Policy Connect

🚀 Exciting News from ncat! 🚀 We're excited to launch our Resource Collection (https://lnkd.in/dvpMdUp7) , a comprehensive database of 629 documents on accessible transport. This tool empowers policymakers and professionals to make evidence-based decisions to improve transport accessibility for disabled people across the UK. 🔍 Key Features: 🔹 Searchable, open-source database 🔹 Developed with our Community of Accessible Transport (CAT) panel 📢 Call to Action: 🔹 Enhance Knowledge Production: Involve disabled people at all stages of knowledge generation. 🔹 Foster Collaboration: Promote greater collaboration within the transport sector and beyond. 🔹 Contribute to Our Database: Share your research, policy, or resources with us at [email protected]. 🔹 Join Our CAT Panel https://lnkd.in/e4Q5ua7T : Participate in our research and help shape the future of accessible transport. Together, let's create a more inclusive transport system! 🌍 #AccessibleTransport #Inclusion #Policy #Research #Collaboration #ncat_uk Connected Places Catapult, WSP in the UK,RiDC (Research Institute for Disabled Consumers), Designability, Policy Connect, Coventry University Research and Innovation Motability Foundation

Victims of Carbon Monoxide poisoning gathered in Parliament on Monday to share their lived experiences and discuss how public authorities can raise awareness and standards around #FuelSafety.     Parliamentarians were invited to listen to victims stories and learn more about the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group’s new #CarbonMonoxide Safety Pledge, which commits them to:    - Raise awareness of how to stay fuel safe, e.g. through regular appliance safety checks.  - Sign vulnerable constituents up to the Priority Services Register for energy advice.  - Provide access to British Standard CO alarms by linking constituents to local fire and gas emergency services.    Thanks to Al Pinkerton MP for chairing, and all those who came to share their lived experiences.    Find out more about the Carbon Monoxide Safety Pledge: https://lnkd.in/ebb9YFwE.

After hosting five online roundtables with participants from across the UK, the Accessible Transport Policy Commission has completed the evidence gathering section of its inquiry into the UK’s policy and regulation for #AccessibleTransport.     Chaired by the Commission’s parliamentarians, the evidence sessions invited disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, transport professionals, and policymakers to discuss their experiences using and managing #Transport in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and nationwide.     The findings of these roundtables will help inform a Policy and Regulation Roadmap for #AccessibleTransport in the UK that provides recommendations for national and devolved governments. A recap of the online roundtables is available here: https://lnkd.in/eASgvXev.    Find more information on the Accessible Transport Policy Commission’s inquiry, please contact Gurur Deniz Uyanık ([email protected]) or read here: https://lnkd.in/eiE-tSWZ.    The Accessible Transport Policy Commission is part of the Motability Foundation funded National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) and works to remove barriers to transport for disabled people across the UK.   

Whilst the use of technology and innovation in improving healthcare delivery has been ongoing for years, the election of a new Government has generated fresh interest from policymakers about how #AI can make the #NHS more efficient and effective.    In this article for Mediaplanet UK & IE’s ‘Future of Healthcare’ campaign, Lavanya R. explores the importance of balancing investment in AI with a commitment to protecting patients and upholding quality care standards.     Read Lavanya’s article here: https://lnkd.in/dpyxhhJ8. 

Yesterday in Parliament, Policy Connect partnered with the Career Development Policy Group (CDPG) to host a roundtable on #CareersGuidance - examining its quality, availability, and role in driving economic and social change.     In a wide-ranging discussion that featured analysis from participants on the Government’s plans for careers guidance and potential policy reform, Lord Jim Knight and panellists considered how careers guidance can be funded and delivered effectively to tackle economic inactivity.   Thanks to all who attended and our excellent speakers, David Morgan (Career Development Institute), Dr. Alison Carter (Institute for Employment Studies), Dr Elnaz K. (Speakers for Schools), Clare Viney (The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited), Professor Tristam Hooley (University of Derby), Katharine Horler (Careers England), Alison Morris (Skills Federation (aka FISSS)), Rebecca Passingham (Unison), Beth J. (Gatsby Charitable Foundation), and Tom Baines (West Yorkshire Combined Authority). Read the views of our Education & Skills intern Nathan Stone on careers guidance here: https://lnkd.in/eeVZZ6DD.

“While challenges will arise from technological change, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for prosperity and better forms of work. The key to harnessing this potential lies in proactive policymaking and substantial investments in workforce development”.    Dr. Peter Wilson, Research and Impact Manager, has contributed to Mediaplanet UK & IE’s ‘Future of Work’ campaign with an article that explores how human decisions made by policymakers, corporate leaders, and citizens will determine the impact of technological change on the #LabourMarket.     Read Peter’s article here: https://lnkd.in/epj4EvNW. 

The NHS’ attempts to grapple with continued financial constraints and a target to reach #NetZero by 2045 have generated increased scrutiny about the health systems reliance on single-use devices.     In today’s edition of The Telegraph, Gaelan Komen and Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick outline the importance of the #NHS adopting a circular model that reduces waste, improves equipment, and releases funds for other healthcare expenditure.    Read Gaelan and Baroness Ritchie’s contribution to Mediaplanet UK & IE’s ‘Future of Healthcare’ campaign here: https://lnkd.in/eSW3eqzk. 

“Career guidance can address skills shortages and mismatches, help people adapt to a changing labour market, and smooth the transition into developing industries. Spending on careers guidance is an investment in both the UK's economy and human capital.”    Ahead of Policy Connect’s roundtable with the Career Development Policy Group (CDPG) on #CareersGuidance tomorrow, Nathan Stone, our Education & Skills intern, has examined how careers guidance can be a driver of #EconomicGrowth and #SocialMobility.     Read Nathan’s article: https://lnkd.in/eeVZZ6DD    More information about tomorrow’s roundtable is available here: https://lnkd.in/e8QMWHq7.  

Clive Gilbert, Policy Connect’s Head of Accessible Transport, has marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by writing in the Transport Times about the importance of involving disabled people in decision making to close the transport accessibility gap.     With the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) launching a Transport Barriers Database, Clive outlines how the Database can provide an interative guide to disabled people’s experiences on the #Transport system, informing and shaping decision making in industry, government, and research. 

I was delighted to co-deliver a workshop on “Technology for Independence” with Neil Harrod-Beck from Natspec at the #ReducingDisabilityInequalityWM In the first section of the workshop, participants discussed policy changes the West Midlands Combined Authority can make to enable disabled people to continuously access the technology they need for independence. In the second part, Neil led Educational Assistive Technology demonstrations including physical specialist equipment such as Alexa/Google Home, phone applications such as BeMyEyes, and the built-in assistive features of Windows and IOS. It was a great experience delivering this workshop as a part of Policy Connect’s continuous work on shaping better Assistive and Accessible Technology policy, including the ATech Policy Lab and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Assistive Technology (#APPGAT). #EduAT #ATech #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities