MHA’s greatest strengths is that everyone knows their role in enabling the association to succeed.

“The new strategy and accompanying action plan – which is an effective roadmap for delivery – will further enhance our standing as a community-based BAME organisation at the top of its game.”     

Founded in 1986, MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley. 

It is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

The MHA Corporate Strategy 2023 – 2026 is available to read on the association’s website.

Building sector must play its part in reducing CO2 emissions

Much more serious consideration must be given to cutting whole-life CO2 emissions of buildings - from the production and transport of materials to the disposal of old properties - if the construction industry’s carbon footprint is to be substantially reduced, University of Manchester academics have warned.   

Judy Too, The University of Manchester    

In an article based on research conducted in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Judy Too and Obuks Ejohwomu reveal that the building sector is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 40% of global emissions, with the UK building sector responsible for approximately 25% of domestic emissions.

They write: “At a tipping point for global action on climate change, this is truly building a house on sand.”

In their piece, published by the University's policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Ms Too and Dr Ejohwomu propose three areas where policymakers can take positive action to reduce emissions in buildings.

First, they argue that manufacturers should be mandated to produce Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all materials, adding: “This will build the necessary knowledge infrastructure, while increasing awareness of the embodied carbon content of building materials.”  Acknowledging that the market may not yet be properly prepared to meet the necessary requirements “due to significant gaps in primary data,” they suggest a series of graduated steps including the short-term use of industry wide EPDs with product specific EPDs becoming mandatory within two years.     

Second, based on their research, the University of Manchester academics believe that end-of-life treatment of materials and buildings is often overlooked.  They advocate the update of building code regulations to include considerations for whole-life carbon impacts.  Ms Too and Dr Ejohwomu write: “This update will mandate whole-building Life Cycle Assessment, shifting the focus from prescriptive emission limits to evaluating and optimising the overall performance of the building in terms of its environmental impact.”

Dr Obuks Ejohwomu, The University of Manchester

Third, they argue for the introduction of “project-level carbon budgets based on predefined boundaries and benchmarks aligned with sectoral carbon limits” with a target time of three to five years.  They explain: “These limits establish precise emission targets that building projects must meet, with enforcement mechanisms such as audits and monitoring systems in place to ensure compliance. By implementing such limits, projects are held accountable for their emission levels over the building’s lifecycle, thereby driving carbon reduction within the building sector.”

Summing up how their research can enable the building sector to reduce CO2 emissions, Ms Too and Dr Ejohwomu conclude: “By acting on these recommendations, policymakers can lead a combined effort to balance environmental goals with economic considerations.  To not do so and continue to ignore the whole-life emissions of buildings risks locking-in unsustainable buildings for decades.” 

Built on sand: the need for new environmental standards in the construction industry is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Sun shines at Unity Business Centre as Leeds travel specialist continues to grow

A Leeds travel agency specialising in tailored group trips to the Caribbean has celebrated five years in business by moving into larger premises at Unity Business Centre in Chapeltown. 

Phun in the Sun was set up by its chief executive Jackie Walker in 2018 from a desk in the centre’s newly established incubator for start-ups and home-based enterprises seeking to expand.

Since then, the business has gone from strength and now has a staff of four.

Next month, Phun in the Sun and the St Kitts and Nevis Association will co-host a meet and greet reception at Unity Business Centre for Her Excellency Dr Christine Walwyn, the Diaspora Ambassador for St Kitts and Nevis, following her recent appointment by the dual-island nation’s Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew.

Unity Business Centre is one of three facilities managed by Unity Enterprise - the not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise - which currently provides 142 affordable business units for more than 80 diverse businesses close to Leeds city centre.  

Jackie Walker with Unity Enterprise Manager Adrian Green

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said he was delighted to see Phun in the Sun flourish over the past five years.  

He said: “It feels like just yesterday when Jackie started her adventure with us, taking up a hot desk in our building. From the very beginning, her positive spirit and passion for creating unforgettable experiences for her customers and her unwavering commitment to achieve her dreams were clear.

“As her company expanded, so did her needs, and it did not take long for her to move from that hot desk to her own small office space within our premises.  Jackie has continued to chase her dreams one step at a time.

“She has now expanded even further, moving into a larger office space to accommodate her ever-growing team and clientele.  We could not be prouder of her accomplishments.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Jackie's journey demonstrates the spirit of entrepreneurship – the willingness to take risks, the courage to dream big and the tenacity to overcome obstacles.

“She has shown us all that with a sharp vision and unwavering determination, no goal is unachievable.

“We are incredibly proud to have supported her business aspirations and look forward to working with her even more closely in the years ahead.”

 Jackie Walker said: “I am excited to be expanding and to be able to do so at Unity Business Centre where Phun in the Sun has its roots.

“Adrian and his team have supported me in every possible way right from the beginning.   

“It is wonderful that our shared success story will continue - bigger and better than ever before.”

The reception for Her Excellency Dr Christine Walwyn will take place on Wednesday 13 September at 6.30pm. 

Further information is available by emailing jackie@phuninthesun.co.uk   

New Tuntum chief executive is named

Charmaine Simei will be the new chief executive of Tuntum Housing Association, succeeding Richard Renwick MBE who is due to retire in the autumn after almost three decades in the post.

Ms Simei is currently director of customer experience and communities at Longhurst Group and brings more than 25 years of experience in social housing and related fields including 12 years in senior leadership roles.

Voted Professional of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards 2021, she is a board member for Communities that Work, the national voice of housing providers who support residents and communities into employment.

She is also a former chair of the Centre of Excellence Community Investment East of England network and co-chair of HACT’s Racial Equality Group, having been a long-serving mentor for the Housing Diversity Network.

Tuntum is one of the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing providers in the UK.

Founded in 1988, the association owns and manages over 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

Charmaine Simei who has been appointed as the new chief executive of Tuntum Housing Association

Charmaine Simei said: “It is an honour to be appointed to lead Tuntum.

“The association has a strong reputation as a community-based social housing provider with a proven ability to explore and generate new partnerships rooted in diversity.

“This reflects my own career background and skill set, coupled with my deep personal commitment to uniting people and making a positive difference to everyday lives.

“I feel privileged to follow in Richard’s footsteps.  He has done so much for Tuntum and the communities it serves.”

Junior Hemans, Tuntum chair, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Charmaine as our new chief executive.

“She was the outstanding candidate and is a perfect fit for the role.

“I also wish to pay tribute to Richard who is retiring after spending 29 years growing and sustaining Tuntum.

“His dedication to the association, always true to the values that inform everything we do, will never be forgotten.”  

Richard Renwick MBE, Tuntum chief executive, said: “I am proud to hand over the leadership baton to Charmaine.

“Her many talents and record of achievement in initiatives promoting social justice and economic resilience are well established, alongside a capacity for teambuilding.

“These are skills that will serve her and Tuntum well in the years ahead.

“I wish her every success in the role.”    

Ms Simei will take up her new position in October. 

Expert advice for Ministers as UK prepares to go nuclear

The launch of Great British Nuclear (GBN) has placed a renewed focus on a collection of online articles featuring research and evidence-led recommendations from University of Manchester nuclear energy experts.

Going Nuclear, published by the University's policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, has already been warmly received by MPs and peers from across the political parties.

Last month Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps invited companies to register their interest with GBN for funding to develop small nuclear reactors which “can be made in factories and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster, and less expensive.”

Professor Adrian Bull MBE

Responding to the announcement, Professor Adrian Bull MBE, Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society at The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute, questioned the Government’s assertion that GBN “will drive the rapid expansion of new nuclear power plants in the UK at an unprecedented scale and pace.”

He said: “Britain built 11 new nuclear power stations - 26 reactors in all - in just 15 years from 1956. I don’t see a plan that exceeds that ambition.”

Going Nuclear features several contributions from Professor Bull including a powerful piece describing the vital role development companies could play “as clients for GBN who can act as the voice of regions and potentially of investors.”

He explains: “These organisations – such as Solway Community Power in Cumbria and Cwmni Egino in North Wales – could well act as the catalysts for bringing the various pieces of the jigsaw together. Not only that – they can do so in a way which puts the local community and the site at the forefront of the project, rather than alienating key local stakeholders as some past projects have done.”

Professor Maria Sharmina, The University of Manchester

In her foreword to Going Nuclear, Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, warns that progress in the nuclear industry has followed a pattern of start and stall under successive governments, adding, “that must change if we are to catalyse our nuclear capability.”

She writes: “The Dalton Nuclear Institute and Policy@Manchester recommendations in this collection provide thought leadership on the next steps to secure nuclear energy in a low-carbon and cost-effective energy transition.”

Going Nuclear has won praise from members of both Houses of Parliament.

Peter Aldous, Conservative MP for Waveney, said: “Nuclear offers a readily available low-carbon baseload for our future energy system when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.

“Initiatives such as Going Nuclear can provide policymakers with the evidence and recommendations required to realise the UK’s nuclear energy capability and I commend everyone involved in this important work.”

Labour peer, Lord McNicol of West Kilbride, said: “New nuclear has a critical role to play in the nation’s energy mix. 

“At a time when we face a global climate crisis and challenges around energy security, this timely new resource not only identifies the current barriers to adoption and expansion of nuclear but also offers guidance to policymakers to help overcome them.”

Virginia Crosbie Conservative MP for Ynys Môn, said: “New nuclear is essential if we are to achieve our net zero goals by helping to decarbonise not just the energy generating sectors, but transport and homes too.  

“Equipping policymakers with the evidence and recommendations to push forward with new nuclear power is key to ensuring we retain a clean, safe and prosperous United Kingdom.”

Going Nuclear is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

Experts gather in Westminster to explore new ways to tackle inequalities and boost growth

The House of Commons was the venue for a roundtable event hosted by The University of Manchester to examine how ‘place-based’ policy can make a real difference in reducing inequalities and boosting growth and productivity across the country.

A place-based approach recognises that national policies and strategies may not be appropriate for every locality, and that a more tailored method is often required to address the specific needs and challenges of different communities, using local knowledge and evidence.

Organised by the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, the event brought together parliamentarians, academics, business leaders, economists, think tanks, charities and others to discuss place-based issues related to health, education, sustainability and economic disparities.

It followed the recent launch of Power in Place, a collection of nine articles from University of Manchester academics focussing on regional inequalities and levelling up.

Several of the speakers at the roundtable also contributed to the 44-page document which was published just days before the death of former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake, who wrote the foreword.  

Louisa Dawes, Senior Lecturer in Education, The University of Manchester, speaking at the Policy@Manchester roundtable in Westminster    

They included Dr Jamie Anderson, Research Fellow in Geography at The University of Manchester, who said: “We need legal binding accountability in all stages of policy for the places we are building and urgently retrofitting.  In order to be resilient to climate change and simultaneously level up on wellbeing outcomes, policy and practice must move beyond valiant target-setting. 

Power in Place published by The University of Manchester's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester

“We must now also require science-based estimates of proposal impact at the outset, then monitor progress objectively and collaboratively, requiring effective action when progress is off course.”

Dr Carl Emery and Louisa Dawes, from the Manchester Institute of Education based at the University, also participated in the roundtable.

They commented: “No matter where interest lies, it is clear that a standardised and one size fits all approach to alleviating poverty is not working.

“From an education perspective, an understanding of the local area, be it asset based in terms of business and facilities, or cultural and social, is key for schools to help shape students’ experiences and attitudes as well as building skills and expertise in their own communities, for their own communities.”

Aberconwy MP Robin Millar, who chaired the event, said: “We all recognise there are some huge socioeconomic challenges, and I am convinced a place-based lens brings an important, relevant perspective.

“As an MP in North Wales I recognise the huge difference between our coastal communities and the rural hinterland – and the importance of local and distinctive approaches for each.

“Unlocking this needs politicians who seek to listen, enable and empower rather than just hold onto old ideas and structures.”

Robin Millar, Member of Parliament for Aberconwy, addressing the Westminster event organised by Policy@Manchester 

Power in Place can be read and downloaded from the Policy@Manchester website.  

Parliamentarians welcome new ideas to toughen national resilience

A new collection of articles from University of Manchester experts detailing positive ideas to strengthen the UK’s national resilience in the face of growing global challenges has been praised by MPs and a former Cabinet Minister. .

On Resilience, published by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, examines an array of subject areas including the urgent need to improve energy security and reduce the country’s dependence on natural gas – vividly exposed by the war in Ukraine - whilst maintaining the transition to net zero.  

Other academic thinking set out in the 40-page document includes the positive role technology can play in protecting food production, how to reduce water shortages through better storage and using responsible innovation to source the UK’s critical metal needs.        

The document has been warmly received in Westminster.

Wera Hobhouse MP

Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, said: "It is abundantly clear that the UK needs to build up its national resilience to protect us all from climate change.  I am pleased to see that experts are exploring policy options to strengthen our national resilience and lessen our exposure to climate catastrophe." 

Mark Pawsey MP, a member of the House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, also welcomed the publication.  

Mark Pawsey MP

He said: “We stand in fascinating times as the geopolitical events of the past year and the ambition to reach net zero by 2050 have forced us to rethink our energy production and usage.  On Resilience provides some insightful thought leadership and the authors should be congratulated on offering innovative solutions to some of the great challenges posed by climate change and global demand.”

The document includes a foreword from Lord Howell of Guildford, a former Secretary of State for Energy, in which he describes On Resilience as a “thoughtful and balanced series of essays on a subject of such vast complexity, importance and contention as our future energy supplies and their tangled relationship with oncoming climate violence which threaten us all.”  

He continues: “Balance and realism are qualities very badly needed in tackling the many dilemmas and obstacles ahead, yet they seem in very short supply.” 

Lord Howell adds: “None of these questions can be met with neat answers or solutions. But they can be addressed with shrewd analysis and fearless posing of the issues. That is what these wise and expert essayists from The University of Manchester offer.”

On Resilience is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website - https://www.policy.manchester.ac.uk/publications/on-resilience/

Prime Minister’s ‘Maths to 18’ plan comes with challenges

Rishi Sunak’s objective for all children to study some form of maths until the age of 18 has several barriers in its way, three leading education experts have made clear.  

The Prime Minister announced his ‘Maths to 18’ plan earlier this year including the establishment of a new advisory group.

However, in a joint article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professors Maria Pampaka, Laura Black and Julian Williams set out a series of challenges facing Mr Sunak and offer recommendations to improve his chances of success.

The academics warn that current maths teaching practices are largely perceived to be “transmissionist” or “traditional, teaching to the test.”  They write: “This teaching practice has been found to be negatively associated with students’ dispositions to engage with mathematics,” in contrast to “more student-centred and interactive approaches” which are preferred by students and teachers.

Linked to this, they argue that a transformation of the curriculum, teaching methods and assessment is required, “one that values engagement, enjoyment, confidence and inclusion as much as, or more than attainment.” This, they state, “is important for both learners and teachers.”

The University of Manchester experts highlight the increasing demands in teaching post-16 maths and call for “an expansion of the pool of confident, well qualified, and motivated teachers at a time when the profession is currently losing people.”

They say: “Teachers – like nurses and other public service staff – are abandoning their profession for a variety of reasons but are citing that this is not just about pay, but also conditions in the workplace and the kind of pressures that Ofsted impose.”

Professors Pampaka, Black and Williams also raise concerns over low interest and appreciation for maths amongst some pupils studying the subject, together with high anxiety levels.  They add: “The evidence points particularly to gender, but other characteristics, like social and ethnic background, are equally important.”

Their article concludes: “Decades of education policy focussed on raising attainment has been most successful in discouraging engagement with mathematics learning and teaching.  

“Increasing mathematics education for all, especially to age 18, will require policymakers to pay renewed attention to emotional aspects, i.e. the joys of mathematics.”

“Calculating the benefits – maths to 18,” is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.  

Manningham Housing Association awarded top ratings by Regulator

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has retained the highest possible gradings from the Regulator of Social Housing following an In-depth Assessment.

These normally take place every three to four years to decide if a housing association meets the Regulator’s governance requirements and has the financial ability to deal with any adverse events.

In-depth Assessments are carried out through an inspection of key documents, visits and meetings with the association’s staff and Board members.

The Regulator has just announced that MHA has been awarded a G1 rating for governance and V1 for financial viability.  

The formal judgement follows a remarkable run of success for MHA, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley.     

Founded in 1986, it is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

In the past year, MHA has won the Northern Housing Team of the Year Award, Northern Housing Tenant of the Year Award, Housing Heroes Tenant of the Year Award, West and North Yorkshire Chamber Equality Trailblazer Award and British Standards Institution Users Award for Sustainability.

It recently retained its Customer Service Excellence national quality mark after a 12-month review with the independent assessor describing MHA as “an exemplar of a diverse and inclusive organisation, with all associated with it committed to providing an excellent service for tenants and the community.”

MHA staff at the association’s head office in Bradford

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to receive the Regulator’s judgement which confirmed that we continue to be rated in the top category of housing associations in the country.

“We regard ourselves as a family and this is a collective achievement for everyone involved with MHA including Board members, staff, tenants and project partners.

“As well as providing high quality affordable homes – around 75 per cent of our properties are large family homes with three or more bedrooms – our reputation is built on our work in local communities.

 “These activities will continue to grow with many more exciting times ahead.”     

 Barrington Billings, Chair of the MHA Board, said: “This is a fantastic outcome.

“An In-depth Assessment is a thorough investigation into everything a housing association does. 

“It is a challenging process which is why emerging with a G1 V1 grading is such a cherished outcome.

“As Chair, I congratulate the efforts that everyone put in to achieve this outstanding result. 

“It is another proud moment for MHA and a ringing endorsement of the clear benefits and resounding effectiveness of an inclusive community based housing service."

On Resilience: policy solutions for a more resilient UK

The United Kingdom is vulnerable to global events and over reliant on other countries for essential resources - but there are policy choices which could significantly lessen this exposure, a new report makes clear.    

On Resilience, a collection of articles drawing on research from University of Manchester academics, examines a range of solutions to strengthen our national resilience.   

Matthew Paterson, Professor of International Politics, writes that the war in Ukraine “has underscored how crucial geopolitical dynamics are to thinking about the future of energy.”

He makes a series of policy recommendations to maintain the Government’s transition to net zero “while focusing on those elements that minimise geopolitical risks.”

On Resilience published by Policy@Manchester

These include a drive to reduce energy demand with an emphasis on weaning the UK economy off its dependence on natural gas, which the conflict in Ukraine has graphically highlighted. 

Professor Paterson argues that decarbonising housing through heat pumps and electric cooking can also strengthen national resilience and advocates new policies to shift the population away from private car use in favour of public transport, coupled with additional investment in road transport electrification “to minimise exposure to oil price volatility.”  

And he makes the case for domestic renewable electricity generation to be accelerated, commenting: “There is significant untapped potential both for onshore wind and solar, which have largely been hampered by regulatory blockages that need reversing.”

Timothy Foster, Senior Lecturer in Water-Food Security, advises the UK to learn from countries with water scarcity pressures in order to address water risks faced by the domestic agricultural sector.   

He writes: “Our international research in places such as North America has shown that flexible abstraction rules and arrangements for sharing water, including trading systems, can significantly enhance farmers’ ability to manage drought risks and adapt to changing climate conditions.” 

At the same time, Dr Foster argues that there is an urgent need for “robust improvements in infrastructure and support for the data collection and monitoring of agricultural water use and productivity” which he describes as “chronically underfunded and poorly prioritised.” 

More broadly, Dr Foster argues that greater investment in infrastructure for water storage should also be a key Government priority “both in the form of on-farm and larger-scale multi-use reservoirs, and the use of nature-based solutions, such as restoring natural wetlands.”  

Other policy challenges addressed in On Resilience include the positive roles AI and smart technology can play to mitigate risks to food production, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and how best to meet the UK’s critical metal requirements whilst avoiding unnecessary damage to the environment.        

The 40-page document – published by the University's policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - includes a foreword from Lord Howell of Guildford, the former Energy Secretary and only Minister to have served in the Heath, Thatcher and Cameron governments.

Lord Howell of Guildford (courtesy of UK Parliament) 

He describes On Resilience as a “thoughtful and balanced series of essays on a subject of such vast complexity, importance and contention as our future energy supplies and their tangled relationship with oncoming climate violence which threaten us all.”  

Lord Howell, also a past President of the British Institute of Energy Economists, writes: “Balance and realism are qualities very badly needed in tackling the many dilemmas and obstacles ahead, yet they seem in very short supply.”

He adds: “None of these questions can be met with neat answers or solutions. But they can be addressed with shrewd analysis and fearless posing of the issues. That is what these wise and expert essayists from The University of Manchester offer.”

On Resilience is now available to read on the Policy@Manchester website - https://www.policy.manchester.ac.uk/publications/on-resilience/

Housing association CEO challenges Government to deliver more homes in Bradford

The chief executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has written to Michael Gove questioning why the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) failed to spend almost £2 billion of allocated funding to deliver more affordable homes.

In his letter, Lee Bloomfield added: “It is a shame that neither you nor your officials chose to visit Bradford district before handing these resources back.”

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive

Mr Bloomfield wrote to the Levelling Up Secretary after figures released under the Freedom of Information Act showed that DLUHC returned £1.9 billion of funds intended to tackle the national housing crisis after apparently being unable to find projects to spend this money on. 

It is believed the figure includes £355m of the programmed spending on the Affordable Homes Programme for 2022-23 which could have financed the building of at least 5,000 new homes.

The MHA chief executive wrote: “If this is indeed the case, it is a shame that neither you nor your officials chose to visit Bradford district before handing these resources back. I did write to you on 20 October 2021 extending an invitation for you to see at first hand the progress MHA is making in delivering high quality affordable homes and other services to diverse communities in Bradford and Keighley.  Sadly, I did not receive a response.”

He advised Mr Gove that MHA manages over 1,400 homes for more than 6,000 people, adding: “However, demand is huge.  3,359 people are currently on our waiting list for an MHA home. 1,551 of these need a home of more than three bedrooms. As you might imagine, to read that Government resources to help us meet this demand have simply been handed back is more than a little disappointing from our perspective.” 

In his letter, Mr Bloomfield stressed that, whilst he did not doubt the enormity of the task the Government faces in seeking to tackle the national housing crisis nor the Levelling Up Secretary’s “personal commitment to meeting this challenge, I do question how and why the limited funds available to you are not being used.”

He continued: “In the meantime, individuals and families – in Bradford and Keighley, as elsewhere – are being denied the opportunity to live in a high-quality affordable homes for reasons neither they nor I can understand.”  

The MHA chief executive added: “I again extend an invitation for you to visit one or more of our housing schemes and hope MHA can play a fuller role in helping you deliver more affordable properties to improve life prospects in Bradford district.”