Christine Lester FRSA

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐏10? 📣 NEW EPISODE - THE GRANT PODCAST: #116 FP10 - Status on the next Framework Programme❗ The preparations for the framework programme – labelled FP10 - is slowly gaining speed. Governments and interest organisations are releasing their formal statements – positions papers - on in which direction they would like to see the next programme move. It is a big positioning game and all statements are received and read carefully by everybody who has a keen interest in what shape the next R&D funding scheme will take. Of course The Grant is at your service to give you all a status on what on earth is going on and to give an overview of the whole process. I invited one of the most informed into the virtual podcast studio to give us all an update. Thomas Brent, at the time of recording this episode Science Journalist at Science|Business, runs through the process of how a framework programme comes to life and where we stand at this moment. This should be highly interesting for many of you out there! ❗Key take-aways 👉 It is a long long process 👉 With a lot of stakeholders input to be taken into account 👉 And when everything is ready the overall EU budget negotiations can again change the setup 👉 Voices are pushing for ringfencing parts of the budget to avoid effects of political flip-flopping ❗ Direct link to episode:  https://lnkd.in/dRTiMHzZ ❗ Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and check out The Grant universe: www.thegrant.eu/116 #FP10 #funding Marie Latour Kristjan Zemljic Auvertin (Bagdoniene) Sigita Filippo Gagliardi Rita Gil Mata, PhD. Georg Melzer-Venturi Agnes Zoller, PhD Yoram Bar-Zeev Svetlana Myagkova Daiana Huber Christina Achilleos Maria Daniela Angione Alessia Melasecche Germini Esen Kunt Dieter Brigitta Ewa Kocinska-Lange Ilaria Rudisi Merete Mikkelsen Jeanett Bolther Katarzyna Kowalska Coline Perrin Virág Zsár Prakriti Archambeau Isabel Burdallo, PhD Michael Browne Borana Taraj Nik Claesen Amy Murphy Florin Zubascu Sofia Fernandes EuroCenter DK NCP Wallonie National Contact Points (NCPs) Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, FECYT NCP Brussels your contact for Horizon Europe European Commission EU Science, Research and Innovation Evolution | Innovation Forward

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Can you help? Are you a heritage sector organisation? Do you have a good story to tell about how you recruit, retain and support your trustees? Then we are looking for you…   Historic England recently published this report on the Barriers and Enablers to Board Diversity in the Heritage sector https://lnkd.in/e4CPWtZ7 One of the recommendations is to develop some case studies on Board diversity. I am thrilled to report Getting On Board have now been commissioned to produce case-studies that exemplify good practice in the sector.     We are now looking for Heritage organisations that are willing to be interviewed for a written casestudy. So have you got a story to tell about:   Recruiting trustees: 🎯 Good practice in recruiting board members 🎯How you have reached out to, listened to and recruited more diverse board members 🎯How you have gone about developing inclusive board recruitment marketing and promotional materials 🎯The benefits you offer Board members and how these are communicated to potential board members 🎯What is good heritage Board practice in terms of process around term length and succession planning      Retaining trustees: 🎯How you retain board members 🎯How you onboard board members 🎯 Setting up a shadow board, shadowing programme or trainee board member placements   Supporting Inclusion, diversity and equity 🎯How you embed Inclusion, diversity and equity as a priority without putting unfair workload or emotional labour on specific Board members? 🎯 How you have made realistic commitment to Board diversity and communicated these internally and externally 🎯How you have conducted a Board diversity audit and communicated your findings in an effective and GDPR compliant way 🎯 How you have developed communication on IDE as a Board, in terms of language and content 🎯How you have effected culture change in your organisation so a diverse Board is welcome and effective   Providing on-going Board training and support 🎯 How you have supported your Board members through tough times of challenge and change 🎯 How you have dealt with trolling and negative press as a heritage Board and individual Board member 🎯How you have reported specific issues of online harassment, racism, homophobia, and other hate speech   Supporting your workforce to get governance experience. 🎯How you have made it possible for your staff to sit on Boards of other organisations, and what benefits this brings you? Clearly these topics will over-lap – but if any of the above resonates with you please get in touch or if you know of a heritage sector organisation that you think has a good story to tell please tag them in the comments!   #trustees #governance #heritagesector #inclusion #diversity #equity

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Great opportunity to make a difference on #ClimateAction in Scotland with this new role with SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) working with the brilliant Beth Mukushi on Growing Climate Confidence in Scotland's third sector. Climate Development Officer, 3 days/wk, blended working with a base in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness. Job purpose: - Promote and raise awareness: Using the Growing Climate Confidence brand to reach organisations to encourage action on the climate crisis and help them relate this to their organisational mission. - Support organisations to develop and implement net-zero action plans, signposting to specialist sources of support and funding opportunities. - Develop shared insights: Share the real time aggregate data generated through the net zero scorecard, along with other research, with the Funders’ Forum and net zero working group to inform wider funding and support decisions. #Vacancy #Scotland #Charities #ClimateChange https://lnkd.in/eWcAk6Z5

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If you want to know what the new government could mean for the climate story - read this.

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Do you work for a voluntary Heritage Organisation based in Wales? This May, through my work with The Funding Centre Centre we are working in partnership with Catalyst Cymru and WCVA | CGGC to bring you 3 fully funded training sessions, which I will be facilitating. The National Lottery Heritage Fund funds these free training sessions specifically for Voluntary Heritage Organisations in Wales and Organisations running a heritage project. 👉 Lead with impact: Strategies for Effective Leadership - 2nd May 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm | Online We will explore the fundamentals and core principles of effective leadership. Supporting the development of strategic decision-making and learning techniques to empower and motivate your team. We will help you to navigate change and uncertainty with resilience, agility and confidence. This training session also comes with the opportunity to receive fully funded 1-1 coaching sessions (4x1hr sessions) with me to further any work completed in the training session. There are 6 spaces available which will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To apply for the coaching, please email Alice Bailey, at abailey@wcva.cymru. 👉 Mastering Digital Fundraising & Marketing - 8th May 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm | Online We will take you through the numbers on digital – explain the many different forms it can take and how to test different approaches. We will explore the mechanics too, so that you understand what you need to have in place to be fundraising-ready for digital. 👉 The Art of Inspiring Storytelling - 16th May 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm | Online We will walk you through the key processes that you will have to undertake to create a powerful case for support for your organisation. We will help you to bring together the resources that you will need to create strong messaging that your organisation can deploy for a whole range of fundraising and marketing activities. 🔗 Registration links in comments.

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There is no Green Agenda I missed this rousing blog from Fraser Stewart last year - thanks to Association of Charitable Foundations for bringing it to my attention. Includes the phrase: "...the idea that “net zero” will automatically make all of us worse off or must inevitably penalise the working classes might just be the most arse-achingly infuriating myth we tell ourselves today." #Economy #Climate #JustTransition #Sustainability #NetZero #ElectionYear https://lnkd.in/eFu6waja

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Just finished reading Caroline Lucas’ Another England - How to Reclaim our National Story. This is essential reading for anyone still wondering how #Brexit happened and how do we move forward from the toxic polarisation actively encouraged by the current Government. For too long England has allowed national pride to be highjacked by those cynically stirring up hate for those classed as other as a way of continuing to get away with fleecing the public purse, hoovering up #wealth, impoverishing working people and eroding hard won #employment protections and public services. With a Government telling struggling families that their problems are caused by those fleeing hardship in small boats, to hide the truth that it’s their policies to protect wealth concentration by the few that’s the real kicker, yesterday’s far right #protest in London is no surprise. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson) and his followers and funders cannot be allowed to claim to be the guardian’s of national pride and identity. Just like the shadowy think tanks who stoke the anger of those attracted to these far right fallacies, Tommy Robinson and his flock represent a tiny minority of English people and despite their posturing represent the values of few of their fellow citizens. National pride does not have to mean accepting a narrow and skewed version of our nation’s history. The #history that those in power are really scared of the British people being told is how a small wealthy elite have always been stealing, not just from nations colonised by Britain, not just from the Scottish, Irish and the Welsh. But from English people too - in stealing (enclosing) #land once held in common and dishing it out as favours to a select few - shutting people off from their source of food and warmth. Those who voted for Brexit can’t just be dismissed as #racist or ignorant. Those living outside of London have valid reasons to feel neglected by our London centric #political system and only by visiting and listening to the concerns of England’s diverse #communities can we learn the lessons of Brexit and move forward for the good of all British people in their wonderful diversity. There is nothing #patriotic about a Government squeezing those on the lowest and on middle incomes and overseeing the steady withering of our #publicservices and infrastructure to protect the wealth hoarding of the few. Thankyou Caroline for taking the time to genuinely listen to the people of England and to thoughtfully explore how to allow people to be proud to be English in a way that doesn’t come at the expense of others. #literature #tax #election #vote Patriotic Millionaires UK National Trust English Heritage Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK) The Wildlife Trusts Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)

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🎙️ New Episode Alert: This Is The North Podcast 🌍 Title: Reviving the North - How to Tackle Economic Disparities and Managed Decline I'm thrilled to announce the latest episode of the 'This Is The North' Podcast, where we tackle some of the most pressing issues and opportunities facing Northern England today. To 🎧 you'll find links to the episode in the comments below 👇. In this episode, we're joined by Nicola Headlam, an esteemed independent economic adviser and former Head of the Northern Powerhouse. Together, we delve into the intricacies of policy and politics from the era of Thatcherism and Lord Heseltine to today's complex geopolitical landscape. Today's discussion focuses on:  Economic Revitalisation: From neighbourhood renewal to evidence-based policies targeting inequalities. Historical Impacts: A critical review from New Labour's regional policies to today's political landscape. Strategic Development: The vital role of 'worst-first' evidence-based policymaking. Cultural Richness: Unpacking the untapped potential for economic revitalisation in the North and the impacts of managed decline. Infrastructure and Brexit: Discussions on major infrastructural projects such as HS2 and Brexit’s impact on regional strategies. Future Outlook: An urgent call for investment to catalyse growth, opportunities and redress inequalities witnessed within the North.  This episode not only reflects on significant past decisions but will also equips listeners with a robust understanding of the socio-economic challenges and opportunities that can drive Northern England towards a more hopeful and prosperous future. If you're passionate about societal change and regional development, you won’t want to miss this insightful discussion. Subscribe and join us in empowering our communities for a brighter, more equitable future. #ThisIsTheNorth #EconomicDevelopment #RegionalPolicy #NorthernEngland #Leadership #Innovation #Podcast

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Mass participation fundraisers need to demonstrate green credentials to attract young people. We explore how organisations can make their events sustainable. 🔗 Read the full article here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ezjpfPTY #CharityDigital #Sustainability #NonProfit

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How can charities effectively measure and report on the difference they have made? 🔍 We have funded and published a two-phase research project on impact reporting by charities. The study aims to provide recommendations to the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) committee, and act as useful guidance for charity sector stakeholders. 🔑 Discover the key findings from the second report, published this week, and elevate your reporting with our examples of best impact reporting practice: https://brnw.ch/21wIYOU #EthicalLeadership #SocialImpact #ICAS

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If your community group has any kind of activities (or planned activities) whatsoever related to energy generation or demand reduction, including transport, please please please complete the State of the Sector survey. The data and evidence that we gather through this survey are some of the most important tools that we have to advocate on your behalf and campaign for changes to put communities at the heart of the energy Just Transition. Please share. Development Trusts Association Scotland Scottish Community Alliance Scottish Land Commission Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN) Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Scottish Renewables Local Energy Scotland Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Community Transport Association #communityenergy #data #renewableenergy #energyefficiency #transport

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#analysis: Poverty is killing the UK #excerpt May 28, 2024 Figures from government show there are record numbers of children in the UK who are affected by homelessness. Newsround has looked at government data in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - and the number of children in temporary accommodation is rising in three out of four UK nations. Housing charity shelter has found that in England, a record 145,800 children were recorded as being homeless in 2024 - that is the highest it's ever been. This has gone up by a record amount - a 15% increase since 2023. The latest figures for Scotland show there were 16,363 children in households that were assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness. This is 10% higher than the previous year and is the equivalent of 45 children in Scotland becoming homeless everyday. Poverty is killing the UK, when picture Poverty homelessness, they tend to imagine people sleeping rough on the street, tipped into insecurity by substance use problem. Viewed this way, one might imagine the US would rank highest in any international comparison. Wrong. The main form of homelessness is people living in temporary accommodation, the main driver is an inability to afford housing, and America is not even particularly close to the worst.The UK holds that ignominious title, with an astonishing one in 200 households living in emergency lodging outside the formal housing sector. There is a certain out of sight, out of mind quality to temporary accommodation, but it accounts for more than 80% of homelessness across the OECD. Hundreds of thousands of people across the developed world live this peripheral and fragile existence, Britain's record is dire. After declining for several years, the number of England households living in temporary accommodation more than doubled between 2010 and 2023 from 48 000 to 112,000, the highest figure since records began. I'm quoting figures for England because it has the most complete data out of the four UK nations, but the others are if anything worse. Conditions in these buildings are often atrocious, damp and mould are common place, as insect and animal infestation. The disruption of being moved from place to place causes adults to drop out of work and children out of school. https://lnkd.in/dFkXhb4x #perspective By spending millions to engineer poverty in East Africa,western elites opened a medium for the demon of poverty to establish in the UK. The West exploited international system to benefit from Free lunch, the era of free money is over. Money goes where it is wanted; and that West is no place for money. Russia, Gulf and the Chinese are pulling their money out of London. Countries are rejecting trade deals with UK firms as a strategy of risk mitigation. Western presences in an economy elevates the risk of destabilisation. The trade in democracy and the business of LGBTQ promotion has accelerated the decline of London as a global financial centre.

Do you work for a voluntary Heritage Organisation based in Wales? This May, through my work with The Funding Centre we are working in partnership with Catalyst Cymru and WCVA | CGGC to bring you 3 fully funded training sessions and coaching, both of which I will be facilitating. The National Lottery Heritage Fund is funding these training and coaching sessions specifically for Voluntary Heritage Organisations and Organisations running a heritage project in Wales. 👩‍🏫 Training Sessions: 👉 Lead with impact: Strategies for Effective Leadership - 2nd May 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm | Online We will explore the fundamentals and core principles of effective leadership. Supporting the development of strategic decision-making and learning techniques to empower and motivate your team. We will help you to navigate change and uncertainty with resilience, agility and confidence. This training session also comes with the opportunity to receive fully funded 1-1 coaching sessions (4x1hr sessions) with me to further any work completed in the training session. There are 6 spaces available which will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To apply for the coaching, please email Alice Bailey, at abailey@wcva.cymru. 👉 Mastering Digital Fundraising & Marketing - 8th May 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm | Online We will take you through the numbers on digital – explain the many different forms it can take and how to test different approaches. We will explore the mechanics too, so that you understand what you need to have in place to be fundraising-ready for digital. 👉 The Art of Inspiring Storytelling - 16th May 2024 | 10 am – 1 pm | Online We will walk you through the key processes that you will have to undertake to create a powerful case for support for your organisation. We will help you to bring together the resources that you will need to create strong messaging that your organisation can deploy for a whole range of fundraising and marketing activities. 🔗 Registration links in comments or pop me a DM. #FreeTraining #HeritageFund #WCVA

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😀 Good to be with lots of school food colleagues at the LACA - The School Food People #LACAmainevent national conference. And thank you to the organisers for letting us talk about the #economics of school food and the School Food Matters commissioned #Costofaschoolmeal 🥗 Lots to celebrate in school food - but also lots for tomorrow's administration to grapple with: 🍽 #EquitableAccess - how to ensure all children can afford good nutritious school meals (Ambition = Universal Free School Meals) 📏 #QualityAssurance - how to put in place a fair but transparent monitoring and reporting mechanism to support everyone to make sure children are eating the great school food they need 💲 #Fairerfunding - it's all about the economics of school food - we need enough money in the system to deliver fair wages, good food and promote #great Lot's to do, lots to talk about. The #SchoolFoodReview - consisting of over 40 national organisations spanning the school food system, will be working hard with the new administration to deliver the #manifesto and ensure a bright future for children's nutritional health... 😍😍😍

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If you have the time today, I really recommend joining #FutureofBritain conference with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change which will explore the governing of AI.

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Plant based campaigns in schools, planting 700 fruit trees to increase availability of plant based options in schools, a sustainable eco friendly way to mitigate climate change through plant based solutions #worldenvironmentday #plantbasedschools #veganschools #vegschools #eatplantsplanttrees💚🌱

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New episode of the podcast out today, featuring a great chat with one of my favourite people in the philanthropy world - Fozia Irfan OBE - all about foundations and social change:

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This article featured in the Asian Impact Management Review last year. In this piece, I explore the power of data-driven insights and staff training in revolutionising after-care support for elderly patients. This is really the beautiful part where impact measurement and management converge and you get to see the tangible results from looking at what the data is telling you in real-time. I believe it is possible for every organisation to make impact matter within everything they do, and that's why I do this work. Read the full article https://lnkd.in/eEYGFJeP #SocialImpact #ImpactMeasurement #ImpactManagement

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Interesting article in @Cityam today by Stephen Timms arguing for a partnership between government and the impact economy: https://lnkd.in/eEYekcwm He specifically calls for the creation of an Office for the Impact Economy, as a  a joint Treasury-Business and Trade unit; saying "We need a new partnership between Government and the impact economy, putting shared values into practice to build a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for all." Regardless of the result on Thursday, I hope that all parties will recognise the role that #SocialEnterprises and #Charities can and must play to unlock capital in order to tackle some of our most complex social challenges.

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