NETWORK SPOTLIGHT: ECONOMIC JUSTICE NETWORK

Each issue we shine a light on one of our member networks and the work they do. This time we introduce the Economic justice network, which is convened by Danielle Walker Palmour, director of Friends Provident Foundation.

the Aftermath of Empire and Hannah Stranger-Jones, director of impact and influence, UnLtd. They explored how the seeds of economic issues we are experiencing today were sown at the very beginning of Britain’s colonial history. They also considered how our mindsets, economic policies and understandings of ourselves are influenced by the stories we tell ourselves.

of our value. At each meeting, we think about future topics. Those currently being considered for 2023 include: what a fair tax system might look like, tackling the roots of poverty, and thinking about growth and health inequalities. If you're an ACF member, join us.

To find out more about the Economic justice network, please email acf@acf.org.uk

The Economic justice network is ACF’s newest network where members can hear from leading thinkers, policymakers and activists in the dynamic field of economics and economic justice. We learn together about how the economy works and its links to the many social and environmental issues that we as grant-makers, advocates and investors address in our programmes. We also share insights from member programmes related to creating vibrant local, national and global economies that help people and planet to thrive.

Our two meetings so far have been well attended. In March, we welcomed Kate Raworth, economist and author of the best-selling Doughnut Economics This was an opportunity to explore how economic thinking and assumptions pervade all kinds of social interactions with Fatima Iftikhar of Economy (ecnmy. org), a charity focusing on the public understanding of economics.

Our second meeting in July was titled ‘Decolonising economics and philanthropy?’. Ayeisha Thomas-Smith, interim director at the New Economy Organisers Network (NEON), was in conversation with Dr Kojo Koram, lecturer in law at Birkbeck and author of Uncommon Wealth: Britain and

Our most recent get together was a joint meeting with the Place-based funding network to consider the importance of place in economic policy, particularly the “levelling up” agenda. We were joined by Andy Haldane, previously chief economist at the Bank of England who was invited by the government to lead the development of the levelling up policy framework. Andy is now the CEO of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), thought leaders in local and national policy innovation. We also heard from Kathleen Kelly, director of LocalMotion, a funder collaborative that is working with communities to address issues that matter to them in their localities; as well as Carrina Gaffney of Lankelly Chase Foundation, who represents the foundation in their role in supporting work in communities in Manchester.

The meeting was a rich exchange of questions, viewpoints and insights from those working at the national and local level to make lasting changes in how communities build economic and social resilience. Something that emerged from the discussion is the “secret sauce” that foundations can bring to collaboration with other sectors with an emphasis on taking the time to build trust with communities; not having a fixed position or being part of the scramble for resources can be an important part