FAQ

Answer:: The programme is the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Place Fellowship. It's not a formal course, but a research and knowledge exchange partnership. The experience needed is a practical, on-the-ground understanding of local policy, which is exactly what my day-to-day work entails. A strong track record of collaborative work and a passion for sharing those insights are also essential.

Answer:: My advice is simple: Be passionate, and be specific. A fellowship isn't just about a project; it's about a person's journey and why that person is uniquely suited to tackle a particular issue. Be clear about the problem you want to solve, and show how your work will benefit the wider community. And, of course, don't be afraid to ask for help—a good fellowship is about collaboration, not working in isolation.

Answer:: My inspiration was twofold. Firstly, I wanted to formalise the lessons my work has taught me and share them with a wider audience. Secondly, I was drawn to the LPIP’s focus on bridging the gap between academia and policy, which is exactly what we are doing. The insights from our HDRC model can offer a great deal to other local authorities, and the LPIP is the perfect platform to facilitate that knowledge exchange.

Answer:: Ultimately, I want my work to provide a practical guide for local councils and communities alike. I hope to provide recommendations that help councils move away from a transactional approach to a more relational one, fostering genuine co-creation. I want to help local authorities build stronger, more effective relationships with communities, leading to more equitable and sustainable outcomes for everyone—a mission that is perfectly embodied by the Tower Hamlets HDRC.

Answer:: I'm hoping to sharpen my research skills and learn new methodologies for comparative analysis. I also want to gain a deeper understanding of the national policy landscape so I can better champion the work we do in national discussions.

Answer:: My career has not followed a linear path, but has always been driven by a desire for purpose. I began in the finance sector, where I worked on a trading floor, focusing on training people. However, I made a conscious decision to change careers to focus on civic and community work. I started out as a youth worker on the ground, which taught me the power of building genuine, trust-based relationships and truly listening to people's needs. This led me to a career in higher education, where I spent many years as the Head of Widening Participation and Outreach, focusing on breaking down barriers to education. All of these experiences have culminated in my current civic engagement role, where I work to lead strategic partnerships and community-facing work. For more than 20 years, I've been focused on bridging the gap between institutions and the communities they serve.

Answer:: My current role is Director of London Engagement at London Metropolitan University, and no two days are the same! My work is centred on translating the university's civic mission into real-world impact. This means a day could involve anything from developing a new strategy for the London Met Lab to meeting with one of our council partners. I might also be found facilitating workshops, connecting academics with community projects, or helping our students find placements that benefit both their learning and the city. It's a role that's all about building and nurturing relationships.

Answer:: The HDRC is a perfect fit for my passion for collaborative, place-based work that addresses real-world challenges. What drew me specifically to Tower Hamlets is the incredible potential of this partnership to address health inequalities in one of London's most vibrant and diverse boroughs. The university's decision to name Tower Hamlets as one of our "in-place" boroughs was strategic, given our campus presence there. This means we have a unique opportunity to embed ourselves in the community.

Answer:: Advice on housing and financial options for families with children facing severe poverty or homelessness because they have NRPF. Visit the Project 17 website or call 07963 509 044.

Answer:: Support for those with NRPF, including to have NRPF condition removed if applicable. Visit the Unity Project website.

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