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“See, hear and feel the system”: What social change for public good means when you’re part of the power structures you’re trying to change

Danielle Walker Palmour. Director, Friends Provident Foundation For any charity or organisation that holds private resources in service of a public mission, one question sits at the heart of its legitimacy: what does it mean to pursue social change when you are also part of the very systems you seek to transform? The more resources … Continue reading “See, hear and feel the system”: What social change for public good means when you’re part of the power structures you’re trying to change

Profit for Social Change

by Mark Freeman, Professor of Finance and the Associate Dean (Partnerships, Engagement, and International) for the Faculty of Social Sciences.  I sometimes find myself questioning the prevailing wisdom within universities on how we might best drive social change. Within many of our departments, there is a deep-seated belief that the most noble and effective way … Continue reading Profit for Social Change

Developing higher education for driving social change

Jeremy Moulton, Senior Lecturer, Department of Politics and International Relations A few years ago, going through my grandmother’s house, I found an old newspaper clipping. The clipping was from the front page of a local newspaper, proudly sharing the news that my mum, then 22, had graduated from university. Discussing this story with my mum … Continue reading Developing higher education for driving social change

Achieving social change in an era of polarisation: Three lessons from a social justice leader

Helen Barnard, Director of Policy, Research and Impact, Trussell At the start of 2025 I was deeply honoured to be given an honorary doctorate by the University of York, and to be asked to give a speech at the graduation ceremony. I thought about the hall full of bright, dedicated students receiving their degrees that … Continue reading Achieving social change in an era of polarisation: Three lessons from a social justice leader

What Counts as “Social Change for Public Good”? A York perspective on people, data, and action

by Kate Pickett, Professor of Epidemiology at University of York When a city acts to reduce child poverty, improve air quality, or boost local schools, who really leads the change – and why does it matter for everyone’s health and wellbeing? In this blog, I’m looking at the work of the Born in Bradford Centre … Continue reading What Counts as “Social Change for Public Good”? A York perspective on people, data, and action

Understanding societal challenges to achieve social change for public good

By Karen Rowlingson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of York A new Social Change Catalyst at York The University of York was founded in the 1960s with a strong social purpose, drawing on a rich tradition of social justice and a mission to combat inequality in a way that is distinctive to … Continue reading Understanding societal challenges to achieve social change for public good