WIREDGOV

Blog posted by: Aidan Shilson Thomas, 13 September 2019.

Reformer of The Week

The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, Secretary of State for Education, for arguing that Universities should do more to tackle grade inflation, in his first speech as Education Secretary. Read Reform’s report on grade inflation, here.

Quotes of The Week

"We can take the heat out of the debate – respect that we can have honourable disagreements, commit to finding common ground and ultimately accept that the price of unity is compromise."

The Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, giving the keynote speech at Reform's annual dinner, Thursday 12th September.

Quote of The Week

"We are making tremendous strides in our ambition to make sure that all young people get a world-class education that’s right for them. But there is one area where we cannot afford to ease up. And that area is standards."

The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, Secretary of State for Education, addressing the Universities UK Conference, Thursday 12th September.

Good Week For

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

The Government has announced a £133 million fund for gene-based therapies and Artificial Intelligence to improve diagnosis and treatment options.

Digital Exclusion

A survey of 2,000 Britons found that almost one fifth were internet non-users. Reform will soon publish a report on tackling digital exclusion.

Bad Week For

Homelessness Prevention

The number of families in temporary accommodation is at its highest level for a decade, including 126,020 children. Reform has published a report on preventing youth homelessness.

S.E.N.D. Education

The National Audit Office found weaknesses in support for SEND young people in half of 94 education, health and care services inspected in July 2019. 

Reform's Week 

On Thursday, Reform Hosted its Annual Dinner, bringing together 80 parliamentarians, journalists, business and public service leaders with a shared aspiration for better public services. The Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP gave a keynote speech on Brexit compromise and electoral reform. A transcript can be read here. 

Commenting on the latest homelessness statistics, Dr Luke Heselwood, Senior Researcher at Reform, was quoted in the Independent, the MJ, The Big Issue and Local Gov.

Also commenting on the latest report from the Office of Students on improving access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Dr Luke Heselwood, Senior Researcher at Reform, was quoted in the Independent and the Telegraph.

On Wednesday, Reform's Eleonora Harwich, Director of Research and Head of Tech Innovation, and Aidan Shilson-Thomas, Researcher, attended a preview of Channel 4's new series on the criminal justice system, Crime and Punishment.