Fyfe Lecture 2008
Working with its Westlakes Research Institute (WRI), UCLan hosted the second annual Professor John Fyfe lecture focusing on partnership workings. The recent lecture took place at the St Bees Management Centre as part of the University’s mission to promote higher education and knowledge transfer in West Cumbria.
Established in recognition of the pioneering work of Professor Fyfe, former chairman of WRI, this year’s lecture focused on the social dimensions of partnership workings. The lecture was delivered by one of the UK’s foremost social entrepreneurs, Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, who provided expert insight into how to use entrepreneurial principles to organise, create and manage a venture to make social change.
Lord Mawson’s lecture was based on sharing the experience and best-practice achieved by the Bromley by Bow Centre in East London and how this can be used to drive community engagement throughout West Cumbria. The Bromley by Bow Centre support families, young people and adults of all ages to learn new skills, improve their health and wellbeing, find employment and develop their confidence to achieve their goals and transform their lives
Last year’s inaugural lecture was delivered by Professor Fyfe himself on the lessons learned from his international research and experience in the economic and developmental aspects of partnerships within local communities. This year the theme was developed one step further by examining the social aspects to partnership workings and, in particular, how they affect social enterprise within the local community.
The evening began with a welcome from Dr Graham Baldwin, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Skills and Employer Engagement) at UCLan followed by an introduction to the lecture series by Professor Fyfe. “The annual lectures are a way to celebrate both Professor Fyfe’s esteemed career and his connection to Westlakes,” said Dr Baldwin. “At the WRI we have a mission to promote higher education in the area, and by providing lectures such as this we are moving closer to our goal to cement the reputation of Westlakes as a first-class research centre.”
During his distinguished 40-year career, Professor Fyfe has advised numerous Governments, public and private bodies on their approach to rebuilding local communities in the wake of economic problems, notably the closure of traditional industries. His particular interest lies in the development of partnerships to achieve community improvement.
Professor Fyfe has played a key role in the regeneration of Cumbria, with particular emphasis upon the needs of West Cumbria, building partnerships between different interests, including local government and industry. As he refocuses his efforts to assist on the external scene, the Professor plans to use his lectures to share best practice in community development in Cumbria from around the World.
29 October 2008
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