Dr Luke Green and Liz Shutt make the case that to make devolution a success, civic universities need to partner more and lead less.

In this blog, Dr Emily Rainsford explores Northumberland Experiences, an innovative community research project that trained local residents to capture stories about life in The Hirst, Ashington. Reflecting on the project's findings, she highlights the importance of community voice in understanding local challenges, strengths and aspirations, and how lived experience can help shape better policy and decision-making.

In this blog, Emma Carruth, working with the PHIRST Elevate research team at the University of Edinburgh, reflects on the success of Horden Together Partnership in light of the new NHS Neighbourhood Health agenda and the recent NIHR PHIRST Evaluation.

The North East of England has long been recognised for its strong communities and deep-rooted industrial heritage. While these qualities place the region in a strong position to lead the UK’s transition to net zero by 2050, the real opportunity isn’t just in reducing emissions. It’s in reframing climate action as something that delivers wider benefits first, with greenhouse gas reductions emerging as a natural consequence.

The foundational economy refers to the goods, services and infrastructures that underpin everyday life. From care and education to food, housing and transport, it encompasses the sectors in which most people work, where most public money is spent, and upon which we all depend for our daily needs. These are often taken for granted, yet they shape our life chances far more directly than high-tech innovation or global trade.

Under the Environment Act 2021, English local authorities are required to implement separate household food waste collections by 31 March 2026. In preparation for this development, in September 2024 Newcastle City Council launched a kerbside food waste collection pilot scheme in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne.

This report sets out how key aspects of SEND reform can be delivered in practice by focusing on transitions through education and into adulthood. It draws on research with young people, families and professionals in the North East to identify what works for inclusion in mainstream schools and colleges.

This report presents policy options for achieving a net zero greenhouse gas emission (GHG) target in the North East of England in line with the UK’s Climate Change Act and commitment to achieve the UK net zero target by 2050.

The foundational economy provides the social and physical infrastructures, goods and services that are essential to everyday life, including transport, food, energy, education, health and care.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are central to the North East economy, driving innovation, jobs and local wealth. Yet many entrepreneurs face persistent barriers to growth, including limited access to finance, difficulties recruiting skilled workers, and the challenge of navigating rapidly evolving technologies.