Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with the brilliant Ann Cleeves, best known for her globally acclaimed crime fiction. Our conversation covered her journey from an avid library-goer to an award-winning author, and her commitment to the communities she writes about. Ann’s work captures not only the suspense of crime and mystery but also the underlying social issues, empathy, and resilience found in real life. We delved into Ann’s early life, the variety of jobs that shaped her perspective, and her pathway to publication. She shared insights into the importance of authentic settings, drawing on her love for the North East and how it plays a pivotal role in her stories. Ann’s novels, like Raven Black, and her recent bestseller, The Dark Wives, explore complex characters and themes that resonate far beyond the page, touching on real societal issues.

One highlight of our discussion was the Reading for Wellbeing Project, an initiative close to Ann’s heart, which emphasises the mental health and wellbeing benefits of reading for pleasure. We discussed how this project is bringing comfort, community, and mental health support to people through books and shared reading experiences. Ann also shared her thoughts on the challenges libraries face today and the critical need for public funding to keep these invaluable resources alive for future generations.

This conversation with Ann reminded me of the power of storytelling to build connections, honour community roots, and advocate for change. Her stories are more than mysteries; they are reflections of the voices and places that shape us, and they serve as a call to remember the social and educational spaces—like libraries—that nurture and inspire us all.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:22 – Ann's Early Life and Inspirations

03:10 – The Journey to Becoming a Published Author

05:18 – Challenges in the Publishing Industry

08:09 – The Dark Wives

09:58 – Impact of Social Issues on Writing

12:02 – Vera: A Global Phenomenon

14:46 – Adapting Books to Screen

17:07 – The Inspiration Behind Raven Black

17:58 – The Essence of Crime Writing

20:54 – Challenges Facing Libraries Today

26:06 – Reading for Wellbeing Project

32:57 – Upcoming Works and Final Thoughts

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Alison Dunn (Host)

Ann Cleeves (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, committed to driving societal change through shared knowledge and transformative conversations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Sunderland University. Sir David’s career in education and public service is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a headteacher to serving as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, and now leading Sunderland University, he’s been consistently driven by a deep commitment to expanding education, creating opportunity, and strengthening community at every turn.

We explored Sir David’s diverse work across politics, education, and his impactful role with Carbon Homes in social housing. Sir David also offered a rare insider’s perspective on the critical role of civil servants during political transitions, unpacking what it truly means to "speak truth to power" and how to navigate those pivotal moments of leadership with integrity and purpose.

But perhaps the most important takeaway from our conversation is something Sir David said that truly resonates with me: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.” That simple truth underlines everything we discussed. Our job—whether in education, politics, social policy, or community development—is to close that gap. It’s about creating the opportunities that unlock the talent that exists all around us, especially here in the North.

This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a reminder that creating opportunity is not just a goal but a responsibility we all share.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to This Is The North Podcast

00:30 Meet Sir David Bell: A Storied Career in Education

01:20 The Secret to Success: Loving Every Job

03:05 Diverse Interests: From Housing to Arts and Culture

06:02 Role of a Permanent Secretary: Insights and Experiences

09:27 Transitioning Governments: Challenges and Processes

20:16 Civil Service Dynamics: Speaking Truth to Power

26:03 Addressing Disparities: Education and Social Mobility

30:36 Regional Focus: Skills and Devolved Government

35:17 Sunderland University: A Unique Institution

38:48 Sunderland Medical School: Expanding Opportunities

42:55 Conclusion: Celebrating Success Stories

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe now and join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Sir David Bell (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, committed to driving societal change through shared knowledge and transformative conversations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Katie Talikowska, CEO of The Valuable 500, a global movement focused on making disability a boardroom priority. The Valuable 500 is working with over 500 global businesses, including household names like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, representing a collective workforce of more than 23 million employees and a combined market cap of 23 trillion US dollars. Together, Katie and I dive into the challenges of driving systemic change, exploring the cultural differences and barriers that often stand in the way of genuine inclusion. Katie highlights the importance of inclusive leadership, transparent reporting, and authentic representation. We round off our conversation by looking ahead to the SYNC 25 Accountability Summit in Tokyo, a pivotal event for tracking progress in disability inclusion on a global scale.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:52 - The Mission of The Valuable 500

05:09 - Tackling Cultural Differences in Disability Inclusion

08:36 - Katie’s Journey: From Advertising to Advocacy

09:09 - The Maltesers Campaign: Shifting Public Perception on Disability

14:24 - The Vision of Caroline Casey and the Birth of The Valuable 500

19:39 - Convincing Global Companies to Join The Valuable 500

22:42 - Strategic Focus Areas: Leadership, Representation, and Accountability

25:13 - Challenges with Employee Retention in Disability Inclusion

25:57 - The Role and Importance of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

28:27 - Disability Inclusion in SMEs: How Smaller Businesses Can Make a Difference

31:11 - The Power of Intersectionality in Disability Inclusion

33:02 - Media’s Role in Normalising Disability Representation

38:50 - Dealing with Backlash Against Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Efforts

41:44 - SYNC 25: The Upcoming Accountability Summit in Tokyo

47:20 - Final Call to Action for Disability Inclusion

This conversation with Katie reinforces a crucial lesson: inclusion is not a one-off project—it’s a continuous, strategic effort that needs to be embedded into the core of every business. Katie’s work with

The Valuable 500 reminds us that true progress only happens when we’re willing to push beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and hold ourselves accountable for creating lasting, systemic change. The upcoming SYNC 25 Summit will be a powerful opportunity to do just that.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Katie Talikowska (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, committed to driving societal change through shared knowledge and transformative conversations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this fascinating episode, Alison engages in a candid, thought-provoking conversation with Jo Tanner, a renowned political strategist who has worked across the political spectrum and is a regular commentator on current affairs. Jo began her career as a broadcast journalist before leading the PR efforts for Boris Johnson’s 2008 Mayoral campaign. Today, she’s a familiar face on programmes like Good Morning Britain, BBC’s Politics Live, Channel 4 News, and more.

Jo takes us behind the scenes of political strategy, explaining how her work has shaped both Conservative and Labour campaigns. Together, they explore pressing issues such as public expectations from the government, the challenges of devolution, and why representation matters for building a fairer society. Jo also shares her passions for mental health advocacy, elevating women’s voices, and grassroots football and education initiatives. This conversation underscores the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of long-term thinking in today’s political landscape.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:31 Meet Jo Tanner: Political Strategist

01:12 The Role of a Political Strategist

02:35 Navigating Political Ideologies

05:12 Balancing Personal Values and Professional Duties

08:15 Challenges in the Current Political Landscape

13:32 Election Campaign Dynamics

20:12 Reflections on Boris Johnson's Leadership

25:44 Influential Figures and Personal Experiences

27:58 Overcoming Accent Challenges in Politics

28:51 Support from Male Colleagues

29:23 Training Women in Media

29:44 Facing Public Criticism

31:19 Authenticity in Leadership

33:51 Challenges for Women in Politics

38:50 Founding the Women's Parliamentary Football Team

44:57 Promoting Mental Health Awareness

48:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

50:18 Future of Devolution in the North East

Reflecting on this conversation, it’s clear that Jo Tanner’s ability to navigate the complexities of political strategy—while staying true to her values—offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to foster meaningful, systemic change. Her insights remind us that by empowering diverse voices, especially women and underrepresented groups, we can reshape politics to serve all communities.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Jo Tanner (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to driving societal change through the power of shared knowledge.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this deeply moving episode, Alison sits down with Charlie Beswick, a passionate advocate for parent carers and the author of Our Altered Life. Charlie opens up about her emotional journey raising her twin boys, particularly Harry, who was born with Goldenhar syndrome and later diagnosed with autism. The conversation dives into the complexities of parenting a child with special needs, the impact on family dynamics, and the societal judgments they often face. Charlie also shares her professional evolution from teaching to advocacy, focusing on educating employers about the unique skills and needs of parent carers. This episode offers powerful insights into the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with special needs, highlighting resilience, community support, and enduring hope.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to This Is The North Podcast

00:32 Meet Charlie Beswick: Advocate and Author

01:35 From Pregnancy to Diagnosis: Charlie's Journey

02:46 Navigating Emotional Struggles and Family Dynamics

05:22 The Highs and Lows of Parenting a Child with Special Needs

12:57 Confronting Public Perception and Advancing Advocacy

18:55 Charlie's Professional Transition and Advocacy Work

23:16 Building Support Systems and Embracing Personal Growth

33:22 Advice for Carers and Final Reflections

Reflecting on this conversation, it's evident that Charlie’s strength and resilience are not only inspiring but also a powerful call to action. Her story shines a light on the unseen challenges faced by parent carers, urging us all to rethink how society supports and values these remarkable families. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and the urgent need for systemic change to build a world where every individual, regardless of circumstance, can flourish. Charlie's journey through grief and anger, challenges and triumphs, loss and acceptance, ultimately leads to a place of profound love for the life she shares with her two beautiful children—children she wouldn’t change for the world.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Charlie Beswick (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to driving societal change through the power of shared knowledge.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison joins a panel discussion with Steve Beharall, CEO of the Newcastle United Foundation, and Dean Titterton, CEO of YMCA North Tyneside, to address the recent rioting triggered by the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport. Guest host Neil Gow, Strategy and Research Manager at Citizens Advice Gateshead, guides us through a panel discussion focused on the profound impact of the recent UK riots on organisations, employees, and communities, emphasising the importance of safety, solidarity, and resilience. They share their efforts in supporting affected individuals and adapting services, while also focusing on combating misinformation and fostering community cohesion. Their conversation underscores the need for a united response to combat Islamophobia, racism, and societal disconnection, advocating for collective action and the role of the charitable sector in inspiring positive change.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Panel Introduction

00:46 Impact of Riots on Organisations

02:03 Safety Measures and Community Response

03:53 Long-term Effects and Community Trauma

04:49 Addressing Misinformation and Social Media

06:40 Community Solidarity and Positive Actions

09:28 Future Steps and Collaboration

24:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Reflecting on this powerful discussion, it's clear that the path to a more equitable society isn't paved with grand gestures but with consistent, courageous action. The panel's insights remind us that real change begins at the community level—where empathy meets strategy, and where solidarity becomes our strongest tool against division.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now, and together, let's empower our communities for a brighter, more equitable future.

Neil Gow (Host)

Alison Dunn (Guest)

Steve Beharall (Guest)

Dean Titterton (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to powering societal change through knowledge sharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison sits down with Fatima Whitbread, a celebrated Olympian, world champion, MBE recipient, and tireless advocate for children in the care system. Fatima's story is a powerful journey from a challenging childhood in care to becoming a world-renowned athlete. She discusses her ongoing campaign to reform the care system and her upcoming summit aimed at driving systemic change. This conversation sheds light on the critical issues faced by children in care and underscores the necessity of creating supportive and nurturing environments.

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:31 Meet Fatima Whitbread: Olympian and Advocate

01:32 Everest Base Camp Experience

02:25 Campaigning for Children in Care

03:31 Fatima's Early Life in the Care System

04:20 Challenges in the Care System

10:30 The Importance of Role Models

13:33 Programs for Youth Development

16:04 The Broken Care System

26:23 Empowering Young People

30:36 The Need for Foster Carers

35:46 Fatima's Reflections and Values

38:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is an unforgettable episode featuring one of life’s true champions, who triumphed against unimaginable hardships to rise as a beacon of hope, grit, and resilience. Fatima’s journey from an abandoned child to an Olympic champion and campaigner is not just inspiring; it’s a call to action for all of us to contribute to a fairer, more caring society.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now, and together, let's empower our communities for a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Fatima Whitbread (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to powering societal change through knowledge sharing.

If you'd like to find out more about Fatima's UK Campaign please visit https://www.fatimascampaign.com/about-fatima/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison speaks with Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health for Gateshead and Newcastle, and Dr. Julie Scanlon, an expert in women's inclusion. Together, they delve into the persisting gender inequalities in health, employment, and social roles. The conversation uncovers the impact of recent socio-economic challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity, and the cost-of-living crisis on women, the intersectionality of gender with other identity aspects, and highlights the urgent need for policy and cultural changes to ensure a more equitable society. Tune in for an insightful look at what we can do to bridge the gender gap in the North of England and beyond.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:28 Meet the Guests: Alice Wiseman and Dr. Julie Scanlon

00:58 The State of Women's Health in the UK

02:52 Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Women

04:04 Intersectionality and Women's Experiences

04:45 Gender Pay Gap and Occupational Segregation

05:50 Challenges of Unpaid Care Work

11:50 Visibility and Inclusion in the Workplace

19:10 Food Insecurity and Poverty

29:10 Domestic Violence During the Pandemic

37:33 Policy Measures and Future Directions

41:22 Call to Action and Closing Remarks

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now, and together, let's empower our communities for a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Alice Wiseman (Guest)

Dr. Julie Scanlon (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to powering societal change through knowledge sharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison welcomes the insightful and provocative political commentator and writer, Grace Blakeley. Grace discusses her latest book, 'Vulture Capitalism,' which delves into the intricate and often opaque mechanisms of capitalist economies. This episode reveals startling insights into the concentration of power, the lack of accountability, and the formidable influence of financial institutions and corporations in perpetuating these systems. Moreover, it highlights grassroots movements and alternative models as pathways to a fairer society. Join us for an in-depth exploration of systemic issues and practical strategies for collective change.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Meet Grace Blakeley

00:57 Discussing 'Vulture Capitalism'

04:14 Capitalism & Marxist Perspective

05:53 Challenging the Status Quo

33:12 Employee Ownership & Mutuality

36:53 The Influence of Financial Institutions

41:57 Closing Remarks

Grace's revelations are essential for anyone looking to understand and challenge the systems that uphold economic disparity. Her emphasis on actionable insights and grassroots movements offers a hopeful path towards a more equitable future.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now, and together, let's empower our communities for a brighter, more equitable future.

Host: Alison Dunn

Guest: Grace Blakeley

Producer: Peter Bell

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to powering societal change through knowledge sharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison speaks with David Smith, CEO of Oasis Community Housing and the Labour candidate for North Northumberland. The discussion delves into David's extensive career, his motivations for entering politics, and his vision for North Northumberland and the UK. Alison and David explore the systemic challenges of homelessness, the importance of preventative measures, and David's personal experiences that shape his political views.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction
• David's Work with Oasis Community Housing
• Decision to Run for Office
• Personal Experiences Shaping Political Views
• Priorities for North Northumberland
• Challenges and Solutions in Public Services
• Engaging Younger Voters
• Labour Party's Stance on Key Issues
• Restoring Trust in Politics 

David's candid conversation with Alison sheds light on the critical issues facing North Northumberland and British politics. His vision for a more inclusive, supportive society, along with his experience in the third sector, highlights the potential for meaningful change. As a Labour candidate, David emphasises honesty, integrity, and long-term solutions to improve the lives of constituents, aiming to create a brighter future for Britain.

Enjoyed the podcast? Subscribe now, and together, let's empower our communities for a brighter, more equitable future.

Host: Alison Dunn

Guest: David Smith

Producer: Peter Bell

This podcast was recorded and produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to powering societal change through knowledge sharing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.