LastÌýweek, we were proud to mark an important moment for the housing and homelessness sector: the launch of the Kerslake Fellowship, a newÌýresearch and policy postÌýdeliveredÌýin partnershipÌýbyÌýNew Economics FoundationÌý(NEF),ÌýPeabodyÌýand ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s.ÌýÌý
TheÌýlaunchÌýevent was attended by individuals who each carry a special connection to this work and its legacy.ÌýOurÌýChairman, Mike Adamson had the honour to introduce and welcome,ÌýLady Anne Kerslake and Eleanor Kerslake, the wife and daughter of the late Lord Bob Kerslake.ÌýThe Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed,Ìýspoke aboutÌýhis fond memories of the lateÌýLord Bob Kerslake and welcomed the fellowship, sightingÌýthe importance of needing freshÌýnew ideasÌýto tackle the housing crisis.ÌýÌý
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ the Kerslake FellowshipÌý
The Kerslake Fellowship is a collaborative initiative funded by the NEF, Peabody, and ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s.ÌýÌý
Over aÌýtwoÌýyearÌýtenure,ÌýThe Kerslake Fellow,ÌýDrÌýGrace Brown,Ìýwill lead the design and delivery of a package of research that cuts acrossÌýcore issues we are currently facing inÌýhousing and homelessness. This work will culminate inÌýtheÌýpublicationÌýof researchÌýat the end of the Fellowship,ÌýthatÌýwillÌýcontribute meaningfully to national policy and debate.Ìý
Building on the Legacy of the Kerslake CommissionÌý
Lord Kerslake was a deeply respected leader,Ìýa dedicated champion of housing,ÌýhomelessnessÌýand local government. His principled,ÌýcaringÌýand persistent commitment to improving lives shaped the work of the Commission and continues to inspire us and many others across the sector.Ìý
At ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ’s, we are incredibly proud of the role we played in supporting and developing the work of the Kerslake Commission, launched by the late Lord Kerslake in March 2021. The Commission examined and drew lessons from the emergency response that supported people sleeping rough during the COVID19 pandemic. It brought together voices from across the housing and homelessness sector,Ìýalong with colleagues in local and central government,Ìýto understand what worked and what must be carried forward.Ìý
Carrying the Work ForwardÌý
In the spirit of collaboration and determination that Lord KerslakeÌýchampioned,Ìýwe’reÌýexcitedÌýto be working with colleagues at NEF and Peabody to support this newÌýFellowship and ensure his legacy continues to guide and strengthen our collective mission.Ìý
We look forward to seeing the impact ofÌýGrace’sÌýwork and to sharing the insights thatÌýemergeÌýover the coming years.Ìý