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The Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion

The Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion (IESI) exists to promote positive societal change and to address the causes and consequences of economic and social exclusion within society, bringing together research, practice, learning, and place-making activity from across the University.

A young person sitting against a wall on a step with their hood up and head down
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IESI builds on the University’s long-standing strong commitment to widening participation and equality, aiming to shape policies and interventions that benefit marginalised communities across Sunderland and communities locally, regionally, and nationally. It draws on our research excellence and broad partnerships across public, private, and third sector organisations, grounded in a unique, practice-based community-led approach to tackling economic and social exclusion. This foundation enables IESI to offer fresh perspectives and drive innovative policy solutions in national and regional debates.

Our strategic focus

The cost-of-living crisis, rising inequality, and the need to address economic and social inclusion have all become high-profile issues in recent years, with a prominent focus on policy to tackle these challenges. Sunderland and the wider region have been extensively impacted by uneven economic and social opportunity, impacted further by wider global factors. Against this backdrop of rising inequality, economic and social inclusion is morally compelling and socially urgent.

Creating IESI in Sunderland provides an opportunity to build on existing partnerships and to grow the University’s local, regional, and national influence and impact, as well as having an immediate, sustained, and meaningful impact on marginalised and excluded communities.

IESI research will inform practice and vice versa. Areas of core focus include:

  • Inclusive learning – intersections of disadvantage and the education system
  • Inclusive living – housing, identity, social cohesion
  • Inclusive work – pathways to employment, working practice, exploitative employment
  • The intersections between socio-economic factors and public health.

The Institute complements, builds on, and works with the University's established Research and Knowledge Exchange programme and structures including the other research institutes.

Workstreams

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.

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.