cadence comments about public policy

10 Jan 2012

2012

If you say 2012 to many people their first thought will be of the Olympics. When we won them 7 years ago I think we all imagined that there would be a palpable sense of excitement as we approached the end of 2011, but that was in the days when we were being told the days of boom and bust were gone ... more

10 Jan 2012

2012

If you say 2012 to many people their first thought will be of the Olympics. When we won them 7 years ago I think we all imagined that there would be a palpable sense of excitement as we approached the end of 2011, but that was in the days when we were being told the days of boom and bust were gone ... more

29 Nov 2011

3 strikes and you are?

The plan tomorrow, as the schools are closed strike 1), was to take the children swimming, but the pool is closed (strike 2) too, perhaps a museum (strike 3) ... maybe not. Casting a somewhat envious eye over the whole concept of any pension at all, never mind a final salary and contemplating some cabin fever tomorrow, made us have a discussion about what this strike is really about. As with many disputes, the facts are not clear due to the liberal use of smoke and mirrors on both sides. We decided that neither the government or unions are very convincing as they are too busy arguing against each other ... more

16 Nov 2011

Big Society? Localism? Sustainability? And Sir Bob

It is easy to argue that the current economic crisis dwarfs all other issues at the moment. But, if the Coalition neglects its commitments to the Big Society, localism and sustainability then the consequences of the global shifts on UK life will be even harder to handle ... more

29 Mar 2011

Dorling's census sense

Perhaps having the census as a bed time story was a bit unfair on the kids. We wanted them to understand why it mattered and also wanted to make sure it was their view of their nationality and religious belief that we captured. Professor Danny Dorling has made a good case for the census this week ... more

1 Feb 2011

Connected Communities - getting heard?

At an RSA event on Connected Communities there was as usual some interesting material presented. A couple of years ago the response might have been more enthusiastic, but the presenters had to stomach a few praise sandwiches ... more

17 Jan 2011

Third sector job losses - bad news for BS?

News today that the number of people working in the third sector reduced by 2% in the third quarter of 2010. Is this bad or good news? ... more

11 Jan 2011

Just another Northern Industrial Town?

Billy Bragg name checked Sheffield in his 1996 song 'Northern Industrial Town'. At the moment a lot of Sheffield businesses seem to be closing down. Nearby old workshop style premises seem to be emptying and little cafes that supplied their workers are closing too. There also seems to be less traffic on the road too ... more

5 Jan 2011

2011 and public policy prospects

The coalition government is many things, but one thing it is not is boring. 2011 promises to be a very interesting year in the public policy world ... more

22 Nov 2010

Cuts to voluntary sector - what to do?

There are reports of 40% reductions in local authority voluntary and community budgets over the next 4 years. There are lots of similar stories at the moment. This one is from Regeneration and Renewal and was highlighted by the fabulous 'Society daily' email. Cadence Works are working with organisations who are not just bracing themselves, but are trying to prepare ... more