Spring 2018 ’ best policy and politics magazine

Brexit & the Constitution AM sounds warning bells Citizens & the Ombudsman Bill Simon Thomas AM explains

Plus... Private Healthcare Street Homelessness 1m Welsh speakers

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Mick Antoniw AM Catherine Fookes Simon Thomas AM 2 A Constitutional Crisis? 4 MeToo - where next for Wales? 6 Strengthening the voice of A young person’scitizens guide– the Ombudsman to Bill making a complaint 2 Mick Antoniw AM 16 Mair Bell A Brexit Constitutional Crisis? The Future of Work

4 Catherine Fookes 18 David Hagendyk MeToo – where next for Wales? Getting post-16 learning right for the future 6 Simon Thomas AM Strengthening the voice of citizens 20 Sarah Stone – the Ombudsman Bill Deprivation and suicidal behaviour – finding a way forward 8 Linda Millband Protecting privately-treated patients 22 John Rose from malpractice The future of doing good

10 Jennie Bibbings 24 Kathryn Bishop Street homelessness: Taxes – the price of civilisation Subscriber what needs to change? 28 Spotlight: 26 Subscribers’ News Carole Morgan-Jones, 12 Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost All the latest from our subscribers National Energy ‘More users required’: Action Cymru the Government’s Welsh 28 Subscriber Spotlight: language priorities Carole Morgan-Jones, National Energy Action Cymru 14 Ceri Davies Kill the commute

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Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 1 Devolution: Mick Antoniw AM

A Brexit Constitutional Crisis?

Brexit heralds a constitutional crisis unless the UK Government changes its stance, argues Mick Antoniw AM, Chair of the National Assembly for Wales Constitution and Legislative Affairs Committee and former Counsel General for Wales.

ver the next 12 months the UK Parliament and the O devolved Governments will be taking decisions that will rank amongst the most significant of political events in our post war history. Leaving the UK has turned out to be more than a mere decision to leave a European-wide economic and social bloc and has brought into sharp focus the future role and status of the UK in the world. What do we represent and how are we perceived? How much influence in world economic and political affairs do we really have? These questions, however, go even deeper in that they challenge the very purpose and the long term future and stability of the UK as a country. For almost 50 years or so, since the passing of the 1972 European Communities Act, the answers to these questions have been masked by our membership of an EEC that with economic and technological globalisation was developing into a for an expanding Europe. Within this and constitutional nudity is now there political and social union based on context the UK’s increasingly for all to see, exposed by the absence its collective economic strength. dysfunctional and conflicting of any clear post Brexit plan. The Social Chapter, the central internal constitutional arrangements Now compounded now by having role of the European Court of have been masked and constrained a post general election government Justice, the developing role of the by the broader EU constitutional with no clear Parliamentary majority European Investment Bank and the framework and jurisdiction or constitutional mandate for the development of the EU as a trading Pandora’s Box has now been type of Brexit that should be bloc in its own right created a legal opened. The British Empire’s clothes pursued, the British negotiating as well as an economic framework have been exposed and our political position has taken on the semblance

2 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 assertions to the contrary, it has Our political and constitutional nudity is there failed to recognise that in order to achieve progress it would need to for all to see, exposed by the absence of any build a consensus with the devolved clear post Brexit plan. governments over the way forward particularly in areas of subsequent law reform and areas of common interest, for example, in areas such for many in the UK and but amongst many respected as maritime and agricultural policy, internationally of a comic farce Parliamentarians. state aid and trade. Article 50 has been triggered. To date, in the absence of any Even if it does make concessions The countdown to leaving the UK significant concessions, the Welsh to the Bill to appease devolved has begun and on the 29th March Assembly and are governments there are a number of 2019 we will be out of the EU, unlikely to give legislative consent. other red lines they will have to ready or not. Refusal of Legislative Consent is overcome. It is vital there is a long- Could the Government withdraw a major constitutional obstacle. term commitment to the direct its notice? I believe so. The reason Westminster can override this refusal allocation to of there is no detailed provision for this but there are significant political future former EU funding. It would in Article 50 is because it was never consequences to undermining this be entirely unacceptable for the UK expected to happen. Furthermore, it convention which is now enshrined Government to undermine devolved is in any event very unlikely that the in the Government of Wales Act responsibilities by assuming this remaining 27 EU countries would 2017. The most significant of these function without consent. want to block such a withdrawal, might be the taking There will need to be assurances although there might be a price to up the mantle of protector of the that the Trades Bill and other Brexit- pay. The ultimate arbiter in any UK Constitution and indeed the related legislation going through dispute would, of course, be the devolution statutes, particularly in Westminster will uphold the European Court of Justice. the absence of any clear principles of devolved responsibility. The triggering of Article 50 without government electoral mandate, There also needs to be a any plan or preparation has led to by amending the Bill. recognition and assurance that the the current constitutional chaos of Furthermore, the Welsh and UK Government will modernise its the EU Withdrawal Bill which is now Scottish Governments have now constitutional arrangements. Post being considered by the House of begun the process of tabling their Brexit there is no idyllic pre-1972 Lords. The key and uncontroversial own continuity legislation, to Nirvana to return to. The current part of the Bill is the repeal of the provide a statutory basis for the Joint Ministerial Council is not European Communities Act of 1972. transfer of those powers and working. It is not fit for purpose. The bulk of the remainder of the Bill responsibilities currently residing in It needs to be replaced with a more has turned out to be a constitutional Brussels but which legally revert to formal and possibly statutory body pig’s ear. them the moment we leave the EU with a clearly-defined function, It is essentially a continuity bill to - yet another indication of the supportive secretariat and disputes ensure that post Brexit, existing EU breakdown of trust which has procedure – an idea which now has law will be incorporated into UK law. occurred UK Government handling considerable cross-party support This in itself is not contentious. of this Bill has been strategically and from Westminster and Welsh However, it also establishes legally flawed from day one. It failed constitutional committees. It is vital Westminster control over laws to properly engage the devolved the UK Government steps up to the which are within the constitutional governments in the drafting of the mark and resolves all these jurisdiction of Wales (and the other Bill. It has significantly misunderstood, anomalies. devolved governments), enabling deliberately or otherwise, the If nothing changes we are heading the UK Government, by use of the constitutional status of those powers to a constitutional crisis which could Royal Prerogative, to amend, change within the ambit of the EU but which lead to a further loss of confidence and alter law as they consider would legally and constitutionally in the UK Government which can appropriate with only limited revert to devolved governments only be resolved by a new general reference to Parliament and once we leave the EU. Despite its election mandate. without the requirement for the consent of the devolved administrations. It is this “power The EU Withdrawal Bill … has turned out grab” that has caused such a constitutional furore not to be a constitutional pig’s ear. just in the Assembly and Holyrood,

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 3 Equality: Catherine Fookes #MeToo – Where Next for Wales?

As allegations about sexual harassment continue to surface, Catherine Fookes, Director of Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales, shares her thoughts on where next for the #MeToo movement.

017 was a watershed for Greer and believe she is totally allowed the flood gates to open with women’s rights. Lurid wrong to say its ‘too late’ and the women feeling they are able to headlines came at us almost women should have spoken out at share their stories and know they 2 every day regarding the time. She of all people knows will be supported when they do so. behaviour of men involved in politics about the patriarchy and the power Brave women have been speaking and the arts, giving birth to the relationships and the shame that up around the world. An American powerful #MeToo movement. And stops women speaking out when athletics coach has been convicted now, a few weeks into 2018, we the abuse or harassment happens. for multiple sexual assault due to the have the shocking revelations that She has fallen into the worst trap – bravery of a group of women who sexual harassment was rife at the instead of calling out the men, she’s had long been silenced but now felt Presidents Club charity dinner. done what many men do and they had the space to speak up. Meanwhile, Germaine Greer has criticised her sisters instead. Financial Times journalist Madison bafflingly criticised the #MeToo #MeToo IS empowering and IS Marriage has uncovered the awful movement for ‘whingeing.’ the right response to women’s truth of the men-only Presidents I cannot agree with Germaine suppression. The movement has Club charity event, where the only

4 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 women present were hostesses. behavior changes. So how do we parties. And it’s incumbent on us all In speaking out these brave people do this? to think about why powerful men have stood up for women First, we need to educate children still think they can exert control and everywhere so that this country can from a young age about healthy pressure over younger women. one day have a future free from relationships and what is and isn’t Third, we need to tackle the harassment and abuse. acceptable. I’ve heard too many under-representation of women in For me, many of the TV and radio times the stories of 14-year-old girls public life. The more women there programmes got their response to in school at PE lessons being are, the less acceptable this #MeToo wrong. Contributors such subjected to sexist comments and behaviour becomes. From seats on as Edwina Currie and Clare Fox, and teachers doing nothing to stop it. governing bodies of schools and now even our feminist-in-chief At Women’s Equality Network (WEN) charity boards, to Assembly Germaine Greer have insinuated that Wales one of the projects I am Members and County Councillors, this is a storm in a tea cup and proudest of is our work to promote Wales still does not have 50:50 women are making a fuss. We are in Healthy Relationships in schools. representation of women and men danger of the national conversation We support the work of the fantastic in public life. We have only ever entrenching views about how Professor Emma Renold (Cardiff returned 19 female MPs to women and victims should react, University) who has developed a Westminster since 1918. instead of using the time to talk training resource with young people Our WEN Wales programme to in collaboration with NSPCC Cymru, deliver a mentoring scheme to get Welsh Women’s Aid, the Children’s more women into public life follows The debate Commissioner for Wales and Welsh on the heels of previous programmes should not be Government. It’s called ‘Agenda’ and with Presiding Officer Rosemary is used in schools to support young Butler, and will encourage women about women’s people to raise awareness of healthy to come forward so we build-up our response but about and inclusive relationships and learn pool of talent. This will complement more about the harmful impacts of the work of Chwarae Teg which stopping the sexual sexism and sexual harassment. mentors business women to help harassment in the As Professor Renolds puts it, ‘The them progress in their careers. But programme is about listening to, and we can do all the mentoring we first place. acting upon, young people’s anger, want but if political parties don’t anxiety and desire to ‘do something’ select female candidates it won’t about the increasingly visible and help. So I’d also like to see all about misogyny in our society and prevalent experiences of everyday political parties, as recommended how to tackle it, instead of talking sexism and sexual harassment, in by the Expert Panel on Electoral about the men who are wrong to their schools and communities, Reform, compelled to adopt a sexually assault and harass women, locally, nationally and globally.’ So 50:50 system or a quota system and instead of exposing the let’s get this innovative programme for candidates so that we get patriarchal society we live in. into every school in Wales. true equality. The debate should not be about Second, we need to have strong My big concern is that without a women’s response but about rules and regulations in place – be it strong response focusing on the stopping the sexual harassment in at the or in Parliament the solutions to #MeToo and without a the first place. Men therefore have to change. As Jonathan Freedland so eloquently put it, ‘men need to Victims should feel that they can report say to women, when it comes to sexual harassment, “the problem is behaviour that makes them uncomfortable not you, it’s us”.’ and that they will be listened to. We need to do this to move towards a society that is equal and where women can be free of same standards of behaviour should new, independent system to gratuitous sexism or worse. We need be the same as in any workplace. tackle sexual harassment in to find solutions to stamp out Victims need to feel they can report place in our political institutions, misogyny. We need to talk about instances of any kind of behaviour our progress towards equality will why society has seemingly turned a that makes them uncomfortable and be undone. We have come so far, blind eye to events such as the that they will be listened to. That’s now we need to work together Presidents Club until now. We need why we need complaints procedures to ensure this national conversation to discuss how we go about in place in the Welsh Assembly that doesn’t ever have to take changing society so that men’s are totally independent of political place again.

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 5 Public Services: Simon Thomas AM

Strengthening the voice of citizens – the Ombudsman Bill

As the Bill to strengthen the powers of the Public Service Ombudsman goes through the Assembly, Simon Thomas AM, Chair of the Finance Committee which introduced it, outlines what’s involved.

s Chair of the Finance inform its inquiry into the proposals Committee, I was pleased to extend the Ombudsman’s powers. to formally lay the Public Having been persuaded by the A Services Ombudsman evidence it heard, the Committee (Wales) Bill and accompanying agreed that changes were required Explanatory Memorandum before to the legislation and in early the National Assembly for Wales on October 2015, consulted on the 2 October 2017. This is the first time draft Bill. Respondents to the that a Committee has introduced a consultation were generally very Bill since the Assembly gained full supportive of the provisions in the primary law-making powers. This draft Bill and made valuable Bill represents a significant amount A young person’s guide to contributions and suggestions to of work undertaken over a number making a complaint improve the legislation. Due to time of years by the Finance Committee constraints towards the end of the of this Assembly and in the Fourth Fourth Assembly, that Finance Assembly. Committee was unable to introduce The Ombudsman in Wales has a the Bill but recommended that a vital role in ensuring that any future Committee take it forward in member of the public who believes the Fifth Assembly. they have suffered injustice or The Finance Committee of this hardship through maladministration ombudsmen around the world has Assembly was keen to continue with or service failure by a public body is moved on. Developments include this work as we believe the Bill is able to make a complaint with the the strengthening of powers of necessary to future-proof the reassurance that their complaint will ombudsmen in Scotland and legislation. As a Committee, we be dealt with fairly and . believe it is more important than independently by the Ombudsman. Work on the Bill started in 2015 by ever that public services deliver for The Ombudsman’s role is currently the Finance Committee of the the people of Wales and that the governed by the Public Services Fourth Assembly. The Committee Public Services Ombudsman is Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005. undertook a public consultation to empowered to ensure that our At the time it was enacted, it was considered to be at the cutting edge of Ombudsman legislation. The public needs to have confidence However, the Act is now 12 years old in the Ombudsman to investigate where and whilst it has facilitated public access to the Ombudsman’s they believe they have suffered injustice or services, enabling the resolution of disputes and providing redress for hardship through maladministration individuals, best practice and or service delivery. international standards for

6 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 services are citizen-centred. Over the last few months, we have considered the draft Bill, taken evidence from the Ombudsman, as well as considering the estimates of the costs and benefits of the new provisions in the Bill. There are four major changes to the legislation: Accepting oral complaints – the new provisions would allow the Ombudsman to accept oral complaints which will improve social justice and equal opportunities and contribute to the Welsh Government’s commitment to create a fair and equitable Wales. It will facilitate and improve the making of complaints by the most vulnerable and deprived members of society, including people with commission private treatment, they for which data and information learning difficulties, the homeless currently have to make separate are critical. and the elderly. complaints for the public and private The Bill is currently being By removing the requirement to elements to the Ombudsman and considered by the Equality, Local make a complaint in writing, the Bill private sector provider respectively. Government and Communities will also future proof access to the This Bill will allow the Ombudsman Committee as part of its Stage 1 Ombudsman’s services, allowing his to investigate matters relating to the scrutiny. The Committee is expected office to develop guidance to private health services (which to report on its findings by 9th respond to future developments, includes medical treatment and March. The Finance Committee is such as advances in technology. nursing care) element of a complaint very much looking forward to Power to investigate on own in a public/private pathway. This will considering the report and initiative – The seldom heard and enable the Ombudsman to explore recommendations with a view to vulnerable groups will also be the whole of a complaint meaning proposing amendments to the Bill supported without going through that investigations can follow the at Stage 2. a complaints process since the Bill citizen and not the sector. The public needs to have includes provision for the Complaints-handling across public confidence in the Ombudsman to Ombudsman to conduct own- services – The provisions of the Bill investigate where they believe they initiative investigations. While will also drive improvements in have suffered injustice or hardship requiring criteria to be satisfied prior public services and in complaint through maladministration or service to beginning an investigation, the handling across Wales. Currently, a delivery. Hopefully this Bill will go power to conduct own-initiative model complaints policy is in place some way to achieving this. investigations will provide a to help achieve consistency across mechanism to protect the most public services. Evidence shows that, vulnerable and give attention to while the position is improving, The Bill includes the dignity of individuals. It also has adoption across the public sector is wider benefits, enabling the not consistent. We hope the Bill will provision for the Ombudsman to be more responsive address this. Ombudsman to citizens since it allows him to The provisions in the Bill for investigate matters reported complaints-handling and to conduct anonymously, strengthening the procedures propose a similar own-initiative citizen’s voice. approach for Wales as that in Investigating private health Scotland. This means that, for the investigations services – Under the 2005 Act, first time, there will be regular, the Ombudsman has jurisdiction reliable and comparable data on … enabling the to investigate where the NHS complaints across the public sector. Ombudsman to commissions private medical This will drive accountability and treatment for patients but not where improvement in public services, be more responsive such treatment is commissioned by transparency in reporting and to citizens. patients themselves. Where patients empowering the scrutiny process

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 7 Health: Linda Millband

Protecting privately-treated patients from malpractice

A recent case affecting privately-treated patients has highlighted a shocking lack of protection. Linda Millband, national practice lead for medical negligence at Thompsons Solicitors, says it’s time for governments to act.

n September 2017, the team at Thompsons Solicitors finally secured compensation for over I 500 former patients of the disgraced former breast surgeon Ian Paterson. It was a cruelly and unnecessarily prolonged fight for women (and men) who were disgracefully treated by a man who, in the words of one of our clients, ‘played God’ with his patients’ lives. Mr. Paterson carried out totally unnecessary surgical procedures and operations on patients both in the NHS and at hospitals run by private healthcare provider Spire. These ranged from invasive lumpectomies when biopsies would have sufficed, all the way through to full mastectomies on women it later transpired did not have breast cancer. A number of the injuries that he inflicted on his patients are very serious and there have been a significant number of fatalities. Watching the reaction to publicity on this case was astonishing and profoundly moving. Every time Mr Paterson was featured in the national press – with whom we worked closely – more claimants came forward from all parts of the UK, and even from abroad. Even though he only operated from two private hospitals in the West Midlands (as well as one NHS Trust), as the news got around more and

8 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 more people started questioning what it had never occurred them to question before – did they really need to have gone through what they went through, did a surgeon (described as ‘charming’ by some) whom they trusted operate on them purely to get more money? It is deeply shocking how many people have been affected by his actions. While working on the case and analysing the issues, it seemed to us that there is a flaw at the heart of the private healthcare industry. Paterson was able to continue operating for far too long, Spire’s monitoring and auditing of his activities appeared lacking and there

hospitals and have the same high For the sake of those standards of governance and audits There is a flaw as the NHS. It cannot happen again whose lives have that a patient – the victim of clinical at the heart of been devastated and negligence – can be told, as one of the private our clients was, that Spire had no to ensure that no responsibility for Paterson as they healthcare industry. one else needlessly ‘only rented him a room’. And there needs to be adequate UK government’s political suffers, there needs insurance cover in place in case commitment to take on and tackle to be real change. things go wrong. failings of the private health sector. Paterson only had £10m worth of Our concerns are reinforced given insurance cover. It cannot be that the recommendations of this was no effective system to review acceptable that, whereas the NHS inquiry will not be binding and it his work. He pulled the wool over picks up the bill for the malpractice could simply ‘kick the can down the eyes of his patients but he of their doctors, private consultants the road’. appears to have done the same – whose actions can equally destroy There are steps we have called for to Spire too. or take lives and in whom it could be that could, with political will, have This is why we developed our said people place greater trust as been taken by now. There is nothing Patients before Profits campaign. they are paying privately for their to stop any government The NHS put its hands up and care – have insurance that wouldn’t immediately insisting on parity moved swiftly to deal with Mr cover major catastrophes such as between private healthcare Paterson when his abuse began to this. £10m wouldn’t cover even one providers and the NHS so that emerge. We need legislation to catastrophic brain injury case. private hospitals have to take the ensure private healthcare providers Spire also had a policy which same responsibility for surgeons take the same responsibility for covered £10m, however they didn’t as the NHS, and require private surgeons who operate within their agree a settlement until five weeks hospitals to adhere to the same high before the civil trial, years after we standards of governance and audits started pursuing him. as the NHS. In December 2017, the UK It has been an honour to act for We need legislation government announced that from the victims of Mr Paterson and to to ensure private January 2018 there is to be an assist in bringing about a settlement. independent, non-statutory inquiry For the sake of those whose lives healthcare providers into the medical negligence of Ian have been devastated and to ensure take the same Paterson. We welcomed that that no one else needlessly suffers decision and believe that the inquiry in the same way, there needs to be responsibility… needs to be detailed and swiftly real change and we will continue concluded. We have previously to campaign alongside our clients as the NHS. expressed doubt about the current for that.

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 9 housing: Jennie Bibbings Street homelessness: what needs to change?

An Assembly Committee inquiry is looking into street homelessness. Jennie Bibbings, campaigns manager at Shelter Cymru, argues that it’s time everyone has a decent, affordable and permanent home.

riff* has been living on the streets for the past six months. Before then, he G was living with and caring for a family member who went into a care home, leaving Griff homeless as his name wasn’t on the tenancy. Griff has never been homeless before. He doesn’t have any support needs or issues with substances. He and his pet dog sleep in various locations in the city centre, moving round often. If he manages to raise enough money, he pays for a night in a B&B. He says he tried the council but was told he was ‘no priority’. He’s tried to get into the various hostels but says he has been turned away because they don’t take dogs. When we spoke to Griff, he described the fundamental difficulty of being unable to get a bank account without an address, and therefore being unable to work. Since becoming homeless he has approached several employers but keeps running into judgemental attitudes. ‘I know I am a bit scruffy,’ he said, ‘but if I could just work for a few weeks, until my first pay packet, then that would sort itself out. So I thought about starting my own – but I can’t get started, because I local authority areas. Not one of the business, maybe gardening in the don’t have any money or a home.’ 100 or so people we have spoken summer and then clearance when During this winter Shelter Cymru with is content to be homeless. it gets colder, but I need money for researchers have been on the streets Everyone wants a roof over their tools and a van. of Wales talking to people who are head. We have found that the ‘I really had a plan to make it work currently sleeping rough in three reasons why people become street

10 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 homeless are the same as they ever were: relationship breakdown, loss Ending ‘priority need’ is the next logical of a tenancy, loss of a job, mental health issues sometimes triggered step in the drive to create a better by life events such as bereavement. homelessness system. Many people are homeless having left prison with nowhere to go. What is relatively unusual about a homelessness crisis on our hands. city centre for nothing more than Griff’s situation is that he doesn’t Fundamentally, hostels aren’t the ‘looking homeless’ – they weren’t have any support needs. Most of the answer. Thanks to a strong policy begging or even sitting down at the people we spoke to are in more steer from Welsh Government, most time they were banned. complex situations, some struggling local authorities are currently setting These incidents are making people with substance misuse and many up Housing First pilots. These feel hunted and victimised. Banning experiencing severe depression. projects will provide permanent people from the city centre doesn’t Many people have a chequered homes to people with histories of solve anything. Over time, its effect tenancy history. Some can’t apply homelessness and complex, unmet is to break down any chance of for social housing due to past support needs. In these pilots a services gaining people’s trust in arrears. Some have been banned decent home is the first step, not future. Ironically, many people told us from local hostels and supported the last step, towards recovery. that officers on their own were helpful accommodation, having fallen foul However, by and large mainstream and kind, but that the attitude of the ‘house rules’. Sometimes it services are still set up in the changed when a colleague arrived. was clear that people shouldn’t have opposite model: ‘staircasing’ people Finally, there’s the question of our been in that accommodation in the from the street, into supported homelessness legislation, lately first place as it obviously wasn’t the accommodation where they may copied by England. There’s no doubt right environment. Having been set be required to keep to rules about that the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 up to fail, some people have now avoiding drugs and alcohol until has led to great improvements in the gained a reputation locally among they are deemed ready to take on way we help people to avoid housing providers and this has a tenancy of their own. This is the homelessness. But there’s a strong closed down their accommodation model that many other countries are argument that the legislation works options to virtually nil. turning away from as the Housing better for people who aren’t Access to emergency First model proves its value worldwide. homeless yet. accommodation varies in different Although the Act creates a duty on parts of Wales. In some areas So what should Wales do? councils to ‘help to secure’ emergency beds are thin on the Clearly Housing First is a crucial part accommodation for all homeless ground and all but unavailable for of the solution. But other changes households, regardless of priority anyone deemed medium to high need to happen too. Our research status, our study still found that risk. People beg to raise £15 for a uncovered numerous examples of priority need was frequently cited as B&B, or they sleep in tents. enforcement being used in heavy- a reason for people’s homelessness. In other parts of Wales there are handed ways by police officers and It’s true that there is a legislative plenty of emergency spaces but local authority rangers. One man gap here – if you’re not priority many people still choose to sleep on was banned from the city centre on need, the council doesn’t have a the streets because they feel safer Christmas Eve, which meant he had duty to provide you with suitable there. We spoke to people who said to miss Christmas dinner and in fact interim accommodation while they they’d been offered ‘floor space’ but had nothing to eat on Christmas Day. work with you on your case. Put couldn’t take it up because they Another woman told us her tent simply, it’s a lot harder to work needed to stay away from drugs. and belongings were confiscated, effectively with people if they don’t But even if we managed to which included personal items such have an address. completely transform our as her baby’s hospital wristband, Ending priority need is the next emergency provision to make it baby photos, and her own birth logical step in the Welsh suitable for every homeless person’s certificate. Another man told how he Government’s drive to create a particular needs, we would still have and a friend were banned from the better homelessness system. With the preventative approach well established, it’s time to make a Even if we managed to transform long-term plan to break down the barriers that remain, until there’s a emergency provision, we would still decent, affordable permanent home have a homelessness crisis. for everyone. *Griff’s name has been changed.

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 11 Language & culture: Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost ‘More users required’: the Government’s Welsh language priorities

The Welsh Government aims to create a million Welsh speakers by 2050. Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost, Professor at the School of Welsh Research Unit on Language, Policy and Planning at , asks if the aim is achievable and suggests an alternative approach.

he Welsh Government has The government has set for 666,000 Welsh speakers, without set out a vision of creating itself, and its successors, a very doing anything new whatsoever. a million Welsh speakers challenging task. Simply, the goal This means that between now and T by 2050. The current of creating one million Welsh 2050 successive governments are government will not be the one to speakers by 2050 means that committed to creating in excess achieve this goal, if indeed any very considerable numbers of of 300,000 new speakers of the government ever does, but in the individuals in Wales that would language. meantime it has outlined a otherwise be English speakers must, That the government is largely programme of work for the period by then, become Welsh speakers. depending upon statutory education 2017 to 2021 that is designed to lay There are currently just over half in this task throws the precise nature the foundations for doing so. As part a million Welsh speakers in Wales, of the challenge into sharp focus. of this the government has published according to the 2011 Census. The Historically, statutory education its intent to revise the Welsh government’s projections indicate has not made any meaningful Language (Wales) Measure 2011. that by 2050 there will be around difference to significantly increasing

12 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 Expansion would work only if the accountability to the government Historically, statutory teaching and learning of Welsh in on the part of the Commissioner on education has not statutory education already has the the one hand and to the Assembly effect of turning children 3-4 years on the other, and, uncertainty made any meaningful of age who do not speak Welsh into regarding the extent to which the adults who will describe themselves Commissioner sets public policy and difference to the as Welsh speakers well beyond whether such a body may scrutinize numbers of Welsh the time they have left statutory and criticise government policy and education: the current system is not hold the government to account. speakers. having that effect. Therefore, if the A Commission has the potential target of creating one million Welsh to have greater breadth of expertise speakers by 2050 is going to be met as well as allowing for the smoother the numbers of Welsh speakers, and then radical change is required to implementation of public policy, this is despite the following: Welsh the teaching and learning of Welsh whether in promoting or regulating becoming a core subject in the in statutory education. the Welsh language, or indeed sector subsequent to the Education It may well be important that both. In addition, it would be useful Reform Act 1988; the expansion of the government is in the process were the legislative framework for Welsh medium education; and, the of looking at language immersion the Welsh language revised so as development of Welsh as a second techniques and other models to to allow for a greater role for the language in the sector. Rather, one inform future policy development. Ombudsman in handling Welsh of its effects has been to create a However, there is little in the language complaints in relation cohort of young people that are research to suggest that there to not just the Assembly but the Welsh speakers only whilst they exists an educational model that government as well. remain in statutory education. will systematically produce, into Any simplification of standards For example, the government’s adulthood, significant numbers ought to be welcomed by data indicates that around 20 per of new speakers of a language everybody actively involved in public cent of pre-school children (3-4 when that language is a minority administration. Moreover, if there years) are Welsh speakers; also, language in the social context is going to be greater use of public around 20 per cent of post-school beyond statutory education. Also, services in the Welsh language by young adults are Welsh speakers the government has committed individual members of the public (17-19 years). In contrast, over 40 to developing a single continuum then it is crucial that it be more per cent of children aged 14 years for Welsh language teaching and easily understood by the citizen are Welsh speakers. Therefore, the learning, a ‘controversial idea’ in the which services specifically are teaching and learning of Welsh in words of Professor Sioned Davies. available to them in Welsh. statutory education has succeeded It is certainly a brave experiment Simplicity asides, it is important only in creating an additional – meeting the target for Cymraeg for public bodies that commitments population described as Welsh 2050 requires bravery. to the delivery of public services in speakers while they remain in That said, the government’s plans the Welsh language are not only statutory education and little more. are on much more secure ground appropriately ambitious but also If the aim of the Welsh language in in relation to increasing the use of sensitive to the local demography of statutory education, whether in the the Welsh language by those who the language so that public bodies form of Welsh medium education are already Welsh speakers and in can be confident they are able to or Welsh as a second language, is to creating more favourable conditions deliver the services required of them produce new Welsh speakers then it for the Welsh language in a range by law. The changes to Standards is not working. of societal contexts, including in are necessary. If the effect of the government’s relation to public services. Were one required to prioritize plans is simply to expand Welsh The government has indicated the aims of the government then it medium education then the most its willingness to replace the Welsh is the case that greater numbers of likely outcome of this is to create Language Commissioner with a new Welsh speakers, while desirable, merely an even bigger bulge Commission and to simplify Welsh are not necessary to the ongoing of Welsh speakers in statutory Language Standards. Creating vitality of the language; ensuring education. While quantitatively a Commission would allow the the more widespread use of the different, there is no reason for government to address a number language by Welsh speakers most this new bulge to be qualitatively of problems that have beset Welsh certainly is. There is no merit in different to the current bulge: it language public policy since the adding half a million individuals will not translate into substantial 2011 Measure, including confusion to the body of Welsh speakers if numbers of new Welsh speakers regarding the appropriate level they are in reality passive, non-users outside of the education system. of independence from and of the language.

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 13 transport: ceri davies

Kill the Commute!

With billions set to be invested in transport around Wales, Ceri Davies, Chief Executive of co-working and freelance membership provider Indycube, asks if it’s time to work closer to home.

he start to 2018 has been our travel to work rather than where communities rather than spending dismal for commuters so we work? Why isn’t it the norm to billions on high-end engineering to far. Poor weather work far more locally, in the town simply move people from A to B? T conditions have been where you live in wherever it may Let’s not forget the current subsidies compounded by engineering works be. Who benefits most from this that mean we pay to move people on rail and road while rail users have daily migration? around also. Instead, why not get been handed the biggest fare A vast amount of modern, office- people working where they live increase in five years. What we have based city-centre work is done using again. People could walk or cycle to traditionally relied on to get us to a keyboard and a screen. Yet we work – cycling to work is proven to work is buckling under the strain. continue to move people around reduce the risk of cancer, heart Our infrastructure is a hot political the country, often to work in disease and early death by 40%. topic in the UK, and especially in increasingly built-up and harder-to- Wales. The M4 relief road costs have access city centres, to work that Working locally has many benefits. increased again, the remaining could be done anywhere? It begs Cash tenders for the South Wales Metro the question why are you doing Take a valleys town like . are being evaluated – one bidder that there? Someone travelling into Cardiff now without its key construction Surely it would be better to start using a daily ticket could save nearly partner. But why are we focusing on investing in the infrastructure in our £60 a week in train fares alone by

14 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 working locally. Yes, employees an example of a prized historic asset at what transport is for and what the may need one day a week with the that needs to be maintained and future of transport will be. If we are wider organisation or line manager, which Indycube have repurposed as moving people to jobs, we should but that ticket saving adds up co-working space. These buildings look again and if those jobs can be nonetheless. And that saving is more have social and cultural capital for done outside our city centres then likely to be spent locally too. our communities and need more isn’t that a plus for all concerned? than just token support. Reducing demand for travel is as Environment much a win, if not more, so than Less travel is better for the So what am I suggesting? building new infrastructure. If we environment, carbon emissions and Let’s look again at why we have could reduce the number of cars on air quality, both locally and along a daily migration of thousands of the M4, A470 and A55 what would the route of the journey. Trains and people around the country when that do for investment cases, not to buses are better environmentally we don’t have to. Instead let’s mention air quality, in areas that are than individuals in cars, but still emit invest in our communities and recognised as some of the worst in carbon and affect air quality even develop shared office space open the UK? with electrification. to all sectors with the tech available The fanfare of the South West to support all types of modern Wales Metro was a thirty-minute Time keyboard and screen-based jobs. journey between Cardiff and Along with health, time could be If trust is an issue, and we are told Swansea. Why? If the state is paying our most precious commodity, that it is, we can address that. billions – and through a variety and yet an employee’s time is all We can put in the tech so that a of projects it does – why not too frequently not a consideration nervous employer can know that put some of that money into our for an employer. That Aberdare to an employee is in work on time and communities? We could return old Cardiff commute takes two hours a doing what they are paid for. buildings in our town centres to day – over a week, that’s ten hours Let’s look at where our their former glories. The state has spent commuting. Imagine what you infrastructure millions are going. funds for such projects but often it’s could do with that ten hours every Perhaps instead of new roads and the sustainability of these schemes week if it were given back to you! hundreds of millions of pounds that lets them down. Guaranteed Childcare, visiting elderly relatives going into already subsidised office workers would provide it. and exercise would all become rail, we should develop locally- Is this high-end idealism? No easier, not to mention the time you’d have for leisurely activities and other hobbies. And recent studies into Surely it would be better to invest in our commuting and personal wellbeing found that each minute added to a communities rather than spend billions to commute affects anxiety, happiness simply move people from A to B. and general wellbeing.

Community or -owned office more so than that first metro plan. Our aim at IndyCube is to open complexes that can then be let out But why is it so unrealistic to have co-working spaces in communities to office workers from all sectors. an office worker from Aberdare across the country, not just city- It’s co-working on a grand scale, working in Aberdare if they can? We centres. Generally, when someone but one which should also have need to use the resources available works in a community they spend many benefits. to us to make work close to home their money there and the local There are productivity benefits a reality rather than a five minute economy benefits. Spending more to cutting commuting too. As a quicker journey into Cardiff. time within our communities might workforce we are siloed; perhaps if Indycube have a vested interest also change our shopping habits the various sectors in society mixed here, and I make no apologies. – we’re more likely to buy from more frequently there would be But we see the future differently to independent businesses, and take the other benefits? I work from an office many policy makers. City regions time to source locally-produced items. where this happens and can see the and agglomeration are one side of There’s also an opportunity to advantages for myself. Public, private the coin, but there is another side. reuse community buildings. Often and third sector workers all sharing The coming years will see massive these historical, or cultural assets insights and thoughts over a coffee. changes in society, and transport have been left to decay, but they We need improved transport links, will be one of those areas. Before could be re-purposed to house I recognise that, and this is not a we spend billions on 20th century modern offices and workplaces. The piece suggesting otherwise. Let’s solutions we need that debate. Pryce Jones building in Newtown is invest, but let’s fundamentally look We need to kill the commute.

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 15 WORK: Mair Bell The Future of Work

Mair Bell, Senior Research Officer at the Wales Centre for Public Policy, sets out the challenges to work brought by Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things.

wide range of societal attitudes to working and more factors have been well documented, changes are leading to flexible patterns of employment; but the potential impacts of fundamental changes in globalisation and urbanisation – are technological changes are less well Alabour markets around the all reshaping what we recognise as understood. Digitisation and globe. Technological progress and work and our understanding of the converging technologies are increased connectivity; austerity and kinds of employment that will be accelerating advances in the political uncertainty; demographic available in the future. application of artificial intelligence and climate change; shifting The effects of many of these (AI), machine learning, precision

16 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 automation, and innovations in transport, health and connectivity A workforce equipped with transferable and (think autonomous vehicles and the in-demand skills will allow workers choice Internet of Things). By one estimate, this ‘fourth and a measure of control over their careers. industrial revolution’ could add up to £654 billion to the UK economy by 2035 and create a wide range of research looking at harnessing notes that automating industries will new jobs. But others are more employment opportunities in growth affect different geographies, pessimistic. Some experts predict sectors emphasised the need for real genders, and socioeconomic classes that automation could lead to the prospects for career progression and differently. In an attempt to stimulate destruction of one in three jobs in is trying to address this issue. While a debate and “encourage MPs to pay the UK, and even the lowest-end ‘work first’ approach may get those more attention to this critical issue” estimates anticipate that 10 per cent far from the labour market into it has developed a map highlighting of current jobs will disappear. The employment, a ‘careers first’ those UK constituencies where jobs key policy question is whether approach that supports people onto are most at risk of automation. The existing labour markets have the a career path that is best suited to public also deserves to be kept capacity to respond to the them is more likely to result in informed of the latest trends, displacement of existing jobs by sustained employment with better particularly as existing surveys show creating new kinds of employment opportunities for progression huge variation in people’s attitudes opportunities, and how workers are Ministers, the unions and towards technology in the equipped to thrive in this new world employers are, of course, well aware workplace. of work. of the challenges. A Fair Work Board The scale of the unknowns Most experts agree that workers was established by the Welsh associated with forecasting the lacking high level qualifications and Government with its social partners, future and predicting how the living in poorer regions are most ‘at Wales TUC and business incidence and nature of jobs will risk’. This could pose challenges for representative bodies, to drive the change emphasises the need for a Wales. According to PwC, sectors Welsh Government’s commitment flexible, agile and resilient such as transportation and storage, to make Wales a ‘Fair Work Nation’. government programme, high manufacturing, wholesale and retail Their first report, due in the spring, quality research to inform policy and will be the most affected by will set out a vision of what evidence-based discussions. automation. We know that Whatever happens, a workforce approximately a third of the Welsh equipped with transferable and workforce is employed in the kinds Some experts predict in-demand skills will allow workers of relatively low productivity, low that automation could choice and a measure of control wage sectors that are most likely to over their careers and the feel the full force of technological lead to the destruction adaptability they will need in the advances. Many of the occupations of one in three jobs face of the anticipated but as yet that are most at risk are semi-skilled undefined job change, destruction jobs, which makes it vital that we in the UK. and creation. Building on our recent think carefully about how unskilled report on ‘The Future of Work in workers in Wales can achieve career constitutes fair work. Fair Wales’, the Wales Centre for Public progression. This is a theme that has opportunities to paid progression Policy is embarking on a programme emerged strongly from the work will be a central tenet. Last of applied research into skills and which we have done at the Wales December’s Economic Action Plan employability. To begin, we will be Centre for Public Policy. also refers to fair work and job exploring the evidence on career entry progression, primarily with reference and looking at what works in enabling Rising to the challenge to skills policy and the foundational job progression in key foundational We know that approximately 60 per economy, which includes sectors sectors such as social care. cent of people living in poverty in such as tourism, food, retail and the UK are living in working care. Driving this is an increasing Join the conversation at households. A loss of semi-skilled focus on inclusive growth as a way #FoWWales. Read our report jobs on the scale that some experts to overcome stubborn and and watch the talks from the predict will only exacerbate the debilitating inequality. We anticipate Wales Centre for Public Policy problem because it will cut off that the Welsh Government’s conference on the Future of opportunities for career progression Employability Delivery Plan will also Work in Wales online at: thus widening social and economic look closely at in-work progression. www.wcpp.org.uk inequalities. Our programme of The think tank Future Advocacy

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 17 learning: David Hagendyk Getting post-16 learning right for the future

As the Welsh Government takes forward a major reform of post-16 education planning and funding, David Hagendyk, Director for Wales at the Learning and Work Institute, says policies matter as much as structures.

LWa, PCET, HEFCW, and TERC! These acronyms probably mean little or Enothing to anyone outside the world of education and skills. They are, though, proof that if you stick around long enough then old ideas will eventually come back into fashion. This feels (at least partly) the case with Welsh Government plans to create a new body to replace the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and which will be responsible for planning, funding and overseeing the entire post- compulsory education sector. The new body, to be called the Tertiary Education and Research Commission (TERC), could potentially be responsible for school sixth forms, further and higher education, work-based learning and adult and community education. Details were published in a recent White Paper, while a more technical consultation is expected later this year. If implemented, it will represent the most significant shake-up of post-16 education of the devolution era. It follows a Welsh Government- master plan and vision for the nuanced. ELWa was an attempt to commissioned report from Professor post-compulsory sector. Although provide greater coherence to parts Ellen Hazelkorn in 2016 which separate recommendations, to be of the post-16 sector so in that looked at different models of successful we need to do both. sense TERC is an old idea whose planning and overseeing post-16 For those who were around in time has come again. Although education systems. As well as the earlier days of devolution this TERC was inspired by searching creating a new body, the Welsh will sound like a beefed up ELWa international experience for evidence Government also accepted a (Education and Learning Wales). of what works (for example, New recommendation to develop a new In fact, the truth is far more Zealand, Finland, Ontario and

18 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 Alberta), but it is a genuinely made-in-Wales model. The new body is a chance to create flexible Change won’t happen overnight opportunities for learners and to gain a closer and it is not expected that TERC will take over responsibility for the alignment with the needs of business. sector until the early 2020s. Detailed work has already started behind the scenes however and coherence to the sector. It is the One area of policy which needs to it is an increasingly important and chance to create flexible progression be addressed is a vision for adults in substantial part of workload opportunities for learners and to the post-compulsory sector. Adult for officials. gain a closer alignment with the learning has barely featured in the Whether the comparison to ELWa needs of business. Obviously, detail debate so far, with adult learners and is valid or not is debatable. There are will be important and the the adult and community learning significant differences, most notably commission needs to resist sector barely referenced in the that TERC will cover higher mistaking coherence for recent White Paper. Disadvantaged education and, most likely, school centralisation and uniformity. learners too, including groups such sixth forms too at some point. The Institutions should be allowed the as care leavers, carers and Gypsy real value in the comparison though space to flourish and succeed by Travellers, need to have a voice is that during discussions it can feel meeting the needs of their local within the new system. While there like there is an ELWa-shaped communities and their distinct was a genuine attempt to achieve elephant in the room. It serves as a regional economies. They should this in the numerous learner voice lesson in the risks of getting it wrong work within an overall policy sessions the Welsh Government and drives a determination to get it framework but be allowed to held, engaging with a wider range right this time around. Learning the innovate to respond to need. of learner voices can’t start and right lessons should mean taking our It is also vital that while the sector finish there. time to get it right, focusing on immerses itself in the detail of The demographic challenge of policy and on building the capacity establishing a new body that we an ageing workforce and an ageing to manage the new responsibilities, don’t lose sight of the second part of society needs to drive the work of but also exercising boldness to make it the Hazelkorn report: developing a the commission. The post- a comprehensive and lasting reform. master plan for the future compulsory system needs to be There are battles ahead, not least development of the sector, based reshaped and opportunities for the decision on whether to include lifelong learning enshrined as one of school sixth forms in the remit of the the high-level targets. This must commission. Not to do so will be The risk is that we will include second chance seen as a signal that the Welsh end up wondering opportunities for adults who didn’t Government is diluting the vision of fulfil their potential at school, the the Hazelkorn report. Colleges why we haven’t chance for people in work to learn Wales, the representative body for learned the lesson new skills, and for learning to further education colleges, has flourish to contribute to the health already stated that if school sixth from past reforms - and well-being of the nation. This forms are not included they would Ministers should be will require opportunities that are ‘consider whether we are willing to flexible so that people can dip in play a role in a selective, part-reform bold. and out of education, a real focus on of post-16 education.’ Inevitably breaking down the practical barriers there will be difficult decisions to to learning, an expansion of digital make too on changes to the future around a small number of high-level learning opportunities and pathways of research once the Reid inquiry targets and embedding to enable people to move through concludes. The scale of the collaboration. The policy matters the levels of learning and to challenges we face means we will as much, if not more, than the transition between providers. need to be bold and prepared to structure. The risk is that the energy There will be plenty of voices make the difficult decisions if we are required to steer through legislation urging caution in both policy and to convince the sector this is change and regulations will suck up the structure. The risk with caution is designed to last. oxygen needed to think innovatively that we will end up here again in Learning and Work Institute Cymru about the future. A world-class another generation wondering has broadly welcomed the overall structure but an ill-conceived why we haven’t learned the lesson direction of travel and sees the master-plan will still leave us from past reforms. Ministers should creation of a new, single body as an poorer and not equipped for the be bold and should focus on getting opportunity to bring greater challenges ahead. it right for the long-term.

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 19 health: sarah stone

Deprivation and suicidal behaviour – finding a way forward

The Assembly’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is examining the problem of suicide and what can be done to address it. Sarah Stone, Executive Director for Samaritans in Wales, explores the links between suicide and deprivation

here is now overwhelming evidence of a strong connection between T socio-economic deprivation and suicidal behaviour. Areas of higher socio-economic disadvantage tend to have higher rates of suicide and the greater the level of deprivation experienced by an individual, the higher their risk of suicidal behaviour. Each year, between 300 and 350 people die by suicide in Wales, which is around three times the number killed in road accidents. It is the most common cause of death for men aged 20-49 and the leading cause of death of people under 35. Alongside this, almost a quarter of the Welsh population (23%) live in poverty. It costs Wales £3.6bn a year; a fifth of the Welsh Government budget. In 2016, Samaritans commissioned unemployment. This risk remains the UK and Ireland. eight leading social scientists to high when crises end, especially review and extend the existing body for individuals whose economic • Social and employment protection of knowledge on the connection circumstances do not improve. for the most vulnerable in society between socio-economic disadvantage and labour market programmes to and suicidal behaviour. The report, • Countries with higher levels of per help unemployed people find work titled ‘Dying from Inequality’ was capita spending on active labour can reduce suicidal behaviour by launched in March 2017 and included market programmes and which have reducing both the real and perceived key findings – recommendations for more generous unemployment risks of job insecurity and by mitigating the connection between benefits experience lower recession- increasing protective factors, such disadvantage and suicide. related rises in suicides. as social contact. In order to be effective, however, programmes The key findings were: • During the most recent recession must be meaningful to participants • Suicide risk increases during (2008-09), there was a 0.54 per and felt to be non-stigmatising. periods of economic recession, cent increase in suicides for every particularly when recessions are 1 per cent increase in indebtedness • There is a strong association associated with a steep rise in across 20 EU countries, including between area-level deprivation and

20 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 suicidal behaviour: as area-level between poverty and education. deprivation increases, so does On community engagement, Suicide is the leading suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are participants felt that feeling part of a two to three times higher in the network, a community and a society cause of death of most deprived neighbourhoods is a vital part of good mental health. people under 35. compared to the most affluent. Despite the lack of community engagement in areas of socio- • Admissions to hospital following economic deprivation, the power of • the Welsh Government should set self-harm are two times higher in communities overall was highlighted out a Wales Poverty Strategy; the most deprived neighbourhoods as a major asset which needs to be • there must be local compared to the most affluent. utilised. Throughout the session implementation of Talk to me 2, there was agreement that those the suicide and self-ham • Multiple and large employer individuals experiencing high levels prevention strategy; closures resulting in unemployment of poverty don’t have the means to • local health services, local can increase stress in a local engage in society in the most typical authorities, public services and community, breakdown social ways. Activities such as going to the the wider public sector must invest connections and increase feelings of pub or meeting for a coffee can be and work to prevent and reduce hopelessness and depression, all of impossible for those experiencing adverse childhood experiences; which are recognised risk factors for poverty, therefore reducing the • there should be better public suicidal behaviour. likelihood of engaging with others. information to support financial Loneliness and isolation were literacy and help to reduce We invited key partners, stakeholders described as leading and unmanageable debt; and experts to explore the underpinning causes of distress for • community groups and outreach implications, challenges and individuals living in areas of socio- should be promoted and supported opportunities of these findings. All economic deprivation. Referrals to as a means of early intervention; participants recognised the reality mental health and secondary • there should be mental health and of the link between poverty, distress services can often be attributed to suicide awareness training for and suicide and the urgency of loneliness and lack of engagement. frontline staff; doing all we can to tackle it. A community approach to • there should be better support Poverty means facing constant loneliness and isolation, one which for those bereaved by suicide; insecurity and uncertainty. Its features specifically focuses on reintegrating • we need to address the stigma include inadequate housing, poor individuals into community attached to poverty and mental health, low educational vulnerability; attainment, unemployment, • we need a compassionate loneliness and low social mobility. Suicide rates are two approach to poverty; Knowing that these are also risk • we need to address the cost factors for suicide should add to three times higher of exclusion from education. urgency and energy to efforts to in the most deprived mitigate both poverty and its impact Suicide is preventable. It is crucial that on individuals and communities. neighbourhoods we have effective collaboration across One of the comments from our compared to the central and local government, seminar was that everyone wants to multi-agency groups, communities be a competent member of society most affluent. and all the local agencies which can and to feel a sense of belonging and play a role in preventing suicides in meaning. This emphasis on networks, particularly through Wales. We must remember that connection between people is volunteering, was described as being behind the figures on suicide there close to our own values as an very successful. An investment in are individuals who have left behind a organisation. The power of community groups and a social family and community devastated by communities in Wales and the community directory for Wales was their loss. By taking action together, skills and abilities of the people proposed as a solution to the lack we can reduce suicide. within them are a major asset of engagement in deprived areas. which needs to be recognised, The current funding for community To read or download supported and utilised. groups was said to be inadequate, ‘Socioeconomic disadvantage The seminar considered issues even though they play a crucial part and suicidal behaviour – Finding such as community engagement, in public mental health and wellbeing. a way forward for Wales’ please compassion and empathy in welfare The report, which will be launched visit www.samaritans.org/wales policy, mental health and suicide this February, concludes with or email [email protected] awareness training and the link ten recommendations:

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 21 doing good: John Rose The Future of Doing Good

John Rose, Director of the Big Lottery Fund in Wales, reflects on discussions about the future of ‘doing good’, published recently.

or the last eighteen months, the Big Lottery Fund in Wales has been encouraging F a national conversation about the future of ‘doing good’. Working in partnership with the Bevan Foundation, we have reached out to a broad cross section of Welsh society in thinking about what the ‘doing good’ might look like in Wales in the next decade. While we had a good idea of the challenges, we certainly didn’t have all the answers. The context for ‘doing good’ – creating social value – has changed beyond recognition in recent years. We’ve experienced financial crisis and global economic slowdown, corporate scandals in industries like banking, government significantly cutting back on public spending, and charities facing increasing debate about their role in creating a good society. It was in this context that we wanted to facilitate a debate across the whole of society – including communities, charities, social enterprises, businesses and the state – about how ‘doing good’ should evolve in the future. We wanted to ask: • What’s the role of charities, So what is ‘doing good’? For me, • What does it mean for how we businesses, government and ‘doing good’ is a concern for the support people to build better communities? wellbeing of citizens, supporting communities, and improve their them to take action, and empowering own lives and the lives of those • How should we all be them to participate in making the who live around them? working together? decisions that affect them.

22 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 As such ‘doing good’ is arguably everyone’s business. Communities, Volunteers are the bedrock of a mutually individuals, and the third, public and private sectors all have a stake in the supportive civil society that strengthens agenda of making Wales a better our social fabric. place in which to live. The Big Lottery Fund believes that people should lead that change to improve their lives by drawing upon the skills, and national government, finds itself services are delivered to improve the assets and energy in their in a difficult position. With a outcomes for the public as a whole? communities. We distribute around significantly diminished budget it is ‘Doing good’ is often driven by £40 million every year in Wales to trying to resource already stretched need, and the default position is projects that make the changes that public services on the one hand usually that it is met by specific communities want to see. whilst trying to support communities organisations or services, but we In the findings, published in and the third sector on the other. should not lose sight of the potential December, I was particularly struck This has inevitably changed its for active and engaged communities by the clear perception that ‘doing relationship with the third sector; to take action to address the issues good’ is the natural domain of the where grants and core funding were that matter to them. third sector. While the conversation once the norm, contracts, service There are already thousands of volunteers across Wales who commit their own time every week through either formal or informal ‘Doing good’ is everyone’s business. volunteering who don’t see Communities, individuals, and the third, themselves as part of any sector. They are the football coaches, the public and private sectors all have a stake in befrienders and the community making Wales a better place in which to live. groups with many and varied motives. They are the bedrock of a mutually supportive civil society that strengthens our social fabric. They reached many, the voice of the level agreements and competitive exist on the will of those participating Welsh third sector was the loudest, procurement processes have and small incomes derived from and we found it particularly difficult replaced them. The resulting donations or modest contributions to engage with public and private tensions between the two sectors for the activities they deliver. organisations. This is strange given are clear to see. It seems to me The Big Lottery Fund’s ambition of that all three sectors have an there is a real need to think about putting people in the lead is driven essential role to play in creating how commissioning takes into by our desire to unlock this potential greater social value in a vibrant and account the full value of what a further and equip communities to future-focussed Wales. service can provide as opposed take action on their own terms to The private sector needs to be part to being primarily driven by address that which matters the most of this conversation. Yes, it does reducing costs. to them. Perhaps we should not be exist to make profits, but by creating Ultimately, aren’t the public and asking what the third, private and jobs, engaging in philanthropic third sectors both there to serve the public sectors can do for us, we activities, delivering essential public’s needs? While their should be asking what it is that we services and corporate social approaches to delivery may be can do for ourselves. responsibility it creates social value different, both are funded by the as well as wealth. This is sometimes public either through taxation or driven by the expectations of donations, so in that sense both are The private sector customers who increasingly expect public servants. Just because needs to be part of the companies they do business something has been delivered in a with to be more ethical in their certain way does not mean that it this conversation … approach. Whatever their needs to continue to be so. They say it inevitably motivations, businesses are very that necessity is the mother of much key players in this agenda, and invention, so perhaps now is the creates social we need to combat some of the time for a new paradigm, one that negativity towards the private sector sees a much closer relationship value as well that the discussion unearthed. between public sector bodies and as wealth. The public sector, particularly local charities that redesigns the way that

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 23 finance: Kathryn Bishop Taxes – The Price of Civilisation

With just weeks until the first Welsh taxes in 800 years are collected, Kathryn Bishop, Chair of the new , answers some questions about the new body and her role.

Tell us a bit about who you are? What’s your big ambition for I have worked in roles supporting the Welsh Revenue Authority? Wales for the last 16 years; firstly, We will be a small and specialised, as a Non-Executive Director at the digitally-led organization, with the Intellectual Property Office in aspiration of becoming a hub for tax Newport, then at the Welsh administration expertise based in Government and most recently, Wales. As our Charter will set out while acting as the Civil Service once finalised later this spring, we Commissioner for Wales. will seek to work in partnership with I have come to appreciate the our customers, the Welsh public and Welsh approach to public service with our partners to help to deliver a and have great respect for the many fair tax system for Wales. We aim to talented and committed people offer our customers a service that’s working in roles supporting Wales. effective and easy to use, and we In addition to my role as WRA Chair, believe the data and understanding I teach at the Saîd Business School we gather could play an important at the University of Oxford, where I Kathryn Bishop, Chair of the WRA. role in helping Welsh Ministers and am an Associate Fellow. I live just senior officials to develop future tax over the border in England and replacing , and policy in Wales. when I drive over the bridge into . Wales from Gloucestershire, the sun As the first non-ministerial Do you see taxes as a burden or a joy? always seems to come out which government department in Wales, Last year, I attended the British Isles makes my day! this is an exciting opportunity to be and Northern Ireland Tax Authorities involved in the development of a Forum. This was the first time tax Why has a Welsh Revenue Authority new institution responsible for the authorities from Scotland, Wales, been set up and why did you decide administration of tax. Revenue Northern Ireland, the , to become its chair? raising is an important part of the and had come The WRA was established by the role of government along with its together with HMRC to share best Welsh Government last October responsibility for public expenditure, practice. At that meeting, we were to collect and manage two new so I’m very supportive of the role the reminded of Oliver Wendell Holmes’ devolved Welsh taxes – the first in WRA will play, from 1st April quote: “Taxes are the price we pay around 800 years – marking a major onwards, in helping to raise revenue for civilization”. milestone in the journey towards which will help to fund public An important part of our work devolution in Wales. This follows services in Wales. therefore is to make the process of the introduction of the Tax and Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016, which devolved tax The WRA will seek … to deliver a fair powers to Wales, and resulted in tax system for Wales. the creation of land transaction tax,

24 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 The WRA Board. paying tax less of a burden for they can complete transactions on the answers’ is over. Psychologists citizens. We have already engaged behalf of customers purchasing or know that there are no perfect, with a wide range of stakeholders leasing properties, residential and well-rounded leaders - only well- across Wales to try and do that, commercial, from 1 April. From that rounded leadership teams. A team of developing and adapting our date, stamp duty land tax will be people with different experiences systems and processes based on replaced by land transaction tax for and perspectives, who know how to feedback. This engagement work land transactions in Wales. We have collaborate, will produce a better will continue to be vital for us as we been working closely with the Law outcome than one individual, no work towards formalising our Society and other key bodies to help matter how skilled that individual Charter, which will be at the heart of inform members about the changes. may be. The issues we face today all that we do at the WRA. We have carried out various events are complex, unique and can rarely to test our systems and will be solved by a single person How will people get to know about continue to do so in the run-up working alone. Wales’ new taxes and the WRA? to registration, which will open in My advice – build a diverse team Although the WRA was formed in late February. and then work together. From the October, we will not start collecting Regarding Landfill Disposals Tax, work we have done so far to and managing taxes until 1st April. we are also engaging directly with establish the WRA, I’m confident we There are two different taxes, land landfill site operators to help them have talented people with the skills, transaction tax and landfill disposals register ahead of the new taxes experience and expertise needed tax, which have different customer coming into effect in April. to form a strong leadership team. bases. For land transaction tax, our engagement is mostly with What’s your favourite piece of For further information on the professional advisers, such as business advice? Welsh Revenue Authority, visit: solicitors and conveyancers, so that The age of ‘the hero leader with all www.gov.wales/wra

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 25 news Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on Bevan Foundation News

Insights Solutions Changes

Tough times ahead? What After Brexit: an agenda for Inclusive growth at centre of 2018 might hold for Wales public services in Wales new economic action plan

ur forward look at 2018 e are delighted that the e were very pleased that brought together a wide second of our reports the Welsh Government’s O range of expert forecasts on W on Brexit, prepared in W Economic Action Plan, the economy, society and politics to partnership with Wales Public issued just before Christmas, puts set out the challenges Wales faces. Services 2025, was issued in ‘growing our economy inclusively, November. It includes essential spreading opportunity and With a double page spread in the solutions to address the possible promoting well-being … at the heart Western Mail, numerous mentions effects of Brexit on the public sector of this Plan’. The Bevan Foundation in National Assembly for Wales workforce, finances and demand has argued for some time that the debates and lively exchanges on for services. We were privileged Welsh Government should focus social media, the Bevan Foundation to contribute the solutions the on economic inclusion, so this is a once again set the agenda of Assembly’s External Affairs and major achievement. public debate. Additional Legislation Committee’s inquiry the Welsh Government’s There is much more the Welsh administrative and financial response Government can do and we are to Brexit. The findings were also continuing to work on economic referenced in the Assembly research inclusion in the coming year. service’s Brexit Briefing.

Taxing Times

he Bevan Foundation is again making a difference as

some out proposals for new, State of Wales Briefing: T devolved taxes are taken forward by Health the Cabinet Secretary for Finance. As well as giving evidence to the id you see the latest After Brexit: Housing the nation Assembly’s Finance Committee briefing on the State on the Welsh Government’s draft of Wales, on health? D hortly afterwards, the third budget, the idea of a tourist tax report on Brexit, prepared with is generating lively debate across Published at the end of 2017, it S the kind support of the Wales. Watch this space! uses the following measures to umbrella body for social landlords in paint a picture of Wales today: Wales, Community Housing Cymru, set out possible solutions to problems • Life expectancy in the supply of construction • Lifestyle materials, construction skill shortages • Health status and lack of affordable housing • Access to and satisfaction created by Brexit. We were pleased with the NHS that the proposals were covered in the UK publication ‘Inside Housing’.

26 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 news All the latest from our subscribers Subscribers’ News

New Police & Crime Plan for Low pay in older industrial A Thriving Third Sector South Wales areas Preparing for the future is vital if Police & Crime Commissioner Alun The National Assembly for Wales the third sector is to thrive, or even Michael and new Chief Constable Cross-Party Group on Industrial survive. Are you ready? WCVA is Matt Jukes have relaunched the Communities, chaired by Cynon holding a free Third Sector Futures South Wales Police & Crime Plan. Valley AM Vikki Howells, has panel discussion. considered the conclusions of the You can view a copy at: Industrial Communities Alliance’s Find out more at: gofod3.cymru southwalescommissioner.org.uk. latest report on Low Pay in Older Industrial Britain. The report says that too many new jobs in older industrial Britain are insecure, short-term and Free online learning pay low wages. resources for a bilingual Wales Professor Steve Fothergill of Sheffield Hallam University also presented the conclusions of his research into the The Open University in Wales and real levels of unemployment to the the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Group. The research looks at the are working in partnership to provide relationship between the rates of free online resources in Welsh and hidden unemployment and Britain’s Co-producing public services English for learners to try something weakest economies. new, increase their skills or sample a Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative is Higher Education course. hosting the Co-production Network

for Wales. The Network is working Visit: open.edu/openlearncymru to bring positive change to public to find out more or try a course. services and communities through co-production. For more information visit. Lasting copronet.wales solutions for Wales’ most Rural Enterprise challenging Congl Meinciau enterprise centre in Botwnnog on the Llŷn Peninsula problems is owned by Grŵp Cynefin housing association. It was established as part of a project in the rural village to offer housing and employment opportunities. Find out more at: conglmeinciau.org.uk

Spring 2018 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | 27 Spotlight On Carole Morgan-Jones National Energy Action Cymru

human right. I have been at NEA for poverty is a devolved policy area to In 140 characters describe the past 5 years and the charity has the Welsh Government, other areas the NEA Cymru: the most fantastically committed staff which impact on fuel poverty include as well as supporters and members energy prices and low incomes, Working collaboratively with working at a local level to help some which are not devolved. Energy partners and supporters to enable of the most vulnerable people right prices have doubled since 2005 and everyone, particularly the most across Wales. Through our Wales with welfare cuts and low wages; vulnerable people in Wales, to have fuel debt and mentoring project we the poorest households are seeing access to a warm and healthy home. have trained over 800 advisors and the greatest impact. The issue is also community workers throughout mirroring income poverty in that we Wales to enable them to help clients are seeing more and more working What is your role at struggling to pay their energy bills families in fuel poverty. NEA Cymru? and assisted hundreds of people in Wales’s most deprived areas with What piece of advice My role is to lead the dedicated and practical energy help at community would you give to your enthusiastic team of five staff based events. Some of the case studies I in Cardiff to deliver a wide ranging read of how advisors we have trained younger self? fuel poverty work programme which are helping households living in includes training and upskilling freezing homes and worried to death Oh dear, this is hard. I think it would frontline workers to enable them about affording their heating bills, be to have more confidence to grasp to help households in fuel debt; are truly inspiring. It brings to life the opportunities that come your way. delivering practical projects to help impact we are having and makes you Sometimes they might not work out as households to manage their energy realise that there is still more to be you planned but don’t be afraid to try. bills more effectively; providing done. We have a small team in Wales direct advice at community events; but we constantly punching above If NEA Cymru were a biscuit, and hosting networks, forums and our weight. what would it be? conferences to enable stakeholders to discuss and share best practice What are the biggest across Wales. In addition, my role I do like my biscuits – any biscuit in is to help raise awareness of fuel challenges in fuel poverty? fact, so it was hard to choose! The poverty at a strategic level, working team collectively decided that we with Assembly Members through the The multi-faceted nature of fuel would be a jaffa cake, primarily Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency poverty means that there are a because they are relatively low fat, Cross Party Group and members of number of policy drivers which represent good value for money, and the Fuel Poverty Coalition in Wales to need to be addressed to tackle fuel once tasted, you are left wanting more! drive political debate and influence poverty in a holistic way. There policy within the Welsh Government. are currently around 4 million UK Why are NEA Cymru Bevan households who struggle to heat their homes, and latest estimates Foundation subscribers? What do you enjoy most suggest nearly 300,000 households about working at NEA Cymru? in Wales, or almost 1 in 4. Although As a tackling poverty charity NEA radically improving the energy Cymru values and supports the work I truly believe in what the charity is efficiency and heating of our homes that the Bevan Foundation does in trying to achieve. NEA began over represents the most cost-effective raising awareness of the issue of 35 years ago in the North East of and sustainable solution for tackling poverty and the solutions available England where our headquarters high energy bills and fuel poverty, to ensure everyone in Wales can is still based and we work across major investment is needed to make have a decent standard of living. England, Wales and Northern Ireland. the necessary impact to improve The Foundation’s work is very well Having access to affordable warmth, the housing stock and bring it up respected and when Victoria speaks food and shelter should be a basic to a suitable standard. Whilst fuel – people listen!

28 | Bevan Foundation Exchange | Spring 2018 8 Mawrth | March 2018

Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd | Cardiff City Stadium Gofod i fusnesau ffynnu o Space for businesses to Y lle i’r trydydd sector yng Nghymru fewn awyrgylch gyfeillgar thrive within a friendly Wales’ space for the third sector a lleoliad hwylus yng atmosphere and a nghalon Pen Llŷn. convenient location in the Gofod3.cymru heart of Pen Llŷn. Canolfan Fenter Congl Meinciau Botwnnog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 8RA Trefnir gofod3 gan Cyngor Gofod3 is organised by Wales Gweithredu Gwirfoddol Cymru Council for Voluntary Action 01758 770440 (WCVA) ar y cyd â’r trydydd (WCVA) in collaboration with sector yng Nghymru the third sector in Wales. [email protected]

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