Podcasts about programme director

Dear Friends, In this episode of Gateways to Awakening, I sit down with my new friend, David Lorimer, writer, poet, philosopher, Programme Director of the Scientific and Medical Network, and Chair of the Galileo Commission. We recently met in the South of France, while I was on Dr. Nicola Amadora's Mary Magdalene tour. For decades, David has been at the forefront of conversations exploring consciousness, science, spirituality, near-death experiences, and the deeper nature of reality.We begin with David's lifelong “quest for wisdom” and why true wisdom cannot be separated from love, compassion, discernment, and direct experience. We also dive into the research surrounding near-death experiences, survival of consciousness, and the possibility that death is not an ending, but a transition into another mode of consciousness. David shares decades of experience studying these phenomena and the recurring patterns reported by people who have come close to death.“We have to wake up, and we have to try to use our lives to contribute to the larger common good, and to grow in love and wisdom.”— David LorimerKey Takeaways- Wisdom is more than knowledge. True wisdom integrates discernment and deeper understanding with love and compassion.- Intuition is fundamental to discovery. Major scientific breakthroughs often begin with intuitive insight before the analytical mind works out the science.- Our current scientific understanding of consciousness may be incomplete, opening the door to a much larger exploration of the nature of mind and reality.- Death may be a transition rather than an ending. Near-death experiences show striking recurring patterns, including peace, out-of-body experiences, beings of light, and life reviews.- We may be expressions of one consciousness, raising profound questions about interconnectedness and the nature of the self.- The mind and heart need to develop together. Intellectual or spiritual knowledge alone does not necessarily create an integrated human being.- Mary Magdalene offers another lens on the Divine Feminine and the integration of sacred masculine and feminine principles.Our lives can serve something larger. The invitation is to wake up, expand our consciousness, contribute to the common good, and continue growing in love and wisdom.Thank you for listening! We're now opening a private Community membership for those interested in processing the podcast and joining live monthly calls to discuss the content. Learn more here. If this episode resonates with you, you may also enjoy Yasmeen's work through the ⁠Inner Knowing School,⁠ where she teaches intuition, energetic mastery, multidimensional awareness, and nervous system regulation through private immersions and executive cohorts. You can also explore Yasmeen's latest book, ⁠A Glitch in the Matrix: 10 Energy Codes to Become the Main Character of Your Life⁠, available on Audible, Kindle, and in print. The book explores intuition, consciousness, timelines, emotional regulation, and how to manage your energy instead of your time.For all resoures, check here: https://linktr.ee/gatewaystoawakening

In part two of the discussion, Steve relates details of his time as Fleet Robotics Officer in the Royal Navy and then provides insider insights into the challenges of making the ‘hybrid navy' a reality.Iain asks if the ‘hybrid navy' option is being pushed so hard due to the UK Government's desire not to spend more on Defence. Steve explains how it is complicated topic and not  a case of politicians and bean counters against the Royal Navy.While welcoming the development, and concurring with the inevitability of such a hybrid path, Steve stressed that there must be some serious thinking up front about how it will operate - and be sustained on operations - in an innately hostile maritime environment.He poses some key questions and suggests some answers, providing key perspectives that government, defence industry and senior naval decision-makers should take on board.It is a compelling break down of various aspects of the big autonomous systems gamble being taken by a nation and its navy.• The September 2026 edition of Warships IFR is published on 21.8.26 in the UK and also deployed globally. Visit the magazine web site http://bit.ly/wifrmagFollow the mag on X @WarshipsIFR Facebook @WarshipsIFR There's also Warships IFR TV on YouTube @warshipsifrtv3668 To subscribe visit https://warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/•Steve Prest is a former Commodore in the Royal Navy who had a varied career that included a tour in Afghanistan, an exchange with the French Navy and being Weapon Engineer Officer in HMS Westminster during that warship's operations off Libya. Steve was also Commander Weapon Engineer in the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, bringing the ship out of build in 2017. His other jobs in the navy included being Programme Director of the Type 31 frigate programme and the RN's first Fleet Robotics Officer. Leaving the RN in 2023, Steve, who is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, now has a portfolio career in the Defence sector and beyond. This includes working as an independent consultant, advisor and lecturer, all of it aiming to fulfil his stated mission of helping ‘brilliant people to do amazing things.'For more from Steve Prest check out his occasional blog https://fightingsailor.wordpress.com/ and follow him on X @fightingsailor •Iain Ballantyne is the founding and current Editor of ‘Warships IFR' magazine (first published in 1998) along with its ‘Guide to the Royal Navy' (since 2003) and ‘Guide to the US Navy' (since 2018). Iain is also author of the books ‘Hunter Killers' (Orion) and ‘The Deadly Trade' (Weidenfeld & Nicolson), both about submarine warfare, plus the award-winning ‘Killing the Bismarck (Pen & Sword) and the novel ‘Martin's Eyes' (Chiselbury). In 2017 Iain was awarded a Fellowship by the British Maritime Foundation, which promotes awareness of the United Kingdom's dependence on the sea and seafarers. Visit Iain's web site www.iainballantyne.com and follow him on X @IBallantyn at https://bsky.app/profile/iainballantyne.bsky.social and/or Insta https://www.instagram.com/iballantyn/

Our guest for a fascinating two-part discussion is Steve Prest, a former Commodore in the Royal Navy who had a varied career that included a tour in Afghanistan, an exchange with the French Navy and being Weapon Engineer Officer in HMS Westminster during that warship's operations off Libya. In part one of his chat with podcast host Iain Ballantyne, Steve provides insights into his naval career.Steve was also Commander Weapon Engineer in the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, bringing the ship out of build in 2017. His other jobs in the navy included being Programme Director of the Type 31 frigate programme and the RN's first Fleet Robotics Officer. Leaving the RN in 2023, Steve, who is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, now has a portfolio career in the Defence sector and beyond. This includes working as an independent consultant, advisor and lecturer, all of it aiming to fulfil his stated mission of helping ‘brilliant people to do amazing things.'• The September 2026 edition of Warships IFR is published on 21.8.26 in the UK and also deployed globally. Visit the magazine web site http://bit.ly/wifrmagFollow the mag on: X @WarshipsIFR Facebook @WarshipsIFR There's also Warships IFR TV on YouTube @warshipsifrtv3668 To subscribe visit https://warshipsifr.com/subscriptions/•For more from Steve Prest check out his occasional blog https://fightingsailor.wordpress.com/ and follow him on X @fightingsailor •Iain Ballantyne is the founding and current Editor of ‘Warships IFR' magazine (first published in 1998) along with its ‘Guide to the Royal Navy' (since 2003) and ‘Guide to the US Navy' (since 2018). Iain is also author of the books ‘Hunter Killers' (Orion) and ‘The Deadly Trade' (Weidenfeld & Nicolson), both about submarine warfare, plus the award-winning ‘Killing the Bismarck (Pen & Sword) and the novel ‘Martin's Eyes' (Chiselbury). In 2017 Iain was awarded a Fellowship by the British Maritime Foundation, which promotes awareness of the United Kingdom's dependence on the sea and seafarers. Visit Iain's web site www.iainballantyne.com and follow him on X @IBallantyn at https://bsky.app/profile/iainballantyne.bsky.social and/or Insta https://www.instagram.com/iballantyn/

Every year, Global Tiger Day reminds us of the urgent need to protect one of Malaysia's most iconic and critically endangered animals, the Malayan tiger. But protecting tigers isn't just about saving a single species, it's about protecting entire forests that are home to countless other plants and animals, many of which we still know surprisingly little about. That's exactly what researchers have discovered in the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve in Pahang. A scientific expedition has uncovered a potentially new species of stream toad, rediscovered a frog not seen in over a century, and documented an extraordinary range of biodiversity that's helping scientists better understand one of Peninsular Malaysia's newest protected landscapes. We find out more from Dr. Ahmad Zafir, Programme Director at The Habitat Foundation and Scientific Expedition Lead for the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve, together with Mohd Abdul Muin Md Akil, Lead Researcher from Universiti Sains Malaysia, whose discoveries during the expedition include the rediscovery of the Robinson's sticky frog and a potentially new species of stream toad.Image Credit: Gunung Aais © Ahmad Amir - The Habitat FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peru is getting its ninth president in ten years. Keiko Fujimori is taking the reins more than 25 years after her father's polarising presidency. But the scars of that era still divide Peru. Will her government move beyond his legacy? In this episode: Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Chile Renata Segura, Programme Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Crisis Group Christopher Sabatini, Director of the Latin America Programme at Chatham House Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

We were at the Institute for Government for the sixth event in the IfG DevoLab series, held in partnership with the JUST Centre, at which speakers from three regions with devolved powers set out how mayors and strategic authorities can use their powers, funding and influence to support a just climate transition. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #6 were: ‘The Local Net Zero Accelerator programme in the West Midlands' by Barbara Leach, Programme Manager at West Midlands Combined Authority ‘Devolution and local power for communities in the North West of England', by James Johnson, Head of Regional Programme at the North West Net Zero Hub ‘Place-based climate action in Yorkshire and the Humber - the Climate Commission model', by Rosa Foster, Director at Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission These speakers were joined by Professor Matthew Paterson, Deputy Director at the JUST Centre, for a broader discussion of the benefits of devolution and mayoral leadership for this agenda, how places are developing new ways of governing and new forms of participation to ensure that the climate transition is just, joined-up and reflects local needs, and what might be achieved by further devolution. This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. The IfG DevoLab is dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. We would like to thank the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) for kindly supporting this event.

This event was part of the IfG's half-day conference, Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? An expert panel explored the purpose of regulation, and particularly its relationship to government policy. How can strategic direction from government, regulatory independence and consistency across sectors be balanced in a period of rapid change? Caleb Deeks, Director General for Competition, Markets and Regulatory Reform at the Department for Business and Trade Lord Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator and former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2017–19) Dame Clare Moriarty DCB, Chief Executive at Citizens' Advice Natalie Prosser, Chief Executive Officer at the Office for Environmental Protection This session was chaired by Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was part of the IfG's half-day conference, Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? An expert panel explored the purpose of regulation, and particularly its relationship to government policy. How can strategic direction from government, regulatory independence and consistency across sectors be balanced in a period of rapid change? Caleb Deeks, Director General for Competition, Markets and Regulatory Reform at the Department for Business and Trade Lord Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator and former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2017–19) Dame Clare Moriarty DCB, Chief Executive at Citizens' Advice Natalie Prosser, Chief Executive Officer at the Office for Environmental Protection This session was chaired by Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We were at the Institute for Government for the sixth event in the IfG DevoLab series, held in partnership with the JUST Centre, at which speakers from three regions with devolved powers set out how mayors and strategic authorities can use their powers, funding and influence to support a just climate transition. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #6 were: ‘The Local Net Zero Accelerator programme in the West Midlands' by Barbara Leach, Programme Manager at West Midlands Combined Authority ‘Devolution and local power for communities in the North West of England', by James Johnson, Head of Regional Programme at the North West Net Zero Hub ‘Place-based climate action in Yorkshire and the Humber - the Climate Commission model', by Rosa Foster, Director at Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission These speakers were joined by Professor Matthew Paterson, Deputy Director at the JUST Centre, for a broader discussion of the benefits of devolution and mayoral leadership for this agenda, how places are developing new ways of governing and new forms of participation to ensure that the climate transition is just, joined-up and reflects local needs, and what might be achieved by further devolution. This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. The IfG DevoLab is dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. We would like to thank the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) for kindly supporting this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colin M. Fisher, Ph.D. is a professor, author, speaker, and occasional jazz trumpet player. He is the author of The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups, which has already been translated into eleven languages. His academic research on group dynamics, creativity, improvisation, and leadership has been published in the field's top academic journals and featured in prominent media outlets, such as BBC, The Conversation UK, The Daily Mail, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, MSN, Next Big Idea Club, NPR, Psychology Today, Times Radio, and The Times. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker for businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations around the world.Colin is an associate professor and Ph.D. Programme Director at University College London's School of Management. He received his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University. In his prior career as a jazz trumpet player, Colin was a long-time member of the Either/Orchestra, with whom he toured extensively and recorded several critically acclaimed albums. Originally from Redmond, Washington in the USA, he now lives in Northeast London with his wife and two children. He can sometimes be found performing at jazz jams throughout London.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

Andy Burnham will surely become prime minister in a matter of weeks. But what kind of government would he lead and how can he prepare for the biggest job in British politics? As Burnham sets out his policy priorities, and with much speculation about the key appointments he will make to his top team, this webinar brought together leading IfG experts to explore the challenges awaiting the next prime minister – and the skills and he experience he will need for job. How can Burnham best use the time available to prepare for succeeding Keir Starmer as prime minister? What are the decisions that need to be taken before a transition of power? What do we know so far about the choices he could make on personnel and policies? And how will Burnham's experiences of Mayor of Greater Manchester equip him for the job of prime minister? Sam Freedman, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government.

Andy Burnham will surely become prime minister in a matter of weeks. But what kind of government would he lead and how can he prepare for the biggest job in British politics? As Burnham sets out his policy priorities, and with much speculation about the key appointments he will make to his top team, this webinar brought together leading IfG experts to explore the challenges awaiting the next prime minister – and the skills and he experience he will need for job. How can Burnham best use the time available to prepare for succeeding Keir Starmer as prime minister? What are the decisions that need to be taken before a transition of power? What do we know so far about the choices he could make on personnel and policies? And how will Burnham's experiences of Mayor of Greater Manchester equip him for the job of prime minister? Sam Freedman, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The LSE Middle East Centre hosted a Kuwait Programme panel discussion highlighting recent education policy issues and trajectories in Kuwait and globally, with a focus on the role of policy in shaping current and future priorities of education. The panel discussed Kuwait's policy challenges and changes in the broader context of global education policies and the neoliberal order. The panel also focused on the recent geopolitical crisis in the Gulf and the response of Kuwait's education system. Meet our speakers Dr. Fatimah Alhashem is an assistant professor at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). and chair for the Center of Teaching, Learning, and Research (CTLR) from 2018 till 2021. She received a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction in science education from Arizona State University. She worked as general manager for the teacher development department at the National Center for Education Development (NCED) from 2015 until 2018. She is a strong advocate for supporting teachers in general and supporting women in science education in specific. She is involved in different projects that serve the education system mainly clustered around teachers' development. She led many educational projects as a consultant in (UNDP, UNESCO & KFAS). Ibrahim Alhouti (PhD) is an Assistant Professor of the comparative politics of education at Kuwait University and a non-resident fellow at Gulf International Forum in Washington, DC. He obtained his PhD from University College London's Institute of Education, where his thesis explored the politics of reforming the education system in the Arab Gulf region, and holds two master's degrees on Leadership and Comparative Education, both from University College London's Institute of Education. He also serves as a consultant for a number of educational institutions in the Gulf. Alhouti has published several research studies about education and education reforms in the region. His research interest encompasses the politics of education, education reforms, comparative education, and education policies. Dr. Sonia Exley is an Associate Professor in the LSE Department of Social Policy. She is Programme Director for the MSc in International Social and Public Policy, and teaches on a range of postgraduate and undergraduate courses. Sonia's specialist area of research is education policy. She has a particular interest in the marketisation and privatisation of education systems across the world. Sonia has published in a wide range of education and social policy journals. She holds a DPhil in Social Policy from Oxford University (Nuffield College). Prior to joining LSE, she was a British Academy postdoctoral fellow at the (now UCL) Institute of Education in London. Meet our chair Dr Nidal Al Haj Sleiman is the Kuwait Research Officer at the LSE Middle East Centre. She is a sociologist of education policy, leadership and international education. Her work generally draws on theories of policy sociology, social and cultural justice, critical pedagogy and transformative learning, particularly in West Asia: Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon and Palestine. Her publications broadly address interconnection of policy, leadership and society, the sociology of international education, the political economy of education, post-colonial and settler-colonial theory in education. Nidal is also a co-founder of the SWANA Forum for Social Justice, a UCL alumni- and student-led community. Prior to her research career, Nidal worked as teacher and a school leader in Lebanon and Qatar, in public and international education settings.

100,000 people are expected in Dublin City Centre this Saturday for the annual Dublin Pride Parade. Across the weekend, there will be plenty of events featuring music, comedy, history and more. With Anton to explain more is Jed Dowling, Programme Director of Pride at Work and the Co-CEO of Dublin Pride.

100,000 people are expected in Dublin City Centre this Saturday for the annual Dublin Pride Parade. Across the weekend, there will be plenty of events featuring music, comedy, history and more. With Anton to explain more is Jed Dowling, Programme Director of Pride at Work and the Co-CEO of Dublin Pride.

This is a special episode in which Dale is joined by Beverley Walters, Programme Director of the Tes SEND Show, and Jane Friswell, SEND Consultant and parent advocate, to discuss why listeners should attend the Tes SEND Show taking place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. Now in its 34th year, the show is the flagship event in the SEND calendar, offering over 42 seminars, 29 free exhibitor sessions, six parent-carer forum sessions, and a leadership summit run in partnership with ASCL. Beverley outlines this year's seminar programme, which reflects the current climate of SEND reform, covering topics such as change management in education, school improvement, and AI technology. Jane shares her experience of attending 32 of the 34 shows and reflects on the unique sense of community, collaboration, and welcome the event has always fostered. We are looking forward to exhibiting and Dale will be recording live podcasts at the show, with guests speaking about the SEND reform, which will be released after the event. We hope to see you there! About the Tes SEND Show The Tes SEND Show is the UK's leading event for the SEND community, with over 30 years' experience of supporting front-line teaching and support staff. The 2026 show takes place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October at the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London N1 0QH. The show brings together thousands of education professionals for two days of inclusive CPD, networking, and discovery. Highlights include: 42 CPD-certified seminars from leaders across the SEND community – view the full seminar programme The SEND Leadership Summit – an immersive all-day conference for senior educators, delivered in partnership with ASCL A Parent, Carer and Teacher Forum – sharing real experiences to improve outcomes for children with SEND 3 free-to-attend exhibition theatres showcasing innovative products and services Over 150 exhibitors, including specialists you won't find anywhere else   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw the government spend hundreds of billions of pounds to buy PPE, keep businesses afloat and avoid mass redundancies. In the heat of this once-in-a-generation crisis, decisions were made that enabled widespread fraud by both individuals and organisations – leading to an estimated £10.9 billion of Covid-19 spending being lost to fraud and error. In December 2024, the chancellor appointed Tom Hayhoe as the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner to scrutinise Covid spending, explore how public funds could be recovered and make recommendations to prevent fraud in the future. So what could government have done differently to respond quickly to the pandemic while avoiding the vast scale of fraud? What should government do now to ensure there are more robust checks and balances ahead of the next crisis? How can departments and organisations better work together to prevent fraud across the public sector? And how will cultural and technological changes since the pandemic, including the growth of AI, impact the nature of public sector fraud and government's ability to tackle it? To discuss this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Dr Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption Tom Hayhoe, Chair of the NHS Counter Fraud Authority and formerly the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner Joshua Reddaway, Director of Fraud and Propriety at the National Audit Office Rachael Tiffen, Director of Public Sector & Learning at Cifas The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw the government spend hundreds of billions of pounds to buy PPE, keep businesses afloat and avoid mass redundancies. In the heat of this once-in-a-generation crisis, decisions were made that enabled widespread fraud by both individuals and organisations – leading to an estimated £10.9 billion of Covid-19 spending being lost to fraud and error. In December 2024, the chancellor appointed Tom Hayhoe as the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner to scrutinise Covid spending, explore how public funds could be recovered and make recommendations to prevent fraud in the future. So what could government have done differently to respond quickly to the pandemic while avoiding the vast scale of fraud? What should government do now to ensure there are more robust checks and balances ahead of the next crisis? How can departments and organisations better work together to prevent fraud across the public sector? And how will cultural and technological changes since the pandemic, including the growth of AI, impact the nature of public sector fraud and government's ability to tackle it? To discuss this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Dr Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption Tom Hayhoe, Chair of the NHS Counter Fraud Authority and formerly the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner Joshua Reddaway, Director of Fraud and Propriety at the National Audit Office Rachael Tiffen, Director of Public Sector & Learning at Cifas The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When critical illness strikes, families are often thrust into a world of uncertainty, fear and impossible decisions. A new programme aims to bring comfort, communication and intentional "gentleness" into one of the most high-tech environments in healthcare. What does a kinder ICU look like, and why could it change thousands of lives? 7,600 patients are expected to benefit from it. Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and the National University Hospital (NUH) have launched "A Kinder ICU" supported by Lien Foundation with a combined investment of $3.93 million. Ms Luo Ren, Programme Director, Lien Foundation & Adj A/Prof Poi Choo Hwee, Clinical Lead of ICU-Palliative Care Service Senior Consultant, Department of Palliative Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital share more with Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irish Business Against Litter has released their anti-litter league table today, and it showed that coffee cup litter was at its highest level since 2023, but what's behind this increase, and how can we combat it?Joining Shane to discuss is Colin O'Byrne, Programme Director at Voice Ireland, and Rosie Sharp, Creative Director at Hubbub.

As the World Cup gets underway in a matter of days, how exactly will new technology change the way it is broadcast into our sitting rooms?Joining Seán to discuss is Joe Towns, Programme Director in Sports Broadcasting at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

How has England's political landscape changed after the May 2026 elections? How will new local leaders go about their new roles? And what does this mean for the delivery of the government's local government reorganisation (LGR) agenda?   In this special episode of Inside Briefing, Matthew Fright, the Institute for Government's LGR anorak, has been gathering views across three areas - Surrey, Essex and Kent – at the forefront of LGR delivery to see how the government's aims to remove two-tier local government will be impacted by May's elections.  PLUS: An expert panel to unpick the election results and consider the demanding in-tray facing new local leaders as they get up to speed on this once in a generation transformation of local areas.    Featuring:   Ed Hammond, Director of Public Sector Audit at Grant Thornton UK  Heather Jameson, Editor of MJ  Vicky Elliot, Director of the IfG Academy  Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at IfG  Plus interviews with:   Cllr Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council  Mari Roberts-Wood, Chief Executive of Reigate and Banstead District Council  Cllr Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford District Council  Cllr Kevin Bentley, former leader of Essex County Council   Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council  Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council  This podcast was produced with the kind support of Grant Thornton UK.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dublin City Council has today launched the results of a new report examining ways to unlock investment for housing through adaptive re-use. The report responds to a central policy challenge: how to finance urgently needed housing while meeting statutory climate targets, in a context where the built environment is a major source of emissions and existing delivery models are not achieving outcomes at the required scale or pace. Adaptive re-use for housing FACE Dublin was delivered by the Centre for Public Impact (CPI) and the TransCap Initiative through a strategic research partnership commissioned by Dublin City Council and supported by the Dublin Metropolitan Climate Action Regional Office (CARO). FACE Dublin builds on work undertaken by the council over the last few years to embed circular economy and whole life carbon principles into our work. A key challenge we face as local government is investment to meet our ambition. FACE Dublin has interrogated the system that shapes the capacity of local government to deliver on housing and climate targets in a manner that is just and efficient. The recommendations emerging from FACE Dublin to enable acceleration are: Near term: Establish clear ownership for delivery and secure more flexible public funding Medium term: Work with national government to unlock scale and crowd in private and philanthropic capital Longer term: Explore new financing mechanisms to transform how adaptive reuse is funded Our built environment tells the story of the city, and we are part of its living history. Investment in regeneration is an investment in the social and cultural life of our city. The Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam said, "Addressing dereliction through regeneration is one of the most important priorities for Dublin City Council. If we are serious about meeting our housing and climate ambitions, we must unlock the potential of vacant and underused buildings across our city. FACE Dublin is a timely and welcome initiative because Dubliners want their city to be vibrant, lived in, cared for and full of possibility. My mayoral theme is Celebrating Dublin, and part of that means celebrating the buildings, streets and neighbourhoods that tell the story of who we are. We are proud of Dublin. We are proud of its past, ambitious for its present and determined about its future. By working together, we can breathe new life into buildings that hold the memories of previous generations and transform them into places of opportunity for generations yet to come." Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council said, "The recommendations that have emerged from FACE Dublin, offer a credible route for local government in Ireland to lead on circular, low?carbon urban regeneration – demonstrating how housing delivery, climate action and place?making can reinforce one another when approached systemically." Dennis Keeley, Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council said, "FACE Dublin brings a fresh and necessary perspective to rethinking how we address the dual housing and climate challenges we face as a city and a country. Applying systems innovation and systemic finance lens to understand how policies, planning, funding flows, organisational structures and incentives interact – and how they can be reshaped to unlock progress and catalyse implementation, FACE Dublin has provided a clear practical and phased approach to help make Dublin a leader in tackling vacancy and dereliction, maximising return on public and private investment to enhance Dublin's resilience as a liveable city." Gabrielle Beran, Programme Director, Centre for Public Impact said, "FACE Dublin demonstrates what is possible when a city tackles complex challenges with fresh thinking and genuine collaboration. Through engagement with more than 90 stakeholders, this work has shown the strength of Dublin's commitment to delivering housing while meeting climate goals. At the Centre for Public Impact, we work with governments around the w...

Send us Fan MailRyan Jude of the Green Finance Institute (GFI) discusses how to mobilise capital for the UK's green home revolution.OverviewIn this episode, Nathan is joined by Ryan Jude, Programme Director at the Green Finance Institute (GFI) and former Cabinet Member for Climate in Westminster. While Nathan admits his expertise lies in the "weeds" of heat pump engineering rather than the world of high finance, the two find common ground in the necessity of making low-carbon technology the "rational economic choice" for the UK public.From the influence of legendary guitarists like Mark Knopfler and Dave Gilmour to the intricacies of Property Linked Finance (PLF), this conversation bridges the gap between technical installation and the financial mechanisms required to scale the UK's transition to net zero.Property Background & The Financial ChallengeThe UK heating sector is currently at a crossroads. While the "want" for green upgrades is increasing due to volatile international energy markets, the "hassle factor" and upfront costs remains a significant barrier for the average homeowner.Ryan explains that "Green Finance" is not a separate entity, but rather a "tinge" on existing financial products—mortgages, unsecured loans, and infrastructure investments—designed to incentivise sustainable upgrades. The goal is a "Green Economy" where the distinction between green and traditional finance eventually disappears.Key Discussion Points & InnovationsThe Evolution of Green Mortgages: Since 2019, the market has expanded from just four niche products to over 93 today, with an estimated £14 billion annually now flowing through green mortgage products.Property Linked Finance (PLF): Ryan introduces the concept of lending against the land rather than the individual. Based on the "PACE" model in the US, PLF allows the debt to stay with the property, lowering risk for lenders and ensuring the liability passes to the next owner if the current resident moves.The "Hassle Factor" vs. Interest Rates: Evidence from Scotland suggests that a 0% interest rate isn't always the primary driver for consumers. Trust, ease of the customer journey, and the "hassle" of installation are equally critical in determining uptake.The Strategic Partnership: GFI is currently co-running a partnership with the government's Warm Homes Plan, involving major high-street lenders like Barclays, NatWest, and HSBC to design accessible, low-interest, government-backed loans.Energy as an Asset: Discussion on how the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and demand flexibility schemes are turning heat pumps, solar PV, and batteries into assets that can actually reduce monthly outgoings through smart usage.Performance & EvidenceThe impact of current geopolitical events, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has led to a measurable surge in consumer demand.Solar PV: Requests to major suppliers like Octopus and EDF have increased by over 50%.Electric Vehicles: EV demand has mirrored this uptick, as the cost-per-mile (approx. 8p at home vs. 18p at the pump) makes them the cheaper long-term choice.Scale: Over 27,000 solar installations were recorded in March 2026 alone—the highest in over a decade.Closing ReflectionThe transition to a low-carbon home is no longer just a moral choice; it is becoming a financial necessity. As Ryan notes, success will be achieved when the average consumer wakes up wanting the technology not because it is "green," but because it is the smartest way to protect their household from global energy volatility.Support the showLearn more about heat pump heating by followingNathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky

This special documentary takes an in-depth look at FASD through the voices of experts, families, and individuals living with the condition. Produced by Clare FM's Programme Director & Head of Operations Padraic Flaherty. Email: pf@clare.fm

This episode with Zsuzsanna Szelényi explores Hungary's dramatic political transformation following the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule, examining how an entrenched illiberal system was dismantled through democratic means and what this reveals about the resilience of liberal democracy in Europe. The conversation traces the structural factors that converged to break Orbán's grip on power—including economic mismanagement, systemic corruption, generational shift, and Hungary's confrontational stance towards the European Union and Ukraine. We discuss how Orbán methodically constructed an illiberal state by capturing institutions, centralising media, and leveraging constitutional power whilst maintaining democratic appearances, and why the process of unwinding this system presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant dangers for Hungary's new government. The episode also considers how Hungary's experience challenges prevailing assumptions about the inevitability of illiberal forces in Europe, what the transition means for Hungary's relationship with Russia and the European Union, and why the new government's ability to exercise restraint despite holding a constitutional majority will shape democratic governance far beyond Hungary's borders.Zsuzsanna Szelényi is a foreign policy specialist, former member of the Hungarian Parliament, and Programme Director at the CEU Democracy Institute. She was an early member of Fidesz party in the 1990s and later returned to Hungarian politics from 2012 to 2018 as part of the opposition. She is the author of Tainted Democracy, which examines Hungary's transformation over three decades and the erosion of democratic norms under Orbán's rule.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical instability and organised crime to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.Subscribe for all our updates!Tell us what you liked!

With a crucial set of local and devolved elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday 7 May, the Institute for Government devolution team hosted an expert webinar the day after to discuss the results so far. What is the likely composition of the new governments in Edinburgh and Cardiff and what will be their policy priorities? What are the implications for UK-devolved relations? And what do election results in county councils, London boroughs, district and unitary authorities across England mean for the government's local government reorganisation and devolution plans? To discuss these questions and more, including from the live online audience, were the IfG's expert devolution and local government team: Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher for Devolution at the Institute for Government Megan Isaac, Research Assistant for Devolution at the Institute for Government Harriet Shaw, Researcher for Devolution at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government.

What if medicine could protect us against many respiratory viruses at once? In this episode of Ben Yeoh Chats, Ben speaks with Brian Wang, Programme Director at ARIA, the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency. Brian leads ARIA's Sustained Viral Resilience programme, which is exploring whether we can harness the innate immune system to create a new kind of preventive medicine.Brian explains why most people think about immunity through antibodies, vaccines and the adaptive immune system, while the innate immune system is broader, faster and potentially better suited to broad-spectrum protection. The challenge is that innate immunity has historically been harder to understand and harder to engineer safely.Ben and Brian discuss whether sustained innate immuno-prophylactics, or SIPs, could one day provide months of protection against flu, RSV, coronaviruses and future pandemic threats from a single dose. They also explore AI for biology, synthetic biology, pandemic preparedness after COVID, medical regulation, the UK science base, and ARIA's model for funding high-risk research.A conversation about innate immunity, preventive medicine, pandemic resilience, AI in biology, and how breakthroughs actually happen.Link to transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2026/5/8/brian-wang-on-innate-immunity-aria-and-a-new-kind-of-preventive-medicineContents00:40 What we misunderstand about the immune system02:04 Could one medicine protect against many viruses?03:55 Innate versus adaptive immunity06:18 Why innate immunity was overlooked16:36 Breakthroughs in innate immunology21:09 Why start with respiratory viruses?25:47 How ARIA funds frontier science29:27 Promising approaches to SIPs34:13 AI for biology and its limits38:15 Brian's path to ARIA39:16 Pandemic preparedness after COVID44:03 Overrated / underrated47:27 The UK science ecosystem50:15 Medical regulation53:31 GLP-1s and wider biomedical discovery56:47 Upcoming ARIA calls01:02:10 Advice for scientists and builders

On Thursday 7 May, voters in Scotland and Wales will elect the members of the devolved parliaments in Edinburgh and Cardiff. A change of government is expected in Wales, where Labour trails both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in the polls. In Scotland, by contrast, the SNP is forecast to take a fifth successive victory, potentially with an outright majority, which the party will claim provides a mandate for an independence referendum. What are the probable electoral and government formation scenarios? What will the results mean for how Scotland and Wales are governed? What challenges and opportunities will face the incoming first ministers? And what are the potential implications for Westminster and relations between the UK nations? On the eve of these crucial votes, the Institute for Government convened an expert panel to explore what is at stake and what is likely to happen. On the panel: Professor John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Specialist Partner at Flint Global Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government Jane Runeckles, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Wales, FDA National Officer This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

On Thursday 7 May, voters in Scotland and Wales will elect the members of the devolved parliaments in Edinburgh and Cardiff. A change of government is expected in Wales, where Labour trails both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in the polls. In Scotland, by contrast, the SNP is forecast to take a fifth successive victory, potentially with an outright majority, which the party will claim provides a mandate for an independence referendum. What are the probable electoral and government formation scenarios? What will the results mean for how Scotland and Wales are governed? What challenges and opportunities will face the incoming first ministers? And what are the potential implications for Westminster and relations between the UK nations? On the eve of these crucial votes, the Institute for Government convened an expert panel to explore what is at stake and what is likely to happen. On the panel: Professor John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Specialist Partner at Flint Global Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government Jane Runeckles, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Wales, FDA National Officer This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing and Planning, to give a speech on leasehold reform and the move to commonhold. The speech, in which the Housing Minister spoke about the government's ambitions on ending the feudal leasehold system, follows publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. Following the speech, Matthew Pennycook was in conversation with Nehal Davison, Programme Director (policy making) at the IfG, and took part in an audience Q&A.

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing and Planning, to give a speech on leasehold reform and the move to commonhold. The speech, in which the Housing Minister spoke about the government's ambitions on ending the feudal leasehold system, follows publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. Following the speech, Matthew Pennycook was in conversation with Nehal Davison, Programme Director (policy making) at the IfG, and took part in an audience Q&A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is geoengineering going to save the world or risk precipitating further climate crises by interfering with nature? And what international frameworks are needed to ensure it is both responsibly governed and genuinely useful?Joining the conversation are:Dalee Sambo Dorough, Senior Scholar at the University of Alaska AnchorageShaun Fitzgerald, Director of the Centre for Climate Repair at the University of CambridgeMark Symes, Programme Director at ARIA — Advanced Research and Invention AgencyThe Session is moderated by Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue and Former Prime Minister of Iceland.This discussion was recorded live at the Arctic Circle Rome Forum - Polar Dialogue, held March 3rd–4th, 2026.Arctic Circle is the largest network of international dialogue and cooperation on the future of the Arctic. It is an open democratic platform with participation from governments, organizations, corporations, universities, think tanks, environmental associations, Indigenous communities, concerned citizens, and others interested in the development of the Arctic and its consequences for the future of the globe. It is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.  Learn more about Arctic Circle at www.ArcticCircle.org or contact us at secretariat@arcticcircle.orgTWITTER:@_Arctic_CircleFACEBOOK:The Arctic CircleINSTAGRAM:arctic_circle_org

Retail is changing fast and this episode of World Retail Signals captures the key shifts leaders need to watch right now.In this Berlin edition, Ian McGarrigle, Chairman of World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, join the conversation to unpack the signals shaping the global retail landscape.The episode opens with the pressure facing the luxury sector, following LVMH's reported first-quarter sales decline and growing questions around whether luxury brands have fully adjusted to a changing consumer reality. The discussion explores pricing fatigue, the changing definition of luxury for younger consumers, the impact of Asia and the Middle East on growth expectations, and why craftsmanship, trust, and perceived value are now central to the luxury conversation.The conversation then turns to Sephora, one of the bright spots within the broader luxury and beauty landscape. The hosts discuss why Sephora's customer experience, format, and leadership have helped the brand stand out in a rapidly evolving health, beauty, and wellness market.Niamh then highlights the ongoing struggle facing department stores globally. Once the anchor of city centres and major shopping destinations, many department stores are now being forced to rethink their role. The episode explores how surviving players are shifting toward curation, hospitality, services, memberships, and deeper customer experiences — including examples such as Selfridges and new premium access models.Finally, the episode looks at Walmart's move into GLP-1-related retail ecosystems and the broader opportunity for retailers to build connected journeys around customer needs. From health and wellness to pet care, the discussion points to a bigger strategic shift: retailers must move beyond selling isolated products and start building ecosystems of services, adjacencies, and ongoing customer relationships.Chapters00:00 Welcome to World Retail Signals from Berlin00:41 Meet Niamh Stone and Ian McGarrigle01:10 The retail signals shaping the week01:28 Luxury retail under pressure after LVMH results02:16 Is luxury facing a deeper pricing and value challenge?03:19 What luxury means to a new generation of consumers04:49 Why Sephora is a standout growth story06:06 The global challenge facing department stores07:01 How department stores can reinvent through experience and curation08:03 Selfridges, premium memberships, and VIP retail spaces09:06 Culture, tradition, and deeper connection in Asian department stores09:53 Selfridges leadership at World Retail Congress10:16 Walmart, Amazon, and the move toward connected retail journeys10:37 Walmart's GLP-1 ecosystem strategy11:06 Why retailers need to build beyond the store11:58 Retail adjacencies, pet care, services, and customer ecosystems12:56 Closing thoughts from Berlin

The government is reeling from the revelation that Peter Mandelson was appointed as UK ambassador to the US despite having failed a security vetting process. With the blame-game dominating the week in Westminster, what will we learn from Keir Starmer's 'judgment day' Commons statement? What will Olly Robbins – who was sacked by the PM as Foreign Office permanent secretary – reveal in a crucial select committee appearance? What has the vetting row shown about the way decisions are made at the top of government? How should the vetting and appointments process be overhauled? And what does this row mean for relations between civil servants and ministers? An IfG expert webinar answered these questions and more. The webinar featured: Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government is reeling from the revelation that Peter Mandelson was appointed as UK ambassador to the US despite having failed a security vetting process. With the blame-game dominating the week in Westminster, what will we learn from Keir Starmer's 'judgment day' Commons statement? What will Olly Robbins – who was sacked by the PM as Foreign Office permanent secretary – reveal in a crucial select committee appearance? What has the vetting row shown about the way decisions are made at the top of government? How should the vetting and appointments process be overhauled? And what does this row mean for relations between civil servants and ministers? An IfG expert webinar answered these questions and more. The webinar featured: Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

In this episode of World Retail Signals, co-hosts Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, join Alex to unpack the retail developments shaping leadership thinking across the UK, Europe, Africa and the US.The conversation opens with the rise in shop crime across the UK and Europe, and why retailers are increasingly framing it not just as shrink, but as a serious worker safety issue. The episode explores how retailers are responding through store-level security investment, AI-enabled monitoring, and stronger collaboration with governments and law enforcement.The discussion then turns to the UK consumer electronics and home appliances sector, including strong results from AO and leadership change at Currys, before examining the implications of JD.com's Ceconomy move and what it could mean for the European retail landscape.Other themes include:Why retailers such as Uniqlo and Sephora are re-entering markets with sharper positioningGymshark's experiential expansion in the USCarrefour's franchise-led growth in Africa, including Nigeria and GhanaThe “story of two halves” in US retail, where Macy's store closures sit alongside expansion from TJ Maxx and Trader Joe'sThis episode is a sharp look at retail strategy, physical store investment, international expansion and the signals retail leaders should be watching now.Subscribe for more analysis from World Retail Signals and World Retail Congress.Chapter timestamps00:00 Introduction00:41 Shop crime rises across the UK and Europe01:03 From shrink to retail worker safety01:37 Security investment, AI monitoring and police collaboration02:10 AO growth and Currys leadership transition03:26 JD.com, Ceconomy and consumer electronics competition04:36 Uniqlo and Sephora re-enter markets with stronger positioning05:17 Gymshark expands with experiential retail in the US06:45 Carrefour grows in Africa with Nigeria franchise partnership08:52 Macy's closures vs TJ Maxx and Trader Joe's expansion10:14 Are department stores really in decline?10:55 Why physical retail investment still matters11:15 Closing remarksHost bioIan McGarrigle is Chairman at World Retail Congress and co-host of World Retail Signals, where he tracks the trends, operators and market shifts shaping global retail.Niamh Stone is Programme Director at World Retail Congress and co-host of World Retail Signals, bringing perspective on the strategic themes and executive conversations driving the sector.

World Retail Signals breaks down the retail shifts that matter most right now.In this episode, Alex is joined by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, to explore the trends reshaping global retail — from AI-driven discovery and stronger store leadership to sustainability, profitability, and the return of physical retail.They unpack why search is changing, why frontline teams matter more than ever, and why retailers are shifting from chasing scale to driving more value per customer.A sharp weekly take on the signals shaping retail next.Here's an even tighter version if you want it more YouTube-native:World Retail Signals is your weekly read on the biggest shifts in global retail.Alex is joined by Ian McGarrigle, Chairman at World Retail Congress, and Niamh Stone, Programme Director at World Retail Congress, to unpack AI-driven discovery, store performance, sustainability, profitability, and the retail trends leaders need to watch now.A fast, focused look at what's shaping retail next.

Jason Cullen, Dublin Commuter Coalition, discusses why the MetroLink project must continue, as planned.

Today the Programme Director of Metrolink Sean Sweeney announced he is leaving and returning to his native New Zealand. Lorcan O'Connor, CEO Transport Infrastructure Ireland spoke to Rachael.

Alam Janbein, Programme Director for Plan International for Lebanon and Syria

How do you become an employer of choice in a busy, ever-shifting work climate, where people are under pressure and their capacity for work already feels stretched?That's the question I explored with Robin Rogers, Director of Economy and Place at Oxfordshire County Council.What I found compelling speaking with Robin is how local authorities are wrestling with exactly the same workplace questions as charities and private organisations. Employing talented people is not about a slick strapline or offering the highest salaries, especially when you're up against rising living costs and competing employers in a vibrant local economy.It's so easy to reach for the usual ideas around flexibility or development, yet what matters most is the experience people have, day in and day out - the sense that their work genuinely has an impact and is part of something bigger.Robin offers a window into how you can create space for purpose, openness and compassion, whilst support never slips into indulgence. It's about leaders who show up, who are present, and who care enough to hold themselves and others to account, not out of habit or control but out of genuine commitment to performance and wellbeing.We talk challenging tradition, rethinking career paths, and how proactively supporting your teams makes a real difference to retention, reputation and, crucially, the everyday energy of your organisation.It also means telling honest stories - warts and all, sometimes scrappy, but always anchored in place, people, and pride. That's how you become an employer people actively choose, not fall into.The practical insights and generosity in Robin's leadership are a reminder that good work culture starts with leaders who are willing to model what they want to see, listen before acting, and keep people at the heart of decisions. Some valuable provocations for any leader or manager who wants to create a place where people can, and do, thrive.More about RobinRobin Rogers is the Director of Economy and Place at Oxfordshire County Council. His portfolio includes strategic and statutory planning, place shaping and regeneration, climate action, energy, economic development and innovation. Previous Oxfordshire roles have included Head of Strategy and as the Programme Director for the county's COVID Response. His 20-year career in local government has focussed on place-based strategy and transformation, with prior posts in Southampton and the London Borough of Southwark. Robin is a school governor and trustee of a local homelessness charity and in 2010 was a Churchill Fellow.Get in touch with Robin: robin.rogers@oxfordshire.gov.ukResources & ReferencesInsight to Action: What It Means to Be an Employer of ChoiceWatch this episode on YouTubeThe Heart of Modern Leadership (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Building Cultures (itstimeforchange.co.uk)People First for Business Success (itstimeforchange.co.uk)Contact details for LisaLinkedIn: lisapsychologyWays to work with me: itstimeforchange.co.uk/tailored-supportJoin The Leadership Lens: itstimeforchange.co.uk/lets-connectEmail me for a friendly chat: lisa@itstimeforchange.co.uk

The IfG DevoLab is dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. On 25 February, in Manchester, we held our fourth IfG DevoLab event, where three speakers set out how the powers and profile of mayors are being used to increase the supply of affordable homes within their regions. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #4 were: ‘Increasing the supply of affordable homes in the West of England', by Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Combined Authority ‘From housing growth to good growth - experiences delivering housing growth in Greater Manchester', by Andrew McIntosh, Director of Sustainable Growth & Infrastructure at Greater Manchester Combined Authority ‘Supporting regions to increase the supply of affordable homes', by Jackie Rigby, Assistant Director - Place, Partnerships and Capacity at Homes England The three speakers were joined by Ben Denton, Head of Strategic Growth – Affordable Housing at L&G, for a broader discussion of the benefits of devolution and mayoral leadership for this agenda, how mayors can support the government make progress toward its challenging house-building targets, and how further devolution could help accelerate the supply of affordable homes. This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. The Institute for Government would like to thank L&G for its support of this event and for its wider support of the IfG DevoLab series.

This event took place two months before the people of Wales cast their votes in the seventh election to Senedd Cymru (the Welsh parliament) since it was established in 1999. The polls suggest that Plaid is on track to overturn Labour's century-long dominance of Welsh politics to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time, opening the path to Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming Wales's next first minister. Watch our event recording to hear the Plaid leader deliver a short speech on how he would govern as first minister, followed by a conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government, and a Q&A with the live and online audience.

The government's ambitious local government reorganisation (LGR) programme will replace all county and district councils with a single tier of unitary local government. Local authorities have submitted their preferred geographies to central government – but with reportedly 70 submissions across 21 two-tier areas, there is little consensus on the ideal footprints of future unitary authorities. Government is consulting the public and stakeholders, but ultimately it will fall to ministers to make these decisions – requiring potentially contentious judgements. Some local authorities favour fewer, larger geographies that offer greater efficiencies, others smaller councils that keep decision making closer to local communities. Final decisions will create winners and losers, and some outgoing authorities may resist the outcome. So how will these decisions shape the success of incoming unitary authorities? What weighting should ministers give to competing LGR criteria? How can ministers balance consistency of decisions with the need to tailor decisions for local areas? How can the government do this transparently? To answer these questions and more, this IfG event – the first in a new Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation series – brought together an expert panel, including: Councillor Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council Joanne Brown, Partner, Public Sector Audit at Grant Thornton UK LLP Dr Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council (joining remotely) This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. The Institute for Government would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for their support of this event, the first in a series on how to make a success of local government reorganisation (LGR).

John Maytham is joined by Roscoe Williams, Programme Director at Read to Rise, who explains how the festival brings together “two worlds so often structurally divided,” while also opening up economic opportunities for local booksellers, food vendors and creatives. Afternoon Drive with John Maytham is the late afternoon show on CapeTalk. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 13 March 2025, Keir Starmer announced the abolition of NHS England, the arm's-length body responsible for overseeing, planning, funding and delivering the health service – with its functions to be merged back into the Department of Health and Social Care. Work on the transition is underway but key decisions are still to be made. What are the risks and opportunities associated with abolishing NHS England? How much progress has been made to date? What can be learnt from previous structural changes to the NHS and other parts of government? How can the government get the reform process right? To answer these questions and more, this webinar from the IfG and the Nuffield Trust brought together an expert panel featuring: Mark Dayan, Policy Analyst and Head of Public Affairs at the Nuffield Trust Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Sarah Reed, Senior Fellow at the Nuffield Trust The webinar was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This webinar was kindly supported by the Nuffield Trust.

The way has been cleared for work to begin on Dublin's long promised Metrolink following the end of a legal challange by residents of Darmouth Square on the city's southside. Sean Sweeney, Programme Director of Metrolink joined Rachel.

Dr Sindy Joyce, Programme Director of the MA in Sociology (Youth, Community & Social Regeneration) in the University of Limerick, on a record number of Irish Travellers being conferred with postgraduate degrees from the University of Limerick.

Breaking The Coaching Code: How Great Coaches Transcend The Rules with Karen FoyWhat if great coaching isn't about mastering the rules, but learning when and how to transcend them?In this heartfelt and grounded episode of the Sacred Changemakers Podcast, I'm joined by Karen Foy, a Master Certified Coach, Coach Educator, Supervisor, and Mentor with over two decades of experience shaping the next generation of coaches. Karen's journey began in nursing, where her natural compassion and care for others first took root. Her love of psychology led her into the NHS, where she moved through policy and service development before discovering the transformative potential of coaching. She has since served as Programme Director for Accredited Programmes at Henley Business School, where she remains a Visiting Tutor and Honorary Fellow, continuing to inspire coaches and changemakers worldwide.Together, we explore the themes in her new book, Breaking the Coaching Code: How Great Coaches Transcend the Rules, and the deeper invitation it offers to those of us who coach to move beyond frameworks and techniques, and instead cultivate trust in our own wisdom, presence, and humanity. Karen speaks with rare humility and openness, sharing how her own path has been a lifelong process of “walking people home” to their unique selves, while continuing that same journey within her own life. We discuss concepts such as enoughness, compassion, the evolving nature of retirement, and what it truly means to live and work with integrity in a world that often demands perfection.This is a conversation filled with heart and hard-won wisdom, one that will resonate deeply with every coach, guide, and changemaker who believes that our presence, not perfection, is what truly ignites change.Key TakeawaysWhy great coaching begins where the rules end; trusting your own wisdom and humanity.The journey from nursing to coaching and what it reveals about care, service, and transformation.How to embrace “enoughness” and coach from your unique authenticity, not expertise.What the “second half of life” teaches us about purpose, letting go, and contribution.How small acts of compassion and presence ripple out to create a kinder worldLearn More About Today's GuestKaren Foy Associates & The Coach Tribe website ****→ http://www.thecoachtribe.com/Karen on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenfoy/Karen's new book → Breaking The Coaching Code: How Great Coaches Transcend The Rules by Karen Foy, https://amzn.to/42syIbKExplore Sacred Changemakers:Start your journey → SacredChangemakers.comDiscover Your Resonance Code → quiz.SacredChangemakers.comJoin our community → SacredChangemakers.com/communitySubscribe to The Coaching (R)evolution Newsletter → https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-coaching-r-evolution-7371571227230101504Books by Jayne Warrilow:‘Becoming: Poems From The Thresholds Of Change' →