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 “
“Nobody knows what we do”: The untold story of how social workers make a positive difference to older people’s lives
By Dr Denise TannerAssociate Professor of Social Work, Department of Social Work and Social Care “‘Oh, you take kids away from families.’ That’s all they think social workers do. In my entire career, I do not recall one time I’ve seen a positive social work story”. Social Work, Team manager If people think about social … Continue reading ““Nobody knows what we do”: The untold story of how social workers make a positive difference to older people’s lives”
The Autumn Statement or a New Political Game in Spotting the Politics of Tokenism
By Professor John Bryson Professor of Enterprise and Economic Geography, Birmingham Business School In 1777, Samuel Johnson proclaimed to James Boswell, his friend and biographer, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”. I must admit to being tired of Autumn Statements and of a British political system that is not … Continue reading “The Autumn Statement or a New Political Game in Spotting the Politics of Tokenism”
Working class women in politics: despite the obstacles there is HOPE.
‘I don’t belong here’. By Dr Gemma McKennaAssistant Professor, Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy General Election, Thursday 7th May 2015. Palms sweaty, breath shallow, I am in the wrong place, surely? No, apparently not, it is my name on the ballot. This feels WEIRD. I vote for myself. At least that’s one … Continue reading “Working class women in politics: despite the obstacles there is HOPE.”
Reflections on the King’s Speech
King Charles has opened parliament for the first time as monarch in the first King’s Speech in more than 70 years. Academics from across the College of Social Science reflect on the government’s key priorities set out by the king. Crime & Justice Proposals for tougher sentences raise concerns about exacerbating the strain on an … Continue reading “Reflections on the King’s Speech”
Who gets a say in the future direction of AI?
By Dr Adam Matthews Senior Research Fellow, School of Education, University of Birmingham This week’s AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park hosted politicians, big tech and academics to come together to forge a shared understanding of AI to create national and international frameworks which ensure frontier AI safety through collaboration in research, evaluation and governance, … Continue reading “Who gets a say in the future direction of AI?”
Leading for fairness in Black History Month
By Steve Gulati Associate Professor, Director of Healthcare Leadership, Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham October is Black History Month. It’s also the month assertions have been made at the Conservative Party Conference that the UK is the ‘best country in the world in which to be black’. This provided a sharp contrast to … Continue reading “Leading for fairness in Black History Month”
Black History Month: Saluting Our Sisters in the health service
By Steve Gulati, Director of Healthcare Leadership at HSMC and Diane Phipps, Senior Learning & Development Business Partner at Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust This Black History Month, Steve Gulati invites Diane Phipps from Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to share her experiences and reflections of her work in … Continue reading “Black History Month: Saluting Our Sisters in the health service”