Thematic Area

Education, Skills & Opportunity

Our network has vital information on skills gaps, labour market challenges, and economic inactivity, alongside questions of social mobility and educational equity.

Realising the North East Ambition (RENEA)

Education, Skills & Opportunity

Our Expertise

Social and emotional learning

Skills gaps and ambition

Special Educational Needs

Economic inactivity

Gender equality

Green skills

Labour market

Social mobility and opportunity

Child poverty

Youth crime and justice

Safeguarding and child protection

Best start in life

Children’s rights and participation

Climate Action Reports

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Not Just Another Bin

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.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Achieving Net Zero GHG Emissions in the North East of England

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.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Understanding Resident Psychology on Food Waste

The Environmental Act 2021 holds English Local Authorities accountable for the separate collection of household food waste from the 1st of April 2026. To fulfil this legal requirement, the Newcastle City Council piloted a Household Food Waste Collection scheme across 5,183 homes in September 2024 at least once a week.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Increasing Resident Participation in Newcastle’s Food Waste Collection Scheme

Newcastle City Council is piloting a Household Food Waste Collection scheme for 5,183 homes. This report presents findings from Phase One, a data collection and analysis project, in the first four months of the pilot.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

The future of green jobs in the North East

A report investigating workforce planning, job creation, and skills needs in the green sector for the next five years.

Climate Action Blog Posts

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Reframing climate action as a co benefit

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.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Not Just Another Bin – Community Voices on Food Waste Collection in Newcastle

In 2026 Newcastle City Council will introduce food waste collection in the city. To prepare for this city wide rollout they asked INE to help them evaluate their Food Waste Pilot in the West End of Newcastle that started in September 2024.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Let’s Talk About Food Bins

The Environmental Act 2021 is driving a major shift in how households across England handle their food waste, requiring all local authorities to introduce dedicated collection services by 31 March 2026. To get ready for this change, Newcastle City Council launched a pilot scheme in the city’s West End in September 2024. Insights North East, together with researchers from Northumbria and Newcastle Universities, are partnering with the council to support the pilot’s implementation and evaluation.

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Understanding Resident Behaviour on Food Waste at Newcastle City

How can policymakers improve participation in food waste collection schemes? What is the profile of residents who would participate and not participate in the food waste scheme?

Energy, Environment and Climate Action

How can we transition to a sustainable North East?

On 23rd October, academic experts, policymakers, and practitioners came together in a panel event to tackle a pressing question: How can we transition to a sustainable North East?