The Trust undertook a strategic review during the year 2021-22, with our Trustees deciding to take a place-based approach to our Economic Justice programme, focussing entirely on Birmingham. With local partners we have developed a theory of change which will see us supporting and being involved in influencing and change-making activities. Our goals are that:
- Everyone in Birmingham has sufficient material resources to have a fulfilling, sustainable life free from concerns about meeting basic needs;
- Structural barriers to achieving a sustainable life resulting from an individual’s race, disability, gender, other protected characteristics and class are removed; and that
- People at risk of or experiencing economic injustice can influence decisions about the local economy.
Key to the approach will be the formation of a Birmingham network of individuals who share our aims, have ideas and energy for ways in which economic injustice can be reduced, and want to work with others to achieve this. We have recruited Huddlecraft as a facilitator and will be launching the network soon. Anyone interesting in learning more about or joining the network should contact Debbie Pippard, Director of Programmes [email protected].
We have appointed Anna Fielding, as a learning partner. Anna is currently a Director at the Economic Change Unit, a Co-optee at the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, an Associate of the Institute for Social Banking, and a Fellow of the RSA. Previously, Anna served as CEO at the Finance Innovation Lab; a Trustee of the New Economics Foundation, the Just Finance Foundation and New Economy Organisers Network; and an Associate of the St Paul’s Institute.
Alongside the network we are developing ideas to stimulate systems change. Our partner Economy will be supporting people experiencing economic injustice to influence decisions about the Birmingham economy. NEON will be running a Transformative Organising course for activists tackling issues grounded in economic injustice. Other ideas are being explored and will be announced as they are firmed up. We are not currently accepting applications for funding but may put out specific calls for ideas later in the year. If you would like to be kept informed of these, please keep an eye on this web page or sign up to our e-news.
Key Contacts
