By Dr Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor, University of Birmingham & Professor Kieran McCartan, UWE Sexual abuse is one of the most common and under reported forms of interpersonal violence. Although individuals, communities and society recognise the reality of sexual abuse and its ongoing implications for victims, the people who have committed the abuse, and their … Continue reading “Sibling Sexual Behaviour: how can services respond to the most common yet under-reported form of sexual abuse within the family?”
Labour’s U-Turn raises questions about whether its Green Plans can boost UK SMEs to reach Net Zero
By Dr Roshan Boojihawon, Department of Strategy and International Business, Birmingham Business School Labour’s commitment to “throw everything” at the UK’s net-zero transition and now doing a U-turn appears to amplify the ambivalence and confusion regarding the policy’s role in helping Net Zero transitions, particularly for SMEs. SMEs’ efforts to respond to the recent calls … Continue reading “Labour’s U-Turn raises questions about whether its Green Plans can boost UK SMEs to reach Net Zero”
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week: Addressing the Systemic Roots of Violence Against Women
By Dr Julie Whiteman, Department of Marketing, Birmingham Business School Barely a day passes without a story of misogyny and its manifestation in some form of violence against women making headlines. Far too often these stories are – still – presented as isolated events, often attributed to industry and/or character specific cases. In the past … Continue reading “Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week: Addressing the Systemic Roots of Violence Against Women”
The Governance Myths that led to the Horizon Post Office Scandal
By James Blackmore-Wright, Birmingham Business School and Alice Moore, Department of Public Administration and Policy Sometimes, it takes a TV show, such as “Mr Bates vs the Post Office”, to challenge common myths, even in the face of obvious shortcomings. The massive failings that led to over 900 sub-postmasters being wrongfully prosecuted and others losing … Continue reading “The Governance Myths that led to the Horizon Post Office Scandal”
Revitalising Education: Addressing the Curriculum Gap for Students with Social, Emotional, Behavioural, and Mental Health Needs
By Dr Sarah Wall, Practitioner Tutor (SEBD), Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs Back in October, a BBC article reported that OfSTED rated a Birmingham school for boys with social, emotional, behavioural, and mental health (SEBMH), needs as inadequate in all areas. A key argument in the report was the lack of a curriculum for pupils … Continue reading “Revitalising Education: Addressing the Curriculum Gap for Students with Social, Emotional, Behavioural, and Mental Health Needs”
Christmas – a time for connections…
By Dr Anita Soni, School of Education and Megan Tucker, Community Worker, Newbigin Community Trust There is much to be said about the importance of connecting with other people. In particular, Christmas and the holiday period has a tendency to invoke images of people talking, laughing and connecting together. However, recent research has found that … Continue reading “Christmas – a time for connections…”
Change the national curriculum in science to empower climate action
By Daniel Cottle Associate Professor of Secondary Education (Physics), University of Birmingham COP28 has come to a hopeful close with countries agreeing to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems”. One important energy system of relevance to all of us as we cope with high energy prices and the onset of winter is how … Continue reading “Change the national curriculum in science to empower climate action”
Beyond the Numbers: A Holistic Approach to Section 114 Notices in English Local Government
By Dr Philip Whiteman Department of Public Administration and Policy Lecturer, School of Government In English local government, the issuance of a section 114 notice is often perceived as a dire financial omen, signalling a council’s descent into insolvency. While financial stability is undoubtedly a cornerstone of effective governance, it is crucial to recognize that … Continue reading “Beyond the Numbers: A Holistic Approach to Section 114 Notices in English Local Government”
Health Day at COP28: The first, but surely not the last
By Dr Niheer Dasandi Associate Professor in Politics and Development in the International Development Department (IDD), University of Birmingham. Sunday 3rd December at COP28 in Dubai saw the first ever ‘Health Day’ at the annual UN climate summit. This focus on the health impacts of climate change is long overdue; as the World Health Organisation … Continue reading “Health Day at COP28: The first, but surely not the last”
Teacher wellbeing: focusing on supportive relationships
By Dr Kathryn Spicksley and Dr Anita Soni School of Education Education Support have just published their 2023 Teacher Wellbeing Index, and it doesn’t make for happy reading. 78 per cent of staff report feeling stressed, rising to 95 per cent of headteachers. 51 per cent of education staff reported difficulties sleeping or insomnia. In … Continue reading “Teacher wellbeing: focusing on supportive relationships “