MHA’s Christmas MELA brings community spirit to life in Keighley

More than 200 local residents came together in Victoria Hall in Keighley to enjoy a celebration of culture, unity and festive joy at Christmas MELA 2024 hosted by Manningham Housing Association (MHA).

There was something for everyone including a visit from Santa Claus, a festive photo booth, DJ, henna art and facepainting, calligraphy, a charity clothes stall, bouncy castle, tombola, balloon modelling and a huge selection of food choices reflecting the region’s rich culinary diversity

Santa Claus joins MHA staff in sharing the joy at Christmas MELA 2024

Alongside MHA residents and staff, representatives of the association’s key partner organisations - including Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Shipley College, Project 6 and Skills House - joined in the fun and ran pop-up stalls providing information on what they do.      

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the inclusive environment, enjoyable entertainment and delicious food.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “A big thank you to all the Keighley residents who joined us for Christmas MELA 2024.

“It was a vibrant celebration of unity, culture and community spirit for people of all ages.

“Our MELA Working Group is worthy of special praise for their hard work and dedication in organising the event, including a big shoutout to Sayful Alam for leading the team with such passion.

“We are also indebted to our partner organisations who took the time to come along and do so much to support our activities throughout the year.

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield (third from left) joins staff in serving up the wide selection of food on offer at Christmas MELA 2024  

“The valuable feedback from attendees will play a vital role in shaping future MELA events, ensuring they continue to inspire togetherness and inclusivity across Bradford and Keighley.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “It was fantastic to see so many families come together to be part of the celebration.

“The event also served as a platform for raising awareness about community support services.  

“Through a dynamic blend of entertainment, creativity and cultural appreciation, Christmas MELA 2024 successfully fostered an inclusive space where people from all walks of life could share the festive joy.

“It was a proud and memorable day for everyone associated with Manningham Housing Association.”

NHS infrastructure crisis risks creating two-tier hospital system, academic warns

A combination of continued NHS underfunding, poorly maintained infrastructure and increasing numbers of patients risks creating a two-tier hospital system in England, a leading financial expert has warned.

In an article published by Policy@Manchester, Anne Stafford - Professor of Accounting and Finance at the Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester – examines the consequences of using privately financed but publicly funded schemes (known as the Private Finance Initiative, or PFI) for hospital buildings.     

“Governments in power from 1979 put little investment into hospital infrastructure,” she writes.  “From 1997 to 2010, the government addressed the problem by using PFI to deliver 109 hospital projects (around 20% of English NHS hospitals).”

This involves paying the private provider an annual rental charge to cover the cost of building the hospital, and a service charge which covers operating and maintenance costs.

“PFI hospitals are more expensive to operate than non-PFI hospitals, but as there is an enforceable contract in place, the private partners must ensure that PFI hospitals are properly maintained,” Professor Stafford explains.  “In contrast, austerity policies since 2010 mean backlog maintenance on non-PFI hospitals, which is not planned maintenance work, but rather the work which should have already taken place, has increased from £4bn in 2012 to £11.6bn in 2023, an increase of 290% and greater than the £8bn allocated by the government in 2022 for capital investment to 2030.”

Her own research at The University of Manchester involved analysing the financial position of NHS trusts with the five largest PFI schemes - all of which also contain non-PFI hospitals - and their related private partners over the period 2017-2022. 

“The five trusts show a continuing pattern of recorded deficits and/or rising backlog maintenance, whilst in contrast their PFI private partners were delivering good, low risk returns for their financiers,” she writes.  “Moreover, the outflow of high finance costs plus any profits means less money remains within the NHS for tackling healthcare problems.” 

“A two-tier hospital system may develop in England” (Photo credit: whitemay)

Professor Stafford describes the NHS as “in a crisis position, with continued underfunding and a growing pool of poorly maintained infrastructure, yet increasing numbers of patients.” 

Looking to the future, she continues: “One likely outcome is that a two-tier hospital system may develop in England, as patients who can, will choose to attend modern, well-maintained buildings for elective care, over older, more inefficient structures. Patient choice could ultimately lead to destabilisation and intra and inter-trust tension across the system, dependent on how combinations of PFI and non-PFI hospitals, bed numbers and PFI charges play out in a complex scenario.” 

In her article, which appears in the newly released Policy@Manchester publication On Infrastructure, Professor Stafford advances a series of policy recommendations “for a robust and reliable NHS infrastructure.”

These include advising the government to seek out examples of “best practice in hospital buildings construction and utilisation and share them centrally, so that new fit-for-purpose buildings can be delivered efficiently and at affordable cost.”

She calls for greater oversight of the interface between the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Treasury with the aim of delivering more joined-up provision of care. 

And The University of Manchester academic urges Ministers to “set out a policy commitment on a rolling programme of capital investment using public finance, prioritising the replacement of worn-out buildings and addressing the shortage of hospital beds in under-resourced trusts.” 

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

MHA welcomes Government representatives to Keighley and Bradford

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has hosted senior strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on a two day factfinding trip.

The visit was part of MHCLG’s Social Housing Immersion Programme which provides a bridge for policy and strategy staff to engage with housing associations and tenants across the English regions. 

Following a welcome to MHA’s Bradford head office from Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield, the guests attended a meeting of the association’s Customer Panel.

After lunch, they joined staff from MHA and partner agencies, including West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council, to visit MHA residents in Bradford where they dealt with repairs, discussed income and welfare, and had the chance to raise other concerns.

Day one finished with a roundtable discussion led by MHA Head of Neighbourhoods, Nadim Khaliq and Neighbourhoods Team Leader, Harry Manford, on the association’s approach to allocations and lettings, followed by a showcase of its choice-based lettings system.

Day two began with the MHCLG representatives joining residents of MHA’s Anchor Court housing scheme in Bradford for a Christmas party including a memorable performance from the Manningham Primary School choir.

After a lunch meeting with Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chair Rupert Pometsey and BME National Executive Lead for Ageing Well Abdul Ravat, they travelled to Keighley to visit MHA’s recently opened Odette’s Point development of 20 three and four-bedroom family properties, where they met a resident who told them how her new home had transformed her family’s life. 

The trip ended with their attendance at a celebratory Christmas-themed event in the town which brought together MHA residents and staff. 

Ed Lowe (right), MHCLG Policy Lead, and Rob Steggles, MHCLG Policy Adviser, during their visit to Bradford and Keighley as guests of Manningham Housing Association 

Lee Bloomfield said: “It was a privilege to host Ed and Rob and provide them with a proper insight into what we do and how we do it.

“As a BME housing association with its roots firmly in the North, we have often felt quite distant from the key decision-makers in Whitehall.

“The MHCLG deserves credit for reaching out to the regions through this initiative.  I hope the first-hand experience gained will feed directly into the Government’s decision-making process as it seeks to meet its target of building 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament.

“MHA stands ready to assist in any way we can.”   

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “We had a meaningful exchange, which I hope will be the first of many direct engagements with the Government in its efforts to tackle the national housing crisis. 

“The two day visit allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to fostering strong communities and delivering exceptional services to our residents.”

Cath Bacon, an MHA tenant and Customer Panel Chair, said: "I appreciated the MHCLG representatives taking the time to attend our Customer Panel meeting, which I hope they found to be a useful exercise.  

“I am encouraged that the Government is listening to those directly affected by its social housing strategy, and hopeful that the forthcoming allocation policy reflects the needs of veterans and care leavers as well as the general population.”

Unity prepares to celebrate 25 years of enterprise with launch of anniversary logo

Unity Enterprise (UE) has unveiled a specially commissioned logo which will be a familiar sight in 2025 when it celebrates a quarter of century of delivering affordable workspace, professional advice and an abundance of other business support services to aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds.

Established in 2000 as a not-for-profit subsidiary company of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, UE provides 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses in three centres in Chapeltown.  

Collectively, they employ more than 1200 people.   

The number of business units increased from 130 in 2023 following the completion of a £1.8 million Leeds Media Centre redevelopment scheme - in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund - which created 12 new units and a bespoke business hub.  

Beginning in January, UE will host a series of enterprise themed events to mark its 25th anniversary including business breakfasts, VIP visits, seminars and social gatherings with the emphasis on networking. 

Earlier this year, Unity’s Employment Services and Enterprise team triumphed over eight other shortlisted finalists from across the north of England to be named Team of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards 2024. 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive (left), and Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, with the 25th anniversary logo now on display at Leeds Media Centre

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said: “We are grateful Craig Hymes at Inchpunch Design who kindly created the eye-catching logo which will be on display in our three business centres and prominent at all of our anniversary activities. 

“More details of these will be unveiled at our launch event in January, where UE tenants past and present will showcase their business achievements down the years.

“It promises to be a landmark 12 months for Unity Enterprise and a springboard for delivering the next 25 years of local entrepreneurial success.”    

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Unity has always been so much more than a housing association.

“With our roots firmly embedded in the local community, we are committed to giving people of all ages the opportunity to fulfil their potential and improve their life chances by starting their own business, finding employment or enrolling in training and education. 

“Working with partners across the city of Leeds and beyond, Unity Enterprise has delivered startling results over a 25-year period with many business tenants going on to achieve remarkable results including the creation of many new jobs.

“That is a cause of major celebration.” 

Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise Chair, said: “I am constantly inspired by what I see at our three business centres where entrepreneurialism is vibrant. 

“We are also particularly proud of the diversity amongst our tenants as we strive to achieve a positive economic and social impact for local BME people, businesses and communities.

“Looking ahead to 2025, I would encourage prospective partners from the private sector to step forward and support the magnificent work the small but incredibly dedicated UE team is doing to promote enterprise and change lives.”    

Belting up to deliver housing targets – are grey belts the answer?

The government’s target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years by freeing up grey belt land “may prove problematic,” according to a leading green infrastructure expert.

Leading academic questions grey belt impact on government housing target (Credit: Colin Read)

In a new article published by Policy@Manchester, Ian Mell - Professor of Environmental and Landscape Planning at The University of Manchester - warns that pre-existing green belt designations could lead to conflict, delayed planning applications and an upsurge in appeals.

And whilst advocating the launch of a publicly funded social housing development programme on grey belt land, he fears that Ministers may still struggle to meet their manifesto pledge.  

When launching its housebuilding plans in Opposition earlier this year, Labour categorised the grey belt as “poor quality” and “ugly” green belt land. 

But drawing on his own work on urban and green infrastructure, Professor Mell makes clear that “for some, all green belt designations are of high quality and require protection” whilst “other stakeholders view them as a bureaucratic constraint on development.”

He argues that delivering more new homes will require more than the creation of grey belt zones.

“Unless grey belts are legislated to overrule green belt policy it is unclear how they will circumvent local planning policy objectives,” Professor Mell writes. “However, if such a change was proposed it would almost inevitably be challenged by campaigning organisations who view the protection of green belt as being of paramount importance.”

The University of Manchester academic questions whether the government’s approach would unlock sufficient land to meet its 1.5 million housebuilding target.  “If grey belt were added to brownfield designations, would that be adequate in terms of space to deliver 1.5 million?” he asks.  “It also fails to account for existing problems of land banking (where developers buy a plot of land to develop or sell in the future) and failure to deliver on existing permissions to build homes from the development sector.”

Professor Ian Mell, The University of Manchester

And he cautions Ministers that, alongside the legislative changes and additional resources required by local planning authorities to proceed with the designation of grey belt areas, specific consideration will also be needed on how these would be integrated into local plans and policies, including the necessary expansion of local infrastructure such as rural transport, schools and hospitals. 

Concluding his piece, Professor Mell recommends that the government “moves away from a homogenous interpretation of green belt and commissions a wholesale evaluation of the socio-cultural, economic and ecological benefits of green belt in the UK to understand what functions they deliver.”

He continues: “If grey belt policy is brought forward, then it should focus on development that is publicly funded by UK government and be used solely as council/social housing or sold as affordable housing.”

He adds: “If government is proposing to develop and fund a new programme of social housing development on grey belt, then there is scope to deliver meaningful development.”

‘Belting up to deliver housing targets – are grey belts the answer?’ by Professor Ian Mell is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

New Director of Operations appointed at Manningham Housing Association

Saqib Saleem is joining Manningham Housing Association (MHA) as Director of Operations.

Amongst a broad range of responsibilities, he will lead on the delivery of customer facing services and drive MHA’s asset management strategy, including overseeing its property portfolio. 

Saqib Saleem who has been appointed Director of Operations at Manningham Housing Association

Mr Saleem is currently Director of Strategy and Regulation at Altair where he leads a team that advises organisations on housing regulation, risk management, supporting for-profit providers and helping organisations become Registered Providers with the Regulator of Social Housing.

He arrives at MHA with more than two decades of combined experience in the public and private sectors, including previous roles at Homes England, KPMG and The Guinness Partnership.  

With expertise in audit, assurance, governance and risk within the housing sector, Mr Saleem is a qualified Internal Auditor, Agile Project Management Practitioner and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Audit Management and Consultancy.

He said: “I am excited to join MHA as Director of Operations.

“Social housing has an important part to play in people’s lives and can be a stepping stone to a prosperous future for families and individuals. 

“I understand the difficulties faced by many BME communities and deeply admire the work that Manningham Housing Association does for such communities in Bradford and Keighley. 

“It is an immense task to not only maintain but raise the high standards MHA has set for itself over many years, including numerous award wins, but I am up for the challenge.” 

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “The role of Director of Operations is hugely pivotal to MHA’s continued success as one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, and we set the bar particularly high when launching the recruitment process.  

“We were seeking a candidate with a sharp focus on customer experience and satisfaction, and a passion for delivering services to BME communities. Saqib vividly demonstrated these qualities.  

“We look forward to him becoming a key member of the Senior Management Team.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “This is an ideal time to be joining the association as we seek to inject added momentum into our ambitious growth plans on behalf of the local communities in Bradford and Keighley, whose needs we are proud to serve. 

“The Board was impressed by Saqib’s energy and drive, alongside his extensive experience of the sector.

“He is extremely welcome as the newest member of the MHA family.”      

Mr Saleem will take up post on 6 January 2025.

Rattling the supply chains: creating a more sustainable way to do business

Sustainable supply chain management is a “strategic imperative” with “far-reaching implications for economic, environmental and social wellbeing,” a University of Manchester academic has warned.    

Sustainable supply chain management is a “strategic imperative” (Credit: whitemay)

Writing in On Infrastructure, a new publication from Policy@Manchester, Dr Arijit De – who has been cited in numerous international journals - highlights the startling statistic that global supply chains now account for approximately 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

And he cautions that ever-increasing interdependencies among and between organisations have made these networks susceptible to both human-made and natural disruptions.

“Global disruption events such as the Japanese tsunami in 2011, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013 and earthquakes in Chile in 2015 have significantly compromised the performance of goods supply chains in recent decades,” he writes. “On the national scale, disruptive events can also impact supply chains and businesses – such as KFC’s logistics blunder and road accidents at the vicinity of a distribution depot in 2018, leading to two-thirds of their outlets in the UK having to close due to a chicken shortage.”

But he adds: “By integrating sustainability metrics into decision-making processes, organisations can meet the dual challenges of mitigating fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions while enhancing operational resilience during disruptions.” 

In his piece, Dr Arijit De - Associate Professor in Management Science at the Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester – explains that models developed using AI can be deployed to make better decision regarding resource allocation and supply chain resilience.

“For example, grocery and general merchandise retailers in the UK have used AI-driven algorithms to optimise supply chains by dynamically adjusting delivery routes based on real-time data, predicting the best transportation methods, and accurately forecasting demand to manage inventory,” he writes. “This approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs and mitigates risks, ensuring faster delivery times and a stronger, more flexible supply chain. It is important that the Department for Business and Trade incorporates these models and approaches into UK supply chain strategy.”

Dr Arijit De, The University of Manchester

Dr De unveils University of Manchester research findings which demonstrate the importance of allocating resources and capital to strengthen and protect the supply chain infrastructure, known as “fortification investment.”   He adds: “This helps in making the supply-chain facilities more resilient to disruptions, optimising product flow from distribution centres and enhancing better connectivity during disruptive scenarios by adopting goods sharing strategies between facilities.”

He also outlines a series policy recommendations emanating from this research which, Dr De argues, are “imperative for advancing sustainability in supply chains.”

These include a call for policymakers and national governments to “prioritise the integration of sustainability criteria into procurement practices and supply chain regulations” by “incentivising sustainable behaviours among stakeholders and fostering collaboration across industry sectors” such as freight, food and manufacturing.  This could be done in a range of ways, he explains, including the offer of tax credits, subsidies for green technologies, and grants and low-interest loans for sustainability projects.

The University of Manchester researchers also advocate investment in technology and infrastructure as an “essential” means of enabling the transition towards sustainable supply chains. “Embracing digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and renewable energy sources, such as employing electric vehicles, can facilitate resource optimisation and emissions reductions,” Dr De writes. “A step forward for infrastructure investment would be for government to invest in and expand electric vehicle infrastructure/charging points.”

And he recommends that regulatory frameworks such as the UK’s Climate Change Act should adopt “a comprehensive approach that addresses not only environmental concerns, but also the social and economic dimensions of sustainability.” He adds. “This necessitates the alignment of policies with international sustainability goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

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

Atherton nursery scoops national award for best indoor learning environment

Partou Storytimes in Atherton, Greater Manchester has triumphed over nine other finalists from around the country to win the prestigious National NMT Nursery Award for Nursery Indoor Learning Environment of the Year.

The judging panel decreed that the setting, on Leigh Road, best fulfilled the criteria for the award which included creating an environment “that most inspires and excites children” and “actively involves children in their learning, as well as celebrating their achievements.”

Laura Farnworth, (Partou Storytimes Nursery Manager) third from left, receiving the National NMT Nursery Award alongside Partou colleagues Kim Thorpe (Deputy Nursery Manager), Laura Clay (Regional Business Manager), Hannah Mooney (Area Manager) and Alan Campbell (Head of Operations)

The trophy was presented to Laura Farnworth, Partou Storytimes Nursery Manager, at a special evening ceremony at ExCeL London.

Laura said: “On behalf of every one of the hardworking team members and the families who make the nursery what it is, it feels fantastic to receive this esteemed award.     

“Our indoor environment has been carefully designed to empower children to drive their own learning by promoting independence and curiosity.

“Each age group from 0-5 has their own dedicated space.

“In the baby room, we have created an enabling environment where the youngest children feel at ease and at home.

“As children transition to older rooms, the environment evolves to maintain their interest and imagination.  Enchanted play spaces with magical themed backdrops, twinkly lights and natural elements encourage a sense of security and excitement.   

“This dynamic environment not only excites children, but also motivates the team to continuously develop it.

“Importantly, we also have quiet spaces and sensory rooms which are particularly beneficial for children with SEND.

“The National NMT Nursery Award is wonderful recognition of the work we put in and the professional pride we have in what we do.” 

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Being shortlisted for a National NMT Nursery Award is a tremendous achievement in itself - winning it is simply outstanding.

“Partou Storytimes is well resourced and, under Laura’s leadership, activities are thoughtfully organised to support daily routines and behaviours.

“As the award demonstrates, the children clearly thrive in an environment that celebrates their individuality and promotes autonomous learning.

“Huge congratulations to Laura and her team on their thoroughly deserved success.”

Driverless cars will run out of road in UK if Stateside lessons are ignored, expert warns

The Labour government must learn lessons from the United States on the rollout of autonomous vehicles – also known as driverless cars or ‘robotaxis’ – if they are to have any chance of success in this country, a leading expert in the field has insisted.

Lessons must be learnt if autonomous vehicles are to have mileage in the UK, an academic has argued (Credit: anyaberkut/iStock)

In a new article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Dr Sam Hind recalls that one of the final bills passed by the outgoing Conservative government was the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, designed to make provisions for the possible introduction of autonomous vehicles in the UK.

But he warns that their deployment in America has been “on a rocky path” since initial public tests in 2020.

Dr Hind reveals that, in October 2023, the California Department of Motor Vehicles – the body responsible for regulating vehicle licenses in the state – suspended the operations of a robotaxi firm, Cruise, which had been running an autonomous service in San Francisco for two and a half months. “Cruise’s suspension was understood to be the result of its failure to cooperate with an investigation into a road traffic incident one of their vehicles was involved in,” he writes. “According to reports, a pedestrian who had been hit by an ordinary vehicle (driven by a human) had subsequently ended up underneath a Cruise robotaxi (being driven ‘autonomously’).”

The University of Manchester academic explains that similar stories have also made the headlines, most notably the death of Elaine Herzberg, killed by an autonomous Uber vehicle being tested in Tempe, Arizona.  

Based on his own research findings, he suggests that the UK should learn from the “bumpy rollout” of robotaxis in the US – with a specific focus on developments in  California where Cruise and Google/Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, Waymo, sought to expand their operations.

“Key Californian public transportation authorities, responsible for millions of transportation users across the state, banded together to propose a more responsible approach to the deployment of robotaxis,” he writes.  

Dr Sam Hind, Lecturer in Digital Media and Culture, The University of Manchester

“They called this the principle of ‘incrementalism.’ In short, that any prospective robotaxi operator seeking to gain permission for running services in San Francisco or anywhere else across California should need to pass specific, standardised performance milestones before further approval or expansion might be granted. Though this may appear an obvious suggestion to outsiders, this was not the permission process undertaken by these companies, who had refused to hand over certain kinds of operational data of their robotaxi vehicles, claiming commercial confidentiality rules.”

In his piece, Dr Hind argues that any regulatory environment for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the UK should require firms to submit “relevant operational data such as the frequency of unplanned stops and so-called ‘vehicle retrieval events’ – key indicators of the performance and reliability of underlying autonomous vehicle, AI, and machine vision systems.”

Amongst a series of further recommendations to UK policymakers, he also calls for the regulation of autonomous vehicles to be the responsibility of a single body such as “the recently-announced Regulatory Innovation Office, tasked with speeding up public access to new technologies.”  He adds: “A close partnership with the Department of Transport on such matters would be wise.”

‘A future for autonomous vehicles in the UK? Lessons from the US,’ by Dr Sam Hind is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Experts challenge UK policymakers over serious hydrogen challenges

A new publication which provides expert analysis, evidence and policy recommendations from The University of Manchester to tackle the UK’s key hydrogen policy challenges has just been released.

On Hydrogen - from the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - features seven articles from academics including research-led advice on areas such as the production of hydrogen, storage of hydrogen, decarbonisation of industry and transport, and the future role of hydrogen interconnectors. 

The 21-page document begins with an authoritative foreword from Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, who warns that “the hydrogen bubble has burst.”    

She writes: “In the last 10 years, hydrogen has been hyped as the silver bullet that can decarbonise almost everything: heating, cars, trains, buses, planes, shipping, industry, electricity generation: all transformed by use of the magic molecule. The trouble with bubbles is that once they have burst, it takes time for industry, governments and investors to regain confidence and take the subjects seriously again.”

On Hydrogen from Policy@Manchester

Despite this, she warns that hydrogen must be taken seriously with a series of pressing industry tasks – such as the decarbonisation of steel making and the production of sustainable synthetic fuels – dependent on the use of green hydrogen.

Baroness Brown acknowledges that numerous challenges lie ahead in developing a low carbon hydrogen industry.  But she adds: “Until both potential users and potential producers are convinced that there will be a market for hydrogen at an affordable price, everyone is waiting for someone else to take the first step.”

In her piece, the crossbench peer - who also serves as Chair of the Carbon Trust, and the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee – argues that “low carbon hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, can be a green growth opportunity for the UK.”

She writes: “We have many of the ingredients to make it work – ambitious net zero commitments and policies; an excellent wind resource and a fast-growing renewables industry, especially for offshore wind; geology such as salt caverns, suitable for storing hydrogen; expertise in electrochemistry in our universities; some serious oil industry players who need an alternative to fossil fuels; innovative fuel cell and electrolyser companies.”

She continues: “The UK Government can take some bold steps to ensure we grow this industry in the UK – it could start by committing to a no regrets investment in a strategic reserve of hydrogen to support our electricity system.”

Praising the quality of academic thought laid out in On Hydrogen, Baroness Brown adds: “This report provides a range of valuable insights into some of the challenges and opportunities to be gained from a future in which we take low carbon hydrogen seriously.”

One of the contributors is Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, who has co-authored a piece with Dr Vincenzo Spallina which addresses the question, “Can hydrogen help decarbonise small industrial emitters?”

Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester

Commenting on the release of the publication, Professor Sharmina said: “The UK currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for transport, industry and power production. This must change if the new Government’s net zero ambitions are to be realised.

“On Hydrogen is a collection of evidence-based recommendations and ideas from academics and researchers at The University of Manchester which can advance the future of hydrogen in the UK energy sector.

“I encourage hydrogen policymakers to read the document and engage with us to chart a course that meets their objectives and would benefit the UK in the long-term”

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

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.