Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Dame Nancy Rothwell Filed Under: All posts, Brexit Posted:
In the wake of the Brexit vote, universities must redouble their efforts to demonstrate how they are using public money to improve society and people’s lives, argues Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell. Universities must do more to encourage, support and reward public engagement. As public institutions in receipt of millions of pounds of taxpayer funds, this […]
By Helen Gunter Filed Under: All posts Posted:
This week the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its report comparing education systems worldwide and its Head of Education questioned the evidence for selection as a way of improving schools. Those who attended grammar schools such as Theresa May, argues Helen Gunter, make claims disconnected from research evidence and based on their […]
By Andrew Karvonen, James Evans and Rob Raven Filed Under: All posts Posted:
The UK housing crisis is a key challenge for our times – demand far outstrips supply and Ministers are seeking solutions, such as plans to create new ‘garden cities’. But are policy-makers taking enough notice of the urban experiments that have already taken place around the world and are the right questions being asked? James […]
By Mel Ainscow Filed Under: All posts Posted:
It’s rare for a public policy consultation paper to shock, but proposals from the UK Government to expand the provision of grammar schools have caused a storm of protest. Mel Ainscow believes this is a dangerous distraction and argues that more collaboration in schools, not increasing segregation, is what our children need. The decision […]
By Diane Coyle Filed Under: All posts, Brexit Posted:
Now that the shock of the Brexit vote has diminished, what next for our economy, trade and the social and regional divisions that the referendum revealed? Diane Coyle says it’s time to redress the massive imbalance between London and the rest of the country and create a multi-engine economy. Claim and counter-claim It has […]
By Sharon McDonnell Filed Under: All posts Posted:
A new study released by The University of Manchester revealed that GPs looking after someone who has lost a child to suicide had a lack of knowledge and confidence on how best to support them. Those bereaved by suicide are a very vulnerable group at significant risk of dying by suicide themselves and an important […]
By Kieran Walshe Filed Under: All posts Posted:
The NHS has faced massive change under the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, combined with a huge financial crisis, an ageing population and more demand for its services than ever. Kieran Walshe argues that this has led to a ‘shadowy’ era where decisions are being made rapidly, without the legislative processes and periods of […]
By Sarah Devaney and Adam Leaver Filed Under: All posts, Brexit Posted:
What will happen to food standards and who will regulate them in Brexit Britain? Are we risking another horsemeat-posing-as-beef type scandal or worse? Sarah Devaney and Adam Leaver explain why they think leaving the EU puts the safety and authenticity of UK food products at risk. Food fraud is typically not an exceptional event carried out by […]
By Gibson Burrell Filed Under: All posts, Westminster Watch Posted:
Theresa May and her colleagues will soon be returning to Parliament following the summer recess, when the real test of her premiership begins. Her use of sociological research in her maiden speech was noteworthy, says Gibson Burrell. What was remarkable about Theresa May’s rhetoric outside Number 10 as she returned from kissing the Queen’s hand […]
As Great Britain reflects on a triumphant Rio Olympic Games that showcased just how fit our young people can be, the reality remains that we have a major problem at home with obesity. Last week, the Government released its long-awaited strategy document ‘Childhood obesity: a plan for action’. But, says Mars Skae, this major opportunity […]
