Nesta

How to design and implement effective economic policies 🚀 The UK furlough scheme was a lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting 11 million workers. We're hosting an exclusive event with economist and furlough architect Dr Tim Leunig, to find out how effective policy design and robust data targeting protected 3.25 million jobs. Join us in person on Tuesday 4 February, for an exclusive breakfast event where Dr. Tim Leunig will be in conversation with Nesta and BIT CEO Ravi Gurumurthy. This is your opportunity to explore how effective policy design and data-driven decisions can deliver targeted support while minimising misuse. 🗓️ 4 February | 9:30–10:30 GMT 📍 Central London | In-person only 🍳 Breakfast and networking Register to attend: https://bit.ly/4alDn1Y

1,000 people have now used VisitAHeatPump.com to see a heat pump in action 🎉 Visits have taken place up and down the country, with many visitors going on to install their own heat pump. Visitors get the opportunity to see first-hand whether a heat pump might be a good fit for their home, and learn more about this low-carbon technology from those that know best. Want to see a heat pump in real life? Find a heat pump near you and book a visit: VisitAHeatPump.com

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Nesta Cymru exists to significantly improve the lives of tens of thousands of people in Wales by tackling some of our most significant societal challenges. We partner with government, public sector organisations, industry and academia to design, test and scale new ideas in our mission areas The upcoming Senedd Cymru elections in May 2026 present a crucial opportunity to influence policymaking and ensure that party manifestos reflect the innovative solutions needed to address Wales' most pressing challenges. We've published a set of recommendations to support policy development: Obesity is on the rise, with costs to Wales projected to reach £2.4 billion annually by 2050. We're calling for urgent action to: ✅ Regulate unhealthy food promotions ✅ Encourage healthier choices when eating out ✅ Introduce mandatory targets for healthier food in retail Find out more: https://bit.ly/3EnXaS9 With a target to cut Wales’ emissions by 63% by 2030, we're calling for bold action to: ✅ Empower communities through clean heat neighbourhoods ✅ Scale up heat pump installations ✅ Remove barriers to adoption ✅ Build a thriving low-carbon workforce Find out more: https://bit.ly/40wqoFX

What do homeowners really want to know about heat pumps? Using novel data science techniques we analysed online posts and replies about heat pumps posted on MoneySavingExpert.com, between January 2016 and June 2024. The result? Common themes emerged including hot topics around installation and running costs, eligibility for grants, finding an installer, controlling a heat pump and questions around noise and further home upgrades. Common FAQs looked like: ❓ “Would you recommend getting an air source heat pump?” 💰 “What will my energy costs look like with a heat pump?” ⚒️ “How can I find a trustworthy installer and what should I ask them?” 🤔”Will I need bigger radiators or underfloor heating if I switch to a heat pump?” By gaining more insight into the questions around heat pumps, we hope consumers can access more relevant information, and barriers to adoption are removed. Read the full report to find out more about frequently asked questions from homeowners, and relevant information on heat pumps from installers, researchers and government resources: https://bit.ly/4jvRupk Our informational website GetAHeatPump.org.uk also provides answers to many commonly asked questions about heat pumps.

Building on the foundations that Sure Start established in 1999, the new government is putting integrated early years support for families at the top of the policy agenda. But this time around, if councils want to ensure they don’t find themselves facing the same difficulties, they’ll need to make sure they have integrated data systems. That means getting the infrastructure for collecting and sharing data right from the very start. Luckily there are lessons we can take from the devolved nations with longer-standing early years programmes. https://bit.ly/40xvwcO

Job opportunity 🚨 Are you an experienced event manager passionate about delivering impactful, policy-influencing events? We are recruiting for an Interim Senior Events Manager to manage a diverse portfolio of events in support of our mission to tackle society’s biggest challenges. 💼 Salary: £55.2k, plus excellent benefits 📍 Blackfriars, London - hybrid working 🗓️ Apply now: https://bit.ly/3Da0aRx

A new substack by Nesta CEO Ravi Gurumurthy is out today 🗞️ In the latest edition of Policy Fix, Ravi writes about coherence in government and policy making - and how to do strategy well. There's also a bit about Donald Trump, the Ministry of Defence and golf courses in Cyprus. Free to subscribe ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eNww59j5

We've been working with Leeds City Council for the last three years, focusing on how to foster quality interactions between young children and their caregivers and enhance childhood development. As part of our partnership, we launched Play Together, Talk Together – a series of seven colourful playful learning installations for parents and young children to enjoy together, designed by artists and play practitioners after community consultation with families in Leeds. Find out more about the installation at The Compton Centre Community Hub & Library in Harehills, a vibrant multi-agency hub offering a range of services: https://bit.ly/4izdzmn

Date confirmed ⚡ Join us for our Future Signals event in London on 27 February. At the start of 2025, we published our annual collection of Future Signals - our annual look at the emerging trends that could shape the coming year. Now it's time for you to get involved at our first-ever Future Signals event. Learn more about the technologies and trends that could transform 2025 - from AI parenting to the arrival of energy islands - and hear from the experts who curated them at our immersive, interactive event. Whether you’re curious about the technologies reshaping daily life or ideas sparking a new era of social progress, join us to explore fresh perspectives to anticipate what’s next and connect with industry leaders shaping the future. This free evening event will take place in central London. Register to attend: https://bit.ly/42mtNtH