The Aldridge Foundation RSS Feed. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com 2002-01-06T00:00:00Z One doesn’t need to be involved in education to know that poor literacy is still an issue in this country – and that it is costing us all dearly. Yet the provision for libraries in our schools is getting smaller, this is something we can not afford to let continue, argues Rod Aldridge. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=252 2010-02-18T00:%i:00Z With 70% of enquiries about becoming a teacher now coming from professionals considering a change in career, teaching is potentially facing a big change. While switching careers and sharing knowledge is too be encouraged, just how committed are these new recuits Rod Aldridge asks. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=253 2010-01-21T00:%i:00Z Opening Eyes is a new initiative funded mainly by the Aldridge Foundation and piloted by 6th form students and teachers at the academy it sponsors in Darwen, Lancashire, explains Sally Ritchie the Foundations Academies Director in IQ Education. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=256 2010-01-08T00:%i:00Z In October 2009, 19 sixth formers from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), in Lancashire, embarked on a unique school visit to New York City. These students were participants in the Academy’s first international trip as part of the new Opening Eyes programme, which give students the opportunity to travel abroad and broaden their horizons. Many of them had never travelled abroad before. Some didn’t even have passports before the visit. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=251 2009-12-16T00:%i:00Z The Aldridge Foundation recently did some work with MyBnk to examine the nature of young people’s relationship with money. This highlighted a number of issues, one of the most powerful being the impact financial knowledge had on the participant’s educational choices, a clear indication to Rod Aldridge of the importance of numeracy and literacy skills. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=247 2009-11-18T00:%i:00Z Personal adversity is a driving factor motivating the UK’s successful entrepreneurs according to a survey by the Aldridge Foundation. The Origins of an Entrepreneur survey asked 370 of the country’s successful entrepreneurs about their backgrounds, education, motivations and personal characteristics. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=239 2009-10-30T00:%i:00Z An Aldridge Foundation survey of the socio-economic and educational backgrounds of UK entrepreneurs. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=240 2009-10-30T00:%i:00Z Teachers and students from the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, in Lancashire, are being taken on an eye-opening trip to New York to learn how social enterprise and inspiring educational techniques can benefit disadvantaged communities. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=236 2009-10-20T00:%i:00Z The Department of Health’s ‘Dance Champions’ Group, will embark on a nationwide tour to get the country dancing, Public Health Minister Gillian Merron will announce today. Dance stars including Arlene Phillips, former Come Dancing presenter Angela Rippon, Capital Radio’s Lisa Snowden and Strictly Come Dancing pro Darren Bennett will today join Health Minister Gillian Merron and Dance Champions Chair, Rod Aldridge, to launch their campaign to get 100,000 people more active through http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=235 2009-10-15T00:%i:00Z Rod Aldridge recently visited two schools in the Bronx in New York. Both are in very challenging communities where crime, drugs and unemployment are prevalent. But both are out performing other local schools. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=238 2009-10-15T00:%i:00Z The outsourcing of public service contracts is at an all-time low. A different model could bring new bidders to the table, argues Rod Aldridge. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=232 2009-09-30T00:%i:00Z Many will remember the summer of 2009 as the time when the English cricket team regained the Ashes from the Australians. For Rod Aldridge, it will go down as the time when youth unemployment rose to just short of one million – not something to celebrate. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=233 2009-09-10T00:%i:00Z Blackburn with Darwen Council, the Community Voluntary Service and the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), have collectively secured up to £450,000 Funding as part of the Inspiring Communities Grant Programme. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=228 2009-08-05T00:%i:00Z A recent survey found that absence due to sickness in the public sector could easily be cut by 20%, saving £800m a year of public money. So why is this not happening asks Rod Aldridge. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=219 2009-07-30T00:%i:00Z An snapshot of the Foundation's achievements over the last three years, and goals for the months to come. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=218 2009-07-21T00:%i:00Z This summer, The Aldridge Foundation celebrates its third anniversary. To celebrate, Rod Aldridge hosted a private party at the London Transport Museum on 21st July. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/event.php?pageID=225 2009-07-21T00:%i:00Z On 14th July, the Foundation hosted a private dinner for selected guests with Rt Hon Alan Milburn MP. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/event.php?pageID=223 2009-07-14T00:%i:00Z Sally Ritchie, the Foundation's Academies Director, outlines the pressures placed on a sponsor and the level of commitment required, as well as the change a sponsor can help drive not just in a school, but in a whole community; to the SSAT Manchester Academies Group. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=217 2009-07-13T00:%i:00Z Too many services delivered by public bodies are no longer in touch with the needs of the real customers they are designed to serve, believes Rod Aldridge. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=216 2009-06-26T00:%i:00Z A scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons can improve children's fitness, engagement in physical activity, social skills, self-esteem and classroom behaviour, says a report launched today (June 22) with dancers Darren and Lilia from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV Show. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=209 2009-06-22T00:%i:00Z A scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons has gained cross party support from MPs. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=210 2009-06-22T00:%i:00Z The Essentially Dance pilot scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons can improve children’s fitness, engagement in physical activity, social skills, self-esteem and classroom behaviour, says the Roehampton University evaluation report for The Aldridge Foundation. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=211 2009-06-22T00:%i:00Z On 22nd June 2009 we will be launching the evaulation report by Roehampton University, which has looked at the success of the Essentially Dance pilot scheme. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/event.php?pageID=222 2009-06-22T00:%i:00Z The Academy system has been the centre of attention in the educational world since it was created in 2004. Rod Aldridge delivered his a presentation at the Campaign for Learning centre in London talking about the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy and the new Falmer Academy (to be open in 2010). http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=226 2009-06-16T00:%i:00Z When it comes to efficiency, the emphasis on place is long overdue, Rod Aldridge claims. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=207 2009-06-11T00:%i:00Z On Tuesday, friend of the Foundation, Anne Look, became a teacher for a day. She wrote... http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=227 2009-06-05T00:%i:00Z The Aldridge Foundation have designed their academies to be community hubs, which are an asset to the whole community and drive regeneration, rather than solely focusing on improved educational attainment, writes Sally Ritchie, the Foundations Academies Director. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=206 2009-06-01T00:%i:00Z he Aldridge Foundation will be running our spring networking event at our offices on 28th May. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/event.php?pageID=221 2009-05-28T00:%i:00Z Thrift is fast becoming the buzz word of 2009, but argues Rod Aldridge, thrift alone is not going to save the public sector. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=205 2009-05-21T00:%i:00Z Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed Crawley-based Kier Group to undertake the construction of the new Falmer Academy. Work will commence this summer, with phase one of the new building ready for staff and students to move into in September 2010. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=204 2009-05-12T00:%i:00Z Students from The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) were among the first in the country to get a sneak preview of Tunnel 228, the eagerly anticipated art installation project produced by Kevin Spacey's Old Vic Theatre, which is set in the vaults beneath London’s Waterloo Station. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=203 2009-05-09T00:%i:00Z With the appointment of the principal designate of Falmer Academy - Philomena Hogg – last week and the decision concerning the design of the building being made soon it is an exciting time for all those involved in the academy. It is also an exciting time for another project the foundation is funding which has close links with Falmer Academy, called Reach Out. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=202 2009-05-05T00:%i:00Z Rod Aldridge, Sponsor of the Falmer Academy and Chair of the Aldridge Foundation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Philomena (Phil) Hogg as Principal Designate of Falmer Academy, near Brighton. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=200 2009-04-28T00:%i:00Z My experience working with Rod and the team has been.. well.. awesome. Over the course of three weeks I have worked on a number of different research projects including developing a programme model that would raise the aspirations of the young people at the DACA and Falmer academies (watch this space for future developments). http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=199 2009-04-27T00:%i:00Z User Voice recently invited a group of ten young people who find it difficult to engage with formal education and who have experience of abuse, neglect, educational underachievement and drugs and alcohol to London. Some have come into contact with youth justice and the others are at risk of doing so. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=195 2009-04-20T00:%i:00Z A comprehensive overview of the work performed and published by the Centre for Public Service Partnerships, compiled by the Centre Director John Tizard. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=197 2009-04-17T00:%i:00Z The statistics surrounding the prison population are disturbing, and just one indicator of a need for a new approach to public services, says Rod Aldridge. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=196 2009-04-16T00:%i:00Z The students from our Academy in Darwen had two fantastic days before the end of term. Every year group took part in different activities. Brendan Loughran, our Principal, summed the two days up saying “the staff and students have had a great time and lived up to the ideal that school should be the best party in town.” http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=194 2009-04-14T00:%i:00Z Last week in a regular catch-up meeting it was great to hear that We Are What We Do's second year of the Young Speakers Programme is set to be so exciting. The project, funded by The Aldridge Foundation and by v, will see another 200 young people selected from schools around the country. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=192 2009-04-07T00:%i:00Z We Are What We Do, the social change organisation behind the bestselling book, Change the World for a Fiver and the iconic “I’m not a plastic bag” project proudly announced details of the impact of the first year of its Young Speakers Programme today. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=193 2009-04-06T00:%i:00Z The Aldridge Foundation will host a second private networking event for social entrepreneurs. If you are interested in attending, please contact us for further details. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/event.php?pageID=156 2009-03-31T00:%i:00Z Rod Aldridge's response to Frank Field and James Crabtree's call for compulsory civic service for all young people. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=189 2009-03-13T00:%i:00Z Social change and cohesion can be stimulated in a variety of ways. 'Essentially dance' can be one of these, says Rod Aldridge. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=190 2009-03-12T00:%i:00Z Today saw the launch of the NESTA Lab, within their Public Services Innovation Summit. The aim was to build a national debate about the need for bold, radical innovation within public services in the context of severely constrained public finances. The summit opened with a good dose of seventies funk, what better way to facilitate innovation! The summit took the form a collaborative 'DesignSession' format. In practice this meant discussion groups, which fed back to the main group. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=188 2009-03-10T00:%i:00Z The Aldridge Foundation is calling on local authorities to support a scheme bringing ballroom and Latin dance into schools to improve children’s fitness and self-esteem. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=184 2009-02-27T00:%i:00Z Press launches of Essentially Dance are taking place in Bromley and Brighton, and are open for all members of the press to attend. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/event.php?pageID=145 2009-02-24T00:%i:00Z Ed Balls, the Children, Schools, and Families Secretary, has welcomed a pilot scheme launched today (February 24) with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show to bring ballroom and Latin dance into school PE lessons. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=183 2009-02-24T00:%i:00Z Welcome to our brand new website! Today we are all working hard on the launch of Essentially Dance. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/blog_item.php?pageID=140 2009-02-23T00:%i:00Z On Tuesday February 24 Brighton school children will get the chance to practice their ballroom and Latin dance skills with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=144 2009-02-18T00:%i:00Z On Tuesday February 24 Bromley school children will get the chance to practice their ballroom and Latin dance skills with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=146 2009-02-17T00:%i:00Z Over 2,500 school students aged 5-18 are being asked to take their partners for the Cha-cha-cha, waltz, jive and quick step in a pilot scheme aimed at improving their health and self-esteem by learning ballroom and Latin dancing. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=182 2009-02-17T00:%i:00Z The one part of the public sector that has resisted outsourcing is central government. Would-be suppliers need to take a different approach to change this, says Rod Aldridge http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=133 2009-01-09T00:%i:00Z Rod Aldridge, Chairman of the Aldridge Foundation, discusses the importance of the role of the sponsor in driving partnerships in the academy programme. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=134 2009-01-01T00:%i:00Z The sector has reached a watershed and needs to change dramatically if it is to achieve its potential. It could be that the current financial pressure will prove to be the catalyst for such a change. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=136 2008-12-12T00:%i:00Z These are, indeed, difficult times. But in adversity, we need those who create jobs rather than those who expect to receive them. Enter the world of the entrepreneur. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=135 2008-10-30T00:%i:00Z The current problems in the criminal justice system are well-rehearsed. Within two years of release, almost two-thirds of former prisoners re-offend. This rises to three-quarters among young offenders. The cost to the taxpayer is an estimated £11bn each http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=108 2008-06-19T00:%i:00Z Academies have been attacked as the playthings of their sponsors. This is unfair, argues Rod Aldridge, who sponsors two of the schools. They’re all about hard work and giving better options to pupils and communities in deprived areas http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=111 2008-05-30T00:%i:00Z The Secretary of State for Children Schools and Families (DCSF), along with the Academy Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Council, has reached a Funding Agreement for the £45m school. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=90 2008-05-08T00:%i:00Z Built to budget and completed on time, Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport has been described as one of the most breathtaking man-made spaces in modern Britain. Its opening should, therefore, have been a triumph. But, instead, it will be remembered http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=121 2008-04-24T00:%i:00Z After training this summer, 200 16-25 year olds from London and the North West will go into primary schools and community groups to make presentations aimed at inspiring a whole new generation of young activists. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=89 2008-04-01T00:%i:00Z The NAO report Managing financial resources to deliver better public services is a very telling document. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=114 2008-03-06T00:%i:00Z One of Brighton and Hove’s most successful entrepreneurs and a national leader of activities to support youth charities has put himself forward as the potential head of a new partnership to sponsor the proposed Falmer Academy in Brighton. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=88 2008-02-04T00:%i:00Z It is fascinating to watch the growing emphasis placed on the best way to empower the user voice in the delivery of public services. This has included recent speeches from both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on how to make the NHS mor http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=119 2008-01-21T00:%i:00Z http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=109 2008-01-01T00:%i:00Z The University of Birmingham has appointed John Tizard as the first Director of its Centre for Public Service Partnerships. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=87 2007-11-07T00:%i:00Z The power of culture and art to shape how a community functions is immense. In many parts of the country, culture has played a major role in regenerating communities, economically, environmentally and socially. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=116 2007-11-01T00:%i:00Z Blackburn with Darwen Council and The Aldridge Foundation can now press on with the proposed academy in Darwen, on the existing site at Redearth Road that has already received full planning permission, after being given the go-ahead for using the Redeath http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=86 2007-10-04T00:%i:00Z Rod Aldridge questions whether it is time for the public sector to question the increasing role played by consultants. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=127 2007-09-01T00:%i:00Z Advent International, one of the world's leading global private equity firms, today announced the appointment of Bob Thian (chairman), Rod Aldridge OBE (non-executive) and Oliver Niedermaier (non-executive) to an interim advisory board pending completion http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=85 2007-07-18T00:%i:00Z Consultants, when used effectively, can undoubtedly provide considerable benefits for clients. However, the PAC report comments that they are sometimes used for less appropriate means, such as reassigning blame and delaying the implementation of policy. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=129 2007-07-05T00:%i:00Z The recent report for the Improvement and Development Agency, The Future Shape of Local Authorities' Workforces, based on interviews with chief executives, recognises the reality of job reductions in local government. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=130 2007-05-10T00:%i:00Z Just last month the Department of Health gave permission for 60% of accounting and finance functions in its partnership with Xansa to be outsourced to India. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=131 2007-03-15T00:%i:00Z The case for shared services has long been argued and documented in numerous government reports. However, on the ground little progress has been achieved. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=132 2007-01-18T00:%i:00Z The Lowry, a hugely popular and award-winning arts venue on Salford Quays, today announces that Rodney Aldridge OBE is the new Chairman, following the sad and untimely death earlier this year of former Chair, Charles Levison. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=83 2007-01-01T00:%i:00Z http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=84 2007-01-01T00:%i:00Z Rod Aldridge, Sponsor of the Academy to replace Darwen Moorland High School in September 2008, today confirmed his commitment to making the Academy happen by announcing the appointment of the new Principal, Brendan Loughran. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=82 2006-11-01T00:%i:00Z With National Volunteering Week here, it is timely to say, as chair of v – the national charity established to inspire a million more young volunteers – I have seen the power of volunteering first hand. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=110 1970-01-01T00:%i:00Z The Government and opposition parties have recently gone to great lengths to court the third sector. http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=128 1970-01-01T00:%i:00Z http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/press_release.php?pageID=137 1970-01-01T00:%i:00Z The news that the BBC move to Salford is now almost certain to go ahead is wonderful for both the region and The Lowry in particular. The Lowry has been an active participant in the bid process, providing whatever support and help it could to ensure this http://www.aldridgefoundation.com/article_publication_item.php?pageID=138 1970-01-01T00:%i:00Z