Summer 2018 Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

Political leadership redefined Laura McAllister on new leaders New strikes, new members Wil Chivers on young union activists

Power to the people? Tony Armstrong on local democracy

ISSN 2059-8416 Print ISSN 2398-2063 Online contents: SUMMER 2018 Wales’ best policy and politics magazine

SUCCESS IS NOW EVEN MORE AFFORDABLE GET UP TO £4,500 FUNDING TOWARDS LIVING COSTS ON OUR PART-TIME COURSES* MAE LLWYDDIANT YN FWY FFORDDIADWY FYTH ERBYN HYN CEWCH HYD AT £4,500 O GOSTAU BYW AR EIN CYRSIAU RHAN-AMSER* Laura McAlister Tony Armstrong Sophie Williams 2 Political leadership redefined 4 Power to the people? 8 What’s in a name? The Prince of SEARCH OU WALES Wales bridge and Welsh identity CHWILIO OU CYMRU *Eligibility rules apply for financial support. Mae rheolau cymhwysedd yn berthnasol ar gyfer cymorth ariannol. 2 Laura McAlister 18 Louise Davies

The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England Political leadership redefined Giving every child the best start & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking. Ymgorfforir y Brifysgol Agored drwy Siarter Frenhinol (RC 000391), sef elusen eithriedig yng Nghymru a Lloegr ac elusen gofrestredig yn yr Alban (SC 038302). Awdurdodir a rheoleiddir y Brifysgol Agored 4 Tony Armstrong 20 Lynne Neagle AM gan yr Awdurdod Ymddygiad Ariannol mewn perthynas â’i gweithgaredd eilradd o froceru credyd. Power to the people? Mind over matter: better mental health support for children and 6 Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd young people A new direction for justice 22 Dai Lloyd AM 8 Sophie Williams The price of a pint What’s in a name? The Prince of Wales bridge and Welsh identity 24 Vanessa Young Tackling staff retention in the NHS 10 Derek Walker Subscriber How to achieve prosperity for all 26 Alison Hill 28 Spotlight: A new model of primary care 12 Wil Chivers, Helen Blakely, Matthew Kennedy

Volunteering-wales.net Steve Davies and Rhys Davies 28 Lynn Pamment – Policy & public Undeb Y Public and New strikes, new members Insight into the review of affordable affairs manager at the Gwasanaethau Platfform digidol gwirfoddoli newydd i Commercial Chartered Institute of CyhoeddusUndeb Y Gwasanaethau a Cyhoeddus a housing Public and Commercial Services union Undeb Y Gwasanaethau Cyhoeddus a helpu fudiadau recriwtio a hyfforddi Public Services and union Commercial Services union Masnachol 14 Ruth Coombs Housing Cymru MasnacholMasnachol

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Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 1 leadership: Laura McAllister real passion and energy and an independent spirit. Many politicians Wales needs a leader who isn’t frightened to have been media-coached into a condition of bland uniformity. One get angry and to raise her/his voice could be forgiven for suspecting that they have a set of buttons programmed to give stock answers indifference than anything else. amongst politicians and staff, and Political leadership redefined and phraseology – “stakeholders, It is a seminal moment as we there is likely to be a painful clear going forward, long-term (likely) leave the EU and attempt to out after the contest. sustainability” etc. There are real chart a new position for Wales in the Finally, rather than issuing another problems if the key to success is world. This will probably involve raft of “exciting new policy simply to follow the party line and using our soft power (as we have ambitions”, how about focusing on With one vacancy for a party leader already up for grabs and more on the avoid rocking the boat. If challenge precious little of the hard variety) some serious delivery plans? At a horizon, Laura McAllister, Professor of Public Policy at Cardiff University’s is frowned upon, the outcomes utilising assets to sell Wales - sport, summit organised a few years ago will be stained the staleness our landscape, green tourism, the by the former Minister for Public Wales Governance Centre and former captain of the Wales women’s of uniformity. arts, our two languages. But it will Services, Leighton Andrews, I international football team, asks what qualities should our leaders have? We need more authenticity in also mean finding new or suggested that to improve, political leaders, not manufactured reinventing some other selling leadership had to be far less anger - some proper, genuine points. A “feminist government” for speech, and far more action- t’s a tough job being a leader. leader. Unsurprisingly, the best emotion. An increasingly alienated Wales anyone? This is no more than oriented. I also said that we need And that applies whatever the leaders do not see the need to talk and distant public will likely respond a slogan currently, but what’s to elevate the “how to” sector. Political leadership takes about these qualities, they “just” live better to an evangelist than a stopping us having aspirations to be implementation stage - the tough, Ia variety of forms: the most them in their working interactions. technocrat. Most of us want a world leader in equality? Equality sleeves-rolled-up, getting-it-done obvious being our political party Now, this might sound fantastically someone we trust, can believe with a purpose might offer a chance part. Being a leader means focusing leaders. They are highly visible yet, simplistic but it seems to me that in, who will stand up for Wales. to reframe ourselves as a nation on the gritty, painful, difficult as research indicates, many people trusting and respecting colleagues, Someone who is “in it” for us where equality underpins implementation, not just the shiny, in Wales can scarcely identify some listening to and understanding the and the nation, not for his or everything and actively drives fun baubles of ideas, missions of our main party bosses. There are people we serve, form the basis of her own career journey and economic growth. and strategies. a lot of other forms of political good collegiate leadership. Of personal aggrandisement. Third, “a fo ben, bid bont” - if you No one said leadership was easy leadership too – within the civil course, that does not mean always The new First Minister will need to want to be a leader, be a bridge - and, if it is easy, the organisation is service, in parliamentary doing what is suggested to us by be different to the three previous from the Mabinogion and a slogan probably not worth leading. infrastructures and in civic society those in our teams. Nevertheless, office holders, yet build on each’s widely used in my home town of Political party leaders face scrutiny more widely. there is a basic requirement to best bits. How about a bit of Alun Bridgend too. The electoral like never before, much of it I’ve worked with or within most of listen, value and respect other Michael’s technocratic focus, arithmetic of National Assembly personal, brutal and unfair. That’s these types of organisations. I’ve people’s viewpoints. Rhodri’s relaxed populism and elections necessitates political unlikely to change any time soon. actively “done” leadership too and Carwyn’s cheery unflappability? compromise and alliances. To Maybe leadership is not for observed the styles and operation Second, s/he will need to be know remain as First Minister after the everyone; it’s certainly not for the of political leaders at close quarters. how to make themselves heard. 2021 election, the new Labour faint-hearted. These are the things I’ve learnt. The new Welsh Welsh leaders are far too polite - leader will need a cocktail of One final thought: we mostly get Those who analyse and pontificate Labour leader needs Wales needs a leader who isn’t restrained ego, thick skin and a the leaders we deserve. The chasm about leadership usually turn out to frightened to get angry and to raise friendly demeanour. between us and those in public life be the worst leaders. Anyone can to display some real her/his voice. How else will they be Whatever one’s views on their means that any degree of regurgitate a glossy text book on passion and energy listened to at the decision-making parties’ effectiveness, there are some authenticity and populism - Trump, leadership, but reading is not the tables of London, Europe and the big personalities in the opposition Farage, Corbyn - is celebrated for same as doing. One can know the and an independent organisation can be and how world? At this moment, we probably parties and they are now armed with its honesty and embraced far words and tune but be unable to spirit. difficult its leadership can prove. need a motivational but pragmatic the “open secret” of a potential beyond its real value. Until there is a sing the song. So, on to Welsh Labour, since it is leader - someone who is sufficiently non-Labour deal sticking out of their willingness to accept politicians for The best leaders are those who the party currently in the market for self-assured, confident and sleeves. What’s more, a leadership who they are and treat them as have human qualities like empathy, Political parties are bizarre a new leader, although other parties personable to speak for a nation contest invariably leaves a legacy. humans, they will not behave respect, sociability and bravery; in organisations. To be fair, they are may soon be following suit. Based which inspires more disregard and Noses will be put out of joint naturally and with complete honesty. other words, basic human comprised of people with diverse on the lessons I have learnt, here are So, until a better connection intelligence and decency. The least views and multiple objectives, plus some suggestions for the qualities between the public and politics in important part of leadership is an many party members have plenty of needed for Carwyn Jones’s Wales is established, the depressing ability to make speeches although, time on their hands, sometimes to successor to work in a way that The new Labour leader will need truth is that we are unlikely to see ironically, communication skills are contribute, sometimes to create benefits the Labour party, our a cocktail of restrained ego, thick leaders who attract widespread paramount in the leadership “beauty mischief. All of this means that the government, our parliament and the public respect, support and gratitude contests”. Instead, it is deeds and “broad church” metaphor rather wider nation. skin and a friendly demeanour for the sacrifice of serving us. action that should define a good underplays how messy a party First, s/he needs to display some

2 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 3 Local Government: Tony Armstrong Community Right to Bid, for empower neighbourhood control example, has given local people the over the local economy, public Power doesn’t ability to identify cherished local services and planning and ensure belong to decision land and buildings and campaign to that power ‘sticks’ at the local level. save them, knowing they have the makers to ‘give away’ statutory powers to back them up. Powers … it starts with Yet the effectiveness of the Communities need to have statutory Power to the people? Community Rights remain powers in order to make change people and lies in dependent on the local context; locally. We therefore examined a our communities. crucially they remain dependent on number of changes which could be the local capacity and the made to the legislative framework. relationships between local For example, the introduction of a get things done locally. With the reorganisation of Welsh local government on the agenda again, government and communities. Time genuine ‘Community Right to Buy’, We also need to make it easier for and again we heard evidence that as is already operating in Scotland, everybody to get involved, and Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Locality, sets out the findings of communities were not able to enact would represent a concrete method embed the culture of localism in our findings from the Localism Commission in England change in their local area because for strengthening the Localism Act. neighbourhoods. Community ‘real power resides elsewhere.’ It would give communities the first organisations are experts in right of refusal to purchase Assets of community development, and have Community Value (ACV) that come long provided people with a good new City Mayors. But within this For many to market and would provide a place to live; improved health and context of local government communities twelve month period, once an ACV wellbeing; and employability, reorganisation, the neighbourhood comes to market, for communities training and volunteering dimension has been largely side- decision-making to mobilise, and secure the funding opportunities. Local government lined. The promise of ‘onward and local support required. needs to embrace this expertise and devolution’ to our towns and in the City Hall Community ownership is a vital way work in partnership with these neighbourhoods remains something can feel as remote of enabling communities to take locally based organisations. This of a mirage. control of the important activities requires overcoming the perceived For many communities decision- and opaque as and spaces that are vital in their ‘risk’ of doing things differently. making in the City Hall can feel as in Whitehall or areas. Practical ways local authorities remote and opaque as in Whitehall might do this include the devolution or Westminster. We need a vision for Westminster. Capacity of budgets to neighbourhoods or localism which strengthens power A longstanding concern with increasing their use of Community t is increasingly recognised that in deprived neighbourhoods. Under from the ground up. Our recommendations for localism is that it can actually Asset Transfer policies. localism is absolutely central to the Coalition Government we had This is why Locality established the localism, therefore, sought to strike entrench inequalities, by While our research was framed driving forward effective place- the Localism Act 2011, establishing a ‘Commission on the Future of a balance between the changes strengthening the position of those within the English context, our Ibased change. Putting power set of new rights and powers for Localism’ last year, in order to required to the formal structures and with the resources, time and recommendations have resonance and resources directly in the hands communities in England to have examine how to reinvigorate local processes of localism, with a networks, while excluding the most for the behaviours, policies and of communities can unlock new more control over local planning, democracy and unleash the power fundamental recasting of the marginalised communities. The organisation of many political ways of tackling some of our most assets and services. of community. The Commission relationship between citizen and hollowing-out of community systems. Ultimately, we found that entrenched social and economic But despite these initiatives a was chaired by Lord Kerslake, with state. We therefore argue that we infrastructure experienced by many we require a fundamental rethink of problems. Harnessing the assets and fundamental power gap remains. a panel of independent need to reform localism by focusing communities as a result of austerity the way in which people, power and capabilities within our Recent polling in England shows Commissioners including politicians, on four key domains: institutions; has made it harder to mobilise the politics intersect. neighbourhoods can create that 80% of people feel they have academics and community leaders. powers; relationships; and capacity. localism agenda. Re-stitching the A core trap of the localism debate resilience and strength in our not much or no control over the After nine months of evidence fabric of our neighbourhoods is often that we frame it as power communities. What’s more, important decisions that affect the gathering and events, we launched Institutions requires strengthening community being ‘handed’ from the centre connecting people through country. And despite the ‘take back our findings in January this year in Local governance institutions, institutions and organisations which ‘downwards’ to communities. This community action and local control’ mantra of the EU ‘People Power.’ including parish councils and support capacity building and enable misses a key point: power doesn’t participation strengthens the referendum campaign, when asked A key starting point for our work neighbourhood forums, are facing wider participation. belong to decision makers to ‘give foundations of our democracy. whether Brexit would increase their was looking at the extent to which common barriers: lack of fiscal away.’ As advocates of localism we Localism has been trickling into control, 70% of people thought it the Localism Act 2011 had delivered control; decisions blocked from Relationships need to be making the case that policy-making in England for some would result in either the same, or on its ambition to deliver an ‘end to above; and reluctance of other A strengthened ‘power partnership’ power starts with people. It lies in time, as our national politics has even less control, over their local the era of top-down government public bodies to embrace the between local government and local our communities. started to reflect on some of the neighbourhoods. [through a] fundamental shift of perceived risks of devolution. people is required to unlock the failings of centralism. Under New Most recently, regional devolution power from Westminster to people.’ Meaningful integration with other potential of localism. We don’t just People Power is available at: Labour we had a neighbourhood has dominated much of the The Community Rights and tiers of governance, as well as need institutional change – we https://locality.org.uk/policy- renewal agenda which sought to decentralisation agenda in England, Neighbourhood Planning Act have vibrant local institutions, is therefore need to unleash the power of campaigns/localism- develop locally-led strategies to with the creation of combined enabled people to enact real change essential in driving forward a community by resetting local devolution/ tackle poverty and social exclusion authorities and the establishment of in their neighbourhood. The devolution agenda which can relationships, working together to

4 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 5 Justice: Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd Government and the UK With the necessary determination Parliament. and governance there is little doubt • The cohesion of the Welsh legal sector in meeting the wide ranging that Wales has the ability to find needs of justice in Wales; the scale new and innovative solutions. of commercial client opportunities to support a robust commercial A new direction for justice legal sector; the intense competition between legal service providers (including from those outside Wales) in respect of limited Welsh public sector and private Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, former Lord Chief Justice of England sector work opportunities; and the challenges of attracting and and Wales, explains the work of the independent Commission retaining legal talent in Wales. on Justice in Wales and the issues beginning to emerge • The problems associated with “advice deserts” caused by the difficulties for the legal profession and other providers of advice wenty years after the Welsh administrative justice and tribunals services in rural and post-industrial devolution referendum in • The legal profession, legal tech areas of Wales. September 1997, the First and the economy of Wales • The investment in and TMinister of Wales, Carwyn • Legal and vocational education development of technology Jones, announced the Welsh and training South Wales, Swansea and Wrexham availability of legal aid directly (including artificial intelligence) in Government was setting up an • Access to justice and other Glyndŵr) and have held many financed by the UK Government, the courts, the provision of advice, independent Commission on Justice overarching issues meetings in Cardiff and London. In other legal assistance, advice and the legal sector and in university in Wales. The Commission was After reaching preliminary the course of these meetings, the representation through third teaching and research. asked to review the operation of the recommendations on these work Commissioners have seen leaders in sector provision (with its complex • The cohesion of the university justice system in Wales and set a stream topics, the Commission will the police, prison and probation financing and organisation); sector that teaches law and its long term vision for its future, with a consider the best structure for services, Public Service Boards, and and the amount of police time engagement with the professions; view to promoting better outcomes governance and jurisdictional many leading representatives of spent on advice on non-police the teaching of Welsh law made for people, ensuring jurisdictional arrangements for the effective third sector organisations; students functions. by the Assembly and the Welsh arrangements and legal education delivery of its recommendations. and teachers of law, policing and • The organisation and resourcing Ministers, and the practice of law reflect the role of justice in the In response to its call for written criminology; commercial law firms of advice and support services, through the medium of Welsh; and governance and prosperity of Wales, evidence, it has received a and high street practices; local local authorities and the police to the provision of apprenticeships. and promoting the Welsh legal considerable number of submissions authorities, officials, Ministers and prevent the young from being services sector. The Commission and supporting data from a wide Members of Parliament and the criminalised and to support those What is clear is the great passion therefore provides a very significant chaired by me. Between us, we bring range of organisations and people Assembly. The Commission has on probation and on release from those working in the justice and opportunity to put Wales at a wealth of experience from working working in and impacted by the visited Scotland to see the way in prison; and the location of legal systems in Wales have in the forefront of the justice and at senior levels in the justice and justice and legal systems. The which a small nation can run its own Welsh prisoners. making a real difference to people’s legal systems. legal sectors in Wales, the wider UK Commission is analysing the justice system to meet its particular • The impact on the people of lives; and with the necessary Despite the Silk Commission and internationally. The make-up of evidence submitted and will shortly needs. It has commissioned research Wales of the “jagged edge” (as it is determination and governance there making a number of important the Commission is reflective of the embark on oral evidence sessions to and is undertaking work on finances often called) between the powers is little doubt that Wales has the recommendations about justice in breadth of its terms of reference. clarify, expand and fill any gaps in and costings. and functions devolved to the ability to find new and innovative 2014, justice remains almost entirely The Commission decided to the evidence. It is evident from what has been so Welsh Government and the solutions. The Commission on reserved to the UK Government. In approach its task first by an The Commissioners have been to far done that there are a number of Assembly, such as health and Justice in Wales represents a unique setting up the Commission, Carwyn examination of the issues through Aberystwyth, Bangor, Swansea, difficult issues emerging from the housing, and the justice powers opportunity to set a new direction of Jones pointed out that: five work streams: Treforest and Wrexham (visiting five work streams. An illustration of and functions reserved to the UK travel; a direction that could set “In Wales, we have had a separate • Criminal justice, including policing, Berwyn Prison and holding the breadth of the issues can be Wales apart as a model for legislature for six years but, as yet, probation and prisons engagement sessions at the illustrated by the following excellence with a justice system and we do not have our own jurisdiction. • Civil justice, family justice, Universities of Aberystwyth, Bangor, examples: a legal system that work for all. The By establishing the Commission on • The effect of the restraints on A number of Commission welcomes further Justice in Wales, we are taking an resources on access to justice and views in response to this article. important first step towards The Commission provides a very significant the legal system on prisons and difficult issues are developing a distinctive justice opportunity to put Wales at the forefront of probation, courts and tribunals, emerging from our Please email: system which is truly representative police stations, and public service [email protected] of Welsh needs.” the justice and legal systems. and third sector staffing levels; and five work streams. with any views you may have. There are nine Commissioners, on the strategy for and the

6 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 7 National Identity: Sophie Williams

What’s in a name? The Prince of Wales Bridge and Welsh identity

The controversy over the renaming of the Severn Crossing reflects deep tensions about Welsh identity, says Dr Sophie Williams, a researcher formerly at Swansea University and now at the Office for National Statistics

t is not often that the renaming infrastructure projects in the public similar response. People took to of inanimate objects makes mind. The decision not to extend rail social media in their droves to front-page news, unless those electrification to Swansea was met protest against the idea, perhaps Iinanimate objects are in with widespread concern, while the conveniently forgetting the fact that locations where nations and states recent announcement not to Wales’ tourism relies in no small part he presumably continues to feel a Welshness, but what they were clear Welshness are reflected in are contested in the minds of their proceed with the development of a on royal palaces (granted, they are strong affinity for Wales and finds it about was that they were not other ‘stateless nations’. Where inhabitants. In Wales controversy Tidal Lagoon in Swansea Bay – no longer inhabitable!). difficult to understand the opposing English. For many, Englishness and the concept of the nation and of around place names occurs on a despite it having been supported by For those who consider perspective, wherein, amongst a Britishness are synonymous. When a the state are contested, names play regular basis; complaints about the Hendry Review, commissioned themselves to be Welsh and British considerable number of Welsh- symbol of Britishness, such as the a powerful role in speaking to bilingual road signs continue to by the same UK Government – and who are comfortable with the identifiers, he is not recognised as Royal Family, is imposed the sense different, even competing, feature regularly in media further undermines Westminster concept of a British Royal Family, a symbol of Wales. of Welshness is exposed, resulting in understandings. commentary. ministers’ commitment to large- this renaming would not seem These tensions are always present, the tensions that are present all the The recent controversy around the scale investment in Wales. In this inappropriate. Regular polling of the but they come to the fore in time bubbling-up to the surface. For UK Government’s decision to context, renaming a bridge without Welsh population reveals that the extreme circumstances. My research Alun Cairns, a Welsh-speaking, rename the Second Severn Crossing consulting the Welsh people seems majority of residents feel in some into Welshness demonstrated that, Welsh-born, Conservative politician, When a symbol the ‘Prince of Wales’ Bridge in April somewhat of a misstep. way British (with a quarter of the for most of those who identify as Welshness and Britishness are by no of Britishness is this year epitomises this However, dissatisfaction with the Welsh population not born in Wales) Welsh, their sense of national means incompatible concepts; the phenomenon. The announcement lack of public consultation cannot while, more anecdotally, the identity is not something that Royal Family and its Welsh imposed, tensions by the Conservative Secretary of explain the level of opposition to response to the visit of the now troubles them on an everyday basis. connections are to be celebrated. bubble-up to State for Wales, Alun Cairns, that the renaming the bridge. Rather, it Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Welshness is generally an intangible For others, the Royal Family is a bridge would be renamed to Cardiff last year and the excitement concept, often forgotten in everyday symbol of the ‘Other’ and is thus an the surface. coincide with Prince Charles’ 70th around the recent royal wedding life. Welsh identifiers are proud of imposition of an opposing, in many Birthday was met with outrage: a Dissatisfaction with were arguably felt as keenly this identity but most have difficulty ways dominant, culture. Change.org petition condemning the lack of public amongst much of the Welsh citing any substantial basis for that The recent furore exposes this It is unlikely that the renaming of the the decision has attracted nearly population as their English pride; participants struggled to dichotomy perfectly: the conflation Second Severn Crossing will have an 40,000 signatures. This consultation cannot counterparts. identify any associated of Englishness and Britishness ongoing impact (although any consternation was based partly on explain the level On the other hand, for someone responsibilities or obligations, for shapes our understandings of obtrusive signage may prove the lack of consultation - it seems who considers Britishness example, and felt that it was possible Welshness. National identity only controversial). What it represents, that the only Welsh figure outside of of opposition to incompatible with Welshness to stop being Welsh under given comes to the fore when opposing and the continuing tensions the UK Government consulted was renaming the bridge. (perhaps because they see no circumstances. ideas of the same national identity between competing versions of the the First Minister. Freedom of distinction between Britishness and Under what conditions, then, come head to head. This is by no ‘Self’, is of much greater significance. Information requests demonstrated Englishness and see no place for does a sense of nation impinge on means unique to Wales: Basqueness At a time where the concept of the Carwyn Jones’ support for the reflects a deeper phenomenon: that Welshness within it), the idea that a people’s thinking? As the bridge- is understood, perhaps surprisingly, UK is under scrutiny as never renaming plan, much to the of conflicting understandings of bridge to Wales would be named renaming illustrates, it is when that in much the same way as Welshness, before, and when other ‘stateless consternation of Plaid Cymru what it means to be Welsh. If the after a member of a British Royal identity is challenged; the notion as an intangible concept that only nations’, such as Catalonia, continue politicians not to mention many reaction had been simply about a Family could be expected to of the ‘Self’ is often defined by becomes truly visible in the face of to defy the status quo, how in Welsh Labour. lack of consultation, then the recent provoke a strong reaction. Prince opposition to the ‘Other’. Many threat from a dominant force (in that Welshness and Britishness are The UK Government does not suggestion to build a royal palace in Charles himself was reported to participants in my research struggled case, Spanishness or Frenchness). In understood in the future may have a good track record on Wales would not have provoked the have been upset by the response - to articulate the meaning of this way, understandings of prove increasingly important.

8 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 9 Inclusive economy: Derek Walker • Knowledge and skills so people can secure a livelihood and Inclusive growth means making progress: An inclusive economy addresses the skills needs of increasing equality an integral part of workers across the spectrum and the process of creating prosperity. How to achieve invests in boosting lower-level skills as well as those at a higher It is in effect a new economic model. level. To do so it makes opportunities available to refresh prosperity for all and renew skills throughout the social business sector. Social firm capacity as well as generating working life. businesses have a key role to play in benefits for the wider community, • A say in economic decisions: building an inclusive economy. and which is contractually enforced. With high levels of inequality, what can be done to make our Most economic development They help to diversify and build the Public bodies should make greater decisions are taken far removed resilience of local economies, and use of reserved contracts to provide economy more inclusive? Derek Walker, CEO of the Wales from civil society. An inclusive crucially they help to retain money business opportunities to ‘supported Co-operative Centre, sets out six essential steps economy is one in which people and wealth. They create jobs within businesses’ that have the primary have a say in the economic communities, typically strengthening aim of helping the social and decisions that affect them and the skills of their workers and often professional integration of disabled their community. creating opportunities for people or disadvantaged persons. he UK – and Wales – have who would otherwise find it difficult Fifth, people should be connected very high levels of income to secure work. The Welsh to jobs. Increasing employment inequality compared to The new regional Government, City Deals and other does not necessarily benefit people other developed countries actors should ensure that growing who are out of work or with lower- T economic structures according to the Equality Trust. If we the social business sector is central level skills unless there are active agree that less equal societies fare should include to their economic plans, and that steps to make the linkages, both worse than more equal ones, surely there continues to be adequate, geographical and social. We the question that follows is what can citizens’ views to their specialist business support, support recommend that the Welsh we do to make our society a more decision-making. for networks and help with social Government works with business to equal one? innovation. There is also scope to improve recruitment practices and The idea of an ‘inclusive economy’ identify and develop places with eradicate discrimination and has gained ground and is now We go on to set out some of the clusters of social businesses and includes adherence to good practice widely accepted by politicians and actions that are needed to make the facilitate networking and in its proposed Economic Contract. economists across the political inclusive economy a reality through collaboration in these areas to And last but not least, economic spectrum. Inclusive growth is at the six key steps. support growth and innovation. agencies must listen to people. heart of the Welsh Government’s First, we propose growing the Third, action is needed to boost In many areas of Wales, decisions Economic Action Plan. However the foundational economy. The pay and improve conditions at work. about the local economy are made detail about what it means and how foundational economy describes the This will include increasing the by the public sector and big it will be achieved is, as yet, limited. economic activity that meets number of jobs, especially in areas business, often working together in As a contribution to a discussion people’s every day needs. It includes with relatively low employment arms-length or partnership bodies about what can be done, the Wales services such as health, education, levels. At the same time, we that are not directly accountable to Co-operative Centre has joined housing and social care. Such recommend including ‘fair work’ in the public. The new regional forces with the Bevan Foundation to businesses are typically embedded all economic activity, with co- economic structures should include put forward some practical or ‘grounded’ in the local economy. ordinated and concerted action to the direct input of citizens’ views proposals. We recommend that Welsh increase take up of the voluntary to their decision-making. They also So what is an inclusive economy? Government, City Deals and local Living Wage, enforcement of the need to adhere to best practice There are many different definitions authorities should embrace an Code of Practice on Ethical in citizen engagement and and interpretations but crucially it is and services: Businesses are that are committed to improving asset-based, collaborative and Employment in the Supply Chain, consultation, and of openness different to the generation of wealth fundamental to creating both their local area through their actions. capacity-building approach to promotion of employer good and transparency. and its subsequent redistribution – it prosperity and inclusion but while • Fair work for everyone: An inclusive developing the foundational practice via the Economic Contract, Our work aims to be the start of means making increasing equality an the number of businesses clearly economy is wider than an economy. They should support and and support for workplace a debate about how we can make integral part of the process of matters, inclusion means looking emphasis on the number of jobs evaluate innovation and encourage progression. our economy both fair and creating prosperity. It is in effect a beyond this to consider the and includes concern with the the adoption of good practice. Fourth, we must make the most of prosperous, and we encourage new economic model. benefits that businesses bring to distribution of work between Economic anchor institutions, such procurement. We recommend that others to make their views heard Our model for an inclusive the wider community. Key features people and places and the quality as hospitals and universities, should the Welsh Government and other too. Traditional economic economy in Wales includes some include encouraging diverse of work. It means everyone earns also review their spending to ensure public bodies develop a fresh and development approaches are not core components: entrepreneurs from a range of enough for an acceptable more of it is spent in the local more strategic approach to working for many parts of Wales • Diverse and resilient businesses to backgrounds, businesses that are minimum standard of living in foundational economy. maximising the benefits of all forms and new ideas are sorely needed. create wealth and provide goods rooted in the local economy and secure and safe work. Second, we recommend growing of procurement, involving building

10 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 11 Trades Unions: Wil Chivers, Helen In the UK, membership of Blakely, Steve Davies, Rhys Davies unions affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) fell below six million for the first time in 2012, continuing a decline which began in 1979 when membership peaked at New strikes, new members 13.2 million. The most recently available estimates indicate that in 2017, 6.2 million employees were union members. Between “This has been about working identities: “#McStrike” (adopted from 2015 and 2016, union Union membership in Wales is falling, but recent strikes at McDonalds together, helping each other, to a New Zealand-based campaign) membership among employees make things better.” and “#AllEyesOnTGIs” are instantly declined by 275,000, the largest and TGI Fridays suggest a new generation of young people are We’ve also witnessed a carefully- catchy, while “#FightFor15” has annual decline since the Labour joining and taking action, according to a team at WISERD crafted continuity between the two gained international recognition. Force Survey was introduced as strikes. McStrikers stand side-by-side There is already a strong sense the official source for union with TGI employees on the picket that these strikes, and the movement membership data in 1995. line. Solidarity is forthcoming from they are building, can be successful. Levels subsequently stabilised product of the low average age of other quarters, too. BECTU After the first McStrike in September in 2017, with membership service sector employees. But it may members from Picturehouse last year, McDonald’s recommended increasing by approximately also signal that young people are cinemas and workers from the pay increases for its 115,000 staff, 20,000. The proportion of becoming more inclined to organise Intercontinental Hotels Group have across all ages. But whether these employees who are union and campaign for their rights. both been fighting for the London will be passed on to staff in members (union density) has Trade unions are capitalising on living wage, and both had franchises remains to be seen, as also declined. It fell to 23.2% in the appetite among this generation representatives at the TGI strike. All franchises set their own pay rates. 2017 – the lowest union density of workers for change – as well as are determined to build on the Although these strikes are small recorded since 1995, when it the potential for young, savvy social momentum that is emerging. scale for now, they show that young stood at 32.4%. media users to extend the reach of Digital tools including social media workers on precarious contracts are Wales exhibited the largest their campaigns. McStrike is are often heralded as the key to not impossible to organise. decline in union density organised by the Bakers’ Union revitalising trade unions. Inevitably, It began in the US with Fight for between 2016 and 2017, (BFAWU) while the TGI strike has the young people have also been $15, but the determined cooperation although the rate of union support of Unite. This is a strategic getting involved with trade unions between unions representing membership remains relatively decision: both unions offer each and protests online. We collected workers in similar positions has high at approximately 30%. trikes have been taking place move towards a central pool of tips other mutual support – and together 90,000 tweets during the first brought that fight to the UK. Online Within Wales, 58% of workers at McDonald’s and TGI called a “tronc”. We heard from they hope to build a broader McStrike, and witnessed how and offline, workers and trade are employed at workplaces Friday’s restaurants across the workers in London that this amounts movement across the service sector. McStrikers’ images and stories were unions are developing a model that where unions are present. SUK in recent months. These to wage losses of around £60 a used to personalise the strike and can be replicated and expanded The composition of union strikes are the first of their kind in the week – or £3,000 a year. generate support from the wider across different industries and in membership within the UK is UK, instigated by a new generation McDonald’s has also drawn Young workers public. Protesters’ tweets were different countries. And while it’s also changing. The rate of of union members fighting for better criticism previously, for its use of involved on the picket retweeted thousands of times, creating important to celebrate the small union membership has been pay and fairer working conditions. At zero hours contracts. In 2016 the an online network that spread far victories, the lasting success of these higher among women than the Wales Institute of Social and company reported it would offer lines are passionate beyond those directly involved. campaigns may be the fact that a men since 2002. Since 2006, Economic Research, Data and 115,000 of its workers employed in This online presence has new generation of young people are women have constituted the Methods (WISERD for short) we have this way the chance to switch to and well informed. continued to accompany the strikes, joining unions and throwing majority of the steadily been researching these strikes on guaranteed hours contracts. spreading the message that this is themselves into campaigning for declining pool of union social media and at the picket lines, Nevertheless, critics have attacked Far from the stereotype of the not just a McDonald’s or TGI’s issue, their rights. members. This has been largely to discover what’s driving this these arrangements as exploitative, apathetic youth, the young workers it applies to anyone – young or old attributable to the relative fledgling movement, and how it and workers have responded with involved on the picket lines are – working for low pay on precarious A shorter version of this article first persistence of union differs to those that went before. sustained collective action to fight passionate and well informed. They contracts. So far, these strikes have appeared in The Conversation on membership among women Most young people in the for better wages and more secure are tuned into party politics, maintained their own online the 1st June 2018. employed within the public workforce have experience with low employment around the world – appreciate the wider labour sector. Without this partial pay and zero hours contracts. At TGI most notably with the Fight for $15 movement they are becoming a part buffer, the long run downward Friday’s, table staff were told earlier in the US. of and give confident speeches to Workers and trade unions are developing a trend in union membership that this year, with two days’ notice, that Although staff at both chains vary the public to that effect. There is a has been observed over the last 40% of their tips from card gratuities in age, it is the younger generations clear ethos of collective action: as model that can be replicated across different four decades would have been would be taken and redistributed who are represented the most on Shen Batmaz – former McStriker, industries and in different countries. even starker. among kitchen staff, as part of the the picket lines. This may just be a now BFAWU organiser – told us:

12 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 13 Discrimination: Ruth Coombs These experiences adverse affect the lives of individuals and their We are helping organisations make workplaces families, but also mean that better for pregnant women and new parents workplaces lose skilled and Ending discrimination productive workers. Our findings show that urgent action is needed, Safety Executive, conversation and maternity discrimination and in including a cross-Government guides and an on-line training particular to sign up to the Working against pregnant women response to tackle pregnancy and module for line managers. We have Forward pledge. maternity discrimination. welcomed the Welsh Government’s signing of the Working Forward Economic action plan and mothers at work Working Forward pledge and taking action on this. There are further opportunities to Our Working Forward initiative aims Another area for action highlighted tackle pregnancy and maternity to encourage employers to take by our research is gaps in discrimination in the workplace action and ensure their workplaces employees’ understanding of their through the Welsh Government’s Ruth Coombs, Head of Wales at the Equality and Human Rights are the best they can be for rights during pregnancy, while on economic action plan ‘Prosperity for Commission, provides the background to the Assembly’s Equality and Local pregnant women and new mothers. maternity leave and when returning all’. Its ‘economic contracts’ requires It is an ever-growing coalition of to work. We have developed a businesses to demonstrate their Government Committee inquiry into pregnancy, maternity and work organisations that includes Ford, BT, toolkit for employees which includes commitment to ‘fair work’ before Welsh Water, Wales and West information on entitlement to time proposals will be considered Utilities, Carmarthenshire Council, off for antenatal appointments, how for funding. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health to prepare for maternity leave and The plan highlights work to Board, Public Health Wales, South advice on staying in touch with support four foundation sectors – Wales Police and Gower College employers. We would welcome both tourism, food, retail and care – in a Swansea. All are committed to the UK and Welsh Governments joined-up and consistent way. Our supporting, retaining and taking further steps to raise awareness research found attitudes towards progressing pregnant and new of the workplace rights that pregnancy and maternity that were mothers in the workplace and pregnant women and mothers have. cause for concern in some of these sharing best practice with other foundation sectors. For example, in organisations. Our Supporting Peer-to-peer learning the caring and leisure sectors we Members include CBI, CIPD, FSB and We are helping organisations to get found that twice as many mothers Welsh Contact Centre Forum. together to share ideas and than average felt under pressure to Working together with employers experiences about how to make hand in their notice when they of all sizes and across all sectors, workplaces better for pregnant announced their pregnancy. we want to bring about a sustained women and new parents. We’ve called for the Welsh cultural shift, ultimately improving Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Government’s Fair Work Board to the experiences of employees and Board has developed a pregnancy consider our findings and provide employers alike. We believe this and maternity toolkit to support line support for businesses in agreeing a can happen by focusing on four managers in having regular and clear definition of fair work. This will key areas: open conversations with team help to ensure that female talent is • leadership from the top down, members during their pregnancy, valued and nurtured. It is clear there • ensuring confident employees, maternity leave and return to work. is an opportunity to work with the • training and supporting line South Wales Police has introduced four foundation sectors to address ar too many women and Skills commissioned research to mothers reported negative or managers, and ‘pregnancy champions’ to support the attitudes and experiences of experience discrimination investigate the prevalence and discriminatory experiences. • offering flexible working practices. pregnant staff and for the first few women working in these sectors. during their pregnancy, nature of pregnancy discrimination We also found that almost half (46 months of returning to work as a This will help to maximise Fmaternity leave and return and disadvantage in the workplace. per cent) of mothers in Wales new parent. South Wales Police opportunities for growth and to work. The Equality, Local In doing so, the research unpicked reported a negative impact on their 71% of mothers ensures all of this work is fed into innovation. Government and Communities the views and experiences of career (including opportunity, status their Internal Delivery Plan to We hope these actions will Committee’s inquiry into that employers and mothers on a range and job security). reported negative increase the numbers of women at bring about significant change discrimination includes asking how of issues related to managing More than a third of mothers (36 all ranks in their service. And BT has and end pregnancy and the Welsh Government is taking pregnancy, maternity leave and per cent) would have liked flexible or discriminatory worked in collaboration with their maternity discrimination. action on the findings of our mothers returning to work. working arrangements but were experiences women’s network to develop a recent research. We found that while the majority fearful of being viewed negatively, maternity handbook to support line of employers in Wales (87 per cent) and a higher proportion of managers. It includes practical Find out more about Experiences of discrimination recognised that it is in the best establishments in Wales – one in ten We have developed a range of advice and top tips, complemented Working Forward at: Earlier this year the Equality and interests of organisations to support of workplaces – offered no flexible resources to assist employers in by an employee handbook. www.equalityhumanrights. Human Rights Commission and The pregnant women and those on working practices when compared taking action. This includes webinars We are encouraging all employers com/workingforward Department for Business, Innovation maternity leave, 71 per cent of with England and Scotland. in partnership with the Health and in Wales to take action on pregnancy

14 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 15 Fuel poverty: Mark Isherwood AM million investment over the next four CO2 per year and save the years to increase the energy householder an average of £184 A household in Wales efficiency of up to 25,000 low- annually. Improving the housing is in fuel poverty if they income households in Wales is also stock will also help cut emissions welcome. But it equates to an and tackle fuel poverty. spend 10 per cent or Turning up the heat average of 6,250 homes a year, The Fuel Poverty Strategy 2010 more of their income meaning it could take 48 years to states that it is only by pulling eradicate fuel poverty in Wales. together social, environmental and on energy costs. The annual cost to the Welsh NHS economic objectives that we can on fuel poverty for treating people who are made ill improve the well-being of by living in a cold, damp home is householders and communities in prevention is vital if people and approximately £67 million. Evidence Wales. Yes, this is about energy organisations in Wales are going to Nearly one in four households can’t afford to heat their home. from National Energy Action shows efficiency, but it is also about address the major challenges we that a cold home can worsen tackling together social isolation, the face. Sticking plasters are just not Mark Isherwood, Assembly Member for North Wales and arthritic and rheumatic conditions, impact of mental illness, financial enough – we need to find the Chair of the Assembly’s Cross Party Group on Fuel Poverty, and increase propensity to falls. illiteracy and debt, and much more. underlying causes and do something GP consultations for respiratory tract As the Fuel Poverty Coalition to address them. Prevention means makes the case for a new strategy to end the problem. infections can increase by up to 19 Cymru also states, the Welsh taking practical action to stop per cent for every one degree drop Government must save lives by problems arising in the first place. in temperature below 5°C. implementing the NICE guidelines To use an analogy – Individuals living in homes with on cutting excess Winter Deaths. if people keep falling into a river, uring the summer months bedroom temperatures of 15°C are The Bevan Foundation and Joseph would it not be better to build a it is easy to forget about 50 per cent more likely to suffer Rowntree Foundation told the fence upstream to stop them falling those who struggle to from mental health problems than Assembly’s Communities, Equality in rather than endlessly rescuing Dheat their homes during those living with temperatures of 21°C. and Local Government Committee them before they drown? winter. However, taking action to three years ago that “fuel poverty We need to fully embrace co- prevent fuel poverty once the clocks should have a higher profile in the production, moving beyond rhetoric go back and the temperature drops Treating people made Welsh Government’s tackling and consultation to doing things is too late. ill by living in a cold, poverty action plan, because it is a differently in practice, with service I have been campaigning for the fundamental human need to have a professionals, service users and their eradication of fuel poverty since I damp home costs warm home”. communities working side by side to was first elected to the National the Welsh NHS £67 And as Age Cymru have pointed providing solutions. Assembly for Wales in 2003. I chaired out “many of the mechanisms and This is about moving from needs– the Cross Party Group in the third million a year. measures contained within the 2010 based approaches to strengths- and fourth Assembly and am chair Fuel Poverty Strategy are out of date based development, helping people of the Cross Party Group on Fuel With current demand on the or no longer applicable”, adding “the in communities identify the Poverty and Energy Efficiency in this Welsh NHS higher than ever before, time is right for the Welsh strengths they already have, and Assembly. During the third Assembly, more needs to be done to tackle Government to refresh its Fuel utilising those strengths with them. the Cross Party Group worked hard cold homes. Poverty Strategy, with a clear As Lord John Bird said: to establish the Fuel Poverty Britain’s smart meter rollout is the programme and time scales, “Too much time is spent analysing Coalition, the Fuel Poverty Charter biggest upgrade to our energy credible evidence base, ambitious poverty, not enough on dismantling and to secure agreement from the infrastructure in a generation. Every new fuel poverty target rooted in it. Too much on making people a Welsh Government to revise its Fuel household is eligible for a smart delivery rather than being a hostage little bit more comfortable being Poverty Strategy. meter from their energy supplier at to energy price movements”. poor, too little on bringing the poor In 2010 the Welsh Government set no additional cost, bringing an end Independent advice services for into the equation”. out its strategy to eradicate fuel to estimated bills and providing people in fuel poverty must be He also noted that 80 per cent of poverty in Wales in all households by information on energy costs in supported – rescuing those in social intervention money is spent 2018. There are just seven months pounds and pence. Once the immediate crisis whose needs are on emergency and coping, but left until the target date. However, national infrastructure is complete, not met by current provision. almost nothing on cure. the latest data, published in smart meters will be fully inter- We must also put early intervention The time has now come for the December 2016, showed that 23 per operable between suppliers, which and prevention into practice, giving Welsh Government to publish a cent, or almost 300,000 households Although many of the mechanisms the longer-term. will mean quicker and easier real meaning to person-centred and revised Fuel Poverty Strategy in in Wales, were living in fuel poverty, and measures contained within the The Welsh Government’s Nest and switching. citizen directed approaches to order to eradicate fuel poverty in unable to afford to adequately heat 2010 Fuel Poverty Strategy are out Arbed schemes are helping, but they Smart meters, along with better tackling poverty and isolation. Wales once and for all, and to their home or in crippling debt with of date or no longer applicable, it is are not sufficient alone to tackle the insulation, smarter lighting and In April I hosted an event in the deliver in practice an approach to their energy supplier. still vital that we reduce the impact problem. The announcement by the appliances, and smarter heating Assembly with the founder of the tackling poverty which prevents Despite this, the objective to of fuel poverty on households and Cabinet Secretary for Energy, systems, could reduce the emissions “The Big Issue”, Lord John Bird. rather than just supports, with the eradicate fuel poverty is still relevant. work to eradicate fuel poverty in Planning and Rural Affairs of £104 of a household by 0.6 tonnes of He highlighted that poverty person at the centre.

16 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 17 learning: Louise Davies Government’s flagship programme designed specifically to provide effective early years intervention for these children. Save the Children want to change Giving every child this. We are working with committed individuals and organisations, some working with our youngest children every day, who also believe that we the best start must act to bring about change. Many of them joined us for the launch of our report and childcare Louise Davies, Head of Save the Children in Wales, explains campaign earlier this year at Millbrook Primary School in why they’re focusing on supporting children’s earliest years. Newport. Together we discussed our Early Childhood Education and Care programme seeks to provide the outcomes for children and young already in place in Wales. We agreed most essential items to support people in disadvantaged that although many key elements for children’s early learning and communities persist, and many he idea that what happens providing an excellent system are well-being. families in deprived areas face in a child’s earliest years will present, we currently see the system We also support parents and multiple challenges, which have influence their later as fragmented. It’s very like a jigsaw children to learn together through impacts across children’s lives. Toutcomes is hardly new. with some key pieces in place, increasing parents’ skills and Save the Children is working with Yet poverty has a big impact on others missing, some ill-fitting confidence in the three key areas of partners in five geographical areas in children’s development and affects hence distorting the final literacy and language, numeracy and Wales to understand what support around a third of all children in complete picture. emotional development. This exists to support children between Wales. New evidence presented in At Save the Children we believe support usually begins through our the ages of 0-8 and how this Save the Children Wales’ report Little that ultimately it is policy change programme ‘Families Connect,’ might be further developed to Pieces Big Picture shows that nearly which provides a series of activities, achieve change. half of the poorest children start techniques and games that parents school already considerably behind A child who attends and carers can do with their children their better-off peers and may never a high-quality early at home. Each activity encourages When we get it right catch-up. parents and children to spend We looked at the Millennium years setting starts quality time together by talking in the early years, Cohort Study of children in Wales to by poverty. The negative effects of starts school 3.2 months ahead of school 7.8 months about specific topics and reflecting children can start help us better understand the poverty can be significantly reduced their peers who attended a low- on what they already do to support impact of falling behind early in life, by supporting children and families quality setting and 7.8 months ahead ahead of a child who their children’s learning. Parents also school ready to learn by looking at how poverty affects in the early years, and effective early of a child who attended no attended no provision. discuss the science behind the and thrive. learning outcomes from age 5 to 14. interventions can counteract much provision. It also shows that programme’s activities. These The research shows that by the age of the impact of poverty on future attending any kind of childcare informal workshops invite parents to of five around a third of children outcomes for children. When we increases the probability of obtaining that is essential to secure the futures explore new games and approaches We have many pieces of the jigsaw living in poverty (30-35 per cent) are get it right in the early years, five or more GSCEs A*-C by 88.4 per for our youngest children living in to help support their child’s learning needed to provide a great start in a already falling behind across a range children can start school ready to cent, with the effect being higher for poverty. But we are also working to at home. child’s life, but there are pieces of key milestones such as language learn and thrive. children living in poverty. bring about immediate positive We also work with local and missing or misplaced making it skills and problem-solving, Little Pieces Big Picture sets out a In Wales many children are change for families and children national partners to change the difficult for us to see the bigger compared to one fifth (20-21 per proven way of securing better accessing the highest quality Early living in poverty. Our work includes system around families that helps or picture. We all have a role to play in cent) of better-off children. outcomes for young children living Childhood Education and Care as providing household essentials, such hinders children’s early learning. solving the puzzle to provide a The research also demonstrates in poverty, namely the provision of demonstrated in reports from Estyn as a child’s bed, a cooker, or toys Save the Children in Wales is seeking different future for all children in that falling behind in the early years Early Childhood Education and Care and Care Inspectorate Wales. and books, to low-income families to build on our work in Children’s Wales. At Save the Children we are means it’s more likely children will (ECEC). Some of the most However, the system is still unequal who simply can’t afford to buy these Communities in England. These committed to playing our part in struggle throughout their education. compelling evidence on ECEC because not all children can access items themselves. Children’s Communities were building the evidence for change Nearly half of children who were in comes from the Effective Provision this excellent provision. And it’s We all know how challenging it developed in response to evidence and to start the conversations the lowest-performing group at the of Pre-School Education project, terribly unfair, too, that many of can be to be a parent when you are that, despite multiple and often needed to make this happen. beginning of primary school were which has been tracking the these children are the ones who seriously struggling to make ends successful interventions to address also behind at ages seven, eleven progress of more than 3,000 children need it most – they are the children meet. If a child’s basic needs are not specific aspects of disadvantage or To find out more please email and fourteen. since they were three years old. living in poverty. For example, our met during their early years, it can to improve services for children and walesinfo@savethechildren. But there is good news. What is so striking is that a child report shows that 45 per cent of have profound consequences for young people, there are limits to org.uk or telephone We found that no child’s life has to who attends a high-quality early children living in poverty cannot their health, their time at school and what single initiatives working in 029 2039 6838 be pre-determined or dictated to years setting for two to three years access ‘Flying Start’ - the Welsh beyond. Our Eat Sleep Learn Play! isolation can achieve. Poorer

18 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 19 Mental health: Lynne Neagle AM health awareness to tackle issues of It is clear that urgent work needs stigma, promote good mental health to be done to address the lack (and and enable signposting to support in some cases absence) of services services where necessary. for children and young people who Mind over matter: better We are not suggesting teachers need support but do not meet the should become mental health threshold for specialist CAMHS experts but we are pushing for the – what was identified to us as the mental health support for inclusion of basic mental health so-called missing middle. training – including how to talk We should be basing access to about suicide – to be part of initial services on the level of distress a children and young people teacher training and continuous young person is experiencing as professional development. We really opposed to whether a young person communities and primary/ need to enable people – particularly is displaying the symptoms of a community care services working those that work with children and diagnosable disorder. I am very clear together as community hubs to Lynne Neagle, Assembly Member for Torfaen and Chair of the young people – to feel comfortable that being without a diagnosed build emotional resilience and Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee, having difficult conversations. It is disorder does not diminish the provide early intervention services. absolutely vital everyone who comes severity of distress experienced and Without that fundamental change explains why her committee has called for a step-change in into contact with young people should not act as a barrier to we believe that, at best, specialist support for children’s emotional and mental health. understands the importance of children and young people who services will continue to be over- emotional resilience and is able to need support. Dr Liz Gregory, who stretched and children and young talk about it. represented the Applied people will wait too long for the We also want to see a less medical Psychologists in Health National support they need. At worst, if we he mental wellbeing and model in how we approach children Specialist Advisory Group, told us fail to stem the increasing tide of emotional resilience of our and young people’s mental health. that children who don’t meet the emotional and mental health issues children and young people The majority of experts who gave criteria for a diagnostic disorder can among children and young people, T– just like their physical evidence to our Committee cited nevertheless display very severe specialist services will be health and wellbeing – needs to be the thresholds for specialist Child signals of distress, the source of overwhelmed entirely. nurtured and protected from a and Adolescent Mental Health which can be behavioural, social young age. That is why I am really Services (CAMHS) support as being and/or medical in nature. pleased the National Assembly’s As it stands, the pieces of the Suicide is the leading cross-party Children, Young People jigsaw that need to be in place to cause of death of Support for the and Education Committee is calling enable children and young people to people under 35. on the Welsh Government to make emotional and mental be supported outside the most the emotional and mental wellbeing specialist settings simply do not and resilience of our children and health of children exist. This is unacceptable and must Unfortunately I have had to write young people a national priority. and young people in be addressed urgently by the Welsh this article before hearing Welsh It is estimated that three children Government. That is why we are Government’s response to our in an average-size classroom have a Wales has been too calling for specialist CAMHS referral recommendations. Given the mental health issue and that by the criteria to be re-worked according significant evidence base age of 14, half of all mental health limited for too long. to levels of distress experienced by underpinning our report and support problems will have begun. Exam children and young people. We for it across parties and sectors, I pressures, keeping up on social too high. We heard that most health would like consideration to be given would expect serious consideration media and cyberbullying have all boards only accept referrals where a to replacing the traditional tiered to be given to our findings. contributed to the growing issue of young person’s needs constitutes a medical model of care, with a model I firmly believe the time has come mental ill health. diagnosable mental health condition where services are embedded in the to put mind over matter and deliver Over the past three years Wales recorded a 20 per cent increase in health – both personally and to or disorder, regardless of the distress community and adopt a trauma- appropriate, timely and effective has seen a significant increase in calls relating to suicide. the individuals and families involved they are experiencing. informed approach. We believe a emotional mental health support for self-harm admissions to A&E These figures are very troubling. and to the public purse – are too This view was reinforced by head move towards a less tiered approach our children and young people, departments. The children’s charity Clearly, support for the emotional high for us not to try to stem the teachers’ representatives who said will enable children and young once and for all. NSPCC reported that the number of and mental health of children and flow earlier. the experience of teachers people to access a range of services young people admitted to A&E young people in Wales has been too We need to equip our children suggested that unless children and more flexibly and will allow staff to Read the full report Mind over departments for self-harm has limited for too long. That is why the with the skills, confidence and tools young people were deemed to be at work more collaboratively. Matter: A report on the step increased by 41 per cent in the past Committee wants to see more done to be emotionally resilient and we risk to themselves or others, That is why we took the unusual change needed in emotional three years. In 2016, there were in terms of early intervention to need to intervene much earlier when specialist CAMHS could not be step in our report to make our call and mental health support for sixteen suicides in the 15-19 age protect the mental wellbeing and signs of distress begin to appear. We accessed. The Children’s for a major change in approach a children and young people in group – the highest rate in five years promote the resilience of children are calling for everyone who works Commissioner, too, said the referral key recommendation – over and Wales at the website of the and second highest in twelve years. and young people in Wales. The with children and young people to criteria were often a barrier for those above our other recommendations National Assembly for Wales In the same year, Childline Cymru costs of emotional and mental ill be trained in emotional and mental needing to access support. – that would see schools,

20 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 21 Public Health: Dai Lloyd AM of a cross-section of people. consequence of the legislation Alcohol consumption Canada is one of a small number would be to lead some problem of countries which have drinkers to use more dangerous and remains one of our implemented some form of illegal substances in place of most testing public minimum pricing for alcohol - alcohol. It recommended that the others include Russia, Moldova, Welsh Government should health issues Ukraine, Uzbekistan and some US commission independent research The Price of a Pint states. Dr John Holmes, from the to firmly establish how much of a reducing the Welsh Government’s Sheffield Alcohol Research Group problem substitution is likely to scope to legislate to tackle issues (SARG), told us that the Canadian be should minimum unit pricing in Wales. experience has shown that as be introduced. The Bill was introduced to the fluctuations in minimum price The Committee agreed with the The Welsh Government’s Bill to set a minimum price for alcohol Assembly within the wider context happen you see “commensurate proposal to set the actual minimum of similar Scottish legislation being fluctuations in levels of alcohol unit price via secondary regulation, has been approved by the Assembly. Dai Lloyd, Assembly challenged in the UK’s Supreme consumption, in levels of alcohol- but felt that more extensive scrutiny Member for South Wales West, explains what the Health, Social Court. The Scotch Whisky related hospital admissions, opportunities should be given to the Association had argued that Scottish mortality and crime”. Assembly in this area. As the level of Care and Sport Committee, which he chairs, thought of it. Government’s plans were The Committee was informed that the minimum unit price is central to incompatible with EU law. However, in 2009, SARG developed the the success of the Bill, the on 15 November 2017 the Supreme Sheffield Alcohol Policy Model to Committee recommended that the Court unanimously dismissed the assess the potential impact of regulations should allow sufficient s human beings, our challenge and stated that the alcohol policies, including different time for committee scrutiny and relationship with alcohol Scottish legislation did not breach levels of minimum unit pricing, for questioning of the relevant Welsh is complex and multi- EU law and was a “proportionate Minister, before the Assembly is Afaceted. Whilst the means of achieving a legitimate required to vote on them. academic literature often cites aim”. This provided clarity in terms of If a 50p-a-unit The Committee believes that stress, poverty and social influences the Welsh Government’s attempts to evaluating the effect of the as being key drivers in terms of our develop similar legislation. formula were used, minimum unit price will be crucial, alcohol consumption, most authors In presenting the Bill, the Welsh a typical can of cider and must include the impacts of agree that more complex theories Government stated that there was minimum unit pricing on moderate are needed to further our an urgent need to address the would be at least £1. drinkers, dependent drinkers, understanding. affordability of alcohol, as part of substitution behaviours, domestic What we do know is that alcohol wider efforts to tackle alcohol- violence, and cross-border trade. consumption in Wales is related harm. It also stated that the the population of England. The The debate on the general problematic, and it remains one of Bill was targeted at protecting the model was subsequently adapted for principle of the Bill took place in our most testing public health health of harmful and hazardous other areas. In 2014 the Welsh Plenary on 13 March 2018, and was issues. Around one in five adults drinkers who tend to consume Government commissioned SARG to agreed by the Assembly. No drink more than the Chief Medical greater amounts of low-cost and adapt the model for Wales, and that amendments were agreed at Stage Officers’ recommended fourteen high-alcohol content products. analysis concluded that minimum 2, and as the Bill progresses, it is units a week limit for alcohol The Health, Social Care and Sport unit pricing policies would be clear that this legislation is not a consumption. We also know that in Committee was asked to consider effective in reducing alcohol ‘silver bullet’. It won’t solve every 2016 there were 504 alcohol related the general principles of the Bill and consumption, alcohol-related harms drink-related problem but as part of deaths in Wales – nearly ten the extent to which it would and the costs associated with those a combination of measures I believe avoidable deaths per week. contribute to improving and harms. If a 50p-a-unit formula were that minimum pricing will play a We have developed a culture economic and social impact introduce the Bill under the protecting the health and well-being used, a typical can of cider would be significant part in tackling alcohol which says that it is morally becomes even greater. Government of Wales Act 2006. of the population of Wales. We also at least £1 and a bottle of wine at consumption and misuse. acceptable to sell high-strength It was with this backdrop that the However, the decision to proceed in looked at any potential barriers to least £4.69. A typical litre of vodka, The key question left for the Welsh alcohol products at very low cost, then Minister for Social Services and October 2017 was made knowing the implementation of the Bill, and for example, would have to cost Government is what they intend to regardless of the impact on the Public Health, Rebecca Evans AM, that the Wales Act 2017 would whether there were any unintended more than £20. do about the root cause of so much individual or society. And there is a introduced the Public Health remove the Assembly’s competence consequences. The Committee’s report was alcohol abuse: including poverty, clear societal cost. (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) in this area, unless legislation was Between October and December published in March 2018 and made mental ill-health and loneliness. In 2015-16 there were 54,000 Bill on October 23rd 2017. The Bill introduced by April 1st 2018. 2017, the Committee conducted a fourteen recommendations. Whilst hospital admissions in Wales provides for a minimum price for the This is a clear example of how the public consultation to inform its being supportive of the general attributable to alcohol – a significant sale and supply of alcohol in Wales move towards a ‘reserved model’ of work, and received 54 responses principles of the Bill, the Committee Evaluating the effect additional strain on an already and makes it an offence for alcohol powers under the Wales Act 2017, and heard oral evidence from a believed that its recommendations over-stretched NHS. Add to this the to be sold below that price. means that our National Assembly number of witnesses. Focus groups would strengthen the legislation. In of the minimum unit impact of alcohol on crime rates and The National Assembly for Wales has handed back legislative powers were held across Wales which particular, the Committee was price will be crucial workplace absence, and the had the legislative competence to to Westminster in certain fields, captured the views and experiences concerned that an unintended

22 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 23 Health: Vanessa Young appraisals and one-to-one meetings The most effective way to ensure NHS between managers and staff is a key part of NHS Wales’ approach to Wales has the staff we need now and career management, staff growth in the future is to support and retain and development. Schemes are in Tackling staff retention place to support the widening the people we already employ access agenda, enabling staff to develop a career and acquire qualifications while being employed in the NHS values are employed by the NHS. health and wellbeing charter – by their local NHS organisation. Values-based recruitment helps Caring for People who Care. The By making the most of all these retain staff and reduce staff turnover charter emphasises the responsibility initiatives we can create clear career by helping to ensure that new staff of managers and staff members to pathways for staff which help to With shortages of NHS staff in the headlines again, Vanessa Young, members’ personal values and work together to encourage encourage them to remain part of behaviours align with those of the healthier lifestyles and life choices, the NHS in Wales. Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, outlines what should be done. organisation. support each other in the workplace, For staff members approaching Once recruited, the challenge is to and to promote the effective the end of their working life, in some support and encourage staff management of sickness when staff cases we are able to offer flexible members to stay. People tend to cannot work through ill health. We retirement. This provides benefits his winter in Wales was stay in an organisation where they are also working with BMA Cymru for both the organisation and the particularly nasty – it went feel valued and engaged – where Wales to develop a fatigue and individual, with the organisation on longer and brought their thoughts and ideas matter. facilities charter, with retaining valuable knowledge and Tmore severe weather than Kings Fund research shows that recommendations on best practice skills while the staff member eases usual. For the NHS, a system already there is a clear evidential link and simple steps that can be taken themselves into retirement. operating under pressure, winter between employees and teams who to improve facilities and reduce When it comes to the big picture, stretched resources to the limit. receive and ask for feedback and fatigue so that doctors can work in NHS Wales Employers supports the While the news outlets focused on increased levels of engagement and a safe environment. strategic workforce agenda of the ambulance delays, A&E waits and performance. Being as flexible as possible with NHS in Wales, recognising that cancelled surgeries, in my view the An all-Wales ‘Real Time / High employees while at the same time workforce is central to service real headline grabbers were our Quality Feedback’ toolkit will be ensuring high quality patient care change and ensuring that the NHS is staff. From district nurses walking launched this year to assess how can also have a very positive effect an employer of choice. NHS Wales through the snow to get to their staff feel about their workplace. In on our ability to retain staff. NHS Employers is hosted by and operates patients, to off- duty staff coming in addition, the major NHS Staff Survey Wales organisations are committed as a part of the Welsh NHS to help, even staying overnight in of all NHS Wales staff is taking place to flexible working and have agreed Confederation and helps support hospitals, the people working in the during June and July. The results will in partnership a set of key principles employers with workforce policy NHS and social care were the stars. be known in the autumn - it is to support staff. development, practical advice and Health and care staff across Wales essential that we consider the Most organisations have information, along with support to are dealing with high demand on the outcomes and, where there are e-rostering for certain key staff enable the NHS Wales Workforce system every day of the year. And concerns, that we act appropriately groups, such as nurses, to bring and Organisational Development this can make it very challenging to on what staff are telling us. Similar together information on shift community to network and to share deliver the best care possible for work on the engagement of medical patterns, annual leave requests, knowledge and best practice. their patients. Staff shortages across staff has also been undertaken in sickness absence data and skill mix. The Welsh Government’s A the NHS continue to be a major partnership with the BMA Cymru This allows managers to plan rotas Healthier Wales: our plan for health issue. The most effective way to Wales and we are working through and enables staff to access the and social care, includes a specific ensure NHS Wales has the staff we the results of this. system to check their shift patterns action to develop a new Workforce need now and in the future is to NHS Wales has developed a staff quickly and easily. Other approaches Strategy for Health and Social Care support and retain the people we and the way we need to work to • we reflect on our experiences such as self-rostering and use of in Wales by 2019, and another action already employ. More than 50 per deliver excellent care. The and learn mobile technologies are helping to to make NHS Wales an exemplar cent of today’s workforce will still be Government’s new plan, A Healthier • we work in partnership and as Health and care enhance our staff’s experience and employer on wellbeing at work and working in the health service in Wales: our plan for health and social a team satisfaction with the rostering process. a healthy workforce. fifteen years’ time. If we are to care, includes core values which • we value all who work for staff across Wales The NHS in Wales wants to ensure To support transformation of transform health and care services in align very closely with the Core the NHS. are dealing with a pipeline of talent at local and services and new models of care, the coming years it is vital that we Principles which are: national levels. We know that I hope we do see a focus on support and develop today’s • we put patients and users of our In many ways, successful staff high demand on effectively nurturing home-grown strengthening the support, training, healthcare workforce. services first retention begins with the talent is one of the features of top and development of our highly The NHS in Wales has developed a • we seek to improve our care recruitment processes - it is the system every performing organisations. Providing valued workforce so staff can build set of Core Principles that describe • we focus on wellbeing and important that the right people with day of the year education and training opportunities a fulfilling career in the NHS of the working environment in the NHS prevention the right skills, knowledge and for staff, along with regular the future.

24 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 25 Primary Care: Alison Hill aims to provide for the social, support or referral to an appropriate emotional and medical care of its service. This may be a doctor’s Care Navigators patients at point of need. appointment or referral to another The Community Care clinical service. work with patients Collaborative was conceived as a In complex medical cases the Care to identify what they way of meeting patient need in a Navigator will refer to a multi- A new model of better way but it was also fuelled by agency Care Co-ordination team need, and take control the current crises in GP practice and and then work with the patient to and responsibility for emergency services. Wales is finding implement an individualised care primary care it difficult to recruit doctors to GP plan. If the issue turns out to be their own care. practices and, combined with many non-medical, the Care Navigator Welsh doctors nearing retirement, will provide support and/or refer on increasing numbers of GP practices using a social prescribing type example having a GP alongside the are finding themselves without GPs. model to public, voluntary or Job Centre has reduced time spent With primary care under relentless pressure, Alison Hill, In Wrexham alone at least seven community services or activities. on administration of some benefit former CEO at Caia Park Partnership and now at the Capacity GP contracts have been handed An underlying aim is to ensure that claims from weeks to minutes. back to be directly managed by the people can access the support that Community Care Collaborative CIC Lab, outlines a new model of care that meets people’s needs Health Board due to a lack of GPs most effectively meets their needs is proposing to tender for the at the same time as cutting demand on the NHS. willing to deliver General Medical whilst also eliminating unnecessary opportunity to implement integrated Service contracts. At the same time, doctors’ appointments. This will primary, community and social care. increasing numbers of people who have the result that people’s needs If a contract is secured, it will are not finding their needs met at are addressed at the first visit focus on early intervention and their GP, often because they simply avoiding repeat visits, fewer doctors preventative work and actively cannot get an appointment with will be needed in the practice and engage with the community. The one, are presenting at the hospital’s the doctors that are there will have involvement and understanding of emergency department. It is more time with each patient or to the patients CCC works with will be estimated that 25 per cent of people develop specialisms such as vital to success. They will need to attending Wrexham Emergency dermatology or mental health. understand the model and change Department could be dealt with Another key tool will be the the current perception that the ‘Everyone in the Room’ model which success of a practice can only be brings together agencies across all measured in terms of the ease of What many patients sectors of the community, tapping access to a GP. In addition, CCC will into existing resources, good work with patients at a grass-roots need is someone practice and community assets. The level through asset-based to talk to; someone ‘Everyone in the Room’ model was engagement and education to piloted through the Wrexham empower them and their families to to find out what Community Care Hub project. The self-care and make wise choices to matters to them. Hub brings together agencies such improve their health and wellbeing as GP services, mental health and and contribute to shaping services. substance misuse services, Job Patients will be encouraged and somewhere else: over 30,000 Centre Plus, housing and homeless trained to act as peer Care patients a year attending Wrexham services. This has enabled homeless Navigators enabling them to Maelor Emergency Department are people and rough sleepers in transition from service users to triaged as not being an accident or Wrexham to access primary care, service enablers and designers. an emergency. housing advice and welfare benefits in The Community Care he Community Care many patients need is someone to alternative community or social Community Care Collaborative one place and in an informal, Collaborative is ambitious and the Collaborative (CCC) is a talk to; someone to find out what provision. Karen saw this played out has developed a model of primary supportive and respectful environment. next step, after securing contracts social enterprise that is matters to them. Once this is daily in her surgery. care that takes considerable pains to Having all these services in the for the GP practices and the Tworking to redesign the established the patient can be Karen realised that a collaborative understand and meet the individual room has had a significant impact continuation of the Hub, will be to way primary care is delivered in directed to the most appropriate approach was needed, bringing needs of patients. Central to the on both participants and services. It establish new, purpose-built facilities Wrexham. It was set up by Dr Karen source of support - often is not agencies together to provide more model, Care Navigators work in an has helped some participants to that provide flexible, health inspiring Sankey, an experienced GP who the GP. holistic, person-centred services. asset-based way with patients to reduce or stop their misuse of spaces which will support this came to the realisation that many of The Health Foundation estimates She secured the support of many empower them to identify what they substances; some have been collaborative delivery model. the patients she saw daily did not that healthcare can only support up patients, healthcare professionals, need, and to take control and successfully housed; some have need her medical help. She regularly to 10 per cent of an individual’s agencies and voluntary and responsibility for their own care. become volunteers; and one is due For further information had days seeing patients without health as the rest is determined by community groups who have Care Navigators take time to to start university in September. The please email Alison Hill at: having to take her stethoscope out wider social or economic factors together developed a non-medical understand what is important to the model helps service providers work [email protected] of her bag. Karen realised that what which need to be supported by model of primary care. This model patient and provide immediate together more effectively, for

26 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 27 Housing: Lynn Pamment Insight into the review of affordable housing

The Chair of the Welsh Government’s Independent Review Of Affordable Housing Supply, Lynn Pamment, shares some insights into the Review.

am really pleased to have been made in Wales in providing • advise on how the development asked to lead on this affordable homes, there is a desire capacity in Large Stock Voluntary Independent Review of to increase the number of affordable Transfer (LSVT) housing IAffordable Housing Supply, and I homes available and to do so at associations and stock-holding am keen to get going following the pace. This includes continuing to local authorities can be appointment of the remaining panel create an environment which maximised. members announced on 11th May. provides opportunities and in fact The panel is made up of six drives innovation and improvements This is not the entire scope or members who will bring real insight in terms of design, quality and parameters of the review, but some into housing supply issues and energy efficiency too. key areas and possible opportunities solutions. It’s a high calibre panel In scrutinising the existing for increasing affordable housing who collectively bring a strong arrangements for delivering affordable supply, which the panel will be cross-section of skills and expertise housing, the Review Panel will: considering. across a breadth of areas. The review will engage extensively • examine the scope for increasing with housing organisations involved sources of finance and the in the delivery of affordable housing. I share the aspirations implications of that for grant I’m keen to provide a means for all intervention rates; those who wish to make a of many to increase • examine how partnership working contribution to the discussion to the scale and pace is currently governed between have the opportunity to do so. The local authorities and housing panel and I have committed to of affordable associations, and recommend provide recommendations and a housing delivery. how relationships can be report by the end of April 2019. maximised to deliver on housing In order to inform the work of the supply ambitions; review panel, I have already sought The Minister has established the • evaluate the impact of moving to input into some initial work stream review to examine and challenge the deliver zero carbon homes, areas, as it is crucial that input is approach currently being taking to including the role of off-site provided from across the housing support affordable housing supply in manufacture and modern sector. The independent review public expenditure available to Wales. The Welsh Government has a methods of construction; panel will also be looking to support house building. longstanding commitment to • provide advice on whether there contribute to events where possible It will be interesting to explore how the As Cardiff office senior partner and increasing the supply of affordable should be changes to the and tapping into the vast knowledge review can balance the growing need the Public Service Lead at PwC I am homes in Wales and has a target of standards governing the design that we know exists in housing aware of passion and commitment delivering 20,000 affordable homes and quality of affordable housing; organisations and the members they for affordable homes against continuing that exists in the housing sector. This over the course of this Assembly • make recommendations on how a represent. pressures on public expenditure will be a very challenging piece of term. However, there is a real sustainable rent policy can help I share the aspirations of many in work for all those involved, but I’ve appetite to consider what more can determine long term affordability the sector to seek ways in which the been really encouraged by level of be done in the future, in response to for tenants and the viability of scale and pace of affordable housing look forward to exploring options review can balance the growing interest in this review and will seek a range of housing needs. existing and new housing delivery in Wales can be increased to with those in the sector. It will be need for affordable homes against to harness such enthusiasm and Whilst good progress has been developments; meet a range of housing needs and I interesting to explore how the the continuing pressures on the interest at every stage of this work.

28 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 29 news news Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on All the latest from our subscribers Bevan Foundation News Subscribers’ News

Insights Solutions Changes Universal credit - End ‘No Fault’ Evictions Cross-Party Group on keep me posted! Industrial Communities One of the main reasons for Migration and integration ‘I want to be something’ Making the Economy Work Dawn Bowden AM homelessness in Wales is eviction Vikki Howells AM for People on Low Incomes After much analysis and debate from privately rented homes. Help us The Welsh Assembly Cross-Party e are delighted to fter a year of crunching around the anticipated consequences give these tenants the security they Group on Industrial Communities, announce our latest numbers, crawling through e’re delighted that the of Universal Credit the reality is about need by supporting Shelter Cymru’s chaired by Cynon Valley Assembly Wproject, on immigration to Acollege prospectuses and Assembly’s Equality, to arrive in Merthyr Tydfil, and then campaign to end ‘No Fault’ Evictions. Member Vikki Howells, met on 13 Wales from outside the UK. Covering listening nearly 50 young people W Local Government and soon after in Rhymney (Caerphilly). Please sign our petition to call on June. It heard from Tim Williams, all types of migration, including and 35 stakeholders, our report Communities Committee has Welsh Government to Make Renting Chief Executive of the Wales immigration for work or study, for on better opportunities for young accepted almost the evidence and The evidence we have seen from Right: End ‘No Fault’ Evictions Automotive Forum. Mr Williams family reasons or for protection, the people was launched in the Senedd proposals we submitted to its inquiry other areas suggests our Valleys https://sheltercymru.org.uk/what- highlighted important challenges the 18-month long project will explore on 7th June and in Port Talbot on into ‘making the economy work for communities will be worse off we-do/campaigns/end-no-fault- sector, which employs some 18,000 whether aspects of immigration 8th June. It was widely welcomed. people on low incomes’. as a result of these reforms. I am evictions/ people in Wales, faces ranging from policy should be devolved and Grateful thanks to the Garfield Weston The Committee recommendations keen to be kept informed of the changing emission standards to the how best migrants can integrate Foundation, Community Union and our include that the Welsh Government consequences in the constituency impact of Brexit. into established communities. Lucy crowd-fund supporters for supporting should prepare a strategy to tackle so do not hesitate to get in touch Williams, Policy & Research Officer, this project. poverty; set out how it intends if required. email: will lead this work. to deliver its Economic Action [email protected] We gratefully acknowledge the support Plan; develops a wide-reaching of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Creating an Inclusive Economy campaign to encourage payment OU in Wales hosts social of the voluntary living wage and he Bevan Foundation has ensures its new economic contract mobility summit joined forces with the Wales and the code of practice on ethical TCo-operative Centre to procurement are enforced. The Open University in Wales hosted . develop practical proposals to We will watch out for the Welsh a Social Mobility Summit bringing achieve an inclusive economy. Government’s reply with interest! together over one hundred people Although inclusive growth is now at from across HE, the public sector, the heart of the Welsh Government’s the third sector and beyond. The Economic Action Plan, detail about event was held in partnership what it means and how it will be with Welsh Government and the achieved is limited. The report sets keynote speakers were the Rt Hon out its main features and six steps to Alan Milburn, former Chair of the change. More details are in the UK Government’s Social Mobility State of Wales article in this issue Commission, and Kirsty Williams AM, Cabinet Secretary for Education. ur latest State of Wales briefings look at Wales’ The OU in Wales will be taking this Operformance in employment work forward by seeking to establish and education. Each takes a limited a social mobility practitioners’ number of key indicators to provide network for Wales and would be keen an essential overview of Wales’ to hear from anyone with an interest performance including where it is in this area. Please contact doing well and where it is falling [email protected] behind. We are considering the future of these briefings – let us know what you think!

30 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Summer 2018 Summer 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 31 VOTED TOP FESTIVAL BY BBC 6 MUSIC LISTENERS

Spotlight On THE GUARDIAN THE TIMES Matthew Kennedy Policy & public affairs manager at the 16-19 AUGUST. BRECON BEACANS, WALES Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru THE WAR AN DRUGS B FLEET FOXES B KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD JAHN GRANT B GRIZZLY BEAR B DIRTY PROJECTARS

In 140 characters describe What are the biggest about people from some of the most THE BRIAN JANESTOWN MASSACRE B THE BLACK ANGELS B TEENAGE FANCLUB PUBLIC SERVICE BRAADCASTING B ANNA CALVI B CATE LE BAN B MOUNT KIMBIE the Chartered Institute of challenges facing Wales? isolated parts of the world who can FLAATING POINTS (SALO LIVE) B JAHN MAUS B JAAN AS POLICE WAMAN B THE LEMON TWIGS Housing Cymru: achieve the most amazing feats of TELEMAN B CAURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS B BAXTER DURY B KEVIN MORBY B CURTIS HARDING Maybe a little predictable to say ‘the endurance and mental resilience. WHYTE HARSES B TAMIKREST B SUSANNE SUNDFOR B JAHN TALABOT B SIMIAN MABILE DISCO (LIVE W/ DEEP THROAT CHAIR) ROLLING BLACKAUTS CAASTAL FEVER B WYE OAK B JANE WEAVER B KING TUFF B FOLLAKZAID We are the independent voice housing crisis’ but this, in my view, ALEX CAMERON B PHAEBE BRIDGERS B TUNNG B KELLY LEE AWENS B INSECURE MEN B THE LOVELY EGGS of housing and the home of is the bottom line. We know we’ve Why does CIH Cymru BO NINGEN B FRANKIE COSMAS B HIGH CONTRAST B BEAK> B HMLTD B GOAT GIRL professional standards in Wales. got substantial funding challenges SWEET BABG B A HAWK AND A HACKSAW B XYLOURIS WHITE B LOST HORIZANS B LUCY DACUS support the Bevan ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER B SHANNON LAY B BOY AZGGA B PICTISH TRAIL B MARLAN WILLIAMS B FRANKIE COSMAS Our goal is simple: to equip housing as well as a delivery/demand Foundation? THE KVB B OMNI B DUDS B SNAPPED ANKLES B JADE BIRD B SNAIL MAIL B AMBER ARCADE B CHARLES WATSAN professionals with the skills, challenge across public services. IDER B ED DOWIE B HALEY HEYNDERICKX B ARI ROAR B BAS JAN B SEAMUS FOGARTY B JUANITA STEIN knowledge and ethical grounding to But a shortage of accessible and SACRED PAWS B JIM GHEDI B SORRY B STELLA DANNELLY B WESTERMAN B SPINNING CAIN B J. BERNARDT affordable homes is at the crux of We strongly believe that a Welsh HORSEY B GROUP LISTENING B FENNE LILY B GROUP LISTENING B HAZE B ADWAITH B BLACK MIDI deliver a safe, secure and affordable ACCÜ B SOCK B SQUID B BUZZARD B THE COSMIC ARRAY B AADAE B HUW STEPHENS B TAM RAVENSCROFT so many of our problems – social home to everyone. think-tank rooted in tackling issues ALFRESCA DISCO B HEAVENLY JUKEBOX B LYCRA B DUTTY DISCO B BIG JEFF B FEVER CLUB & LATS MORE care, health, transport, community of equality, poverty and social justice 10 WILD LANDS AF LAUGHS, LITERATURE, ART, SCIENCE, FAMILY ADVENTURE AND MUSIC cohesion. Being enabled to deliver What is your role at is fundamental in both shaping and more homes that complement challenging how we jointly tackle GREENMAN.NET CIH Cymru? and encourage local infrastructure issues. The Bevan Foundation would go such a long way to provides a respected, expert voice I’m the policy and public affairs addressing these already well- on issues that hit at the heart of manager so I lead on the activities entrenched challenges. challenges found within the housing we undertake to help shape and sector. Underpinning this is the fact inform Welsh Government’s If you could invite anyone, that the Bevan Foundation tells the approach to delivering homes, dead or alive, to a dinner stories of real people, living real lives based on the experiences and with real struggles reflective of so party who would you insights of our members. I’m also many stories found within Welsh Save the date one of the team involved in our invite? communities. Tyfu Tai Cymru project, which is a five-year project looking at filling In my head I’m a big fan of running, evidence gaps in housing policy. despite my body being unconvinced. WelshConfed19 One of my favourite books is ‘Born to Annual Conference What do you enjoy most run’ by Christopher McDougall – I’d about your work? be engrossed by some of his stories and Exhibition

As a policy professional it can be easy to become detached from the reality of what you’re looking at, be it homelessness, new methods of construction or community Tuesday 5 February – Annual Dinner engagement. My work allows me to engage directly with people working at the frontline and those receiving Wednesday 6 February – Annual Conference & Exhibition services and amplify their expertise Cardiff City Hall and insight. Having the opportunity to use my skills to promote their views in this way is what gets me out of bed in the morning. To register your interest or for further information, please contact: [email protected]

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