Making waves: Building on Joseph Rowntree’s legacy
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is partnering with the York Festival of Ideas to mark 100 years since the York confectionary businessman, social reformer and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree died.
Exploring Joseph Rowntree's remarkable life, we will look at the impact his work had on the city of York and how his legacy continues to support a vision of a more equal society, free from poverty. This session will also address the Rowntree colonial legacy.
More information for the sessions will be available on Friday 2 May. If you are interested in attending, please contact events@jrf.org.uk.
More about this event
The event is split into 2 sessions.
Session 1: Economic growth – who actually benefits?
11am-12.30pm
The UK has high poverty levels and extreme wealth inequality, leaving many feeling financially insecure. While a strong economy can boost wages and jobs, it won't necessarily reduce poverty – especially if growth mainly benefits the wealthy.
At the same time, global instability and rising energy costs are shaping shifting government priorities, including a move from foreign aid to defence spending.
Our expert panel will examine these structural challenges and assess the impact of economic growth on households’ financial resilience.
Speakers
- Paul Kissack, Chief Executive, JRF
- Rachael Maskll, MP York Central
- Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive, New Economics Foundation
- Ruth Curtis, CEO, Resolution Foundation
- Hetan Shah, Chief Executive, British Academy
Session 2: Sustainable futures through regional growth
1.15pm-2.45pm
In our second session, we’ll explore the connection between growth, sustainability and inequality. The panel will look at how economic forces affect inequality, health, social ties and the environment, and consider how new devolved powers might improve housing, education, health, energy and transport locally.
How can we support policies that encourage us all to see the world differently, and rethink an economic system to promote both growth and improve quality of life for all?
Join us for a lively discussion about creating a fairer future in our region.
Speakers
- Paul Kissack, Chief Executive, JRF
- Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, York City Council
- Prof Kate Pickett, University of York
- Dr Cahal Moran, Behavioural Economist, LSE and author ‘Why we are getting poorer: a realist's guide to the economy and how we can fix it’
- Tom McKenzie, Co-founder and MD of Spark, York/ York Social Enterprise Coalition (YSEC)
- Ryan Shorthouse, Executive Chair, BrightBlue
Who is this event for?
York Festival of Ideas attracts people of all ages and interests through its diverse programme of over 200 mostly free in person and online events. These include talks by world-class speakers, panel discussions, exhibitions, guided walks, music, theatre and interactive family activities.
Offering events for free opens up opportunities to those who might not otherwise attend, while online events attract those who cannot participate in person for a variety of reasons. Last year the Festival was enjoyed by an audience of nearly 60,000.