The Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion (IESI)

IESI produces and curates multidisciplinary research. It addresses societal inequalities and economic and social inclusion, creating evidence and understanding. We then use this to inform policy and service delivery.

Our efforts are grounded in a unique, practice-based community-led approach. This foundation enables IESI to offer perspectives and drive innovative policy solutions. We contribute to discussions in regional, national and international levels.

IESI builds on the University's long-standing commitment to widening participation and equality. We're aiming to shape policies and interventions that benefit marginalised communities. This is across Sunderland, regionally, and nationally.

Strategic areas of research impact

North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA) – Framework and toolkit for Economically Inactive Residents (March 2027)+

North East Combined Authority (NECA) – Methodology of Distance Travelled for Economically Inactive Residents (April 2026)+

NECA Housing Employment Network North East (NECA HENNE) – “Opening Doors” Supported Accommodation and Employment Trailblazer (April 2026)+

Sunderland City Council – Economic Inactivity Trailblazer (April 2026)+

Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme (SSIP) Workforce Skills Research (Completed late 2025)+

University of Birmingham Local Policy Innovation Partnership Fellowship (September 2026)+

Pennywell Fellowship (2028)+

Sunderland Culture (2027)+

North East Community Research Partnership (December 2026)+

Voluntary Community Action Sunderland (VCAS) Supporting Sunderland’s third sector +

Our underlying approach

Community led research and community-based capacity building
Responding to societal issues and socioeconomic challenge
Empowering networks, creating change
Research that answers questions and which leads to solutions.

Our core values

Integrity – honesty, transparency and ethical conduct in all activities
Public impact and relevance – generating and communicating knowledge that addresses societal challenges and informs policy, practice or informs innovation
Rigor and excellence – robust methodologies, critical thinking and continuous peer review to ensure high quality and reliable/trustworthy findings
Ethical responsibility – protecting the rights, dignity and wellbeing of project and research participants and communities including data privacy, respect and informed consent.

Institute staff

Robin Finlay

I am a social science researcher, specialising in human geography and sociology. My research broadly concerns lived diversity, socio-cultural inequalities, and place.

Graham Thrower

I am Head of the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion.

Hanna Ruszczyk

I'm the Research and Projects Coordinator for the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion.

External Advisory Board

Sir Peter Housden (Chair): Previously Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government, Permanent Secretary of DCLG and Director General for Schools
Amanda Bailey: Director at North East Child Poverty Commission
Dr Charlotte Carpenter: Executive Director of Skills, Inclusion and Public Service Reform at North East Combined Authority
Jo Cooper: Chief Executive of Back on the Map
Steve Davison: Previously Chief Operating Officer of Sunderland AFC
Hannah Underwood: Founder of the How Might We Community.

Research Associates and Visiting Professors

The Institute’s Research and Knowledge Exchange activity is to be supported by Visiting Professors and Visiting Research Fellows internationally and nationally. Further details of these important roles will be announced in the near future.

Get involved

IESI offers a range of events that highlight the work of the Institute and our collaborations with partner organisations, and provide opportunities for discussion and debate.

Our activities are open to, and bring together, university staff and students, external partners and funders from the public, private and third sector, and – most importantly – the communities we serve.