How do communities move from being consulted to being genuinely heard? What does it take to turn knowledge into influence, and influence into action? And what happens when universities, civil society and local leaders commit to working together over the long term rather than through short-term projects? In this episode of Placecast, we explore these … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 14: Power, Trust, and Community Organising in Birmingham”
Author: Stuart Mitchell
Placecast Hits 1,000 Downloads: A Milestone for Place-Based Conversations
Placecast, the podcast exploring place-based policy, regional development and local innovation, has officially passed 1,000 downloads, reflecting growing interest in conversations about how places can thrive. Since its launch, Placecast has provided a dedicated platform for voices working across policy, research and practice. Each episode brings together policymakers, academics, practitioners and civic leaders to explore … Continue reading “Placecast Hits 1,000 Downloads: A Milestone for Place-Based Conversations”
Fashion, Textiles and the Cost of Policy Fragmentation in the UK
A new report, by Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable and Alix Coombs, examines how the UK fashion and textiles sector is positioned within national, devolved and local policy frameworks, and what this positioning means for its ability to function as a stable, place-based economic system that supports skills retention, inclusive growth and regional resilience. Conducted as … Continue reading “Fashion, Textiles and the Cost of Policy Fragmentation in the UK”
Placecast Episode 13 – Planting Trees You’ll Never Sit Under: Why Nature Recovery Is Central to Regional Development
What if nature recovery wasn’t a “nice to have”, but a foundation of regional development? What if parish councils, farmers, and local communities were recognised as national assets rather than peripheral actors? And what if the future of England’s economy depended not only on cities, but on the rural places that quietly sustain them? In … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 13 – Planting Trees You’ll Never Sit Under: Why Nature Recovery Is Central to Regional Development”
Policy News – April 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. Reports from Parliament Title Details Published Public engagement with the … Continue reading “Policy News – April 2026”
Policy News – March 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. Reports and publications – Parliament Title Details Published Flying blind: … Continue reading “Policy News – March 2026”
Placecast Episode 12: Long Games and Local Places: How Rural Policy Really Changes with Michael Woods
In the latest episode of Placecast, Professor Michael Woods, Director of the Cymru Wledig LPIP (Rural Wales), offers a rich and thoughtful journey through Welsh devolution, rural policy, and the power of deeply embedded place-based research. It’s a conversation that blends decades of academic insight with a grounded understanding of how communities, policymakers, and researchers … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 12: Long Games and Local Places: How Rural Policy Really Changes with Michael Woods”
Placecast Episode 11: How Yorkshire Is Rewiring Civic–Academic Collaboration: A Conversation with Kersten England
In the latest episode of Placecast, Dr Nicola Headlam sits down with one of the UK’s most respected place‑based leaders: Kersten England, former Chief Executive of Bradford and York, Chair of the Young Foundation, and Co‑Investigator on the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Across a rich, wide‑ranging conversation, Kersten reflects on her 30‑year career in … Continue reading “Placecast Episode 11: How Yorkshire Is Rewiring Civic–Academic Collaboration: A Conversation with Kersten England”
Policy News – February 2026
This blog summarises the latest policy news that is important to place, including reports, inquiries, consultations, government research and events. It is updated every week. View previous editions. If you have a piece of research you would like to feature in Policy News, please get in touch. UK Government Title Details Date Pride in Place: 40 neighbourhoods … Continue reading “Policy News – February 2026”
Placecast: Episode Ten – What the UK Can Learn from Japan: Local Governance, Finance, and Place Leadership
In this episode of Placecast, Nicola Headlam speaks with Abigail Taylor (City-REDI) and Jeff Matsu (former Chief Economist at CIPFA and City-REDI Associate) about their groundbreaking comparative research on governance and fiscal devolution between Japan and the UK. Their work, supported by international partnerships and field visits to Osaka and Tokyo, offers fresh insights into … Continue reading “Placecast: Episode Ten – What the UK Can Learn from Japan: Local Governance, Finance, and Place Leadership”