Beyond Westminster

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.
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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

Beyond Westminster: No Honour in Abuse

Domestic abuse affects more than 2 million women men and their children. It is both a public health crisis – affecting mental and physical health – and a crime. The sad reality is that still only one in five victims report abuse, and there are few prosecutions of this crime: treating this only as a criminal  justice issue, therefore, fails to challenge the perpetrators and support their victims’ (and children’s) recovery to normal living. This podcast dives deep into why the Government needs to tackle domestic abuse as a public health issue. It also covers how the health service can identify and support those suffering from domestic abuse and play their part in tackling this issue.
 
** Please note that this podcast shares stories and examples of domestic abuse which some listeners may find distressing.
 
Guests
Cristina Odone - CSJ Head of Family
Alexandra Galvin - CSJ Researcher
Yehudis Fletcher  - Co-founder of Nahamu charity

Beyond Westminster: What is the Government’s plan to bring financial education into the 2020s?

Too many adults continue to lack the basic skills which underpin financial capability. Around nine million working-age adults in England have low literacy or numeracy, with five million lacking both. One in two were found to be unable to pass a financial literacy test run by the OECD, which placed the UK well below international comparators France, Norway and Canada. This podcast will discuss the importance of financial education and what we can do to improve the financial literacy across the UK.
 
Guests
Joe Shalam - Director of Policy at CSJ (Host) Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP - Minister of State for Skills John Pears - UK CEO at LowellSteve Korris - Delivery Director at Mybnk charity  Carolyn Griffith - Senior Researcher at CSJ

Beyond Westminster: Illegal Money Lending

What are some of the wider social consequences of the cost of living crisis that maybe aren't receiving as much attention as they should? One really important issue is illegal money lending. Charities have reported a worrying rise in people turning to lenders who act without license, and often pose as friends to exploit vulnerable and desperate people.
In this podcast we look at the scale of illegal money lending, the methods used by loan sharks to exploit their prey, and who is falling victim in today’s economic environment. We also hear directly from those working in some of our most disadvantaged communities to learn how people on low incomes are experiencing the cost of living crisis.
 
Guests
Helen Eden, Community Link
Joe Shalam, Policy Director at the CSJ
Matt Greenwood, Acting Head of Debt at the CSJ