Globally, resettlement is recognised as one of the most sustainable solutions for supporting refugees. The UK’s introduction of the Community Sponsorship Scheme (CSS) represents an innovative approach, where local communities are empowered to resettle refugee families, providing them with enhanced integration support. Dr Sara Hassan explores the effectiveness of this programme, particularly in the context … Continue reading “Exploring the Role of the Community Sponsorship Scheme in Supporting Refugee Integration in the UK”
Author: Sara Hassan
Rethinking Regional Policy: Embracing the Capability Approach (Key Learnings From Maria Abreu’s Seminar)
In the realm of regional policy, there exists a conventional approach which focuses on resources and life satisfaction. However, a more inclusive and pluralistic perspective, known as the capability approach, has gained popularity. Though commonly implemented in small-scale projects, it has the potential to revolutionize regional policy. In this blog, Sara Hassan writes about Maria’s … Continue reading “Rethinking Regional Policy: Embracing the Capability Approach (Key Learnings From Maria Abreu’s Seminar)”
Understanding Community Engagement: A Nine-Dimensional Framework
In this blog, Sara Hassan (City-REDI) reflects with Lucy Natarajan (Bartlett School of Planning) on their recently published article in Town Planning Review which proposes a nine-dimensional framework that evaluates community engagement in planning practice. This blog was first published on the Liverpool University Press blog. Community engagement lies at the heart of participatory planning … Continue reading “Understanding Community Engagement: A Nine-Dimensional Framework”
Navigating Recovery: From Shock to Sustainable Action
On 29 February, City REDI hosted its first speaker of the 2024 academic seminar series, Dr Lucy Natarajan from the Bartlett School of Planning. In this blog, Sara Hassan summarises the key points raised by Lucy in her presentation. Lucy presented her latest work which delves into the intricate process of recovery from disasters, stressing … Continue reading “Navigating Recovery: From Shock to Sustainable Action”
The Demand and Challenges of the Sprint Public Transport System in Birmingham
Sara Hassan and Magda Cepeda-Zorrilla discuss whether a Bus Rapid Transit system could help reduce passenger travel times. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of … Continue reading “The Demand and Challenges of the Sprint Public Transport System in Birmingham”
The Role of Universities in Birmingham’s Economy and Communities
Sara Hassan and Hannes Read discuss how universities in Birmingham can act as anchors and civic institutions for the benefit of the city-region. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth … Continue reading “The Role of Universities in Birmingham’s Economy and Communities”
Trajectories of Young People From Education to Employment
Sara Hassan reviews key evidence of changes in young people’s trajectories from education to employment in the West Midlands. The blog starts by explaining the UK context and then discusses key challenges and most effective recommendations. A selective review of research suggests that young people are not developing the relevant skills for the future labour … Continue reading “Trajectories of Young People From Education to Employment”
Public Transport and Access to Healthcare in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas
Sara Hassan summarises the key takeaways from literature on public transport and healthcare services accessibility with a special focus on disadvantaged and deprived areas. Public transport (PT) is very important in terms of providing independence for groups of people who cannot drive, cycle or walk; it provides them with the chance to access services such … Continue reading “Public Transport and Access to Healthcare in Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas”
The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Childcare and Implications for Participation in the Labour Market
In this blog, Dr Sara Hassan looks at the impact of COVID-19 on the childcare sector, a sector already facing significant challenges before the pandemic, which then saw a massive drop in usage when lockdowns began. Since lockdown, many working parents have experienced difficulty in being able to work with some childcare providers closing their … Continue reading “The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Childcare and Implications for Participation in the Labour Market”
COVID-19 and the Impact on Crime in the West Midlands
In this blog, Dr Sara Hassan (WM REDI) and Emerzon Somera (West Midlands Combined Authority) look into how crime statistics have changed since lockdown began, and some of the factors that have influenced these changes. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, many speculated changes in crime. These statistics show the impact of COVID-19 on … Continue reading “COVID-19 and the Impact on Crime in the West Midlands”