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The Policy Connect network of groups produces an enormous amount of news, commentary, research and resources, in addition to the busy and varied events programmes that each group operates. On this page, we pick the best bits of news from across the network.

Do visit each group's own website for more news and information about about that group's activities. If you have any questions about any aspect of the Policy Connect network, don't hesitate to get in contact with us.

Woman reading the Higher Education Commission degree apprenticeships report

Worth the Wait? Policy Connect Responds to the Augar Review

30th May 2019
For months, in conversations among members of FE and HE, often over warm orange juice and cold croissants at sector conferences and panels, the launch of the Government’s Post-18 Review of Education and Funding has been anticipated. For those who are tired of hearing themselves quip – “let’s see what Augar recommends…” – the report has finally landed.
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Trust, Transparency and Tech: cover

Cross-party think tank Policy Connect and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Data Analytics calls for national ‘settlement’ on public data collection and analysis with a ‘public good’ test

21st May 2019
Policy Connect and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Data Analytics call for strong deal on public ‘right to know’ for artificial intelligence upon publishing technology and data ethics inquiry findings.
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Greta Thunberg addresses APPCCG event audience

Greta Thunberg addresses Parliament at All-Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group meeting

25th April 2019
On Tuesday, 22nd April, the APPCCG and Policy Connect teamed up with a wide range of other Non-Governmental Organisations to host student climate activist Greta Thunberg at a special parliamentary reception.
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Future of the Skills System skills commission

NEW INQUIRY: Creating a vision for FE and skills in England: How can we build a skills system that responds to local needs and future economic and social priorities?

13th March 2019
Policy Connect, the Skills Commission and Learning and Work Institute are launching a collaborative inquiry into the Further Education and skills system in England. The inquiry, grant funded by the Further Education Trust for Leadership, aims to create a vision for the skills system by looking at what structures we need to respond to local needs and how to futureproof this.
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MPs call for bold national Plastic Packaging Plan to help consumers protect our oceans and create green UK jobs

14th February 2019
Policy Connect report says zero plastic ‘waste’ export goal is needed to boost UK investment and jobs, cut emissions, and protect marine life.
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degree apprenticeships report launch higher education commission

Degree apprenticeships are not yet delivering for small employers or disadvantaged students

1st February 2019
A featured in The Times - findings released by the Higher Education Commission which show that degree apprenticeships may be good in theory but they’re not delivering for small employers or disadvantaged students. This is despite over 99% of UK businesses being SMEs and previous government commitments to providing a ‘head start’ for young people.
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plant growing from dry ground climate change environment

Gove reveals draft of Environment Bill to which Policy Connect submitted evidence

21st December 2018
With little fanfare, the draft of the first Environment Bill in 20 years was published by the Government at 5.30pm on Wednesday evening. Policy Connect was one of the 173,000 people and organisations to submit evidence to the Environmental Principles and Governance Bill on behalf of our members and supports. The fact that this is one of the highest number of response to a public consultation that the government have ever had shows the importance of the environment to the public.
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Karin Smyth MP

Policy Connect and Health APPG meet with Simon Stevens and NHS Executive

17th December 2018
It has been confirmed that speculations were correct and that the NHS Long Term Plan will indeed not be published until the New Year. Last week we learned more about the plan from the new joint NHS Improvement and NHS England senior leadership team – the NHS Executive Group.
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Data and tech ethics inquiry call for evidence

Call for evidence: data and technology ethics in education, health, smart vehicles & policing

27th November 2018
Policy Connect and All-Party Parliamentary Group on Data Analytics launch landmark inquiry into data and technology ethics.
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A number of people's homes

Call for evidence - Future Gas Series Part 3: Consumer and Appliance

26th November 2018
Carbon Connect launches its call for evidence for its final Future Gas Series inquiry which will be exploring consumer attitudes to heat, new decarbonisation methods/equipment, and how this might impact on homes and workspaces. It will also take ethical and safety issues into consideration, specifically looking at perceptions of the use of hydrogen for heating - and how vulnerable customers can be protected during transitions.
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