As recess ends the final full year of this Parliament, Policy Connect are closing 2023 by recapping a jam-packed year that included new reports, scores of events, and the long-awaited launch of the Accessible Transport Policy Commission.  

Our policy teams concluded several inquiries this year, with seven reports launched across a range of important current and emerging policy discussions.  

The Westminster Sustainable Business Forum launched the third ‘Bricks and Water’ report in June to further explore the challenges surrounding flood risk management in England. Chaired by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering, the report recommended changes to the insurance industry to accelerate deployment of flood resilience measures and combat the climate crisis.  

The ATech Policy Lab released ‘Frontline Accessibility: Building ATech Awareness and Confidence Among Public Service Professionals’ in the same month, with APPCOG also launching ‘Improving Carbon Monoxide Safety in Health and Care Services’ before Parliament’s summer recess.  

Policy Connect’s work on Artificial Intelligence will continue in the new year, with the launch of ‘An Ethical AI Future’ demonstrating the importance of a responsive regulatory environment to harness AI as a force for good.  

A busy year of report launches concluded with the recent releases of ‘Upskilling Industry: Manufacturing Productivity and Growth in England’ (The Manufacturing Commission); ‘Unpacking the Circular Economy: Unlocking reuse at scale’ (APSRG); and ‘Higher Technical Qualifications: How to liberate employers and skill workers for the future’ (The Skills Commission).   

Alongside the brilliant opportunities to launch our reports in Parliament with members and key stakeholders, the launches of the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) and the Accessible Transport Policy Commission were particular highlights this year.  

As one of several partners to the new Centre, Policy Connect is committed to ensuring that no disabled person faces challenges arising from poor access to transport. NCAT aims to deliver on that mission through innovation and by engaging with disabled people to better understand their experiences and co-design solutions.  

The Accessible Transport Policy Commission was also established as part of ncat, with regular meetings held in Parliament to bring together parliamentarians, disabled people, transport professionals, and policymakers to improve public policies and everyday practices.  

Meetings of the Accessible Transport Policy Commission were an exciting addition to the incredible 57 events held by colleagues across a range of exciting, insightful, and often innovative policy issues. 

With important inquiries on supported employment, blended learning, and the skills system concluding early in 2024, please follow updates on our LinkedIn and website pages to hear first about upcoming report launches and parliamentary events! 

Thanks to all supporters, stakeholders, and members for their support in 2023. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!