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Innovation Unit

@innovationunit.bsky.social
242 followers 154 following 67 posts

We grow and scale the boldest and best innovations that deliver long-term impact for people across the UK.

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Reposted by Innovation Unit
Charlotte Augst @charlotteaugst.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Excellent, inspiring stuff. We need to go both deep and wide if we want to change bureaucracies. And this piece speaks to both these ambitions. @innovationunit.bsky.social @kscopehealth.bsky.social @jessmcp.bsky.social
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
How can the VCSE sector, NHS and local authorities work together more effectively to reduce health inequalities? Join our interactive webinar to explore real-world learning from @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk’s Health Equalities Programme, which has supported 12 local partnerships to do just that.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
A powerful and productive Strategy Away Day for the #IUTeam last week! 🎉 We took a break from the day-to-day to dedicate time for collaboration as we begin to refresh our organisational strategy.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
How can we create designs that are safe and accessible to all? 🌍 Our new website takes an accessibility-first design approach, including easy-to-use interfaces, colour contrasts and technical functions to assist users.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
When graphic design isn’t trauma-informed, it can cause further harm and isolation 🔈 Our latest blog explores the critical role of trauma-informed graphic design when creating content with and for audiences with lived experience of trauma. Learn more ⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/latest-updat...
Green watercolour painting of hands typing on a keyboard
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
What does transforming systems mean in practice? Last week the #IUTeam was joined by @jamestplunkett.bsky.social , public policy leader and author of End State.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Radical, sustainable change is possible for our mental health systems ! We are proud to share an evaluation report of Salford Mental Health Neighbourhood Team’s work adopting and adapting a #LivingWell Mental Health model. Read the report at ⤵️
innovationunit.org
Neighbourhood Mental Health in Greater Manchester
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Last week the #IUTeam came together for some fun in the sun ☀️ We welcomed some new faces to our team, took some time to reflect on our last six months, and ended the day with an all-team game of Task Master led by Bethan Mitchell, truly putting our innovation expertise to the ultimate test ! 🏆
Five people standing in a pub holding the winning prize and smiling. Room full of people sat at tables, all talking in groups. Woman sat at a table, holding a whoopie cushion and smiling at the camera. Another woman sat next to her drinking from a glass.A group of people all trying to balance objects on a team member, with a sponge and a glass on her head.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Loneliness is a public health emergency, but our home and communities offer part of the cure 🏘️ Senior Innovation Consultant & Service Designer Savannah Fishel explores the power of ‘neighbourisms’ as preventative health interventions. Read more ⤵️ www.housinglin.org.uk/Topics/type/...
housinglin.org.uk
Loneliness is a public health crisis and neighbourisms should be part of the cure - Resource Library - Resources - Housing LIN
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
We are at risk of losing a generation. Support for young people is fragmented, but Young Futures Hubs offer the potential for holistic support. Learn more about why we champion the #FundTheHubs campaign and the case for Young Futures Hubs ⤵️
innovationunit.org
Young Futures Hubs: If not now, when? | Innovation Unit
Young people are being failed by a fragmented system and a political agenda that talks about opportunity but too often lets it slip through their fingers. Too many of them continue to struggle:
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Young people today face unprecedented challenges, from mental health struggles to economic insecurity and rising violence 📣 Our latest blog explores why young futures hubs are essential. It's time for bold action. If not now, when? Read the full blog here:
innovationunit.org
Young Futures Hubs: If not now, when? | Innovation Unit
Young people are being failed by a fragmented system and a political agenda that talks about opportunity but too often lets it slip through their fingers. Too many of them continue to struggle:
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
You're invited to Bites & Insights 🍴💡 Bring your lunch and join us for our final session to dive into real-world experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs of people working to change mental health systems and practice for the better. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
What does it really take to grow community-powered mental health systems? 🌱 Join us for our next two Bites & Insights sessions, diving into the real-world experiences, challenges, and breakthroughs of people working to change systems and practice for the better. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
You are invited to Bites & Insights🍴💡 Bites & Insights is a three-part series, diving into the real-world experiences of people working to change mental health systems and practice for the better. Bring your lunch along & get ready to learn. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
What does it really take to grow community-powered mental health systems? 🌱 Join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series, diving into the real-world experiences of people working to change systems and practice for the better. Sign up here:
innovationunit.org
You're Invited: Bites & Insights - Changing Mental Health Systems & Practice - Innovation Unit
You are invited to join us for Bites & Insights, a three-part live chat series
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Reimagining how we live together 🏘️ Senior Innovation Consultant Savannah Fishel will be speaking at two events as part of the Architecture Fringe next week: 📢Radical Housing Conference www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/radical-ho... 📢Cohousing Scotland AGM www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sharing-is... 1/2
eventbrite.co.uk
Radical Housing Conference Scotland Part 3
Get ready for the third installment of the Radical Housing Conference in Scotland, where we'll be diving deep into all things housing activi
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
We have been thinking about how best to deliver government missions, here is our take on childcare ⬇️ We know that the for-profit, private childcare providers dominate the market, resulting in more provision for high-income communities, and ‘childcare deserts’ for low-income communities. 1/2
A child's hands on dry ground
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
How can we revolutionise childcare? 👐🏾 In our latest blog, we highlight the work of social purpose providers who are delivering high quality education and care. We want to grow their work and diversify the market. Read more: www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/gro...
innovationunit.org
Growing a new childcare system: Reshaping the market - Innovation Unit
The government’s mission to ensure every child has the best start to life is a source for great hope. However, there should be no sigh of relief just yet. Actually, we should be pretty concerned about...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Developing and sustaining intergenerational friendships 🫂 Senior Innovation Consultant and Service Designer Sav Fishel will be sharing her service redesign project at Generations Working Together’s upcoming webinar, on Tuesday 27th May 📅 1/2
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The government's commitment to ensuring every child has the best start in life is a source for hope, but the childcare market in England is dysfunctional. We must prioritise prevention to break the unfair link between background & opportunity ⚖️ Read more:
innovationunit.org
Growing a new childcare system: Reshaping the market - Innovation Unit
The government’s mission to ensure every child has the best start to life is a source for great hope. However, there should be no sigh of relief just yet. Actually, we should be pretty concerned…
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
What does it really take to grow community powered mental health systems? 🌱👐 For the past five years we've been working across Greater Manchester to scale #LivingWell systems. In our latest blog, we share our learning and impact. Take a look: www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/com...
innovationunit.org
Community Powered Mental Health: Learning from Living Well - Innovation Unit
Living Well systems support people with complex needs who currently don’t get the help they need at the right time. Those who are ‘too complex’ for primary care and ‘not unwell enough’ for secondary…
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
We are delighted to announce that we have joined the @edfuturesinstitute.bsky.social 🎉 We are looking forward to collaborating with a diverse group of partners to drive the boldest, place-based innovations across Scotland. Find out more about our approach ⤵️
innovationunit.org
Developing bold new ways of working to support communities to live well locally - Innovation Unit
In 2023 Innovation Unit partnered with Scottish Futures Trust and Hub North, and leaders across Caithness, as part of the Caithness Place Based Demonstrator. We designed and delivered the Caithness…
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Growing mental health support powered by the community🌱👐 This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're reflecting on the power of #LivingWell mental health systems. Read more in the @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk's Three Decades of Making a Difference report: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/media/docume...
People sat in a line clapping.Three people stood smiling.A group of people speaking to a board covered in posters in front of a room of peopleA woman talking in front of a board with posters behind her.
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Reposted by Innovation Unit
Housing LIN @housinglin.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
A big thank you to our fantastic panel of speakers — Savannah Fishel (@innovationunit.bsky.social), Emily Abbott (Intergenerational England), Dr Cate Pemble ( #DesHCA project), and Sam Goss (Barefoot Architects) — for their insightful contributions and thought-provoking discussion!
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
We are proud to announce that we are part of the Climate Action Fund (CAF) Learning and Support Partnership, commissioned by @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk 🎉 Alongside our partners ARUP, Creature & Co & The University of Leeds, we will support over 130 community-led climate projects across the UK. 1/2
A group of around 10 people stood in coats in an allotment smiling at the camera. There is a text box overlayed reading 'Introducing the Climate Action Fund (CAF) Learning and Support Partnership' in pink lettering.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Great to be at the Care Closer to Home conference talking about our upcoming work with @nhsconfed.org and @localtrust.org.uk. We’ll work with 6 Big Local groups to learn what it takes to create community-led approaches to neighbourhood health. Read more ⤵️ www.nhsconfed.org/news/power-p... 1/2
Two people sat at a table smiling with silver laptops in front of them and an Innovation Unit banner behind them.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
📣Real change will only happen if test learn and grow projects push the boundaries of existing government policy📣 In our latest blog we draw on our experience of the power to innovate & ask, how can we apply this to local services today? Share your thoughts⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/tim...
A person with long blonde hair wearing a black dress standing at the front of a room pointing at post it notes on a wall, with a small audience sat listening.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Our health is shaped by so much more than what happens in a doctor's office. That's why we are delighted to be working with Local Trust and NHS Confederation to launch a new action research programme. 1/2
nhsconfed.org
Power in partnerships: Communities leading the way to better health
The NHS Confederation and Local Trust have launched an action research programme aimed at building community-led approaches to health and wellbeing.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
🚨Just one week until applications close for our new vacancies🚨 We are an an impact-focussed #nonprofit, looking for new talent to join our team! Don’t miss your chance, apply now 👉🏽 www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/...
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Looking for your next challenge? Work with us💡 We are looking for new talent to join the #IUTeam, to keep transforming systems and reducing inequalities 📈 Get involved 👇🏾 www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/...
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
What does it take to build effective & sustainable partnerships to improve health equity? We are the Learning & Support Partner for @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk's Health Equalities programme, working with 12 grantees, exploring the conditions & approaches for flourishing cross-sector partnerships. 1/2
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
📢New vacancies at a creative, impact-focussed non-profit📢 We work across the UK in #placetransformation, #mentalhealth, #healthandcare, #climateaction, #childrenandfamilies and #criminaljustice systems. Work with us ⬇️ www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/...
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Last month we celebrated our third cohort of the #GoodLivesGM Leadership Collaborative 🎉 These 20 pioneering leaders have been on a 9 month programme, running experiments, to test new ways of working to reduce inequalities and grow a culture of prevention across Greater Manchester. 1/2
Two people looking at a poster on a wall.7 people sat on a panel discussion on a low stage.A few people sat round a table having a discussionThree people chatting and smiling.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
What does it take to create community-led, preventative models of Early Family Help? Today we have been celebrating with colleagues across Salford, Stockport, Rochdale and Wigan, who have been developing their community-led models 🫂 Find out more ⤵️ goodlivesgm.co.uk/early-family...
A group of people in discussion, two women are sat on a table leading the discussion. A panel of seven people with the audience sat around tables listening. Several pieces of paper on a table, one reading ‘my EFH shopping bag’ asking writers to note what they loved, learnt and what linked. A panel discussion with seven people sat on the panel and the audience sat around a table laughing.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Looking for your next challenge? Work with us💡 We are looking for new talent to join the #IUTeam, to keep transforming systems and reducing inequalities 📈 Find out more: www.innovationunit.org/work-for-us/
innovationunit.org
Create impact, reduce inequalities, transform systems
Are you energised by digging into problems and challenging assumptions? Are you inspired by designing new solutions to big social challenges? Are you motivated by helping people transform the systems ...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Great to join hundreds of others kickstarting the #DoWith movement today! So much energy and commitment behind radically shifting power, relationships and accountability in public services 🤝 Our Growing New Systems framework sets out what we think is needed: www.innovationunit.org/growing-new-...
innovationunit.org
Growing New Systems Framework - Innovation Unit
We work with places and partners to solve today’s urgent problems, whilst growing sustainable solutions for the future. We help to build safe and credible pathways between the two.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Over the past 4 years, we’ve been working with the Greater Manchester mental health system to adopt and adapt a collaborative #LivingWell model 🌱 Yesterday we came together to celebrate the work of neighbourhood mental health teams across all 10 localities⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/projects/sto...
A group of people stood around a board discussing.A group of people presenting to a small group of people in front of a cork board with some posters pinned up, in a large white room.A group of people in a light room stood around talking.A poster reading 'Thank you for the time you have spent with me over the past few months, building my confidence and being a professional support and being very friendly towards me I think you are doing a really good job. I was treated with respect at all times I felt safe at all times and I will miss you.'
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
#GMLiveWell is Greater Manchester’s movement for growing great everyday support. Today we’ve been connecting with leaders & communities to: 🫱🏾‍🫲🏻Forge connections 💡Share stories, practice and learning 🎨Co-design #GMLiveWell's key principles Find out more: gmintegratedcare.org.uk/livewell/
An image of a panel at the Live Well event in a large monastery building, with a man in a red jumper speaking into a microphone. An image of a large audience at Gorton Monastery.An image of four people smiling stood behind a table that reads 'action together'.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
📣We are delighted to share our Youth Voice Innovation Storybook with @sport-england-se.bsky.social Focusing on embedding youth voice within the sport and physical activity sector, this new resource includes: ⚒️ Practical tools 📝Activities 💡Top tips Read more: www.sportengland.org/funds-and-ca...
Graphic to show the 'Youth Voice Innovation Storybook' featuring a joyful girl in a blue shirt and hijab, with logos of Innovation Unit and Sport England. The background includes abstract purple shapes.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
We are delighted to have been part of #SDinGovVirtual conference today💡 Our very own Ella Walding & Aviv Katz shared our journey of using service design to grow person-centred, collaborative #LivingWell mental health systems across the UK. Learn more⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/projects/imp...
A Service Design in Gov branded blue card, reading 'Case Study. Living Well. A design led approach to whole system change. Ella Walding & Aviv Katz. Innovation Unit.'
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
@england.nhs.uk's new Neighbourhood Health Guidelines call for a shift to preventative, community-based care. But how can we make this a reality? Our latest blog post delves into the key elements needed to transform neighbourhood health systems⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/nei...
innovationunit.org
Neighbourhood Health Guidelines: Now for the How - Innovation Unit
Implementing NHS England's neighbourhood health guidelines? We share practical lessons learned on creating person-centred, equitable, and sustainable models.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
What will it take to shift to a neighbourhood health model? Our latest blog explores the NHS England Neighbourhood Health Guidelines & shares our learning on how to shift to a preventative, person-centred system. Read the blog: www.innovationunit.org/thoughts/nei... @charlotteaugst.bsky.social
A group of older people in a exercise class on chairs waving their arms in the air and smiling. One person is in focus, the others are a little blurry.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Because of things like income, housing and air quality, where you’re born can cut your life short by up to 16 years. As a supporter of @healthequals.bsky.social we are calling for a cross-government health inequalities strategy. Find out more:
buff.ly
What are the building blocks of health and wellbeing?
Our health is shaped by the world around us – from good-quality homes, to stable jobs, social connections, and neighbourhoods with green space and clean air....
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Reposted by Innovation Unit
Prof. Michelle Lefevre @michellelefevre.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
What system conditions and processes, cultures, resources & skills are needed to help innovation flourish in social care settings? See our latest paper from @theinnovateproject.bsky.social onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/... with @innovationunit.bsky.social @sussexcircy.bsky.social 1/5
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Creating a Conducive Zone for Innovation in Children’s Social Care
Innovation activity in child and family services has accelerated over the past 2 decades, particularly in England, where substantial government investment in pilots, diffusion activities and evaluati...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Last week our CEO Sarah Gillinson spoke at the launch of Southwark 2030 🚀 Speaking alongside pioneering community organisations, Sarah shared learning from #GoodLivesGM, our strategic partnership with @greatermcr.bsky.social 1/2
An image of Sarah Gillinson standing on a stage speaking at Southwark 2030An image of Sarah smiling speaking to a man in front of a screen reading 'Southwark 20230'
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
We are celebrating! 🎉 We are proud to have been named one of the UK’s leading consultants of 2025 in the public and social care sector by @financialtimes.com & @statista.bsky.social, for the third consecutive year. Read more about our impact 🎯⤵️ www.innovationunit.org/projects/sol...
innovationunit.org
Solving today’s problems, growing future solutions - Innovation Unit
Where the work of leadership feels most difficult, where barriers to change seem most entrenched, we help our partners achieve positive, measurable impact.
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
How do we shift systems to create genuine change for residents in a place? Our new framework breaks it down into 3 steps: 🔍 Starting with culture 📣 Realising agency 🚀 Growing power Does this resonate with you? Take a look at our framework: www.innovationunit.org/growing-new-...
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
“North Yorkshire’s use of family finding and family seeing as part of its safeguarding practice is very strong …” In December 2024, our @matthewhorne01.bsky.social submitted evidence to the Education Committee, sharing expertise and learning we have gathered over the past 15 years. 1/2
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Innovation Unit @innovationunit.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
This week we came together to deepen our thinking about what it takes to reduce inequalities⚖️ Supported by our Race Action Team we thought about our relationships to inequalities & how we can deepen our work to tackle systemic inequalities. Read more:
buff.ly
Our Race Awareness Journey: core principles for learning and change - Innovation Unit
To foster effective anti-racist practice, it's essential to create spaces that prioritise psychological safety, acknowledge complex identities, and critically examine systemic racism. We embedded…
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