Join us for our virtual AGM and Conference where the topic will be, ‘What next for Levelling up? Regional inequalities and the cost-of-living crisis’.
As the regional support body for the North East VCSE sector, our conference will be an opportunity to explore the levelling up agenda with a regional perspective – how can we tackle regional inequalities within the context of the cost-of-living crisis?
Our conference brings together VCSE leaders and senior managers, policy makers and other regional stakeholders to discuss important issues facing the sector. This year, we’re thrilled to be joined by John McCabe, Chief Executive of North East Chamber of Commerce, Keith Burge, Managing Director of ERS and Luke Myer, Research Fellow at IPPR North.
Take a look at the conference agenda and learn more about our speakers below:
Conference agenda:
Levelling Up Strategy: Missions, funding and what’s happened so far? Levelling Up in light of the cost-of-living crisis – Keith Burge, Managing Director, ERS
Cross sector importance of Levelling Up for the North East region and regional response – John McCabe, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce
Progressive Levelling Up and the role of the VCSE sector – Luke Myer, Research Fellow, IPPR North
Q&A for speakers
Breakout room discussions:
- How can central and local government best empower community organisations?
- In what ways are VCSE organisations better positioned than government to 'level up' communities? What conditions do we require to enable us to play our part?
- What examples are there of local government working differently with community organisations in the North East?
- How do we make devolution work better for communities across the country?
- Which of the 12 missions would you prioritise?
- How do we measure success?
Meet the speakers
Keith Burge, Managing Director, ERS and Trustee at Virgin Money Foundation
Keith has been involved in economic development and regeneration for more than 30 years, both as a practitioner and consultant.
He graduated in Economics from Sheffield University and began his career at HM Treasury in London, where he worked in the Industrial Policy Division, providing advice to senior officials and Government Ministers on initiatives designed to promote enterprise.
He went on to work for the Northern Development Company, initially in the inward investment section, before moving into the Regional Development team and finally the Economic Research Office.
Since 1994 he has been Managing Director of ERS Ltd., which has established itself as a leading national consultancy, specialising in economic development and regeneration.
Keith served as a Director of the Institute of Economic Development (IED) for 15 years, including 4 years as Chair, for which he was awarded an Honorary Life Fellowship of the Institute.
Keith’s mid-life crises include attempting to run long distances for no good reason and a mission to acquire all versions of Shrewsbury Town’s first choice shirts over the past 40 years (he’s at 22 and counting).
John McCabe, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce
John McCabe is chief executive of North East England Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber seeks to be a collaborative force for good, building a stronger, fairer and more inclusive economy in the region.
He previously held senior roles with some of the largest organisations in the North East specialising in corporate affairs, economic development and strategic communications.
Having spent many years working in and with large organisations and subsequently starting and growing his own small business, John is well-placed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the North East.
In addition to leading the Chamber John is a trustee of Millfield House Foundation, the North East charity that funds policy work to address poverty and inequality in the region and a member of the Prince’s Trust development committee which supports young people into education, employment and enterprise.
Luke Myers, Research Fellow, IPPR North
Based in Redcar, Luke’s research is focussed on the role of the North East in major policy agendas, including devolution, ‘levelling up’ and net zero. His work develops progressive solutions to make the North East fairer, greener, and stronger.
Prior to joining IPPR North, Luke worked in education policy, including on lifelong learning, higher education standards, and creating opportunities for disadvantaged young people. He is a qualified teacher, and worked in roles at the Quality Assurance Agency, National Association for Pastoral Care, Edge Hill University, and the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. In 2019, he was given a national campaigning award for work to support LGBT+ young people in education.
After the event
Following the AGM & Conference you’ll receive our digital delegate pack and you’ll be invited to our VONNE members networking event in December, hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson. This in-person event at Newcastle Helix, is an opportunity for our members to meet our team and for us to say thank you for allowing us to continue our work to strengthen and support the North East’s VCSE sector. We look forward to seeing you there!
You can find out more about the event and register your place here.
Many thanks to our sponsors, the Engagement Team at Newcastle University, Northern Powergrid, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Womble Bond Dickinson for their support .
