Delve into the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in economic and social inclusion at our upcoming conference, hosted by the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion. This event will bring together a diverse lineup of speakers from academia, policy-making, the public, private and third sectors, and communities — all focused on delivering a more inclusive future for the North East.

Engage with thought leaders as they share insights on Pathways to Employment and Inclusive Living and Social Cohesion, showcasing groundbreaking work from the University of Sunderland’s Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion and their partners.

With a keynote addresses by Amanda Bailey from the North East Child Poverty Commission and Patrick Melia, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, and contributions from the University of Sunderland Vice Chancellor, IESI, the Kerslake Institute, HENNE, Karbon Homes, Sunderland Software City, Changing Lives, Together for Children, Asian Business Connexions, Newcastle University and more, this afternoon of discussion promises to be both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Aimed at a diverse audience including policy makers and practitioners across public, private, 3rd sectors, communities and academia who are concerned about economic and social inclusion, don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate with fellow professionals, exchange innovative ideas, and shape the next steps toward a more inclusive North East. The session will conclude with a networking opportunity—perfect for forging new connections and partnerships over shared goals.

Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, collaboration and actionable insights to enhance our region's approach to economic and social inclusion

Agenda:

1:00pm Registration & networking

1:30pm Welcome

1:40pm Keynote #1 - The regional perspective – Amanda Bailey, Director, NECPC

2.05pm Keynote #2 – The view from Sunderland – Patrick Melia, Chief Exec, SCC

2:25pm IESI – the journey so far

2:40pm Pathways to Inclusion – Session 1 - Pathways to Employment

- Tim Pain, Research & Innovation, University of Sunderland

- Azadeh Fatehrad, Institute for Collective Place Leadership, Teesside University

- Charlotte Carpenter, Karbon Homes

- Ashmita Randhawa, Sunderland Software City

- Ammar Mirza, Asian Business Connexions

(Chair) Laura McGinty (IESI)

3.30pm Break

3:45pm Pathways to Inclusion – Session 2 – Inclusive Living & Social Cohesion

- Matt Durey, FESCI, University of Sunderland

- Peter Hopkins, Newcastle University

- Ola Tony-Obot, Together for Children

- Crystal Hicks, Crisis

- Rachel Edmunds, HENNE

(Chair) Robin Finlay, IESI

4:35pm IESI and the inclusion agenda- where do we go from here?

4:50pm Closing remarks - Professor Jo Crotty, PVC Research

5.00pm Refreshments and networking

6.00pm Close

Pathways to Progress: Advancing Economic and Social Inclusion