Beyond Westminster

What does the King's Speech reveal about Labour's Social Justice Plans?

Today, we’ll be diving into the King’s Speech, breaking down Labour’s social justice agenda, and exploring what’s coming from the new government. We'll discuss how these changes could impact communities across Britain. Is big government back? Does this legislative barrage address everything from Labour’s manifesto, or are there key elements missing? What does all this mean for the future? Tune in to get the full scoop!
 
Guests
Andy Cook - Chief Exec, CSJ
Nathan Gamester - MD, CSJ Foundation
Matthew Patten - Political & Communications Director, CSJ
Beth Prescott - Education Lead, CSJ

Election Podcast: Breadline Britain - Can Any Party Truly Deliver on Social Justice?

Welcome to our latest episode, where we delve into the pressing questions shaping the current political landscape. What implications does the election hold for society's most disadvantaged members? Did the party manifestos truly address the needs of the poorest? As we navigate the aftermath of the election, we explore what the new government should prioritise in its first 100 days to advance social justice.
Join us as we go beyond the sensational headlines and surface-level stories, taking a deeper look into the heart of Westminster politics. This episode is a call to think critically about the promises made and the actions required to uplift the most vulnerable among us. Tune in for an insightful discussion that transcends the usual political discourse.
 
Guests:
Andy Cook (Host) - Chief Executive of CSJ
Ed Davies - Director of Policy at CSJ
Sophia Worringer - Deputy Director of Policy at CSJ
Rhian Heisman - Director of Development.

Combating Serious Violence and Crime in London - featuring Lord Bailey

In today's episode, we explore the disturbing rise in severe violent crime across London, focusing on the sharp increase in knife crime offences since the pandemic. Recent research reveals that nearly one in four Londoners have experienced threats or attacks within the city over the past five years. As concerns mount, 63% of residents now back the police's stop-and-search tactics to combat violence. Join us, as we deep dive into the challenges facing policymakers, the impact of soaring crime rates on the upcoming mayoral election, and the strategies being considered to enhance safety in the capital. 
Guests:
Nikita Malik (Host) - Author of CSJ Report “Serious Violence in London” 
Lord Bailey of Paddington - Former SpAd to David Cameron on youth and crime, Former London Mayoral Candidate

Betraying Our People: How Does Criminal Exploitation Trap Society's Most Vulnerable, and What Can We Do About It?

In the labyrinth of our communities, the spectre of criminal exploitation casts a long shadow, entrapping both the young and the vulnerable in a cycle of coercion and crime. Today’s episode dives deep into this critical issue, exploring the multi-faceted dimensions of criminal exploitation in the UK, from 'county lines' drug dealing to the alarming trends of cuckooing and beyond.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of this pressing problem, examining how financial deprivation, family breakdowns, and vulnerability factors contribute to the risk of exploitation. Through a series of enlightening discussions with experts and those on the frontline, we gain insights into the prevalence of this form of modern slavery, it’s devastating impact on victims, and the challenges in tackling it.
 
Guests:
Louise Gleich (Host) – Senior Researcher for the Joint Modern Slavery Policy Unit at Justice and Care & The Centre for Social Justice
Eleanor Lyons - Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
Sir Iain Duncan Smith - Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green and Chairman of the Centre for Social Justice
Colin Ward - Former Police Officer
Amanda Radley - Child Exploitation Expert at the British Transport Police
Joella Smith - Assistant Director of Services at Action Homeless Leicester

Betraying our Children: The devastating truths of child exploitation in Britain today

In this podcast, we delve into the disturbing prevalence and nature of child exploitation, encompassing child sexual and criminal exploitation, including county lines and human trafficking. Children as young as six are falling victim to this crisis, facing violence, coercion, and emotional trauma. Join us as we shed light on this urgent issue, raising awareness, and exploring ways we can all contribute to its prevention and support for these vulnerable young lives.
 
**Disclaimer: Content Warning**
This podcast contains material of a highly sensitive nature including discussions of abuse, violence, and exploitation of vulnerable children that may be triggering for some individuals.
.
Guests:
Adele Eastman - Senior Counsel at Farrer & Co's Safeguarding Unit and a Board Member of the CSJ (Host) 
Andy Carter MP- The Conservative MP for Warrington South, Chair of the APPG on School Exclusions and Alternative Provision
Jess Edwards - Senior Policy Adviser for Childhood Harms at Barnardo’s
Jeremy Dodd - Headteacher of The Avenue Centre for Education
Junior Smart OBE - Founder of the SOS Project at St Giles Trust
Beth Prescott - Programme Lead on Exclusions and Absence at CSJ

Unplugged: Exposing the UK’s Digital Inequality and the hidden burden of poverty premiums

In this eye-opening episode, we delve deep into a pressing issue that affects millions across the United Kingdom. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the stark reality of digital exclusion in the UK and its devastating impact on low-income households.
 
Our groundbreaking report, aptly titled 'Left Out,' reveals shocking statistics: a staggering 11 percent of the 28 million UK households lack access to home internet, a number almost double the official estimate by Ofcom. This digital divide disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those living on limited incomes.
 
We'll explore the real-life stories of individuals and families grappling with the repercussions of this divide, from the added expenses of daily life to the challenges of accessing vital services and opportunities online. Through expert interviews and firsthand accounts, we'll shed light on the cost-of-living crisis that these households face and the urgent need for solutions.
Join us in this important conversation as we uncover the hidden side of the digital age and discuss potential strategies to bridge the gap and ensure that no one is 'Left Out' in our increasingly digital world.
 
Guests:
 
Matthew Greenwood- Head of Debt Unit at CSJ (Host)
David Duffy - CEO of Virgin Money
Helen Milner OBE- Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation
Paul Maynard MP - the Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Tom Ahern - Senior Researcher in the Debt Unit at CSJ

Unmasking Loan Sharks: Can Debt Advisers Tackle the Silent Menace?

Join us in this eye-opening podcast as we delve into the alarming issue of illegal money lending in Britain. In light of the Centre for Social Justice's groundbreaking research, we uncover the shocking reality that up to one million people in England resort to borrowing from loan sharks due to the cost-of-living crisis. Disturbingly, only 37% of victims seek debt advice, and even among those who do, many withhold crucial information from their advisers, citing reasons such as not being asked, unawareness of available help, or shame.
 
In this podcast, we aim to explore the key themes unveiled by the CSJ's report, titled "Friend or Foe?”. We embark on a compelling discussion surrounding the extent of illegal lending in the UK. We then shift our focus to the challenges faced by debt advisers when interacting with clients trapped in debt. Finally, we examine potential solutions and strategies to empower debt advisers in effectively addressing loan sharks and encouraging clients to report them.
Don't miss this crucial conversation as we shed light on the hidden aspects of illegal money lending and strive for a brighter future for those impacted by this pervasive issue. 
 
Guests:
Jessica Prestige - Deputy Policy Director at CSJ (host)
Yvonne Fovargue - MP for Makerfield and Chair of the APPG on Debt 
Cath Wohlers - LIASE Manager at the Illegal Money Lending Team England
Matthew Greenwood - Head of Debt at CSJ

Bridging the gap: Can parents and schools really work together?

In our fast-paced world, parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's lives, ensuring their well-being, and supporting their cognitive development. However, are schools effectively engaging parents across the board? Join us on this podcast as we delve into the challenges faced by parents and schools in creating a strong partnership.
 
Gain valuable insights into the perspectives of children regarding parental involvement in key areas, including homework and aspirations. Additionally, we delve into the parental perception of their child's learning experience and the overall school environment. In our exploration, we shed light on the concerning increase in persistent school absences and the alarming rates of poor mental health among school children.
 
How can we empower both parents and teachers?
How can we ensure they feel appreciated and supported in their vital roles?
 
Prepare to be inspired as we uncover the challenges, explore innovative solutions, and lay the groundwork for a positive and impactful parent-school partnership.
 
 
Guests:
Cristina Odone – Head of Family Unit at CSJ (Host)
Lord Watson of Invergowrie - Former Labour frontbencher on education and Vice Chair of the APPG on parental participation
Mei Lim - Director at Reach Children's Hub
Lee Elliot Major OBE - Professor of Social Mobility at University of Exeter.
Angela Dickinson - Chair of Parenting Circle
Ben Gilchrist – CEO of Caritas Shrewsbury

Beyond Westminster: Why Fathers Matter

About 1.1 million children are growing up without a father in the UK today. The absence of men in their children's lives, especially boys, is the subject of the fatherlessness discussion. No matter if they are present or not, fathers are essential to children, and when fathers are actively involved in their life, it has a beneficial impact on the wellbeing of the children and the relationships within the family. Our podcast explores what this phenomenon means for these children and the rest of us, as well as what we can do to address it.
 
Guests 
Host : Cristina Odone, CSJ Head of Family
Marlon
Lord Tony Sewell CBE
Gareth Davis, Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford
Harriet Sergeant, Author
Sonia Shaljean, Founder and Managing Director for Lads Need Dads

Beyond Westminster: Does Britain make anything anymore and does it really matter?

The UK has a productivity puzzle and is struggling to achieve growth. Both the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer have made kick-starting the British economy their principal priority. Yet according to most indicators UK growth is sluggish, productivity outside of financial services is poor and real wages have barely moved since the 2008 Great Recession . This podcast discusses the need for a new industrial strategy to enhance manufacturing and boost employment in order to revive British industry and bring back growth.
Guests:Gavin Rice ,Director of Policy at CSJ (Host) Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and StockbridgeBhavina Bharkhada, Make UK Christopher Nieper, CEO of David Nieper