Blog
‘New shift in retrofit policy could create extraordinary and avoidable risk’
17 December 2025 | Authors: Leonie Taylor,
Our senior researcher Leonie Taylor worries a shift in retrofit policy recently announced by the Chancellor could undermine trust and impact vulnerable households.
‘The water outage in Kent shows the UK is ill-prepared for crisis’
17 December 2025 | Authors: Emily Morrison,
Our Director of Sustainability, Emily Morrison, on 13 days without a safe drinking water supply – and the need for a fall-back plan when essential services fail
What’s the UK’s vision for HE? Let’s think local
2 December 2025 | Authors: Tania Carregha,
Senior Research Manager Tania Carregha explores how universities can act as civic partners to drive positive change in their local communities.
How can universities be better neighbours?
2 December 2025 | Authors: Al Mathers,
Dr Al Mathers highlights how universities can act as true civic partners, building long-term, place-based relationships to generate measurable social impact in their communities.
The UK can deliver growth, address inequalities, and meet net zero targets. Here’s how.
2 December 2025 | Authors: Jacob Coburn,
Knowledge Exchange Manager Jacob Coburn explores how regional anchor institutions can drive inclusive growth and strengthen local communities.
‘Promising projects and deserving communities miss out on funding. Here’s an alternative’
30 September 2025 | Authors: Gary Fawdrey,
Senior Innovation Practitioner Gary Fawdrey shares the value and impact of our ‘Three As’ of grant management
‘Citizen participation matters more than ever’
11 September 2025 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,
As our CEO, Helen Goulden, steps down, she frames our founding principles in today’s context: social change must be ‘participatory, people-focused, and rooted in place’
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: what does the future look like for local councils?
2 September 2025 | Authors: Kersten England CBE,
Our Chair Kersten England CBE reflects on the Devolution Bill, and what the future looks like for local councils.
Community research isn’t a fashion, fad, or flash in the pan but an opportunity for meaningful change’
14 August 2025 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,
Helen Goulden shares five foundations, building support for greater participation.
Closing remarks: Pushing boundaries in the future
3 July 2025 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,
Watch the closing remarks from the Pushing Boundaries conference, sharing takeaways from the day and future visions for how we continue to push boundaries when it comes to community-driven R&I.
Welcome address: Why here, why now
3 July 2025 | Authors: Helen Goulden OBE,
Watch the opening of the Pushing Boundaries conference, reflecting on the strategic importance of community-led approaches, sharing recent and historic action in this space, and setting out future ambitions.
Panel: Driving change in place
3 July 2025 | Authors: Kersten England CBE,
Watch a panel from the Pushing Boundaries conference, examining the relationship between place-based working and community-driven R&I.