By Professor Karen Guldberg, Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) School of Education, University of Birmingham “In this new reality, it is crucial to find ways to support autistic children to reduce their anxiety. Without making this a priority, learning will be seriously compromised and mental health will suffer.” Originally posted … Continue reading “How can parents help autistic children to reduce anxiety during isolation?”
How do we get out of lockdown? The five Cs of a realistic exit strategy
By Professor Peter Hupe, Honorary Senior Research Fellow School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham In times of crisis, people tend to look upward. They expect that elected leaders will get them out of the crisis. In turn, political authorities and public officials tend to adopt a straightforwardly top-down approach when exercising control. This ‘hierarchical … Continue reading “How do we get out of lockdown? The five Cs of a realistic exit strategy”
The Queen’s Speech and Our Character
By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, School of Education, University of Birmingham In all that we presently do, we must desire to, and act with, deliberation and reflection, to maximise the greatest good for all those around us, be it our neighbours, nation or the global community. On the 5th … Continue reading “The Queen’s Speech and Our Character”
3 ways Covid-19 is helping to shine a spotlight on care workers
By Nick Le Mesurier and Dr Denise Tanner Department of Social Work and Social Care, University of Birmingham “The care worker may be the only person they see all day or even all week. It is not just the help with the basics of personal care that is important – getting washed, dressed and to … Continue reading “3 ways Covid-19 is helping to shine a spotlight on care workers”
Britain’s “Police State” and the Dangers of Everyday Authoritarianism
By Dr Jonathan Fisher, International Development Department School of Government, University of Birmingham The Covid-19 crisis is exposing the shape and character of authoritarianism across the globe, including in some of the world’s most longstanding democracies. It is critical for us to rethink how we see, and respond to, “authoritarianism” as practice in light of … Continue reading “Britain’s “Police State” and the Dangers of Everyday Authoritarianism”
Virtues, Volunteering and Coronavirus
By Claire Jackson, Jubilee Centre of Character & Virtues School of Education, University of Birmingham This crisis offers us an opportunity to hone and habituate these character strengths our communities increasingly need from us. These are very strange times that we are living in, as I’m sure you have already noticed. It’s easy to feel … Continue reading “Virtues, Volunteering and Coronavirus”
Leadership – Reflections on a Crisis
By Steve Gulati, Director of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Programme School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham “There are decades when nothing happens. And there are weeks when decades happen” – Vladimir Lenin If ever the importance and significance of leadership needed underlining, COVID-19 provides definitive evidence. Economic and political measures that were so recently unthinkable … Continue reading “Leadership – Reflections on a Crisis”
Becoming the teacher – hopes and fears taking on the job at home
By Colin Diamond CBE, Professor of Education Leadership School of Education, University of Birmingham As the schools close for all but the most vulnerable children or those with parents and carers in key jobs suddenly you are the teacher. And your new job could last for many months. My guess would be that in England, … Continue reading “Becoming the teacher – hopes and fears taking on the job at home”
How right-wingers hesitate, deviate, and repeat
By Dr Richard Shorten, Senior Lecturer in Political Theory School of Government, University of Birmingham The long-running BBC Radio 4 panel show ‘Just a Minute’ works on a simple premise, whereby guest panellists are invited to speak on a given subject for 60 seconds. During this time, fellow guests will listen out for pauses and … Continue reading “How right-wingers hesitate, deviate, and repeat”
What does the 2020 Budget mean for health and social care?
By Professor Judith Smith, Director of Health Services Management Centre School of Social Policy, University of Birmingham For the NHS, there were in effect two Budgets: one for the short-to-medium-term to address the Coronavirus crisis, and the other to continue with the previously announced five-year investment in the NHS to enable it to meet its … Continue reading “What does the 2020 Budget mean for health and social care?”