We live in a time where collaboration and communication are needed to work together and address challenges. This summer, the Institute of Government & Public Policy explored key topics surrounding Education, Healthcare, Criminal Justice, Construction, and Central and Local Governments in UK society. We discussed how we can learn from the lessons of the pandemic, share new ideas, and introduce innovative solutions to transform working.  

As part of IGPP’s core values, we believe connection is the first step toward further collaboration and discussion, and therefore we highlight the research and solutions shared by our speakers and delegates in a selection of our events.  

Tackling Obesity: Encouraging Adults and Children to Live Healthier Lives

The obesity rate in the UK has nearly doubled over the last 25 years, with roughly 1 in 4 people now being obese. IGPP’s Tackling Obesity event discussed the latest National Food Strategy White Paper and its underlying implications for the UK population, including ethnic inequalities. The event also offered perspectives on the ways in which behavioural insights can drive healthier lives for children and deliver a healthier food environment. Mental health and stigma surrounding obesity point to the question of how language is used by mainstream media.  

The impact of obesity starts from a young age and can be hard to treat if the patients start struggling with their weight in childhood. Interventions that focus on satiety, reward, and inhibitory control offer possible solutions for personalised treatment, along with stress and temptation management. While the lack of funding still remains a concern, the way to move forward is to gather forces on the whole system approaches and design population-levelled interventions.  

This discussion will be continued at IGPP’s NHS Long Term Plan 2023 event. 

Meeting the Needs of Social Housing Tenants and Providers 2022

The UK Government repeatedly falls short of the targeted numbers of social housing, which put the country in the middle of a social housing crisis. IGPP’s Social Housing event explored what constitutes high-quality housing standards, community belonging and safety, the stigma around social housing, and holistic approaches for meeting sustainable ends. 

To build community resilience and high-quality living standards, it is essential to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to embedding residents’ needs and a sense of community into the decision-making process. The manner of housing professionals is also critical in encouraging a transparent and people-centred living experience. There is also a need to eliminate assumptions and stigma on social housing by introducing zero-tolerance policies, clear and positive communication, and meaningful engagement with tenants.  

This discussion will be continued at IGPP’s The Third Annual Enhancing Housing Service Through Technology 2023 event. 

Working in Partnership to Prevent Suicide

Nearly 6,000 people take their own lives each year in the UK according to the latest data released by the Office of National Statistics. IGPP’s Preventing Suicide event addressed the UK’s national plan to prioritise suicide prevention. It highlighted the necessity of open discussion on suicide, bereavement support for survivors, the role of terminology in suicide prevention, and mental health support desperately needed for Military Veterans. 

The Government’s vision to have the world’s lowest suicide rate is road mapped by joined-up services. They include but are not limited to the health and social care system, financial support, socio-economic equality, individual placement schemes, and legislation. Navigating the language and educating young children also contributes to the elimination of the taboo and stigma around suicide. At the micro level, listening to and being there for individuals is critical to minimise and eradicating suicidal ideation.  

This discussion will be continued at IGPP’s The Third Annual Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace Event. 

Tackling Fuel Poverty: The Way Forward

Following Ofgem’s updated energy price cap level and the news that the number of households in fuel poverty is already at 6.5 million as of April 2022 and set to increase, IGPP’s Tackling Fuel Poverty event explored these rising challenges, considering the impact on the most vulnerable households, and the responsibility of national and local government, energy companies, and other organisations in providing necessary support measures. 

The event found that the ‘double vulnerabilities’ of energy and transport poverty have a significant impact on households, as well as infrastructure inequalities. There are many possible options for tackling fuel poverty which include providing targeted support measures, price stabilisation, removing the extra costs of prepayment meters, or providing loans to energy companies. Overall, implementing long-term solutions requires enhancing energy efficiency which will improve the quality of housing and reduce healthcare costs.  

As of September 2022, the Government is providing the Energy Bills Support Scheme and an Energy Price Guarantee, aiming to support households with energy bills over winter. 

This discussion will continue at IGPP’s Cost of Living Crisis webinar. Get in touch today to learn more.  

Working in Partnership to Meet the Needs of Refugees and Asylum Seekers 2022

During IGPP’s Refugees and Asylum Seekers event, participants considered key barriers and opportunities for supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The event explored the mental and physical health needs of refugees and asylum seekers, and the need to listen to their experiences and involve young people in these conversations.  

Looking forward, some of the key priorities to support refugees and asylum seekers include developing a national refugee integration strategy, creating international partnerships, and enhancing local programs to connect with communities and challenge stereotypes. Organisations can also equip volunteers and staff with appropriate trauma-informed tools to provide suitable support. 

This discussion will be continued at IGPP’s Safeguarding Refugees 2023 Event. 

At IGPP, we provide CPD-accredited events for continuous professional development. By providing the latest policy updates and sharing the best practices, we strive to be the leading voice for driving positive changes in society. Join our network today by speaking at our events with exclusive benefits, or by attending our future events.