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 Brian Aitken, former editor of the 'Journal' newspaper and founder of the new online magazine 'The QT'. The discussion covers Brian's extensive journalism career, his successful campaigns that boosted the North East region, and his transition to media consultancy, including work with Newcastle United Football Club. They explore the importance of credible journalism, Brian's campaigns, and the positive impact of his work on the community. Additionally, Brian shares the vision behind 'The QT', emphasising fair, balanced news and its potential influence on the North East's socio-political landscape. The episode underscores the necessity for regional advocacy and engagement through quality journalism.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 A Background To Brian Aitken: From Editor to Media Consultant

01:22 Brian's Early Journalism Career

03:55 Campaigns and Achievements at The Journal

12:40 The Transition to Newcastle United

16:14 The Birth of The QT: A New Online Magazine

19:45 The QT's Mission and Content

23:07 Political Neutrality and Social Impact

26:25 Future Plans and Impact of The QT

27:37 Closing Thoughts And Key Takeaways

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Brian Aitken (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode of 'This is the North' podcast, host Alison Dunn, supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company, engages with Andrew Haig (CEO of Newcastle Building Society), Nancy Doyle-Hall (Executive Director of the Virgin Money Foundation), and Emma Black (Co-founder of GB Bank and CEO of Cascade Cash Management) to discuss the role of financial institutions in supporting economic development and wealth creation in local communities, especially in the north of England.

The conversation explores how these institutions contribute to a more equal and inclusive society, the significance of financial literacy, and their initiatives to support low-income individuals and small businesses. The panellists also discuss future plans for engaging with local government and not-for-profits through devolution to address economic disparities, aiming for a fairer distribution of wealth and a more inclusive financial environment.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to 'This is the North' Podcast

00:39 Introducing the Panel: Voices from the Financial Sector

03:29 Exploring the Role of Financial Institutions in Community Development

05:45 The Impact of Financial Institutions on Social Change and Economic Equality

08:48 Challenges and Opportunities in Purposeful Leadership and Social Impact

17:48 Collaboration and Community Engagement: A Path to Financial Literacy and Inclusion

25:07 Discussing the British Reluctance to Talk About Money

30:34 Empowering Individuals in Financial Decisions

31:10 The Simplicity of Switching Financial Providers

31:54 The Importance of Trust and Accessibility in Finance

32:41 Maintaining High Street Presence for Financial Services

33:11 Innovative Approaches to Community Banking

34:17 The Role of Community Spaces in Financial Institutions

36:14 Supporting Communities Through the Virgin Money Foundation

36:55 Spotlight on Local Organizations Making a Difference

41:09 Enhancing Financial Returns for Charities and Schools

43:16 Future Plans for Addressing Wealth Inequality

49:22 The Potential of Devolution to Address Economic Disparities

57:36 Concluding Thoughts on Community and Economic Development

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Andrew Haig (Guest)

Nancy Doyle-Hall (Guest)

Emma Black (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today’s episode, Alison is joined by Nicola Headlam, a renowned independent economic adviser and former Head of the Northern Powerhouse. Together, they delve into the intricacies of policy and politics from the era of Thatcherism and Lord Heseltine to today's complex geopolitical landscape.

Today’s discussion focuses on:

• Economic Development: Nicola shares insights from her pioneering work in neighbourhood renewal and her approach to evidence-based policies aimed at addressing inequalities.
• Historical Context and Policies: We critique the evolution from New Labour’s regional development policies to their recent impacts on the North.
• Subnational Economic Development: Emphasis on practical, evidence-based policymaking with a "worst-first" approach to significantly reduce economic disparities.
• Cultural and Economic Potential: A vibrant discussion on the North's rich culture and untapped potential for economic revitalisation.
• Role of Evidence in Policy: Highlighting the crucial role of data-driven approaches in mitigating regional disparities and the impacts of a decade of managed decline.
• Infrastructure and Urban Development: Exploring the pivotal role of infrastructure in economic development, including discussions on the abandonment of HS2 and the efforts toward 'levelling up.'
• Social Issues and Public Sector Challenges: An examination of public sector cuts and the critical roles within the third sector amidst shifts in government policy.
• Brexit and Its Implications: Assessing Brexit’s tangible impacts on regional development and economic strategies.
• Future of Economic Development: Discussing the urgent need for continued investment in infrastructure and innovation to propel Northern England forward.

Key Thoughts & Takeaways:

This discussion offers a retrospective look at pivotal decisions that have shaped the current challenges in Northern England. You will leave this episode equipped with a deeper understanding of the complex socio-economic disparities facing the North, and inspired by actionable strategies that aim to leverage regional strengths, paving a future filled with hope, opportunities and possibilities.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Nicola Headlam (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today's episode, Alison is joined by current serving North of Tyne Mayor and Independent North East Mayoral Candidate, Jamie Driscoll.

Jamie shares insights from his tenure as Mayor, focusing on his achievements despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. With 92% of his manifesto pledges already delivered, including unifying the region under a single Mayoral Combined Authority, Jamie's approach to governance is rooted in pragmatism and a deep-seated belief in public service.

From his early days leaving school at 16, to becoming a mature student and later a software developer, Jamie's varied life experiences have shaped his politics into what he describes as common sense rather than left or right-wing ideology. He emphasises the importance of democracy, public NHS, wealth tax, common ownership of utilities, universal basic income, proportional representation, and more—policies aimed at creating a fairer society for all.

Today's discussion focuses on:

• Jamie's Role As Mayor Of The North Of Tyne
• His Motivations To Be The North East Mayor
• His Formative Years & Influences
• Jamie's Career Pre-Politics & Early Years
• Commitment To Child Poverty Prevention
• The Green Agenda & Job Creation
• The Negotiation & Construction of A Devolution Deal
• Investment In Future Generations & Mental Health
• Lifting People Up & Not Leaving People Behind
• Unifying The Region & Recovery
• Adult Education & Rural Communities
• The Challenges of A Pandemic & Political Instability
• Transitioning From Labour To An Independent Candidate
• The Future Of Democracy
• Tuition Fees & Impacts
• Sadio Populism & Short-Termism
• The Shrinking Of Public Services
• The Rise of The Right Wing
• Misinformation & Electoral Implications
• Trust & Authenticity
• The Role of The Third Sector & Austerity
• Integrated Transportation
• Social Housing
• Tax & Wealth Inequality
• Key Thoughts & Takeaways

Key Date: Polling day to elect a North East mayor is Thursday, May 2nd 2024. You can register to vote here.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Jamie Driscoll (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today's episode, Alison is joined by Northumberland County Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Guy Renner-Thompson. Guy is also the Conservative Party Candidate for the North East Mayoral Elections.

Guy shares his vision and plans for the North East, highlighting the region's historical significance and its potential for a prosperous future. With a focus on leveraging the new Devolution Deal, Guy aims to usher in a new era of growth and opportunity, focusing on investment designed to shift power closer to the communities it aims to benefit.

Born and raised in the North East, and a local businessman, Guy brings a personal commitment to advocating for the region’s needs. His track record as a Councillor for education in Northumberland, where he has improved school performance, demonstrates his dedication to enhancing local education and training facilities to the regions needs.

Today's discussion focuses on:

• Guy's Background & Roots in The North East
• Motivations to be Mayor
• Manifesto Pledges & Removing Barriers
• Reenergising The North East’s Industrial Heartlands
• His Role As Northumberland County Councillor & Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services
• Education As An Employment Edge
• The Transformative Potential of Devolution
• Farming, Agriculture & A Rural Plan 
• A Pledge For The Motorist 
• Impact of Green Energy 
• Freeports & Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
• Inequality & Child Poverty
• The Third Sector & Provision
• The UKs Recession & How This Came To Pass 
• If A Conservative Government is a Help or A Hindrance 
• Guy’s Assessment of The Past 14 Years of Conservative Governance
• Views Ahead of Mays Mayoral Elections & This Years General Election 
• Trussonomics & Guy’s Reflections on Liz Truss’s Tenure as PM 
• Key Thoughts & Takeaways

Key Date: Polling day to elect a North East mayor is Thursday, May 2nd 2024. You can register to vote here. Remember to register by 11:59pm on 16 April 2024 to vote.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Guy Renner-Thompson (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today's episode, Alison is joined by Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and Labour's North East Mayoral Candidate.

Kim shares her personal journey and vision for the North East, emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to succeed in the region she loves. Growing up in the West End of Newcastle in a working-class family, Kim experienced firsthand the challenges and hardships faced by many in the region. Her story is a testament to the impact of community support and government investment, highlighting her commitment to empowering communities and delivering real opportunities for working-class people.

As Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim has prioritised fighting the effects of poverty and deprivation, bolstering police presence, investing in youth, and revitalising community hubs. Now, standing for mayor, she aims to champion regional pride and ambition, advocate for the North East on a national level, and create a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Today's discussion focuses on:

• Kim's Role As The Police And Crime Commissioner
• Her Early Years And Influences
• The North-South Divide
• Fighting Poverty, Fighting Crime
• Youth Services And Adversity
• Keeping People Safe
• Sarah Everard And Tackling Violence Against Women And Girls
• Kim's Key Manifesto Pledges
• A Blueprint From Other Devolved Regions
• Short-Termism And Populism
• The Role of The Third Sector
• Key Thoughts And Takeaways.

Key Date: Polling day to elect a North East mayor is Thursday, May 2nd 2024. You can register to vote here. Remember to register by 11:59pm on 16 April 2024 to vote.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Kim McGuinness (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today's episode, Alison is joined by Dan Jackson, Charlie Charlton, and Steve Beharall. Each is renowned in their field, offering a multidimensional exploration of the North's rich heritage:

• Dan Jackson is distinguished not only for his celebrated work, "The Northumbrians," but also for his impactful roles as the Director of Policy, Involvement & Stakeholder Affairs at NHS North East and North Cumbria, and Vice Chair of Beamish Museum. Dan's deep dive into the region's history and culture, combined with his hands-on experience in policy and community involvement, uniquely positions him to discuss the complexities of the North's past, present, and future.
• Charlie Charlton, a prominent advocate for the North East, brings her extensive experience as a journalist, presenter, and Community Engagement Manager at Newcastle Helix to the forefront of our discussion. Her work epitomises a passionate commitment to highlighting the North East's uniqueness, addressing the North-South divide, and fostering community development through innovation and engagement.
• Steve Beharall, leading the Newcastle United Foundation as CEO, showcases the transformative impact of sports and community programmes across the North East. His leadership in leveraging the foundation's platform to address social issues, promote education, and enhance community well-being illustrates the critical role sports can play in societal change.

Today's discussion focuses on:

• George Stevenson And The Northumbrians
• The Northumbrian Enlightenment
• Disparities And the Uniqueness of the North & South
• Geordie And Northern Stereotypes
• Gender Equality
• Heavy And New Industries
• A Culture of Autodidactism
• Mechanisms for Community, Identity And Mutuality
• Impact And Opportunity of Sport within Our Beloved Region
• Impact of Alcohol And the ‘Deaths from Despair’
• Changing the Narrative
• Devolution And Boosterism
• Key Thoughts And Takeaways.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Dan Jackson (Guest)

Charlie Charlton (Guest)

Steve Beharall (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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In today's episode, Alison is joined by Kevin Telford, Robin Ferris, and Estelle Blanks:

• Kevin Telford, is a Strategic Adviser and Future FS Strategy Consultant at Monstarlab, and Co-Founder of Finpac.
• Robin Ferris, CEO of Bankuet, the UK's first zero-waste digital food donation platform, on a mission to ensure food banks get what they need, when they need it.
• Estelle Blanks, a Non-Executive Director at Nexus, Member of the CBI Innovation Council, and CEO of the Innovation SuperNetwork, a unique North East network supporting businesses in growth and innovation.

Today's discussion focuses on the disparities, opportunities, and outcomes between the North and South. Some context for our conversation includes:

• 38% of children in the North East live in poverty.
• 41% of key workers are living in poverty, with the North West being the closest rival for this unwelcome distinction at 29%.
• The North East has the lowest level of A-Level and GCSE results in the country.
• People in the North have a significantly lower life expectancy than those in the South, with many in the region spending their later years in much poorer health than the rest of the UK.

With this backdrop, today's episode will cover:

• The realities of being tied to the North.
• Social entrepreneurship.
• The cost of living crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Using innovation as a tool to support economic development.
• The blend of activism and entrepreneurship.
• The North East's legacy of innovation.
• System thinking versus transactional approaches.
• The debate between short-termism and long-term vision.
• The role of equity finance in social innovation.
• The challenges of investment and barriers to innovation.
• The concept of devolution.
• The idea of leaping up, not just levelling up.
• Education and educational attainment.
• Wealth inequality and government investment zones.
• The intersection of innovation, gender inclusion, and success assessment.
• The importance of purpose, sustainability, and impact.
• Strategies for solving social problems.
• The dynamic between collaboration and competition.
• Key thoughts and takeaways from the conversation.

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

Alison Dunn (Host)

Kevin Telford

Robin Ferris

Estelle Blanks

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast was recorded by Moja and produced by Purpose Made.

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 from a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison is joined by a distinguished panel: John Johnston, Dr. Henry Kippin, and Sheena Ramsey.

• John Johnston, CEO of Bernicia and influential figure on the Council of North East Chamber of Commerce's board, brings a wealth of leadership and regional development insight.
• Dr. Henry Kippin, the driving force as Interim Chief Executive of The North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA), shares his vision for the region's future.
• Sheena Ramsey, Gateshead Council's Chief Executive, represents one of the seven local authorities integral to NEMCA, offering a unique perspective on local governance and community impact.

Together, they unravel the complexities of the north-south divide, exploring the pivotal role of devolution and the "levelling up" agenda in addressing longstanding socio-economic disparities.

During this insightful conversation, we discuss:

• Levelling Up & Can It Be Done
• Collaboration Over Competition 
• Poverty & Real Term Inequalities 
• Performance & Productivity 
• Employment & Intellectual Capacity
• The Social Obligation of Devolution
• A Strategy For Skills & Improvements
• Transport & HS2
• Investment & Infrastructure  
• Long vs. Short Term Planning 
• The Potential Impacts of A General Election & Change of Governance
• Thoughts For The Future & What Success Looks Like

Referenced Documents:

• Levelling Up White Paper
• Bankrupt Birmingham

Join us as we dive deep into the heart of the North's challenges and opportunities, seeking pathways to a more balanced and prosperous future. Tune in to "This Is The North" for a conversation that not only questions the status quo but also inspires actionable change.

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't forget to subscribe and connect.

Alison Dunn (Host)

John Johnston

Dr Henry Kippin 

Sheena Ramsey

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast was recorded by Moja and produced by Purpose Made.

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 and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need from a more equal and inclusive society.

Today’s podcast is about disparities in opportunity and their outcomes between the North and the South. Currently, the Northeast continues to be the region with the highest rate of suicide in the UK. Whilst we'll be talking today around some of the broader policy and systemic issues related to suicide, it's vital to acknowledge that behind the alarming statistics lie real people. Each with a story, experiences, and challenges that led them to that desperate juncture.

In today's thought-provoking episode, Alison is joined by two remarkable guests:

• Paul Vittel's, the Chief Facilitator at the Zero Suicide Society Transformation Programme, situated within the Jordan Legacy Community Interest Company.
• Evelina Dzimanaviciute, a distinguished behavioural neuroscientist, organisational well-being consultant, and executive coach at Elite Mind.

During this insightful conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, including:

• The Priority Trap
• Suicide as a means, not a cause
• The story behind the Jordan Legacy
• The Learn Network
• Statistics & Stigma
• The Suicide Prevention Strategy
• A Zero Suicide Society
• Identity and Impact
• Mandatory counselling, training and more

Remember, to effectively address suicide prevention and offer real support to those in distress requires a holistic and empathic approach. This goes far beyond implementing policy changes or enhancing mental health services. It's about creating a societal culture deeply rooted in empathy and compassion. Suicide should not be viewed as an isolated concern, but as a crucial aspect of our collective well-being. We need to actively dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. By building a society that provides compassionate support, preventative strategies and understanding, we do more than just reduce the incidence of suicide; we foster an environment whereby healing and wellness are integral to our societal values. It's important to recognise that suicide is a means of death, not a cause. Therefore, the path too meaningful change in suicide prevention is forged through holistic, empathetic, and inclusive preventions, whereby we acknowledge and address the underlying pain and trauma that often lead to such extreme distress.

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't forget to subscribe.

Alison Dunn

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisondunncag/

Paul Vittles

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvittles/?originalSubdomain=uk

Evelina Dzimanaviciute

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-dee/

This podcast was produced by Moja.

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