UofG Spotlight: Recent Episodes
University of Glasgow, College of Social Sciences
A new podcast discussing public policy and the political process – at a local, national and international level – through a Scottish lens.
In this episode of Spotlight, we turn from devolved politics to global challenges, asking the important question: do we still value development aid?
Host Nicola McEwen is joined by leading researchers from the University of Glasgow and Queen Margaret University to unpack the changing landscape of international development. Together, they explore the long-term decline in UK and global aid commitments, the real-world consequences for communities in some of the world's most vulnerable settings and the new approaches to development finance emerging. This work is being supported by the Scottish Council for Global Affairs.
Later in the episode, Nicola speaks with SCIAF's Director of Public Engagement, Ben Wilson, about Scotland's distinctive role, the Scottish Government's commitments, and whether initiatives like aid match funding could create a different path forward.
As global pressures mount and political priorities shift, what does the future hold for development aid - and for the communities who depend on it?
In the final episode of our election podcast series, now 'After the Elections', we look at the results of the Scottish election, what it means for the future of public policy, and how soon we might see the impact of challenging public finances.
We're joined by two guests, Graeme Roy, Professor of Economics at the University of Glasgow and Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission, and Kate Higgins, former Special Adviser to the Scottish Government.
- How hard is it to deliver change in government?
- What is the fiscal context facing the new administration?
- What is the likelihood of an independence referendum?
- Can the MSPs find common ground, in a parliament that is more diverse and ideologically fragmented than ever before?
Tune in and subscribe. Over the last month, the Centre for Public Policy has published a range of academic insights from University of Glasgow experts, on justice, the economy, migration, the constitution and more. Visit our website to find out more: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
In this episode of our On the Elections podcast series, we're looking to England and Wales, where elections are also being held tomorrow, 7th May.
In England, almost 5,000 councillors will be elected across 134 of England's 317 councils. And the Welsh Parliament – or Senedd – is also holding its election, with a new voting system and a 50% increase in the number of Senedd members being elected. We're joined by Professor Jane Green, Director of the Nuffield Politics Research Centre and Co-Director of the British Election Study, and Professor Laura McAllister from Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre and one of Wales' leading academics. With Jane, we discuss England, from whether this election will be a test for Keir Starmer's government, to bloc voting, how well we expect to see individual parties do from Reform UK to the Greens, and more. And with Laura, we talk about Wales, from how the new electoral system might play out in the Senedd election, to the latest polls and frontrunners, and what has gone wrong for Welsh Labour. Tune in and subscribe. Read our joint report with Ipsos - Does Independence Still Matter?: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/news/headline_1264446_en.html
Visit the Centre for Public Policy for more expert insights, from justice, to migration, the constitution, the economy, and more: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
This week on the UofG Spotlight On the Elections podcast, we're talking about whether the next Scottish government can fix public services. What are the parties proposing to fix the problems in public services and help to sustain them into the future? What should they be doing? To talk about this, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale are joined by Frances Mair, the Norrie Miller Professor of General Practice and Head of the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, and Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive at Carnegie UK, and Honorary Professor here at the Centre for Public Policy. Tune in and subscribe. Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country. https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
In today's episode, we're talking about the economy, and particularly whether the next Scottish Government can revive the economy in Scotland.
Host Professor Graeme Roy is joined by three experts. Sara Carter, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow, Dr David Waite, senior lecturer in Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow, and Stephen Boyd, Director of the IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland). They look at what the current future looks like for Scotland's economy; the manifestos and whether the parties have risen to the challenge ahead; what's missing and what might meet that challenge - from more focus on entrepreneurship and small business to regional devolution; and how we get back to the basics on what drives the economy. Tune in and subscribe. Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country. https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
In this episode of the UofG Spotlight On the Elections podcast, we're looking at what's in the manifestos of the Scottish parties. Hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale talk to Professor Alistair Clark, a political scientist from the University of Newcastle and Chris Birt, Associate Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Together they discuss whether manifestos really matter, what's in them, what's not and how what they choose to emphasise gives us a greater insight into their priorities and outlook. Tune in and subscribe. Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country. https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
This week we're looking at the rise of the right in Scotland. We're seeing Reform UK emerge in Scotland as a serious contender, and given the electoral system one that is likely to see a sizeable number of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
In this episode, we explore:
- What's driving the rise of parties like Reform UK
- What can we learn from similar parties elsewhere?
- And what are the implications for public policy more generally?
First up we talk to Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, an independent, non-partisan thinktank and registered charity, engaging people's hopes and fears about integration and immigration, identity and race, and former journalist.
The we're joined by two academic experts, Dr Judith Sijstermans, University of Aberdeen, and Dr Pontus Odmalm, University of Edinburgh.
Tune in and subscribe.
Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country.
https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
In today's episode of our UofG Spotlight: On the Elections series, we're looking at the election through the lens of global politics and growing global insecurity, specifically the US and Israel's war with Iran.
We're joined by John Edward, Head of Operations at the Scottish Council on Global Affairs and Geoff Aberdein, Managing Partner at True North, co-host of the podcast Holyrood Sources, and a former Special Adviser to the SNP Scottish Government.
We examine what the impact of the events in the Middle East are closer to home, on devolution and for Scotland's wider place in the world.
How will the parties in their campaign HQs will be absorbing events in Middle East, will they be altering campaign plans and messaging? Does an election for a devolved parliament seem inconsequential against a backdrop of such big issues? What about fuel costs and energy, and what does global insecurity mean for the politics of independence?
Tune in and subscribe.
Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country.
https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
Kicking off our 'On the Elections' series of the UofG Spotlight podcast, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale talk to guests Chris Carman and Mark McGeoghegan.
A 'state of the race' episode, they talk about the key issues for the campaign ahead.
- How much do the campaigns really matter?
- What are the polls saying, and how are key issues ranking with voters?
- What about Reform UK and just how volatile is the electorate?
Tune in for a fantastic primer on the upcoming election in Scotland.
Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
Registration for our webinars are now live!
Book here:
What can devolved governments do to address the cost-of-living crisis? In partnership with the Campaign for Social Science: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-can-devolved-governments-do-to-address-the-cost-of-living-crisis-tickets-1985828948843?aff=oddtdtcreator
What are the parties' plans on tax, spending and the economy? In partnership with the Institute for Fiscal Studies: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-are-the-parties-plans-on-tax-spending-and-the-economy-tickets-1985833580697?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
What's behind how people vote? In partnership with Ipsos: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-behind-how-people-vote-tickets-1985913859814
What just happened? https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-just-happened-tickets-1985915371335?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this episode of Spotlight, Kezia Dugdale speaks with Jim McCormick, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust, about the Scottish Government's new Child Poverty Framework and what truly drives progress on lifting families out of poverty, from boosting incomes to delivering strong local services.
Kezia is joined first by Dr Thomas Rochow to preview insights from the Centre's State of Poverty project and why income support alone isn't enough without accessible services and joined‑up systems.
Higher education is facing one of the most challenging periods in its recent history. Rising financial pressures, declining international student numbers, and shifting expectations. So what does a sustainable, inclusive, and future‑ready higher education system look like?
In this episode, Prof Nicola McEwen explores the future of higher education with two leading voices.
First, she speaks to Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, former Principal of the University of Glasgow and now President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Anton sets out the scale of the financial pressures facing universities across the UK and the implications of the contrasting tuition fee policies north and south of the border. He also makes the case for an independent review of tertiary education.
Later in the episode, Nicola is joined by Prof Catherine Lido, Professor of Psychology and Adult Learning and Associate Director of the Urban Big Data Centre. Catherine takes us beyond fees and admissions to explore what true educational equality looks like today. She discusses the barriers that still prevent people from participating in education and examines how AI and technological change are reshaping both education and the labour market.
In this episode, Nicola McEwen and Graeme Roy look ahead to the challenges facing the next Scottish Government as it confronts a tight fiscal landscape. Nicola speaks with Matt Donoghue from the State Government of Victoria about Australia's Early Intervention and Investment Framework (EIIF) - an interesting approach to pooled budgeting and preventative spending that's gaining international attention. They explore how the model works, how departments are incentivised to collaborate, and what it takes to shift resources toward long‑term prevention. Nicola then returns with Graeme and Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Adviser to The Promise Scotland, to consider what lessons Scotland might draw from this approach. Together they discuss whether models like pooled budgeting, whole‑family wellbeing funding, and cross‑government decision‑making can help tackle system‑wide challenges.
This week Kez Dugdale is joined by Professor Kathleen Riach and Professor Melanie Simms from the University of Glasgow to discuss work, ageing and employment rights.
Kat takes us through her recent research on work and ageing, looking at what it means to become older in work, whether policymakers and employers are doing enough to support people and what impacts how 'old' we feel.
Then Mel discusses the details, politics and implications of the Employment Rights Act, which recently received Royal Assent in Westminster. She talks about how the changes could impact workers and employers, and what it means for collective rights and the trade unions.
We're kicking off Season 7 of our UofG Spotlight podcast with a live episode challenging our political leaders on public service reform in Scotland.
Recorded live on Monday 19 January 2026 at our event, Stop/Start: Making Public Service Reform Stick in Scotland, our host Professor Kezia Dugdale talks to:
- Michael Marra MSP - Scottish Labour
- Alison Thewliss - SNP
- Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP - Scottish Conservatives
- Graham Simpson MSP - Reform UK
- Jamie Greene MSP - Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Gillian Mackay MSP - Scottish Greens
Kez quizzed our panel about whether politicians can work together to deliver for Scotland, the fiscal challenge facing Scotland, prevention, the future of the NHS, devolution, and more.
We closed with a big question: What would each member stop spending money on, how much money that would save and what you would spend it on?
The Centre for Public Policy will be publishing lots more insights and outputs from speakers at our Stop/Start: Making Public Service Reform Stick in Scotland event, including Professor Graeme Roy as discussed in this episode.
Make sure you don't miss it - sign up to the Centre for Public Policy mailing list:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/about/
In this latest episode of Spotlight, we reflect on a turbulent year in American politics and its global ripple effects. Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale are joined by two leading voices in international affairs:
- Prof Juliet Kaarbo (University of St Andrews) explores Donald Trump's evolving leadership style, the psychology behind his foreign policy decisions, and the blurring lines between domestic and international agendas.
- Prof Mark Blyth (Brown University) unpacks the economic and political consequences of Trump's tariff wars, rising inflation, and the resilience of U.S. institutions under executive pressure.
Tune in for expert analysis, transatlantic perspectives, and a look ahead to what the next three years might hold.
CONFERENCE TICKETS: Stop/Start: Making Public Service Reform Stick in Scotland: Book your place.
This week's episode takes a quick look at the UK Government's Budget:
- What it means for Scotland?
- Why has the Government made these tax decisions?
- Was this a Budget for growth?
- What does lifting the Two Child Limit mean?
- How do we achieve effective regional development?
Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy, discusses all this with Graeme Roy, Professor of Economics and Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission, Dr David Waite, expert in regional economies and inclusive growth and Ruth Patrick, Professor in Social and Public Policy with expertise in poverty and social security.
In this episode, we tackle a critical and timely issue in the Scottish policy landscape: access to justice. Kezia speaks with two leading academics and legal aid practitioners, Fiona McPhail and Jen Ang, about the Scottish Government's ongoing consideration of Legal Aid Reform. With decades of experience in social justice law, they share insights on what reform could mean.
Then, we take a deeper look at the experiences of people trying to access justice. Joined by Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, and Marsha Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Women's Aid, we explore the broader challenges families and women face when seeking justice. From domestic abuse to systemic barriers, they reveal what's working, what isn't, and what still needs to change.
In this Challenge Poverty Week special, Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale explore the governance of poverty with Claire MacRae and Thomas Rochow from the Centre for Public Policy.
This week the First Minister reiterated again that eradicating child poverty is the driving mission for his government. The State of Poverty research team discuss how institutional silos and fragmented decision-making can hinder progress towards tackling poverty. They also explain their innovative approach to including lived experience in their work through composite stories.
In the second part of the episode, we hear from Lorraine Sanda, Clackmannanshire Council, and Lynn Hendry, Hunter Foundation, who share insights from their work driving systems change at a local level to tackle poverty. Together they explore what it really takes to govern differently.
For more information about the State of Poverty, visit the Centre for Public Policy website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/research/state-of-poverty/
Also sign up to our State of Poverty workshop on 6th November in Glasgow: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/events/headline_1213704_en.html
In this season opener of Spotlight, Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale explore the future of Scotland’s health, focusing on prevention, systems change, and the social determinants of health.
Nicola speaks with Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for the Scottish Government, about the long-term challenges facing the health service, the concept of Realistic Medicine, and why prevention must be central to Scotland’s public health strategy. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on political decision-making pressures and the potential of AI in healthcare, offering a compelling vision for reimagining health systems.
Kezia brings in two leading voices from the University of Glasgow:
- Professor Petra Meier, Policy Modelling for Health Consortium Director, whose modelling work has influenced key public health policies such as Minimum Unit Pricing.
- Dr David Blane, Academic Lead for the Deep End GP Project, which addresses health inequalities in Scotland’s most deprived communities.
Together, they unpack the economic and social drivers of health, barriers to preventative care, and the importance of whole-system approaches to improving outcomes.
This powerful episode marks the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugale reflect on the events of July 1995, when over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered in a UN-declared "safe area" and 30,000 Bosnian Muslim women and children forcibly removed during the Bosnian War.
They are joined by Sabina Kadić-Mackenzie, Chair of the Scottish charity Beyond Srebrenica and a survivor of the genocide, who shares her personal story and the mission to ensure remembrance and education in Scotland and beyond. Sabina discusses the importance of bearing witness, the challenges of teaching genocide to young people, and the lingering tensions in Bosnia today.
Later, Dr. Richard Illingworth, Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Glasgow, joins to examine the global response to mass atrocities and the legacy of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine. What has R2P achieved in the past two decades — and where has it fallen short?
This episode explores difficult but essential questions: What does it mean to remember? What can be learned from failure? And how can the international community do better — not just in the past, but right now?
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of genocide, war crimes, and other themes listeners may find distressing.
Event: 30th Commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica: https://www.gla.ac.uk/events/listings/index.html/event/14177
Link to Richard’s article: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/348010/
In this special episode, we sit down with Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli as he prepares to step down after 16 transformative years as Principal of the University of Glasgow. We reflect on his time at the University and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for higher education in Scotland and beyond.
From steering the institution through global upheavals — including the financial crisis, Brexit, and the pandemic — to championing internationalisation while staying rooted in civic responsibility, Sir Anton shares candid insights on leadership, resilience, and the balancing act of marrying local impact with global ambition.
We also delve into the economic outlook under a new UK Government and the role of regional innovation in this. Graeme Roy joins us to answer the question ‘What is the Spending Review’ as we look ahead to the upcoming statement.
In this episode of Spotlight, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale are joined by Professors Nasar Meer and Sergi Pardos-Prado from the University of Glasgow to unpack the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper. This episode offers an evidence-based insight into the politics shaping UK immigration discourse.
The discussion explores the policy, politics and the rhetoric being used - particularly language like "island of strangers" and its implications for integration and public perception. They examine whether the proposals reflect genuine policy concerns or are driven by political positioning. Challenging some assumptions around immigration, including the idea of a zero-sum labour market and the notion that stricter conditions foster better integration. They also consider Scotland’s distinct workforce needs and the differences in response from the Scottish Government.
This week, co-hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale bring together three expert guests to delve into the outcomes and potential parallels of the recent 2025 elections in England, Australia, and Canada for a special Elections Bumper episode.
Nicola and Kez start us off with insights from Mark McGeoghegan, University of Glasgow researcher of nationalism and contentious politics, on local elections in England. Then Nicola brings us into conversation with Andre Lecours, world-leading scholar on Canadian politics from the University of Ottawa, who reflects on the outcomes of the Canadian federal election and implications for nationalism, fragmentation, and US/Canada relations. Finally, Kez speaks with Ariadne Vromen, previously at the Australian National Univeristy and now head of Political and International Studies at the University of Glasgow, who shares insights into the campaign lead-up and results of the Australian federal election.
Sign up to the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/stayintouch/
In this special Energy Bumper episode of Spotlight, host Kez Dugdale explores how global energy policy decisions are shaping communities and industries from Central America to Central Scotland.
First, Kez speaks with Dr Ewan Gibbs, Senior Lecturer in Economic and Social History, about the shifting energy and industrial landscape in Grangemouth and Scunthorpe — two UK towns at the frontline of transition debates.
Then, Dr Hannah Salamon interviews Rosilena Lindo Riggs, former National Secretary of Energy for Panama and a leading voice in climate and energy policy. Their conversation touches on Panama's path toward a sustainable future, the global ripple effects of U.S. policy, and the vital role of women in driving a just energy transition.
Two different perspectives on one global conversation on the future of energy.
What do young people want from our politics?
This week, Nicola McEwen is joined by Eddie Barnes and Elisabeth Loose from the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow to discuss their newly published UK Youth Poll 2025.
The UK Youth Poll 2025 explores the attitudes and priorities of young people aged 16-29 across the UK. The findings reveal strong support for democracy but concern for its future, with financial worries and material needs driving much of their anxiety. Young people are calling for a more honest, solutions-focused politics, while issues like toxic masculinity, racism, and the role of social media are also key concerns. Read the full findings at www.ukyouthpoll.com.
Our Associate Director, Kezia Dugdale hosted a political panel discussion, asking all the major parties in Scotland what we can expect to see from them in the run up to the election on the issues of poverty, public debt and the multi-level governance challenges at play.
During the panel we heard from the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville; Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP; Cllr Blair Anderson; Miles Briggs MSP; and Paul O’Kane MSP.
This was a joint conference the Centre for Public Policy hosted with Aberlour Children's Charity, centered on research with Professor Morag Treanor on how public debt practices can worsen families' experience of poverty.
This week our Spotlight hosts bring you interviews on two substantial topics from experts at the University of Glasgow. Nicola McEwen starts with a brief and timely insight from Marcin Kaczmarski about the outlook for Ukraine and Europe in response to the unpredictable directions coming from the White House. Kez Dugdale then brings you an in-depth conversation with Ken Gibb on reforming council tax and the recent rises we’ve been seeing across Scotland.
Read more about the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence here: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/
Today’s podcast focuses on a big question in public policy – why is prevention so hard? Can we spend money more wisely? Given the fiscal pressures on the system, prevention is now not just an option but a necessity to create sustainable public services. Policymakers know we should be tackling the root causes of issues, but systems, short-termism and complexity get in the way. We discuss overcoming these barriers with the former Auditor General for Scotland, Caroline Gardner, and Fiona Duncan, the Independent Strategic Advisor on The Promise Scotland.
With regular University of Glasgow hosts Prof. Graeme Roy and Prof. Nicola McEwen.
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the impact of austerity on life expectancy, population health and health inequalities across the UK. Since the early 2010s life expectancy stopped improving in the UK; in fact, for those living in the more disadvantaged areas, it actually declined. This means people have been dying younger and in larger numbers year on year.
Dr David Walsh and Professor Gerry McCartney, both from the University of Glasgow, have been working in the population health space for a long time and have published a book setting out the evidence on how austerity policies have impacted health inequalities.
Our regular host Kez Dugdale is joined by Centre for Public Policy colleague Dr Claire MacRae to discuss the findings.
You can now purchase the book ‘Social Murder? Austerity and life expectancy in the UK’, with all proceeds going to NHS charities: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-murder
In today’s episode, we’re discussing the big news of the week: the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Hosts Nicola and Kez speak to two experts in political philosophy and foreign policy to find out what the return of Trump means for the United States and the rest of the world.
Dr Michael Frazer, Lecturer in Politics at the University of Glasgow gives a political philosophy take on Trump, exploring what philosophers like Plato might tell us about his personality and how he might push – and potentially break – the boundaries of democracy in the US.
Juliet Kaarbo, Professor of Foreign Policy at the University of St Andrews and Scottish Council on Global Affairs, gives us fascinating insight into what Trump’s ho Trump might approach foreign policy, and what he might do on issues like Russian and Ukraine, and the Middle East.
Join the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/stayintouch/
Find out more about the Scottish Council on Global Affairs: https://scga.scot/
This week Kez speaks to Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK, and Ian Elliott, Senior Lecturer in Public Administration at the Centre for Public Policy.
We explore the Prime Minister’s new approach to government, drawing on a paper just published by Carnegie in collaboration with the Centre for Public Policy on Mission-Led Government. What does it mean in practice, and how can it move beyond a slogan? We discuss the practicalities of delivering these missions, the role of the Treasury, and lessons from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Plus, how can communication play a part in rebuilding public trust in government?
Read the paper: https://carnegieuk.org/publication/mission-led-government-a-radical-re-wiring-of-whitehall-or-another-failure-to-relaunch/
This week’s episode focuses on some of the vital work happening at the University of Glasgow in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and takes a look at some of the legal reforms passing through the Scottish Parliament on this issue.
Prof Sara Carter, the University’s Gender Equality Champion, highlights the campaigns and events happening across campus to mark the 16 Days of Activism. Kez speaks to Dr Anastacia Ryan about her new organisation ‘SISU’ and its work to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate gender-based violence and inequality. Kez then chats to Eamon Keane, co-director and Principal Solicitor of the Emma Ritch Clinic, about his work and the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill currently passing through the Scottish Parliament.
Content Warning: This episode focuses on Gender-Based Violence. If you would like to access support without listening further, please follow this link, which includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence.
Links mentioned during the episode:
-
SISU Website and Launch Event: https://www.sisu-group.org/events
-
Fight for the Night March and other events to mark the 16 Days by the SRC: https://www.glasgowunisrc.org/representation/campaigns/gender-equality/16days/
This week Kez Dugdale reflects with guests on what the Budget means for families at the sharp end of poverty across the UK. She speaks to Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Morag Treanor, Professor of Social Policy and Inequality at the University of Glasgow. Graeme Roy also walks us through the Budget process, what it means for Scotland and why the upcoming Scottish Government Budget might be slightly different to recent years.
With the US Presidential Elections on 5 November 2024 rapidly approaching, we’re bringing you two University of Glasgow experts to unpack the election campaign so far.
Hosts Professor Graeme Roy and Professor Nicola McEwen speak to Professor Christopher Carman, Stevenson Professor of Citizenship at the University of Glasgow, about the state of the race, the possible impacts of the results on the UK and the wider world, the role of misinformation and disinformation in the campaigns, and how the election itself might run.
Dr Hannah Salamon, Research Associate at the Centre for Public Policy, gives us a closer look at what the election might mean for climate policy, about the records of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on the climate, and the correlation between women’s representation and leadership and and climate outcomes, drawing on Hannah’s area of research. In her interview, Hannah uses the acronym EPA, which is the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Keep in touch - sign up to the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/stayintouch/
Find out more about the Stevenson Trust for Citizenship events: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/politics/stevensontrust/newsandevents/
In this episode Prof. Graeme Roy and Dr David Waite, both Senior Fellows at the Centre for Public Policy discuss alternative economic development approaches such as Doughnut Economics and Community Wealth Building that seek to balance growth with social and environmental justice to create more inclusive and sustainable cities.
They’re joined by Prof. Anne Green, City-REDI, University of Birmingham, and Richard Crisp, researcher at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University. They discuss the findings of their research with David on this topic and the policy context of these concepts.
In this episode Nicola McEwen speaks with Kezia Dugdale, former leader of Scottish Labour, and Stephen Noon former senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government, about their experiences of the referendum, the years that followed, and an upcoming report they’ve written for the Centre for Public Policy about what could be next for Scotland’s constitution. The report is designed to stimulate debate on the path to indyref2, further devolution and how the operation of the constitution relates to some of the big domestic social challenges we face.
In the second half of the episode Nicola and Kezia discuss public opinion and polling on independence and devolution with Mark McGeoghegan, a University of Glasgow researcher of nationalism and contentious politics and an Associate Member of the Centre on Constitutional Change.
To ensure make sure you don’t miss the upcoming report from the Centre for Public Policy, make sure to join our mailing list: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/stayintouch/
In this episode Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale from the Centre for Public Policy speak to the Rt Hon. Ken Macintosh, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, and Liz Lloyd, former Strategic Adviser and Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland. They discuss the First Minister’s Programme for Government announcement, what it means about the direction of this government and the fiscal challenges it faces. As two very experienced practitioners in this political event, they also dive into the process involved in drafting the Programme for Government and the Parliament's ability to scrutinise its content.
Our Spotlight: On the Election mini-series has wrapped up and we're returning to season three for the final episode of the season.
In this episode, host Graeme Roy is joined by former President of Ireland Professor Mary McAleese. Graeme and Mary talk about building bridges - the hallmark of her presidency from 1997 to 2011 - and how she took that philosophy and turned it into action.
They discuss social justice, the health of democracy and political leadership in Europe, taking the long view in policymaking and much, much more.
Sign up for the Centre for Public Policy mailing list to keep up with our latest updates:
bit.ly/CPPNewsletter
Watch the Donald Dewar Memorial Lecture on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_3SRvbIiv4
Hit subscribe on the UofG Spotlight podcast – we'll be back with season four soon!
This week our hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale are joined by Stephen Noon, former senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government, and Eddie Barnes, former adviser to Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservatives. They reflect on the key moments of the campaigns, the polls, what might happen on election night and what the results could mean.
In this episode of Spotlight: On the Election, we’re talking climate policy.
Featuring two interviews, with Chris Stark, Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust and Honorary Professor here at the Centre for Public Policy, and Professor Gioia Falcone, Director of the Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy at the University of Glasgow.
Can new oil exploration be compatible with the transition to net zero? Why is climate change not featuring in the election campaign? How can different levels of government work together on the issue of climate change? What is GB Energy and what will it do?
Visit the Centre for Public Policy blog to read more analysis in our Policy Insights series: www.gla.ac.uk/publicpolicy
In this episode of ‘Spotlight: On the Election’ Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale talk to Professor Sergi Pardos-Prado, Dr Dan Fisher and Professor Nasar Meer all experts from the University of Glasgow.
They talk about the UK’s attitude to immigration the current status of the UK’s asylum system and what each party is proposing to do about it.
We’re bringing you a bonus episode!
On Monday 17 June we brought together leaders from across civil society in an online event to discuss the #UKGeneralElection2024, reflecting on the campaigns to date, the most recent polling and what they hope to see in the closing stages of the race.
Steered by Kezia Dugdale, the episode features a discussion between Professor Nicola McEwen; Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations; Dr Emily Gray, IPSOS Scotland; Nathalie Agnew, Institute of Directors, Edinburgh and Lothians.
Visit the Centre for Public Policy website for more analysis:
www.gla.ac.uk/publicpolicy
In this episode of Spotlight: On the Election, Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale talk to the UK’s leading voice on Brexit and its impact in the UK, Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe at King's College London.
They talk about the recent European elections, what’s in the UK party manifestos on Europe ahead of the 4 July UK General Election, and what the UK and EU relationship might look like in the future.
Join us for Policy Insights Live, our live, online event on Monday 17 June. More info and sign up on the Centre for Public Policy website: www.gla.ac.uk/publicpolicy.
In this episode of ‘Spotlight: On the Election’ Prof. Kezia Dugdale speaks to Prof. Sir Anton Muscatelli, world leading economist and Principal of the University of Glasgow, about the big economic challenges facing the parties and the potential policy solutions for the next government.
Also in this episode, Prof. Graeme Roy and Dr Tanya Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Glasgow, discuss how these economic issues impact people’s lives, especially low-income households, and what the parties are proposing as solutions.
In this first episode of our ‘Spotlight: On the Election’ miniseries Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale from the Centre for Public Policy speak to Stephen Noon, former senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government, and Eddie Barnes, former adviser to Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservatives. They reflect on the timing of the election, what's likely happening in party HQs and the big seats to watch in the coming weeks.
In this episode Professor Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy speaks to Professor Sarah Armstrong, criminologist at the University of Glasgow. They discuss an important report by the Scottish Centre for Crime & Justice Research on deaths in custody and care in Scotland, titled Nothing to See Here?
On this week's episode we focus on The Promise - the term used for the work required to deliver the findings of a review published in 2020 into the care system and what it would take to ensure every child in Scotland could grow up loved, safe and respected.
We speak to Fraser McKinley, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland, the organisation set up to support and drive the change to deliver on the promise.
We also talk to Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK, about wider challenges around delivering on The Promise in the context of wider public sector reform.
On this special episode focussing on minority government, we speak to Geoff Aberdein, former FM chief of staff to Alex Salmond, and Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the UofG Centre for Public Policy.
They discuss what minority government might mean for Scotland, from day-to-day practicalities to potential implications longer term for the political process and public policy.
We are delighted to bring you this special episode on Minimum Unit Pricing, ahead of an anticipated rise by the Scottish Government later this spring.
Professor Nicola McEwen talks to Dr Peter Rice, a former addiction psychiatrist and President of the European Alcohol Policy Alliance. He is also Chair of the Institute of Alcohol Studies.
Dr Rice was one of the founders, and a former Chair, of the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), which was set up in 2006. He was part of the SHAAP group that developed the proposal for Minimum Unit Pricing in 2007, which was adopted by the Scottish Government, became law in 2012 and introduced in 2018.
This special episode focusses on the UK Budget detailed last week by the UK Chancellor.
Joining us for analysis are three of our UofG experts: Graeme Roy, Dean of external engagement here at the University of Glasgow, he also serves as Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission. Nicola McEwen is the Director of the Centre for Public Policy and Claire Macrae is a Senior Lecturer with research expertise on equality and risk distribution.
Together they’ll be looking at the fiscal choices the Chancellor made, what they mean for Scotland’s balance sheet and their impact on the UK public services more generally.
On this episode, we are joined by Dr Marianne Sensier, from the University of Manchester and The Productivity Institute, and Neil Lee, Professor of Economic Geography at the London School of Economics.
Marianne and Neil recently took part in a workshop at the University of Glasgow discussing the priorities for the Glasgow City region, as part of the University’s ‘policy lab’ with the Glasgow City Region Intelligence Hub.
The concept of these policy labs is to provide a way for policy makers to engage with the academic community, as well as key stakeholders - all with the aim of finding new solutions and ideas to 'wicked problems'.
After the workshop Marian and Neil joined Graeme Roy and David Waite, lead of the Glasgow Economic Development Policy Lab and Lecturer in Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow, to discuss regional inequalities and inclusive growth.
This episode investigates the relationship between traumatic brain injuries resulting from sporting activities and the link to dementia.
We talk to Dr Willie Stewart, Consultant Neuropathologist at the Queen Elizabeth and Honorary Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience, about the pioneering work being done at the University to demonstrate a link between sporting head injuries and dementia.
We also speak to Michael Marra, North East of Scotland Labour MSP, about his campaign Injury Time, and the current work to include footballing injuries in the scope of the proposed Industrial Injuries bill.
The theme for this week’s episode is climate change.
We speak to Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee.
We also talk to Dr Hannah Salamon, UofG Research Associate at the Centre for Public Policy, on the relationship between gender and climate change.
Back for Season 3!
On this episode we are joined by our new Spotlight co-host Professor Nicola McEwan. Nicola is Professor of Public Policy and Director of the new Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow.
We hear from Nicola about the exciting programme of work planned for the recently established Centre. We also have analysis around recent political developments including the SNP's annual conference and what October's bi-election results will mean for the coming general election.
In February 2023, Keith Tribe delivered a talk at the University of Oxford’s Balliol College as part of the Smith Around the World series. This event was held in advance of the annual Snell Dinner, commemorating the 17th century benefactor and Scot John Snell, whose generosity has enabled University of Glasgow students to pursue postgraduate degrees at Balliol. Famously, Adam Smith was a Snell exhibitioner, attending Oxford after his time as a student at Glasgow.
As an independent historian, economic scholar and expert in language and translation, Keith was an ideal speaker to discuss the dissemination of Smith’s ideas over time. He is a highly regarded economic historian and has held numerous posts throughout Europe, including as senior research fellow at the University of Tartu in Estonia.
In this podcast, Keith explores the ideas and thinking behind his talk with Professor Graeme Roy of the University of Glasgow.
In this episode, we speak to Professor Nicola McEwan, an expert in devolution and inter-governmental relations, who recently joined Glasgow to establish and run a new Centre for Public Policy.
We also talk to Theodore Koutmeridis about behavioural economics and how nudges – changes to the incentives that we face – can change the outcomes of policymaking.
Timestamps
Nicola McEwan: 1:03
Theodore Koutmeridis: 19:06
In this episode we speak to Chris Chapman, Professor of Educational Policy and Practice, and Graham Donaldson, an Honorary Professor at the School of Education, about the future direction of education policy in Scotland.
We also talk to Philip Whyte, Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland and one of the authors of a new report published this week called Tipping the scales which looks at the social and economic harms of poverty in Scotland today.
Timestamps
Chris Chapman and Graham Donaldson: 1:47
Philip Whyte: 19:26
On this episode, we talk to Dr Jill Robbie, from the School of Law, to discuss the importance of law and legal rights over water both here in Scotland and around the world.
We also speak to Spotlight co-host, Kezia Dugdale, about the work of the John Smith Centre and its role in promoting trust in politics and the political process.
Timestamps
Jill Robbie: 1:45
Kezia Dugdale: 23:16
On this episode, we talk to Jenni Snell, Chief Executive of the Young Women’s Movement on their new report on female access to healthcare.
We also speak to Professor Alex Trew on the phenomenon of ‘persistence’ in economic development and the continuing effect of historical events on modern day social outcomes
Time stamps:
Jenni Snell: 1:22
Alex Trew: 19:31
Season 2: Episode 14
On this episode, we talk to Dr Tanya Wilson from the UofG Adam Smith Business School about efforts within the economics profession to be more inclusive.
We also speak to Dr Dan Fisher and Dr Esa Aldgheree, two of the three authors of the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy.
On this episode, we talk to Dr Amy Thomas, Lecturer in Intellectual Property and Information Law at the School of Law and CREATe, the UK Copyright and Creative Economy Centre. Amy talks about her role as PI on a project funded by the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society into Author Earnings and Contracts, looking at earnings and inequalities within the sector and pressures post-pandemic.
We also hear from Spotlight co-host Professor Graeme Roy, speaking to Kez Dugdale in his capacity as Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission. Graeme talks about the role of the SFC and the findings of their new report on long term fiscal sustainability for Scotland.
Timestamps
Graeme Roy: 1:12
Amy Thomas: 17:43
On this episode we talk to Dr Fiona McKay from Strathclyde University and Dr Meryl Kenny from the University of Edinburgh about their research around the concept of the gender sensitive parliament.
We also speak to the School of Education's Dr Ria Dunkley about learning for sustainability and community-led environmental and climate action, as well as her work as part of the GALLANT project.
Time stamps
Dr Ria Dunkley: 1:27
Dr Fiona McKay and Dr Meryl Kenny: 25:15
On this episode we speak to Niall Mackenzie, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business History at the University of Glasgow's Adam Smith Business School. Niall talks about the history of the ‘Bennie Railplane’ from the early 20th century and and its relevance for contemporary debates on growth and economic development.
We also talk to Martin Canavan, Head of Policy and Participation at Aberlour Childcare Trust. He tells us about the campaign Aberlour and dozens of other anti-poverty organsations and campaigners are launching, calling on the Scottish Government to pause public debt recovery for low-income families in Scotland.
Timestamps
Niall Mackenzie: 1:22
Martin Canavan: 24:30
On this episode, we talk to Professor Tom Mullen about Section 35 of the Scotland Act and its recent use by the UK Government to prevent the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
We also speak to Professor Sharon Wright and Dr Anna Gawlewicz about their research on the impact of Covid19 on migrant workers.
Timestamps:
Professor Tom Mullen: 1:38
Professor Sharon Wright and Dr Anna Gawlewicz: 27:30
Further links:
Migrant Essential Workers exhibition: https://migrantessentialworkers.com/en/exhibition/
2023 is the tercentenary of the birth of Adam Smith. A key pillar of the Scottish Enlightenment his ideas have had huge influence in economics, law, philosophy and the arts.
Smith was a student, professor and rector of the University of Glasgow. Throughout the year, the University of Glasgow will be running a series of events and activities to spark a renewed conversation about his world-changing ideas and their relevance for the problems of the 21st century.
We are very grateful for the support of the John Templeton Foundation for this project.
To kick start our Spotlight podcast for 2023, we have brought together some diverse academics at Glasgow – covering a range of disciplines – to chat about Adam Smith and his contribution. In the Chair, is Craig Smith, who is the Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment.
Craig is joined by Glen Pettigrove, Professor of Moral Philosophy; Sayantan Goshal, the Adam Smith Professor of Political Economy; Dr Tanya Wilson, Lecturer in Economics; Dr Maha Rafi Atal, Lecturer in Global Economy; and Bob McMaster, Professor of Political Economy.
Further links
UofG Adam Smith 300 website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/adamsmith300/
On this episode, we talk to Anand Menon, Professor of European Politics & Foreign Affairs at King's College London and the Director of UK in a Changing Europe. We discuss Scotland’s constitutional future, the impact of Brexit and how the UK’s political landscape might change in the coming months.
We also speak to Nicole Busby, Professor in Human Rights, Equality and Justice at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law, about the Scottish Civil Justice Hub initiative and what civil justice encompasses.
On this episode, we talk to Murray Pittock, Pro-Vice Principal at the University of Glasgow and Bradley Chair of English Literature, about the research in his new book 'Scotland: The Global History: 1603 to the Present' which seeks to place the international Scotland that we see today into a historical context.
We also speak to Jocelyne Fleming, one of the authors of the ‘Road to Home’ report produced by the UK Wide Centre for Housing Evidence, looking at the role the University can play to both understand the issue of homelessness and address its root causes.
Timestamps
Murray Pittock: 1:03
Jocelyne Fleming: 20:37
On this episode we speak to Ken Gibb, Professor of Housing Economics, about what the autumn statement might mean for housing policy and energy efficiency standards, and learn about the University’s forthcoming ‘Road to Home’ report.
We also talk to Dr Christine Hadfield from the School of Education, about her and her colleagues' work looking at the impact of COVID-19 on young people and what more we can do to tackle the legacy effects from the global pandemic.
Timestamps
Christine Hadfield: 0:52
Ken Gibb: 17:43
On this episode, we speak to Tom Scotto, Professor in Politics at the University of Glasgow, about what expect from the US mid-terms that are taking place on 8 November.
On this episode, we talk to Dr Hayes Mabweazara, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Glasgow, and one of a team of researchers investigating the health of Scotland’s media. Here, he discusses the findings of their recently published report.
We also speak to Dr Andrew Hoolachan, Lecturer in Planning at the University of Glasgow. Dr Hoolachan reflects on how we might redesign our city centres including Glasgow, if we are to meet net zero climate targets, and what the potential implications might be for the economy and day-to-day life.
On this episode, we talk to Dr Hayes Mabweazara, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Glasgow, and one of a team of researchers investigating the health of Scotland’s media. Here, he discusses the findings of their recently published report.
We also speak to Dr Andrew Hoolachan, Lecturer in Planning at the University of Glasgow. Dr Hoolachan reflects on how we might redesign our city centres including Glasgow, if we are to meet net zero climate targets, and what the potential implications might be for the economy and day-to-day life.
On this episode, we speak to Jim Phillips, Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Glasgow. Jim talks about the key industrial disputes of the 1970s and 1980s and what we can learn from those experiences in the current climate of industrial relations.
We also speak to Citizens Advice Scotland and their Head of Communications, Kieron Higgins, as part of Challenge Poverty Week. Kieron talks about the findings of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s annual Poverty in Scotland publication, and what’s happening on the ground in communities across Scotland.
On this episode, we speak to Jim Phillips, Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Glasgow. Jim talks about the key industrial disputes of the 1970s and 1980s and what we can learn from those experiences in the current climate of industrial relations.
We also speak to Citizens Advice Scotland and their Head of Communications, Kieron Higgins, as part of Challenge Poverty Week. Kieron talks about the findings of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s annual Poverty in Scotland publication, and what’s happening on the ground in communities across Scotland.
On this episode, we speak to Jeane Freeman and Michael Russell, curators of the ‘Future Global Shocks’ lecture series being held this autumn by the University of Glasgow in conjunction with the Campaign for Social Science.
We also talk to one of the speakers in the series, Professor Richard Davies (University of Bristol), about what constitutes a resilient economy.
On this episode, we speak to Jeane Freeman and Michael Russell, curators of the ‘Future Global Shocks’ lecture series being held this autumn by the University of Glasgow in conjunction with the Campaign for Social Science.
We also talk to one of the speakers in the series, Professor Richard Davies (University of Bristol), about what constitutes a resilient economy.
This podcast summer special features Professor Graeme Roy in discussion with David Blanchflower, Professor of Economics at the University of Glasgow's Adam Smith Business School. Professor Blanchflower shares his views on academics' contribution to policy debates outside of academia and tips on what to do when sharing your knowledge with a wider audience.
This podcast summer special features Professor Graeme Roy in discussion with David Blanchflower, Professor of Economics at the University of Glasgow's Adam Smith Business School. Professor Blanchflower shares his views on academics' contribution to policy debates outside of academia and tips on what to do when sharing your knowledge with a wider audience.
In anticipation of the new season of our Spotlight podcast, we are delighted to bring you this special episode as a trailer of our forthcoming topics and discussions.
Kez Dugdale is joined by Kieran Andrews, Political Editor of the Times in Scotland, to discuss the forthcoming Programme for Government and what it means for politics and public policy over the next 12 months.
In anticipation of the new season of our Spotlight podcast, we are delighted to bring you this special episode as a trailer of our forthcoming topics and discussions.
Kez Dugdale is joined by Kieran Andrews, Political Editor of the Times in Scotland, to discuss the forthcoming Programme for Government and what it means for politics and public policy over the next 12 months.
On this episode we speak to Dr Ċetta Mainwaring, Lecturer in Sociology at Glasgow, about her research on migration and borders.
We also talk to Professor Rebecca Madgin (University of Glasgow) and Dr Jaideep Gupte (AHRC) about a new research programme across the UK to examine the value of place in our economic and social development of communities.
Timestamps
Dr Ċetta Mainwaring: 00:53
Professor Rebecca Madgin and Dr Jaideep Gupte: 23:25
On this episode of Spotlight, we focus on productivity as well as the issue of skills and training policy.
Graeme Roy talks to Professor Bart Van Ark, the Managing Director of the UK Productivity Institute, about why productivity is important and what the latest work of the Institute is telling us about productivity in the UK and beyond.
He then chats to Professor Mel Simms, Dean of Research in the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow and a Professor of Work and Employment in the Adam Smith Business School about social dialogue i.e. how workers and employers’ representative organizations discuss and negotiate issues around work, employment and the economy.
Timestamps
Professor Bart Van Ark: 01:32
Professor Mel Simms: 28:04
On this episode, we focus on public policy as it effects care experienced young people.
In October 2016, the First Minister made a commitment that Scotland would “come together and love its most vulnerable children to give them the childhood they deserve.” She announced an Independent Root and Branch Review of Care (“the Care Review”), driven by those with experience of care.
A promise was made to children and young people that day by the most powerful people in the country. With political will and resources, the recommendations in the review would be delivered in full by 2030.
The Promise Scotland is responsible for driving the work of change demanded by the findings of the Independent Care Review. This week, two years on from the review’s publication, the Oversight board of the Promise has produced its first progress report on that 10-year transformation plan.
Graeme Roy speaks to Fiona Duncan and David Anderson of The Promise to explore its findings.
The Promise Oversight Board is critical to ensuring that the Promise made to Scotland's children and families is kept. More information on the work of the Oversight Board and its membership, which includes Spotlight podcast host Kezia Dugdale, can be found at: https://thepromise.scot/
On this episode we speak to Gerry McCartney, the UK's first Professor of Wellbeing Economy, about the interdependencies between the environment, society and the economy.
We also talk to Professor Vittal Katikireddi from Glasgow’s Social and Public Health Sciences Unit on the social determinants of health outcomes.
Timestamps
Professor Vittal Katikireddi: 01:50
Professor Gerry McCartney: 22:42
On this episode we are joined by Dr Joanna Szostek, Lecturer in Political Communication at the School of Political and Social Sciences, and an expert on Central and Eastern European media. She talks about the War in Ukraine and the current political landscape.
We also speak to Dr Mark Wong, Lecturer in Public Policy and Research Methods in Urban Studies, about the importance of how we collect data and information to inform public policy - and how the methods we use to collect and process information can themselves lead to biases in decision-making.
Timestamps:
Dr Joanna Szostek: 1:10
Dr Mark Wong: 18:32
On this episode we are joined by Dr Shivali Fifield from the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland to talk about access to healthy environments as a human right and how to make those rights real.
We also speak to Petra Meier, Professor of Public Health at UofG, and Director of the UKPRP-funded Sipher Consortium, a UK-wide hub for Systems Science in Public Health & Economic Research. She discusses her work on economic inequalities and health outcomes and the need for a system-wide view at tackling challenges of poverty, health and sustainability.
Time stamps:
Petra Meier: 01:13
Shivali Fifield: 22: 51
This episode marks a year of the Spotlight podcast. We talk to David McAllister, Communications Manager at Planning Aid Scotland, who discusses the importance of citizens having a voice and a sense of agency over the planning system. We also speak to Spotlight podcast host Kezia Dugdale in her capacity as Director of the John Smith Centre. She reflects on the work of the centre, talking about their research on current levels of trust in politics and public service.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has shocked the world. Currently millions of Ukrainians have fled the country, while millions more are trapped under horrific circumstances. Thousands of civilians and soldiers have been killed and the scale of the humanitarian crisis continues to grow.
On Thursday 17th March, our colleagues in the University’s School of Social and Political Sciences’ Central and Eastern European Studies and International Relations hosted a Q&A webinar on the subject of Russia’s war on Ukraine. On this special episode of Spotlight, we bring you the recording of this webinar.
Among the topics discussed were the causes of the war; Russian brutality and the fight for freedom and democracy by Ukraine; Russia’s political system and relations with Russia; and are governments around the world doing enough?
As hundreds of thousands of people flee Ukraine and seek refuge in Moldova, Poland and other EU countries, in this episode we're taking a moment to focus on another refugee crisis, the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, with Sabir Zazai from the Scottish Refugee Council.
Adam Smith was a former student, professor and director at the University of Glasgow and is one of Scotland's most famous figures of the 18th century. 2023 marks Adam Smith's tercentenary and to discuss his legacy we're joined by Dr Craig Smith, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in the Scottish Enlightenment.
Timestamps:
Sabir Zazai: 01:14
Dr Craig Smith: 19:30
In this episode, we're discussing Scotland's place in the world and inequalities in our economy.
Professor Peter Jackson, Chair in Global Security at the University of Glasgow, tells us about the cross-university initiative, Scottish Council on Global Affairs, which aims to bring together Scotland's world-class expertise in international relations.
Meanwhile, Kat Riach, Professor of Organisational Studies at the Adam Smith Business School, talks about her research into ageism at work and age discrimination in the labour market. Her pioneering research on the menopause is helping to change workplace practices.
Timestamps:
Prof Peter Jackson: 01:14
Prof Kat Riach: 22:53
This week, Graeme and Kezia are joined by Professor Kirsteen McCue, Professor of Scottish Literature and Song Culture at the University of Glasgow as well as Co-Director of the University's Centre for Robert Burns Studies.
With Burns Night last week, it seemed the ideal time to learn more about Burns' work, his relevance for today and the research of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies.
Among her many roles, Kirsteen is a member of the editorial team for the new Oxford University Press edition of the works of Robert Burns.
The music used in this month's podcast are 'A Man’s a Man' and 'Auld Lang Syne' from 'Robert Burns Choral Settings – from Schumann to MacMillan', a joint project between the Centre for Robert Burns Studies and the Chapel Choir at Glasgow University, supported by the University’s Chancellor’s Fund and the CRBS. You can find out more and hear these arrangements in full along with many others at https://www.burnschoral.glasgow.ac.uk/
Happy New Year! In our first episode of 2022, we chat with Gina Davidson, Political Editor of LBC Radio in Scotland, to get an expert overview of what lies in store for the year ahead.
We also talk to Professor Eugenio Proto, the Alex Cairncross Professor of Economics at the University of Glasgow, to find out about his research on mental health during the pandemic, including some unexpected findings on the personality types that were affected the most.
Timestamps
Gina Davidson: 1:27
Eugenio Proto: 27:30
In our last episode of 2021, we speak to Alison Watson, Director of the housing and homelessness charity Shelter Scotland.
We also talk to Sandy Stark and Oonagh Brown from the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Difficulties (SCLD). They discuss their new app ‘Human Rights Town’, developed by and for people with learning disabilities to help people know and understand their human rights.
Timestamps
Alison Watson: 1:10
Sandy Stark and Oonagh Brown: 21:26
In this episode, with Living Wage Week having ended last week, we speak with Professor Ros Searle about her work on the relationship between the living wage, worker performance and wellbeing and business productivity.
Kezia Dugdale talks to Professor Graeme Roy about the forthcoming Scottish Budget, asking whether or not annual set piece Budget announcements – in the UK, in Scotland or anywhere – are a good way of making effective long-term financial decisions.
We also hear from Emily Rice, Energy Policy Officer at Citizens Advice Scotland, who discusses the implications of rising energy costs this winter.
Timestamps
Professor Ros Searle: 1:10
Professor Graeme Roy: 26:20
Emily Rice: 46:25
This episode marks the 20th edition of Spotlight.
In this second COP26 special, we speak to Dr Catherine Happer about the role of the media and social media in informing people’s attitudes on climate change and their trust in the political process.
We also talk to Professor Jaime Toney, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Solutions at UofG, who is an expert in the science of climate change.
We also hear from the CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland, Derek Mitchell, who reflects on how advice services adapted during the pandemic and trends observed.
Timestamps:
Dr Catherine Happer: 01:25
Prof Jaime Toney: 16:10
Derek Mitchell: 26:48
On this COP26 special episode we speak to Dr Henry Lovat and Dr Gigi Jokubauskaite on issues around Climate Law and Governance.
We also talk to Professor John Crawford about global soil health in the context of climate change.
In the first of a three-part series, we also hear from Rory Mair, Chair of Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland, about the prospects of low-income families over the coming winter.
Timestamps
John Crawford: 02:10
Henry Lovat and Gigi Jokubauskaite: 21:35
Rory Mair: 45:35
On this episode we look at the current legislative issue in the Scottish Parliament of assisted dying, talking to two experts in the field.
We speak to Ben Colburn, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Glasgow, and Ally Thomson, the Scotland Director of the Campaign for Dignity in Dying.
On this week’s episode we speak to Professor Alison Phipps, UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts, and Hyab Yohannes, UofG PhD scholar, about their work on refugees and their integration into the societies that they have come to.
We also talk to Dr Ali Fraser, Director of the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research, about his research on public health, youth and violence reduction, including work on the ‘Changing Violence’ project.
Timestamps
01:03 Dr Ali Fraser
21:52 Professor Alison Phipps and Hyab Yohannes
On this week’s episode, we consider the issues around Scottish Independence, with this week marking 7 years since the 2014 Referendum.
Graeme Roy speaks to Professor Adam Tomkins, John Millar Professor of Public Law at the University of Glasgow and former Conservative Party MSP and adviser to the Strathclyde Commission.
Kezia Dugdale talks to Professor Stephen Gethins, Professor of Practice at the University of St Andrews and former SNP MP for North-East Fife and previously Special Adviser to the Scottish Government.
Timestamps
01:25 Professor Adam Tomkins
28:25 Professor Stephen Gethins
This week we chat to Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of the Carnegie UK Trust, a hugely influential charitable trust, about Nicola Sturgeon’s upcoming Programme for Government.
We also speak with Andy Philip, Political Editor of the Press & journal, to discuss where opposition parties, businesses and lobbying/campaigning organisations fit in shaping what happens after the Programme is announced.
Finally, we welcome back Jamie Livingstone from Oxfam Scotland for his third and final instalment on all things COP26.
Timestamps
01:02 Sarah Davidson
22:58 Andy Philip
36:10 Jamie Livingstone
On this episode, we speak to Jim McCormick, CEO of the Robertson Trust, which provides funding and support to those tackling poverty and trauma in Scotland.
We also talk to Dr Ewan Gibbs, an economic historian at the University of Glasgow, who unpacks some of the recent debates around oil and gas, renewables and Scotland’s economy.
Finally, Jamie Livingston from Oxfam Scotland provides analysis on the forthcoming COP26.
Timecodes
00:52 Introduction to Jim and the purpose of the Robertson Trust
03:24 Progress around ‘preventative spend’ agenda?
06:26 What have learnt from the pandemic?
09:23 Growing case for the ‘wellbeing’ economy
12:55 Why is it different from a tax credit system?
14:15 Lines in this debate between individual vs. structural support?
19:50 Selling of politics to the populace
22:43 Introduction by Graeme to the evolution of the modern economy and energy issues
23:38 Introduction to Ewan and overview of Scotland’s economy in relation to the energy sector
32:10 Current debate re: shift in energy use
36:36 Nature of the industry and job creation
40:38 Levers to investment
45:51 Jamie Livingstone, Oxfam Scotland, on COP26
On this week’s episode we speak to Professor David Bell about the levelling up agenda and the thorny debate over the replacement for EU Structural Funds.
We are also joined by Darren Hughes, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society, which this week has published a key report on 20 years of proportional representation in the UK.
Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam in Scotland, also kicks off his series on COP26: what it is all about and what to expect from the November conference.
Timestamps
David Bell
1:02 Regional Equalities and Brexit
8:07 Levelling up and the Shared Prosperity Fund
15:17 Correct policy response to regional spending of funds
20:54 Coordination of local, regional and national governments in delivering outcomes
Darren Hughes
26:24 Overview of ERS report on 20 years of PR
29:10 The Westminster system and recent UK elections
31:28 The relationship between research and policy development
36:12 Likelihood of change to the UK system
40:21 The place of referenda as a democratic tool
45:24 Developing role of private money in UK politics
James Livingstone
50:27 Introduction to COP26
On this week’s episode we take our first look at some environmental issues. We speak to Dr Natalie Weldon, who is a Lecturer in Environmental Science at the University of Glasgow’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies, who discusses the relationship between plastics and our seas.
We also talk to Adam Lang, the head of Nesta in Scotland, to examine the public’s relationship with tech and politicians’ relationship with academia.
On this episode, Kezia Dugdale speaks to Professor Jane Mair, Head of the School of Law. Professor Mair reflects on the status of Civil Law in Scotland, how it’s evolving and what the new committee make up of the Scottish Parliament might mean for advancing civil justice.
Graeme Roy talks to Professor Ellen Boeren, from the School of Education, about the adult education landscape. She considers who is studying and learning later in life, what that tells us about educational inequality and whether our system is meeting the needs of the modern economy.
On this week’s episode, we reflect upon 10 years since the publication of the Christie Commission on public services reform.
Graeme Roy speaks to Professor James Mitchell from the University of Edinburgh, a member of the Christie Commission, to get his reflections on where progress has been made.
Kezia Dugdale talks to Caroline Gardner, former Auditor General in Scotland and someone who has been actively involved in the public service reform debate in Scotland.
We also hear from Kirsty Peebles, Managing Director of News Direct, who gives us an update on Scottish Parliament activities prior to the summer recess.
On this week’s episode, Graeme Roy speaks to Dr Heather Wardle, Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Reader in Sociology at the University of Glasgow, about the upcoming review of the UK Gambling Act and how to survive as a researcher in an area with powerful interest groups.
Kezia Dugdale also talks to Ruth Davidson, former Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, whose Channel 4 documentary exploring the relationship between football and gambling aired this week.
We also hear from Kirsty Peebles, Managing Director of News Direct, who gives us an update on the Scottish Parliament and progress made on the set-up of parliamentary committees.
This week’s episode focuses on the topic of education, with two guest speakers from the University of Glasgow’s School of Education.
Kezia Dugdale speaks to Louise Hayward, Professor of Educational Assessment and Innovation, who reflects on the recent controversies over school exams in the UK during the last year and the future of student assessment in schools.
Graeme Roy talks to Chris Chapman, Professor of Education Policy and Practice and Director of Policy Scotland, about the current state of Scotland’s schools, progress on narrowing the attainment gap and that long-awaited OECD report into Scotland’s curriculum due next month.
We also hear from Kirsty Peebles, Managing Director of News Direct, Spotlight’s new regular guest commentator. Kirsty shares her thoughts on what’s in store for newly formed Scottish Parliament in the coming weeks.
On our first episode following Scottish Parliament elections, Kezia Dugdale speaks to Will Jennings, Professor of Political Science at the University of Southampton and elections analyst for Sky News, about election results and trends elsewhere in the UK.
Graeme Roy talks to Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, about his predictions for the UK’s economic recovery post-COVID.
We also hear from Kirsty Peebles, Managing Director of News Direct, as Spotlight’s new regular guest commentator. Kirsty shares her predictions on what to expect from the Scottish Parliament in the coming weeks.
On this episode, Graeme Roy talks to Professor Sarah Armstrong from the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research and Dr Lucy Pickering of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow to discuss inequalities and COVID, looking at their research project ‘Scotland in Lockdown’.
As we go live on polling day, Kezia Dugdale speaks to Professor Nicola McEwan from the University of Edinburgh to explore some of the underlying themes of the political campaign in Scotland and Wales, and what this means for the future of the United Kingdom.
We also have our final political round-up from Katrine Bussey, Political Editor of the Press Association Scotland, and her thoughts on the election ‘count’ – what to expect and when to expect it.
On this episode, Graeme Roy talks to David Phillips, Associate Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, on the tax and spending announcements of the main political parties in this election campaign.
Kezia Dugdale speaks to James Chalmers, Regius Professor of Law at the University of Glasgow, about the potential for judicial reform around the ‘Not Proven’ verdict.
We also have the latest political predictions for the week from Katrine Bussey, Political Editor of the Press Association Scotland.
On this episode, Graeme Roy speaks to Professor Chris Carman, Stevenson Professor of Citizenship, and postdoc Dr Fraser McMillan. Chris and Fraser discuss their latest Scottish Election Study research and what it is telling us about public attitudes and how they might shape outcome of the election.
Kezia Dugdale talks to Professor Danny Blanchflower on the topic of economic wellbeing and happiness.
We also hear from Katrine Bussey, Political Editor of the Press Association Scotland with this week's political forecast.
On this episode Graeme Roy talks to Sharon Wright, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Glasgow, on the topic of inequalities and welfare reform policy implementation.
Kezia Dugdale also interviews Annie Gunner Logan, Chief Executive of the Coalition of Care and support Providers in Scotland, on ideas to reform social care in Scotland.
We also have a weekly round-up of the latest political news from Katrine Bussey, Political Editor of the Press Association.
On this episode, Kezia Dugdale talks to Gina Davidson, Deputy Political Editor of The Scotsman, on what it is like for a journalist to be reporting during an election campaign.
Graeme Roy speaks to leading polling expert Mark Diffley on how policy is reported and how decisions are made on what goes into a party manifesto - and what doesn't.
We are also joined by Katrine Bussey, Political Editor of the Press Association, who gives us an insight into what will make it into the news this week.
In this first episode of the UofG Spotlight Podcast, Kezia Dugdale talks to Professor Graeme Roy about Scottish party political manifestos, their costing - and credibility. Graeme also talks to Professor Ken Gibb on the subject of housing policy.