iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

🚨 🆕 New paper published: How to improve collaboration across government departments to achieve healthy urban environments. doi.org/10.1080/2158... The paper is co-authored by academics and civil servants based on a knowledge-exchange workshop that was co-organised by academics and civil servants.

How to improve collaboration across government departments to achieve healthy urban environments

ABSTRACT
Insufficient cross-departmental collaboration within Government is a major barrier to prioritising health in urban development. This article explores practical ways to improve collaboration to achieve healthier urban environments. The findings are drawn from a knowledge exchange workshop attended by 79 key decision makers. Data was analysed using Rapid Qualitative Analysis. Five avenues for change were identified: (1) upscaling existing collaborations, (2) identifying a pilot issue with traction, (3) establishing effective public engagement, (4) creating a stakeholder matrix tool and (5) delivering a consensus building technique. These actions were seen as steps to a more integrated approach to collaboration across government.

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

We're very excited about next week's #PSA26 conference @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social Our specialist group have an amazing line-up of panels and events. Details below 👇👇👇 Please do share widely! 👍🔃 See you there!

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Stuart Hoddinott @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

DHSC published its impact statement for the 10 Year Health Plan this week (yes, that is 6 months after it published the plan) It's more measured and clear-eyed than the original document and quite a contrast to some of the effusive optimism in the plan Some of the things that caught my eye 👇

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Sneak peek at the agenda 👀 The PSA’s Local Politics and Governance specialist group's devolution workshop. 📅 24 Nov – featuring: 🗣️ Prof Tony Travers (LSE) on fiscal devolution 🗣️ Prof Donna Hall CBE on local leadership Join the discussion – hybrid format, register here: www.psa.ac.uk/specialist-g...

psa.ac.uk

Hybrid Workshop - English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - Possibilities and (Missed?) Opportunities | The Political Studies Association (PSA)

PSA Local Governance and Politics Specialist Group WorkshopDate: 24 November 2025Time: 12:30 – 17:00 GMTLocation: Online, and limited in person spaces available at the Political Studies Association, E...

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Great to feature on the @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk podcast. A really interesting conversation about inequality.

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Bennett School of Public Policy, University of Cambridge @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk · 03/11/2025

New Crossing Channels podcast for November @jacknewman.bsky.social, Angélique Acquatella & Pinelopi Koujianou debate what really drives inequality — from technology & trade to health & local policy — & how institutions can bridge the gap between national goals & everyday realities. pod.fo/e/3497ac

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

The English Indices of Multiple Deprivation was published yesterday. It is an important moment to acknowledge the stark inequalities that exist between places in this country. And to reflect on the political consequences of place-based disparities. www.gov.uk/government/s...

gov.uk

English indices of deprivation 2025: statistical release

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

🚨 Workshop announcement: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill 📅 24 Nov 2025 | Hybrid format Join top experts to discuss the future of local governance in England. 👤 Hosted by the PSA Local Politics and Governance specialist group. 🔗 Register now: www.psa.ac.uk/specialist-g...

psa.ac.uk

Hybrid Workshop - English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill - Possibilities and (Missed?) Opportunities | The Political Studies Association (PSA)

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

New from Joanie Willett Navigating Changing Economies and Rural Policy: Left Behind Places or Left Behind People "Current scholarship focusses on the infrastructures,organisations and economies in a space but risks overlooking theimportance of understanding the lives of the people that live there"

Navigating Changing Economies and Rural Policy: LeftBehind Places or Left Behind People?

Joanie Willett
University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

ABSTRACTPlace-based studies of regional policy ask how places can better adapt to economic and social changes. This is especially prescientfor research and policy supporting ‘left-behind’ regions. This paper amends this question, asking not how placesadapt, but how thepeople living and working within them navigate change. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Cornwall in the United Kingdomand the Southwest of Virginia, USA, the paper uses the complex adaptive region assemblage to explore how locals make sense oftheir changing region and the opportunities that they imagine are available. The paper argues that regional policy needs to reflectthat supportive communities are crucial for individuals as they try to navigate changes to their local economies but that currentlymany community supports are unable to connect people to assemblages where new opportunities exist. Inadequate understandingof peoples lives can lead to ineffective policy-making with lasting implications.

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

The Pride in Place Strategy was published yesterday (despite being immediately burried by ID cards news!) In many ways its levelling up continuity, but it also contains a blueprint for neighbourhood governance that could soon be rolled out nationally. A space to watch. www.gov.uk/government/c...

gov.uk

Pride in Place

Documents and guidance relating to the government’s Pride in Place Strategy, which will help build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Great to be back at Manchester Uni @manchester.ac.uk research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/j... I'll be investigating the changing spatial footprint & governance structures of the NHS. As always, I'm interested in how decentralisation and placemaking can deliver better policy and a fairer country.

research.manchester.ac.uk

Jack Newman

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Political Quarterly @politicalquarterly.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Localism, Levelling up, and Taking Back Control: tensions in the ambiguous justification of English devolution @jmchickson.bsky.social @jacknewman.bsky.social #Englishdevolution #politicaldecentralisation #takingbackcontrol #levellingup #localism onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

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PSA Public Policy & Administration Specialist Group @psapublicpolicy.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Starting our specialist group panel previews, our first @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social panel on Monday at 9:30 will explore contextual instability, policy fatalism and mission-driven government. Looking forward to it! Featuring: @helencsullivan.bsky.social Brenton Prosser @jacknewman.bsky.social

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

We're very excited about next week's Political Studies Association Conference @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social 🧵Here's a thread of the sessions run by the Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group Hopefully see you there! @peckersley.bsky.social @tjarnold.bsky.social

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

🚨🆕 New paper published online today 🆕🚨 'How Democratically Elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times' Published OPEN ACCESS in @regionalstudies.bsky.social: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.... @sarahayres.bsky.social @marksandford.bsky.social @geoffbates.bsky.social

This article explores how democratically elected mayors can achieve mission-oriented policies in turbulent times. Drawing
on 132 interviews with decision-makers in England, it uses the case of healthy urban development to explore the role of
elected mayors in mission delivery. Findings show that mayors can be figureheads for a place, work directly towards
national missions, implement cross-cutting programmes, convene partnerships, and lead local innovations with new
evidence and data. However, more central government support is needed with investment in capacity, a broader range
of powers, and greater freedom from central targets and siloes.

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

The UK Association for Public Administration (UKAPA) will be holding its second conference at Ulster University in Belfast on 11-12 September. There will be a doctoral conference on the day prior to the full event. buff.ly/2nEqMKO @ukapa-1918.bsky.social

buff.ly

UKAPA 2025 Conference

UKAPA annual conference Ulster University~ Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK Thursday 11 – Friday 12 September 2025 (& Doctoral Conference, Wednesday 10 September 2025)

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

I've taken on the comms role for @psalocalpol.bsky.social Please do follow and share. We'll be sharing the latest academic and policy research about local government, local politics, devolution etc.

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Pete Eckersley @peckersley.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Great to have @psalocalpol.bsky.social now on Bluesky, and thanks a lot to @jacknewman.bsky.social for taking over our specialist group communications. Give them a follow! 👇

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PSA Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group @psalocalpol.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Hello Bluesky!! We are the Local Politics & Governance Specialist Group of the Political Studies Association @polstudiesassoc.bsky.social. Convened by @peckersley.bsky.social, @tjarnold.bsky.social, Joanie Willett, & @jacknewman.bsky.social. We'll be posting the latest research on local politics.

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Re:State @re-state.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Last chance to sign up to our first 'Meeting with Mayors' webinars kicking off at 11.30 this morning! We'll be joined by Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands. Sign up here 👇👇👇 us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

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Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Was on deadline for something else when this landed yesterday, but it looks a lot like the last govt’s “long term plan for towns”. Slightly more money (£1.5bn/£1.1bn), slightly more areas (75/55) Quick comparison with original NW towns = the same towns with 3 added www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

Plan for Neighbourhoods: prospectus

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Always enjoy the LGC maps showing the latest progress of English devolution. The English devo geography is finally starting to emerge - though still a lot of TBD in the South West and the wider West Midlands. www.lgcplus.com/research/lgc...

Map showing devolution progress in England. Shows existing strategic authorities, Priority programme, foundational devolution, first mayoral elecitons May 2025, discussions ongoing, devo island, and reorganisation fast track.

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Mark Sandford @marksandford.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

What is the UK Government doing with mayors and 'strategic authorities', following the December 2024 white paper? Find out in this new Commons Library briefing paper: commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri... Key points:

commonslibrary.parliament.uk

English devolution: mayoral strategic authorities

A briefing on the devolution plans in the government's white paper of December 2024, Power and Partnership: foundations for growth

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BJPIR @bjpir.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

📈Trending in BJPIR '‘Hyper-active incrementalism’ and the Westminster system of governance: Why spatial policy has failed over time' by Patrick Diamond, @jacknewman.bsky.social, David Richards, @annasanders.bsky.social & @andywestwood.bsky.social 🔓Available here: journals.sagepub.com/doi…

journals.sagepub.com

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School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol @uob-policystudies.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

SPS research fellow, @jacknewman.bsky.social, offering reflections on the English devolution White Paper, including the importance of focusing on #publichealth, aligning policy and governance boundaries, tackling spatial inequalities, and involving the public in mayoral authorities.

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Zoë Billingham @zoebillingham.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

I’ll be giving evidence to the Housing, Communities & Local Government Select Committee on the English Devolution White Paper tomorrow from 10am. Yes I have views, do tune in!

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Very excited to be giving evidence before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee tomorrow. I'll be alongisde Colin Copus, Zoë Billingham, & Joe Fyans, and followed by Tracy Brabin, Louise Gittins, and Bridget Smith. Tune in from 10am: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...

Upcoming events
Tuesday
28 January 2025
10:00am
Public
English Devolution - Oral evidence
10:00am
Dr Jack Newman (Research Fellow at University of Bristol)
Professor Colin Copus (Emeritus Professor of Local Politics at De Montfort University)
Zoë Billingham (Director at IPPR North)
Joe Fyans (Head of Research at Localis)
10:45am
Tracy Brabin (Mayor at West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
Councillor Louise Gittins (Chair at Local Government Association, and Leader at Chester West and Cheshire Council)
Cllr Bridget Smith (Vice Chair at District Councils Network, and Liberal Democrat Leader at South Cambridgeshire District Council)

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Comparison of the NHS ICS regions with the latest English devolution proposals (including existing deals, agreed deals, and proposed deals).

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IPR @uniofbathipr.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Sarah Ayres (Bristol), @jacknewman.bsky.social, @geoffbates.bsky.social, Anna Le Gouais (Bristol), Rachael McClathey (Bristol) & @iprnickp.bsky.social have recently published ‘Are we any closer to tackling health inequalities in England?’ in Contemporary Social Science! 📖: buff.ly/3Pw3GZo

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Matthew Fright @matthewfright.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Many councils across England meet today to decide whether to bid to join the govt's devolution priority programme. What is it, what's at stake and what will they be considering? Here are some briefing materials from @instituteforgov.bsky.social

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

🆕🚨 New paper published today with colleagues on the TRUUD Project. 📄 Are we any closer to tackling health inequalities in England? While data on health inequality signals failure, we find glimmers of hope in new ‘opportunity spaces’ for doing things differently. 🖇️ doi.org/10.1080/2158...

Are we any closer to tackling health inequalities in England?

Sarah Ayres, Jack Newman, Geoff Bates, Anna Le Gouais,Rachael McClathey & Nick Pearce

ABSTRACT
The aim of this article is to examine the recent progress made by Government to improve public health and address health inequality. Elected in July 2024, the Labour government has promised to deliver a transition from reactive to preventative health policy and tackle social and geographic disparities in public health. However, this government pledge is not new and recent progress has been limited. This article examines progress in an area of policy that is increasingly recognised as a critical wider determinant of health, notably the link between the urban environment and health outcomes. Our analysis is based on extensive co-production with government. Drawing on co-production logs and the fieldnotes of an embedded researcher, this article reflects on the progress made under the Conservative’s levelling up agenda and considers the potential of Labour’s health mission. Our findings reveal that, while the figures on health inequality signal failure, there are glimmers of hope in creating new ‘opportunity spaces’ for doing things differently. We conclude that the critical intersection between new social science evidence and the entrepreneurial agency of public officials will be pivotal in making any headway against this target. Moreover, this must sit alongside more government investment to improve public health.

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Came across this memorial today. A reminder that British democracy is not some natural or ancient state. It was fought for over centuries by people from all walks of life. The campaign was repeatedly repressed by those in power. Scottish Martyrs Memorial. Nunhead Cemetery.

Text on Scottish Martyrs memorial.

The experience of all ages should have taught our rulers that persecution can never efface principles. Individuals may perish but truth is eternal. Gerrald’s defence.

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

▶️ Here's a 1-minute summary of our new paper showing the places being left behind by English devolution. 📄 The Intersection of Productivity and Governance Capacity in Spatial Inequality: The Case of England’s Devolution Periphery 👥 Jack Newman & Charlotte Hoole 🖇️ doi.org/10.1080/2158...

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Jack Newman @jacknewman.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

"English devolution bridges two of Labour's biggest challenges: how to make people feel better off and how to rebuild trust in politics." In my new piece, I consider how the government's English devo White Paper contributes to solving these challenges. theconversation.com/english-coun...

theconversation.com

English councils and planning set to be transformed under ambitious devolution plan – an expert explains

A devolution white paper will restructure councils and hand significant planning powers to mayors.

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New Local @wearenewlocal.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

While the English Devolution White Paper makes important headway in decentralising power, reform needs to be purpose-driven, rather than simply structures-driven. Read our response: www.newlocal.org.uk/articles/new...

newlocal.org.uk

New Local response: English Devolution White Paper - New Local

New Local response to the English Devolution White Paper

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Ryan Swift @ryanswift93.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Devolution is a key lever in fixing England’s over centralised and unequal politics and economy. The English devolution white paper provides a solid foundation upon which future progress can be built but the government can go further still. labourlist.org/2024/12/engl...

labourlist.org

‘The English devolution white paper is welcome, but mayors need tax powers too’ – LabourList

Billed by the deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as kickstarting a ‘devolution revolution’, the government’s new English Devolution White Paper today marks a positive step…

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IPPR North @ipprnorth.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Devolution might not be a particularly sexy term, but could precipitate a genuine levelling up...Fiscal devolution – the ability to generate and spend taxes locally – should follow 🪙 @rosielockwood.bsky.social spoke to @bigissue.com about the Devo White Paper ⤵️ www.bigissue.com/news/politic...

bigissue.com

Devolution is a way for Labour to 'level up' England in a way the Tories never could

Angela Rayner has pledged a “devolution by default” approach to local government, and will hand down sweeping powers to mayors and councils.

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jacktshaw.bsky.social @jacktshaw.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Here's how the Government envisions working with strategic and local authorities:

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Dan Turner @dtturner.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

My initial reaction to the English devo white paper: it's constitutional, not than economic or administrative; it's historic, grasping nettles avoided in the 1970s (Redcliffe-Maud) and 1990s; and it sets up mayors are preeminent English gov players, despite warm wards to local authorities.

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