Proposed changes to donor anonymity laws risk increasing unfairness

New proposals to change the law protecting the anonymity of sperm and egg donors in the UK “would increase inconsistency and arguably unfairness” for many donor-conceived people, two experts in the field have warned.

Last month, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) proposed amending legislation to enable the removal of donor anonymity from the birth of a donor-conceived child.

Dr Lucy Frith

In their piece, published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Dr Caroline Redhead and Dr Lucy Frith argue that donor-conceived people already have significantly different rights to information about their sperm or egg donor - depending on the date of their conception - and the law change recommended by the HFEA would increase these inconsistencies.

The ConnecteDNA research team, led by Dr Frith, is examining the use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) by donor-conceived adults, donors and parents of donor-conceived people.

The academics write: “The HFEA has concluded that the integrity of the current legislative framework has been undermined by the impact of DTCGT.  It has therefore proposed that the law should be amended to make donors identifiable from the birth of any child born from their donation.”

Currently, they explain, those conceived by donors who donated before April 2005 have no access to identifying information about their donor. Those conceived after this date can apply for it only when they become adults.  Further: “The HFEA has not recommended a retrospective change in the law. This means that people born from donations made before 1 April 2005 will still have no legal route to access identifying information about their donor.”

Dr Redhead and Dr Frith observe that the HFEA’s Legislative Reform Advisory Group proposed consideration of the retrospective removal of donor anonymity. “This approach was taken in Victoria, Australia, where, in 2017, a reformed law granted all donor-conceived individuals the right to access identifying information about their donor, irrespective of when they were conceived,” they write.  “If the UK were to adopt a similar approach, addressing the practical implications for individuals conceived before the HFEA register’s establishment would be necessary.”

They continue: "The ConnecteDNA study has found that connections with donor siblings can be equally or more important to donor-conceived people. The desire to connect with same-donor families and siblings during a donor-conceived person’s childhood is a key driver for the use of DTCGT by parents of donor-conceived children.”

Dr Caroline Redhead

The academics point out that the HFEA’s Donor Sibling Link service (DSL) allows donor siblings to exchange contact details from the age of 18 by mutual consent.  They add: “Noting the importance to our participants of connections with donor siblings, we recommend that the Government consider reducing the age of access to the DSL.”

The University of Manchester experts conclude: “We recommend that a Law Commission project is established to explore how best to manage donor information in the UK, balancing the interests of donors, parents by donor conception and donor-conceived people, whatever the date of their conception. The UK Government should consider any findings and recommendations from this when reviewing further legislation or reform.”

‘Reforming UK fertility legislation: the effects of online DNA testing,’ by Dr Caroline Redhead and Dr Lucy Frith is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Manningham Housing Association is top of the bots

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has launched a new WhatsApp bot to boost around the clock assistance for tenants.

The application is designed to answer common questions relating to MHA's services including rent payments, maintenance requests and other tenant support via a real-time automated conversational experience.

It will also provide useful information about the association’s properties and surrounding neighbourhoods in Bradford and Keighley where most of its more than 1,400 affordable homes are located.

In addition to the WhatsApp bot, MHA is also introducing a new HR system with an accompanying app which will enable staff to book annual leave, claim their expenses, update personal payment details and access discount opportunities.  

The launch of the bot and app mark the latest stage in the rollout of MHA’s digital business strategy which represents a roadmap for the efficient and effective use of technology internally and externally over the next three years.

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager, said: “We are committed to providing our customers and colleagues with the best possible services.

“The launch of the WhatsApp bot and app are all part of MHA's ongoing efforts to improve our digital services and make it easier for people to interact with the organisation.

“The new HR system is user-friendly and efficient, helping MHA staff to manage their work-life balance.”

Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, MHA Corporate Project Manager (centre), with staff colleagues at the association’s Bradford head office   

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to be introducing these transformative initiatives, which demonstrate MHA's continuous commitment to enhancing our digital offerings. 

“This also extends to website redesigning and the creation of a sleek, modern logo, to encourage even more people to engage with our organisation.

“Despite being a small housing association, we have established a reputation for punching well above our weight – not least in our desire to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital revolution.”   

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “Our digital business strategy, which the board was pleased to approve in the summer, incorporates four clear policy goals focused on innovation, efficient data use, minimising risks and digital inclusion.

“Running through them is an absolute commitment to use the best available technology to provide high quality services and support for our tenants and staff.

“We believe these latest advances will enable us to deliver even more for the betterment of the MHA family.”    

MP visits revolutionary bioprinting facility at University of Manchester

Academics from across The University of Manchester have today (Friday) hosted Bolton West MP Chris Green on an extended visit including a tour of the Bioprinting Technology Platform (BTP), a specialist national facility which houses the latest technology in 3D human tissue printing.

With support from the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s national centre for research and innovation for advanced materials, the lab gives researchers and industry access to the complete fabrication pipeline from cell culturing to product evaluation.

Funded by a £200,000 grant from the UK Space Agency and assisted by the European Space Agency, a University of Manchester team are currently investigating how to optimise the bioprinting process for conditions experienced in space, such as lack of gravity.

Using the unique capabilities of the BTP, researchers are also collaborating with clinicians and cell biologists to develop 3D models of human cartilage and bone.

Mr Green, who before entering Parliament spent almost two decades working as an engineer in the mass spectrometry industry, began his trip at the Dalton Nuclear Institute - the most advanced nuclear research capability in UK academia - where he was briefed on current projects by Professor Adrian Bull MBE, Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society. 

The Bolton West MP’s final destination on the visit, organised by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, was the Justice Hub to join a health-themed roundtable discussion with senior academics including Dr Philip Drake, Dr Jennifer Voorhees and Dr Jonathan Hammond.   

Bolton West MP Chris Green (right) visiting the Bioprinting Technology Platform with Dr Ian Wimpenny, Research and Facilities Manager

Professor Richard Jones, Vice President for Civic Engagement and Innovation at The University of Manchester, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Chris and give him an insight into some of the pioneering work we do in partnership with businesses right across Greater Manchester.

“The University of Manchester's cutting-edge research in making a real difference in tackling pressing policy challenges.  That's why it is important for influencers of policy, including MPs across Greater Manchester, to see at first-hand the work being done and to take that evidence back with them to Westminster. 

“This was a particularly timely visit as the Chancellor announced a new investment zone for Greater Manchester in the recent Autumn Statement which will give further impetus to the work we do on innovation, advanced materials and manufacturing with our partners in the city-region."

Chris Green MP said: “It was a fascinating morning.

“The University of Manchester has a thoroughly merited global reputation for research excellence across a vast swathe of subject areas, not least in technology, innovation and health.

“I was deeply impressed by all I saw and heard, particularly in the Bioprinting Technology Platform where the remarkable work going on places Greater Manchester firmly at the forefront of the medical engineering revolution.

“I look forward to following the many exciting research projects happening across the University, with lots more in development.”          

New research uncovers the unequal impact of the cost-of-living crisis on BAME citizens

The cost-of-living crisis is having an unequal effect on different groups within the older population with those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds disproportionately affected, an article from University of Manchester academics has revealed.

Dr Camilla Lewis

Drawing on new research they have produced in collaboration with the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group, the Manchester BME Network and the Centre for Ageing Better, Dr Camilla Lewis, Dr Sophie Yarker and Professor Christopher Phillipson put forward a series of policy recommendations aimed at rectifying the imbalance.

Writing on the Policy@Manchester website, they highlight that, despite comprising only around 15% of the population in the UK, more than a quarter (26%) of those in ‘deep poverty’ – defined as more than 50% below the poverty line - are of BAME origin.  

And their research indicates that the cost-of-living crisis has had a disproportionate impact on older BAME people.  “Existing inequalities place minority ethnic groups at heightened risk from the effects of high inflation and associated pressures,” they write. “These include the long-term impact of the pandemic, housing insecurity, the rising price of imported food, racism and discrimination, and language barriers resulting in limited access to services.”

With diversity in the UK population continuing to grow, the research team’s final report, includes several policy suggestions for local, regional and national decision-makers to consider.

Dr Sophie Yarker

First, as Lewis, Yarker and Phillipson explain in their piece, more action is needed to increase awareness of the ways the cost-of-living crisis is affecting older BAME people whilst recognising “that there is considerable diversity within and across different communities.”

Second, culturally appropriate community provisions - including face-to-face services and informal spaces for older people to socialise - should be prioritised “with support provided by staff and volunteers who speak a range of languages to ensure that older people from different groups feel welcome and included.”

Third, based upon findings from the research, greater efforts are required from local and national government to recognise “that services must be culturally sensitive to help maintain the independence of older people, respecting their diverse identities and backgrounds.” The University of Manchester academics add: “This should involve face-to-face specialist advice around debt, finances, pensions and other benefits, tailored to the specific needs of various groups to counteract various forms of stigma.”

Professor Christopher Phillipson

And fourth, they write, “as the older population is set to become more ethnically diverse in the years ahead, tackling inequality should be a priority for national government.”  Specific policy ideas which have emerged from the group’s research include  support for the idea of establishing a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England “to ensure that the diverse range of voices in later life are championed,” developing a new race equality strategy “to prevent gaps in finances and health in later life widening further,” and applying a “race equality lens” to the government’s levelling up agenda “to acknowledge and address inequalities among different ethnic groups.”

The authors conclude in their piece: “These measures would enable central government to address structural inequality, support some of the most vulnerable households during the period of economic crisis and help the country to weather future national crises.”

‘The Unequal Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis’ by Dr Camilla Lewis, Dr Sophie Yarker and Professor  Chris Phillipson is available to read in full on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Peer seeks UK Government action on starting salaries for Northern Ireland teachers

Northern Ireland peer Lord Rogan has tabled a parliamentary question asking the Government what discussions it has had with the devolved governments and trade unions over the geographical discrepancies in starting salaries for teachers across the UK.

Currently a newly qualified teacher in Northern Ireland starts on an annual salary of £24,137.  This compares with a starting salary in Scotland of £32,217 from January 2024.

In England, outside of London, new teachers receive £30,000 a year with those starting their career in Wales paid £30,742.    

Lord Rogan

Lord Rogan said: “New teachers in Scotland will receive a pay rise in January, meaning they will earn more than £8,000 more than their counterparts in Northern Ireland who work every bit as hard. 

“Teachers beginning their careers in England and Wales also receive significantly more than those in Northern Ireland.

“This week’s industrial action in local schools has brought this issue back to the fore, together with the fact that teachers in Northern Ireland have not received a pay rise for more than three years.

“In these circumstances, is not surprising that schools across the province are struggling to recruit and retain teaching staff, with many choosing to seek employment in Great Britain or leave the profession altogether.

“This is clearly very bad news for our schools but, most importantly, our children whose prospects are being gravely affected.

“In the absence of an Executive at Stormont, it is surely time for the UK Government to step forward and address this situation before the teaching brain drain in Northern Ireland runs dry.”    

Action needed to support vulnerable children through primary-secondary school transitions

The number of children experiencing poor emotional wellbeing during their transition from primary to secondary school is rising rapidly, a leading educational psychology expert has warned.

Drawing on research she has led at The University of Manchester, Dr Charlotte Bagnall highlights that the danger is most acute for vulnerable children such as those with special educational needs, adverse childhood experiences or in receipt of Pupil Premium Funding.

But in an article published by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, she stresses that greater knowledge of how best to support vulnerable children “has the potential to improve the mental health and educational trajectories of children across the life course, reducing long-term inequalities.”

Dr Charlotte Bagnall, The University of Manchester

Dr Bagnall observes that “children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties and without an education, health and care plan are also disproportionately more likely to be excluded and/or suspended” during the period of transition. However, better “collaboration and communication channels across systems and stakeholders” can improve matters. 

The University of Manchester academic makes three recommendations for education policymakers to consider as means of easing some of the principal difficulties experienced by children when moving from primary to secondary schools.

First, she advocates “an early-intervention, gradual and sensitive primary-secondary school transition curriculum, from the beginning of Year 5 to the end of Year 7.”  Following her own research in 2020, support for this approach as a “promising school-based intervention” has been referenced in recent NICE and Health Policy Scotland guidelines.

Dr Bagnall argues: “The Department for Education and local authorities should work with educators to further develop and implement this transition curriculum more widely. As part of this transition, curriculum lessons should focus on developing children’s awareness, knowledge and ability to cope with the multiple changes experienced over primary-secondary school transition, by practicing skills, asking questions and discussing their feelings. This can help children feel prepared, but not overwhelmed by their next chapter.”

Second, she calls for a “systemic approach to primary-secondary school transitions provision” with “emotional wellbeing central to this.”  She adds: “It is recommended that both universal and targeted support for children’s emotional wellbeing should be at the forefront of transition provision, and this should not end as children leave primary school. This support should help children to recognise, understand and manage their emotions.”

And third, as a tool to support the most vulnerable children at the earliest possible stage, she reveals that her University of Manchester research team are developing “a scale to measure children’s emotional wellbeing in the context of primary-secondary school transitions.”

She explains: “This novel instrument, which will be named Primary-Secondary School Transitions Emotional Wellbeing Scale (P-S WELLS), will add distinct practical value at a community level by developing a tool and manual to build capacity for educational practitioners to obtain immediate insight into the universal support their class needs and identification of specific children who need additional support. Education policymakers and local authorities should engage with the development and rollout of this instrument and advocate to embed this into a transition curriculum.”

‘Supporting Vulnerable Children over Primary-Secondary School Transitions’ by Dr Charlotte Bagnall can be read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website. 

New government approach needed to tackle UK energy resilience and security

Energy specialists from The University of Manchester have called on the government to develop a joined-up cross-departmental strategy to strengthen the UK’s energy resilience and security.

Professor Maria Sharmina

In a joint article published by the University’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professor Maria Sharmina and Timothy Capper highlight the role recent energy shortages and high prices have played in pushing the issue of energy resilience up the political agenda.  But they warn that these “are only two of the major risks faced by the UK energy sector.”

They write: “The transition away from fossil fuels in particular is leading to a more intermittent and less diversified energy mix. The electricity system will become harder to operate, as more electricity will be generated from less controllable renewable sources. The energy sources people use will become less diverse as heating, cooking, and transportation are electrified. Energy systems will become dependent on critical minerals and materials required for electrification, renewables and batteries.”

Sharmina and Capper warn that the UK’s energy security process is “increasingly unsuitable for managing these new risks” and “narrowly focuses on the reliability of the electricity and gas networks.”  They add: “Much less emphasis is put on ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of fuels, such as natural gas, or on the materials and skills required for long-term energy security.”

The academics make clear that “a more resilient energy system would require reductions in energy demand” and suggest targeting the almost 60% of homes in England and Wales with low energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings.  They explain: “Bringing these homes up to an EPC rating of C could save the equivalent of six nuclear power stations worth of power.  Aggregated bill savings are estimated to be £10.6bn per year.”

Timothy Capper

Sharmina and Capper advise that the UK should increase its energy storage capacity, which is currently very low, adding: “The ability to store energy, and move it back and forth to Europe would give the UK energy system more flexibility to deal with variations in supply and demand over periods ranging from hours to seasons.”

And they urge Ministers to establish a “joined-up cross-departmental strategy” to tackle all issues related to energy resilience and security simultaneously.  

They continue: “A government body with overall responsibility for energy security would be able to balance the short- and long-term energy security considerations, including energy transition risks.  This agency would also be able to view the complete energy supply chain and critical materials supply chain, ensuring that there are sufficient fuel and material imports, as well as making sure the infrastructure within the UK is reliable.”

‘Strengthening the UK’s Energy Resilience and Security’ by Professor Maria Sharmina and Timothy Capper is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Peer seeks clarity on Northern Ireland exclusion from Levelling Up Fund awards

Lord Rogan (left) with Coleraine FC Chairman Colin McKendry during his visit to the Coleraine Showgrounds

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Rogan has tabled a question in Parliament seeking more information on the Government’s decision to exclude Northern Ireland from the latest release of grants through the Levelling Up Fund.     

On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove announced that £1 billion has been awarded to 55 community projects in Great Britain.

But the Government statement added that Northern Ireland would receive no funding “given the current absence of a working Executive and Assembly.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and his deputy Steve Baker came under pressure on this issue from MPs on all sides of the House of Commons yesterday with Opposition Whip and former Shadow Northern Ireland Minister Tonia Antoniazzi praising the bid from Coleraine Football Club which missed out on support in round two of the Levelling Up Fund. 

Lord Rogan said: “In common with Ms Antoniazzi and, indeed, the Secretary of State himself, I had the pleasure of visiting the Coleraine Showgrounds to discuss the club’s bid and was impressed by all I heard.

“Coleraine Football Club is desperately keen to proceed with its plans to develop a state of the art Northwest Regional Stadium and community facility in one of the most deprived wards in Northern Ireland.  The initiative has my full support.

“I have tabled a written question in the House of Lords asking how much Levelling Up round three funding has been ringfenced to spend in Northern Ireland, when the decision was taken to exclude Northern Ireland from this week’s announcement, and by whom.  

“It is scandalously unfair that shovel-ready community projects in Northern Ireland such as the one in Coleraine are facing this unnecessary and seemingly open-ended delay, when scores in Great Britain have been given the green light.

“We need answers but, more importantly, we need spades in the ground.”    

‘Hyper-local’ action can boost young people’s wellbeing

Targetted “hyper-local” action is required to tackle the crisis in young people’s wellbeing, the academic lead for a gold standard survey on adolescent life satisfaction has warned.

In an article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit Policy@Manchester, Professor Neil Humphrey argues: “In order to improve wellbeing among young people, we must emphasise and promote a sense of belonging to the local community, as well as improving social cohesion, integration and inclusivity, and building opportunities and structures for social support.”

Launched in 2019 as a collaboration between The University of Manchester, the Gregson Family Foundation, Anna Freud and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the #BeeWell programme has gathered the thoughts of more than 60,000 young people in Greater Manchester on topics including emotions, relationships, aspirations and health to gain valuable insights into the wellbeing of respondents and, as Professor Humphrey explains in his piece, “to ‘pivot the system’ and address this major societal problem.” 

Professor Neil Humphrey, The University of Manchester

Drawing on findings from the first two #BeeWell surveys – the results of the 2023 survey will be published in spring 2024 – he writes: “The research showed that neighbourhood characteristics are significantly associated with different domains of wellbeing.”  He further reveals that inequalities between different social groups were found to vary across neighbourhoods, an example being “disparities in loneliness between LGBTQ+ young people and their peers differed based on the neighbourhood in which they resided.”

Another theme identified by Professor Humphrey was “the influence of social cohesion and relational characteristics of neighbourhoods.”  He writes: “Young people feeling safe in their local area and feeling that there was support for wellbeing among local people were among the strongest predictors of wellbeing. Whether local people could be trusted, whether neighbours were helpful, and whether there were good places to spend their free time in their neighbourhood, were also positively associated with their wellbeing.”

Additionally, The University of Manchester academic explains, “life satisfaction was higher and emotional difficulties were lower in neighbourhoods with better access to health services and lower GP antidepressant prescription rates.  Furthermore, life satisfaction was higher in neighbourhoods with lower unemployment and free school meal eligibility rates.”   

In contrast: “Loneliness was higher in neighbourhoods with higher skills deprivation among children and young people, higher geographical barriers - for example, longer distance to places like schools, shops and doctors’ surgeries - and lower population density.”

Based on the vast amount of evidence obtained from the #BeeWell surveys, Professor Humphrey concludes that “place is a contributory factor for young people’s wellbeing,” adding, “it speaks directly to the levelling up agenda and highlights the persistence of inequalities at the neighbourhood level.”  

He argues: “Targeted, hyper-local responses in these areas are as important, if not more so, than national initiatives. They are better placed to respond to the complex contextual factors that underpin and reinforce wellbeing inequalities. 

“Our analyses of the influence of different neighbourhood characteristics suggest that in order to improve wellbeing among young people, we must emphasise and promote a sense of belonging to the local community, as well as improving social cohesion, integration and inclusivity, and building opportunities and structures for social support.”

A Place to #BeWell by Professor Neil Humphrey is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website. 

Autumn statement does not halt cost of living crisis – housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has warned that today’s Autumn Statement is not a turning point for the cost of living crisis.  

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “Families and individuals on the lowest incomes, including many MHA tenants, continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive

“Rishi Sunak has gone on a victory lap after inflation fell to 4.7%, but this is more than double the Government’s target of 2% with food inflation still sitting at around 10%.

“Prices are not going down, they are just going up more slowly and driving more people into poverty.

“The unfreezing in the Local Housing Allowance is long overdue, and the rise in the National Living Wage from April and cut in National Insurance from January are welcome but, without raising personal tax thresholds and with inflation set to remain high, many working people will barely see a difference in the money in their pockets.

“It is a relief that Universal Credit and working-age benefits will be uprated in line with September’s inflation rate, but I would have preferred the increase to be delivered before next spring.        

“As ever, the devil will be in the detail bit, at first sight, I fear the Chancellor’s measures do not represent a turning point in the cost of living crisis which must surely be the Government’s priority.”      

Focus on Keighley as housing association and partners visit local scheme

Kinara Close in Keighley was the centre of attention when Bradford Council Neighbourhood Wardens and representatives of West Yorkshire Police and Bradford District Credit Union joined Manningham Housing Association (MHA) board and staff members on a special visit to engage with local residents.

It was the latest in a series of Scheme Focus events organised by MHA which manages more than 1,400 affordable homes for over 6,000 residents in Keighley and Bradford.  

The initiative seeks to enable residents in MHA housing developments across Bradford district to meet team members at every level of the organisation alongside key stakeholders who work closely with them to support local communities.

Manningham Housing Association board members and staff on their Scheme Focus visit to Kinara Close, Keighley  

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive, said: “It was wonderfully productive and enjoyable morning.

“It is crucially important for us as a community-based housing association to get out and about to meet residents in their neighbourhoods.

“The MHA board rightly feels it is important for them to engage directly with residents to better inform the decision-making process at board meetings, complementing the work of our staff who are on the ground every day talking to local people.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA vice-chair, said: “I was delighted to see a full turnout of board members at Kinara Close. 

“Most importantly, it was an absolute pleasure to meet local residents to discuss how we are serving their needs and, indeed, how we might do even better.

“Having our friends at Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and Bradford District Credit Union on hand to deal with different queries from residents was also really helpful and made the visit even more worthwhile for all involved.”     

Cath Bacon, MHA tenant board member who was named Tenant of the Year at last year’s Northern Housing Awards, said: "It is important to constantly reinforce the message that there are no barriers between residents and MHA, including our board members.   

“Visiting individual schemes and speaking to tenants on their own doorsteps is the best way to achieve this, and also lots of fun!”   

Zahida, a Kinara Close resident, said: “I am overwhelmed by the support provided by Manningham Housing Association.  Two caretakers recently helped to clear all the overgrown bushes on Kinara Close, they were two gems.

“As a fosterer looking after a child with autism, MHA has supported me with what I do and enabled me to directly assist around 20 local families with foster care. 

“There is a need for a local play area around Kinara Close.  I have identified land at the end of Kinara Close and believe it can be transformed into a play area.  I have volunteered to become a Scheme Champion and will be working with Sayed, our MHA Neighbourhood Officer, to help develop the project.”

Unity Homes and Enterprise announces new board appointments

Four new members have joined the board of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise which manages almost 1,400 affordable properties for around 5,000 tenants in Leeds and Kirklees.

Unity Homes and Enterprise head office in Chapeltown, Leeds

Mahara Haque has worked as a community development specialist for more than a decade and has a wide range of board experience including with housing associations and in the NHS.

Moreen Pascal has had a career in business support services, local government and the voluntary and community sectors mainly in London and Hertfordshire, where her focus has been on social justice initiatives in the community, leadership performance and workforce development.

Nasim Qureshi has been the chief executive officer at Inspired Neighbourhoods Group for 14 years, and brings considerable experience in the housing, health and social care and enterprise sectors.

Abdul Ravat has previously served on the board of Unity’s not for profit subsidiary company, Unity Enterprise, and has accumulated three decades of experience in housing and regeneration.

Abdul Hamied, Unity Homes and Enterprise interim chair, said: “I am excited to welcome our four new members who will each bring their own unique skillsets and experiences to the board table together with a shared commitment to Unity’s social purpose.

“We are proud of the work we do, not just as a provider of first class affordable homes but also in supporting local entrepreneurial activity and providing bridges to employment and training.

“Unity has exciting plans in place and in development which my new colleagues will have key roles in advancing in the months and years ahead.” 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “One of Unity’s great strengths as a community-based organisation is our eagerness to listen to different voices and implement innovative ideas in the quest to improve people’s lives. 

“The new board members will make significant strategic contributions to what we do and how we do it for the betterment of local neighbourhoods.

“They are excellent appointments and, on behalf of the senior management team, I look forward to working closely with them all.”

Parliamentarians praise policy focus on mental health crisis

A bumper collection of articles from academics at The University of Manchester examining the intricacies of poor mental health and offering policy suggestions to ease the plight of sufferers has received cross-party praise from politicians in both Houses of Parliament.

Published by Policy@Manchester, Open Minds draws together 10 evidence-based pieces which explore distinct aspects of mental illness, including how it affects the young, veterans, ex-prisoners, and members of the LGBT+ community.  It also places a valuable spotlight on remedies for those in need of help.

Open Minds from Policy@Manchester 

Conservative MP Dean Russell, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health, was impressed by the publication.  He said: “Tackling the stigma around mental health has been a priority in my role as a Member of Parliament.  Open Minds brings together a wealth of expertise and insight, giving policymakers valuable tools to understand further the challenges of poor mental health. I look forward to reading further publications and receiving briefings on their detailed work supporting mental health.”

Liz Twist, the Labour MP for Blaydon, was equally welcoming.  She said: “As parliamentarians, the more we know, the more we can change.  This report not only outlines causes of rising mental health, but it shares with us practical solutions that we vitally need. I’m grateful for its publication and look forward to discussing its contents more with colleagues to better support so many across our society on issues with their mental health.” 

Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, another Conservative MP, has praised the major contribution to practical policymaking offered by The University of Manchester academics.  She said: “All the data, information, and research gathered on mental health, such as the work by Open Minds, is essential material for politicians shaping policy and guidance.  Evidence-based policymaking delivers more efficient and effective outcomes for millions of people and will help combat poor mental health in the long term.”

From Northern Ireland, Democratic Unionist Party Health Spokesperson Jim Shannon MP, welcomed the focus on ex-service personnel featured in the document.  He said: “It is vital that we find solutions that are underpinned by robust research evidence, and this is what the Open Minds authors have provided.  I am particularly pleased to see the new publication highlighting the need to understand and address the mental health needs of veterans and those currently serving in the UK Armed Forces. This is something I have long campaigned for.”

And in the Upper House, Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Tyler of Enfield hailed the contribution she believes the research can make to improving younger lives.  She said: “So many of the articles in this important and thought-provoking report underline the need for early action to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people. That’s why I support the calls being made for a national rollout of early support hubs in every local area so that children and young people can access the support they need for their mental health to stop problems escalating.”

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, was delighted by the responses of the parliamentarians.

Professor Cecilia Wong, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester

She said: “Our purpose, as The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, is to connect our world-class researchers with policymakers and influencers to help address the key public policy challenges of our time.

“Poor mental health is one of the most concerning issues our country faces.  I welcome the positive responses we have received from MPs and peers to Open Minds and look forward to continuing to engage with them on this and other pressing policy areas.”   

Open Minds is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Yorkshire acoustic duo set for a happy new year with album release

York based original contemporary folk duo Pen and Stu are putting the finishing touches to their new album, ‘Ravenswood’, which has been confirmed for release in January 2024.

Pen and Stu got together in September 2014 and are well known on the Yorkshire music scene and beyond for their signature blend of big whistles, tenor guitars and accompanying original lyrics. They released their first album, “So Far…Songs of Love, Loss and Pirates” in 2017, following it up a year later with a five-track live studio EP, “New Horizon.”

Boosted by nationwide radio plays and live on-air session performances, the duo were soon in demand at numerous festivals and venues including Filey Folk Festival, Alston Live Festival, City of York Folk Weekend York, Whitby Pirate Festival, Gary Stewart's Folk Club at The Mill, Tramlines Fringe Festival, Great North Folk Festival, Greenside Festival, Derby Folk Festival Weekender Fringe and Hutton Rudby Folkfest.

By 2019, they were playing more than 50 gigs a year, which they managed to fit in around their full-time day jobs.

But the arrival of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 brought about a change. And, after working at their demanding day jobs, throughout lockdown, Pen as a keyworker, it was time for a rethink.

Pen, who writes all the duo’s songs, and started songwriting ten years ago, began songwriting full-time in January 2022 and they both decided to commit to becoming full-time musicians when normality finally returned. 

Their new album, recorded at 6dB studios in York and produced by Dave Boothroyd, is the product of that commitment.

‘Ravenswood’ includes ten tracks which deftly couple Pen’s rich, soulful, strong, lead vocals with tenor guitar, haunting low whistles and Stu’s rhythm guitar and melodious bass lines. 

Pen and Stu at the Otley Folk Festival 2023 

Pen revealed that one particular song, previewed at selected gigs over the summer months, has gone down especially well with live audiences.

Pen said: “We are proud of the album as a whole, but ‘Pretty Bird’, one of a number of up-tempo tracks on the album, has received a really positive response, so we decided to release it as a single and it’s getting radio airplay and is available on all streaming platforms.

“‘Pretty bird’ inspired by ‘The Mabinogion’ book of Welsh folk tales, includes two kings, a magic cauldron, a fierce battle, with soldiers coming back to life and ends with a broken heart.

“It was great to record and is fun to play live. I look forward to many more people hearing it.”

 Stu said: “We post a weekly ‘Tuesday Teaser’ on our YouTube and Facebook pages. This is usually a snippet of a song that we’ll be playing at a forthcoming gig, or a whistle tune, composed by Pen.

“As we build up to the album launch, we will be playing extracts of the new songs which will offer a flavour of what we have been up to.”

They both agree that 2024 promises to be an incredibly exciting time, as they look forward to more festivals and gigs to promote their new album ‘Ravenswood.’

Driving change in UK housing construction: what the government can do to help

A trio of academics have published a joint article highlighting the obstacles hindering housing construction in the UK and advocating greater support for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase the supply of new homes whilst meeting the nation’s net zero targets and boosting productivity.

It is particularly timely given the ongoing housing crisis and the Government’s decision to step back from a target to build 300,000 homes every year.

In the piece - published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - Dr Suzanne Peters, Professor Jonatan Pinkse and Professor Graham Winch reveal that their research has identified three areas which have restricted the expansion of MMC, headed by a lack of specialist construction skills.

They write: “To deliver at pace and meet quality standards, both offsite and onsite aspects of MMC require skills and understanding that differ from traditional methods – with offsite work requiring more factory-specific skills and onsite skilled labour requiring more precise methods than required by traditional construction. Until both aspects are properly skilled, the deployment of MCC will be marred by delays and quality issues.”

A second difficulty is securing local authority approval for the construction of new properties, a procedure they describe as “consistently the most unpredictable and time-intensive part of the building process and this is especially challenging for MMC.”  They continue: “Issues naturally result from under-staffed departments for planning and land-use regulators, and the highly political nature of regulations and approvals means that the process is often burdened by constant change, uncertainty and delays.”

And third, in the collective view of the academics, “the construction industry is notoriously slow to change, risk averse and extremely cautious of trying new methods and materials.”  

Peters, Pinkse and Winch offer the government advice on how to simultaneously address all three challenges their research has pinpointed.

First, they suggest the roll-out of “an MMC-oriented skills agenda.” They explain: “Bringing MMC to a site requires specialised skills to ensure projects are successfully completed.  More skilled and semi-skilled labour and construction management teams need to better understand and deliver on the unique requirements of MMC, including more precise tolerances to incorporate MMC into the completed house.”

On gaining regulatory approval for new developments, they call for the transformation of existing planning and land-use processes to speed up decision-making.  The authors say: “The current system is onerous, inflexible and unpredictable for all players and is particularly challenging for MMC-driven projects.  Months to years of delays in planning and approvals result in excessive delays for construction projects that could otherwise be delivered in a matter of weeks.”

And on expanding the use of MMC, Peters, Pinkse and Winch advise Ministers to incentivise builders “through beneficial taxation schemes and grants, land access, regulation, and mandates that encourage greater adoption of these methods.”  They add: “As a significant owner of housing and construction projects, government bodies can drive change as a major client in the sector.”

Driving change in UK housing construction by Dr Suzanne Peters, Professor Jonatan Pinkse and Professor Graham Winch is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Unity reflects on year of achievements in annual report

Unity Homes and Enterprise has celebrated another successful year with the publication of its annual report.  

The 24-page document, titled Values Matter, details some of the Leeds-based BME housing association’s biggest achievements over the past 12 months.

Values Matter, Unity’s annual report 2023

They include the completion of 30 one and two bedroomed homes for people aged 55 and over at Leopold Street in Chapeltown, part of a larger £9.3 million development of 63 homes in collaboration with Chapeltown Cohousing.  Unity’s element of the scheme - which was shortlisted for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Inside Housing Development Awards - includes Gertrude Paul Court, named in honour of the first black teacher in Leeds and officially opened by her daughter Heather Paul.

2023 also saw the delivery of a £1.8 million refurbishment project at Leeds Media Centre in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.  Leeds Media Centre is one of three business locations operated by Unity Enterprise, Unity’s not-for-profit subsidiary company, which collectively provide 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses employing more than 900 people.  The refurbished building has created 12 new units and a bespoke business hub.

Unity Enterprise has been particularly active throughout the year in encouraging more women and girls to become their own bosses.  Its ‘Be Unstoppable’ programme offered expert guidance on developing a business idea, identifying a target audience, devising a marketing strategy and achieving maximum impact from the use of social media.  In partnership with Fund Her North and the Yorkshire Asian Business Association with support from Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds programme, ‘Fund Her Leeds’ provided focussed support for selected female entrepreneurs - particularly those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds - in key areas including access to finance, readiness for growth and pitch deck preparation.  

Unity Employment Services, which helps Unity tenants and surrounding communities to access employment and training opportunities, also enjoyed a first-class year.  The small team found full-time and part-time work for 198 local people and delivered training for more than 250 others.  In addition, they created pathways for 15 people to do unpaid volunteering work, which is often a route into employment.  Remarkably, the team achieved a 100% satisfaction rate from customer surveys.  

Cedric Boston

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely proud of our achievements over the past 12 months, which have also seen changes at board and senior management levels.

“We said goodbye to Shruti Bhargava, who stepped down after eight years as Chair of Unity Homes and Enterprise, and were thrilled when she was deservedly named Board/Committee Member of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards.  The process to appoint her replacement begins shortly and I know there will be considerable competition for the role.

“We were excited to welcome Sharon Jandu as Chair of Unity Enterprise and Katherine Proctor as Director of Housing Operations.  Both have already made really positive contributions and will ensure we are well set for continued success in these areas of our work.”      

Ann Marie Matson

Ann Marie Matson, Unity Homes and Enterprise Resources Director, said: “The cost-of-living crisis has been a challenge for many housing associations and Unity is no exception.  However, I am pleased to report that we have again put in a robust financial performance which has allowed us to invest more than £800,000 in our property portfolio.  

“Despite increasing prices, difficulties in sourcing materials and a shortage of suitably skilled labour, tenants in 170 Unity properties benefitted from new energy efficient heating systems, kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors.  We expect many more tenants to see upgrades to their homes in the year ahead.”    

King’s Speech lacks commitment to build more affordable homes – housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has criticised the government for failing to include a firm commitment in the King’s Speech to build more new affordable homes.  

In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said the speech - which is written by Ministers but delivered by King Charles – highlighted that taking homeless people off the streets was not a priority for Ministers after Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s description of homelessness as a “lifestyle choice.”  

Lee Bloomfield, Manningham Housing Association chief executive

He said: “The tone for the King’s Speech was set over the weekend when the Home Secretary defined homelessness as a ‘lifestyle choice’ and stated her desire to ban homeless people from sheltering in tents. 

“As such, no one should be shocked that taking more homeless people off the streets by building more affordable homes would be at the top of government’s policy agenda between now and the General Election.   

“Community-based organisations such as Manningham Housing Associations simply wish to do the right thing for our tenants and, indeed, prospective tenants by expanding the number of properties we have available.

“But we cannot do this alone, the government must take the lead.

“The present administration stopped any pretense that building new homes was a priority when it ditched its target of building 300,000 homes every year, essentially casting housing associations and deprived neighbourhoods in places like Bradford and Keighley adrift.

“By doing so, it chose to snatch away opportunities for better lives that people of all ages living there deserve.

“The absence of any renewed commitment in the King’s Speech to build more new affordable homes is desperately disappointing but, in the wake of Suella Braverman’s crass and heartless comments, not in the least bit surprising.”

Shadow Minister meets academics and tours pioneering hub at University of Manchester

The Shadow Minister for Exports, Afzal Khan, has visited The University of Manchester to meet academics and tour the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub (SMI Hub) at the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s National Centre for research and innovation of advanced materials.

Mr Khan, the Member of Parliament for Manchester Gorton, discussed the contents of Policy@Manchester’s publication Power in Place with contributors to the collection of articles designed to inform regional decision-making.

(From left to right): The University of Manchester’s Dr Carl Emery, Louisa Dawes and Professor Sherilyn MacGregor presenting the headline recommendations from Power in Place to Afzal Khan MP, Shadow Minister for Exports

Louisa Dawes, Senior Lecturer in Education, and Dr Carl Emery, Lecturer in Education, presented their research on local approaches to tackling child poverty, and Professor Sherilyn MacGregor, Professor of Environmental Politics, outlined ways to work towards inclusive environmental sustainability based on her work with Pakistani and Somali communities in Moss Side.

The Shadow Minister was met at the Henry Royce Institute by Dr Chloe Loveless, Senior Experimental Officer at the SMI Hub, before inspecting the pioneering facility which has supported businesses in Greater Manchester on plastics use since 2020.

Afzal Khan MP said: “It is always a delight to visit The University of Manchester.

“The evidence-based research it produces across so many subject areas is greatly valued and has real influence on policymakers in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. 

“Power in Place is another thoroughly impressive piece of work and it was helpful to discuss some of its key recommendations with academic staff.

“I was equally impressed by the SMI Hub which was created by the Henry Royce Institute in response to the growing need to combat plastics pollution now increasingly associated with major world cities.

“It is using world-class research to develop sustainable solutions for plastics and to advise businesses on how they can better protect the environment. 

“It is excellent to know that this important work is going on in the heart of Manchester.”    

Afzal Khan MP, Shadow Minister for Exports, is briefed on the work of the SMI Hub by Dr Chloe Loveless, Senior Experimental Officer

Professor Sherilyn MacGregor said: “We welcomed the opportunity to brief Mr Khan on some of the headline policy recommendations in Power in Place and expand on our individual research projects.

“Supported by our policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, feeding into the policymaking process is an essential element of our research.  It is particularly useful to hear directly from politicians and decision-makers about how we can continue to inform and assist them.”

Three new appointments to Unity Enterprise board

Mohammed Hussain, Amina Shann and John Jagger have joined the board of Unity Enterprise.

Mohammed Hussain is the founder and Managing Director of Pink Elephant Sales and Lettings Ltd.  He also holds board-level positions with the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, the Northern Asian Power Think Tank Group and Shipley College.

Amina Shann is Wholesale Account Manager Bulk Purchase & Export at Morrisons Head Office.  She has over eight years of experience with the Bradford-based supermarket chain, including two years as BAME Adviser alongside her day to day role.

John Jagger has accrued decades of private and public sector experience in the UK and abroad.  He has particular expertise in finance, strategic development and business growth, and has overseen the turnaround of a range of small and medium sized enterprises. 

Established in 200, Unity Enterprise - the not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise - provides more than 140 affordable units for over 80 diverse businesses in three locations close to Leeds city centre. 

They include Leeds Media Centre, which recently completed a £1.8 million refurbishment scheme in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund. 

The newly refurbished Leeds Media Centre, one of three business locations operated by Unity Enterprise

Sharon Jandu OBE, Chair of Unity Enterprise, said: “It is exciting to have Mohammed, Amina and John join the Unity Enterprise board.

“They bring a fantastic blend of differing experiences which will greatly benefit our work and complement the wide range of existing skills and perspectives offered by current board colleagues.

“The new facilities at the revamped and revitalised Leeds Media Centre have opened the door to a whole host of additional opportunities for local entrepreneurs to step forward and achieve their business dreams.

“Our new board members will each play a proactive part in enabling them to make that journey.”     

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “I pay warm tribute to Abdul Ravat and Will Jennings for their years of service on the Unity Enterprise board, and welcome Mohammed, Amina and John to their new roles.  

“Unity stands out amongst housing associations in our commitment to providing employment, training and entrepreneurial services to directly transform the life chances of local people.

“Empowering individuals to set up their own sustainable business is central to this work with the guidance and support of Unity Enterprise.

“Our new board members will add real entrepreneurial weight to this crusade.”