The Conference – hosted by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University – was opened by Lord David Blunkett, and focused on discussions around social policy in a dynamically changing political world.
Speakers explored what the prospects are for enacting change toward greater social, political, environmental and economic justice in a period of political transition. As societies grapple with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing digital divides, a cost-of-living crisis, and the escalating climate crisis, research and practice are at the forefront of understanding these challenges and devising solutions.
Dr Sadie Parr, Senior Research Fellow in Sheffield Hallam’s Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR), said: “Today’s political landscape is constantly changing. This comes with challenges for those working in social policy and research, but also opportunities as the possibility of real progressive change opens up. Today’s conference is all about how we can manage this dynamic landscape, and achieve real, tangible outcomes through transformative social policy.
“From long-standing inequalities to the development of new policy frameworks aimed at fostering inclusion, today’s discussions encouraged critical reflection on how positive change is possible in the modern world.”
Opening the conference with a presentation on using communitarianism as a bulwark against populism, Lord David Blunkett said: “One key counterweight to populism globally or nationally is building democratic engagement from the bottom up. Communitarianism, which engages people in their own neighbourhood and community – both directly and using modern technology in order to empower those who feel alienated from democratic and traditional political systems – is both educative and fulfilling.
“In that way, men and women can be involved in demonstrating what works, and be part of the delivery process. Decentralising is not just about institutions and devolved Authorities, but much more understanding of both the challenges and possibilities when active citizenship and dynamic democratic forces can be mobilised to bring about definable and significant change.”
About Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University's vision is to become the world's leading applied university, transforming lives and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
With more than 28,000 students, it is one of the UK's largest universities and a leading provider of health education and teacher training. Sheffield Hallam also educates more students from underrepresented backgrounds than any other UK university.
The application of knowledge is at the heart of everything the University does, from students’ learning and experience to business partnerships and innovative research addressing real world challenges.
As a university proudly of its place, Sheffield Hallam is committed to Sheffield and South Yorkshire. In recognition of its leadership both internationally and in promoting the region, the University recently received two awards at the Times Higher Education Awards (2023) – for International Collaboration of the Year and Marketing/Communications Team of the Year.
Sheffield Hallam’s award-winning approach has also seen it awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and named the north’s best apprenticeship provider (2024) and University of the Year (2022) at the Educate North Awards.
