A Fairness Commission has been set up to help make Newcastle a fairer, more cohesive city.
The group, made up of a diverse range of individuals, is drawn from the worlds of politics, religion, academia, health and the community/voluntary sector.
The Commission was the brainchild of Coun Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council who announced that “tackling inequality” is one of the council’s four major objectives.
Professor Chris Brink, Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, will chair the Commission which will gather evidence, consult widely and recommend how fairness can underpin decisions which affect communities.
Members of the Commission include: Ed Cox, Director of IPPR North (Institute of Public Policy Research), Penny Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Northern Rock Foundation, Nancy Kelley, Deputy Director of Policy and Research of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and former Newcastle City Council leader Lord Beecham.
Welcoming the Commission, Coun Forbes, said: “Like many major cities Newcastle is blighted by inequalities. We must deal with these if we are to unlock its social, cultural and economic potential.
“I am delighted that so many distinguished people have joined Newcastle’s Fairness Commission. In policy areas such health, community safety, employment and investment there is much that we must do to change people’s lives for the better.”
Prof Chris Brink said: "I look forward to working with members of the Commission on the important question of how fairness can underpin decision-making in times of austerity.
“As a world-class civic university, Newcastle University has a focus on societal challenges, and the work of the Fairness Commission fits well with our theme of Social Renewal."
The Commission met on Tuesday, October 4, to agree its terms of reference.
It set out strong principles about how fairness can be deployed effectively in Newcastle; assessed fairness as it exists and identified broad policy areas required to make Newcastle fairer.
The Commission’s interim findings will be discussed by the council’s cabinet on January 11 next year followed by its first report in the Spring of 2012.
The Commission's work will be supported by Andrew Lewis, Director of Policy at Newcastle City Council, and Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Newcastle University.
Further information:
Members of Newcastle Fairness Commission:
Professor Chris Brink (Chair), Vice-Chancellor, Newcastle University
Richard Baker, Director RBLS Consulting
Ollie Batchelor, Executive Director, The Cyrenians
Lord Beecham
Monica Bishop, Operations Manager, North of England Refugee Service
Father Michael Conaty
Ed Cox, Director, IPPR North
Lesley Craig, Headteacher, All Saints College
Dr Jackie Haq
Umme Imam, Manager, The Angelou Centre
Nancy Kelley, Deputy Director of Policy and Research, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Geoff Miller, Archdeacon of Northumberland
Dr Guy Pilkington, GP
Chris Rollings, Headteacher, Hadrian School
Professor Keith Shaw, Northumbria University
Anna Turley, Editor at Progressive Localism and freelance public policy, strategy and communications consultant
Miles Wallis-Clarke, Headteacher, Hotspur Primary School
Penny Wilkinson, Chief Executive, Northern Rock Foundation
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive, Community Foundation
Page last updated: 4 October, 2011
