The Middlesbrough Partnership Forum held on 30 September 2011 was based on research findings from a range of sociological studies in Middlesbrough neighbourhoods about worklessness, social exclusion and youth transitions conducted by Teesside University’s Social Futures Institute.

Summaries of the research findings are attached to the right of this page.  These have been used with the permission of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (www.jrf.org.uk).

The Forum was the first in a series of events that will form part of  a 'Knowledge Transfer Project' between Middlesbrough Partnership, Teesside University and Middlesbrough Council.

Provisional dates for the next two events are:

• 24 January 2012 - 9.00 am to 12.30 pm at WMNT Acklam Green Centre
• 19 March 2012 - 9.00 am to 12.30 pm at Middlesbrough College

The project has been funded by the Institute for Local Governance (ILG) and its aim is to: ‘Transfer to Middlesbrough Council, its partners in the Local Strategic Partnership and wider policy and practice audience in North East of England, the knowledge and research conclusions from academic research undertaken locally to assist in developing priorities and strategic planning.'

The event was attended by approximately 130 stakeholders from within Middlesbrough Partnership.   Professors Robert MacDonald and Tracy Shildrick from Teesside University gave delegates an overview of research undertaken and key findings.   Key issues from the research were depicted in drama performances.

Discussion workshops were themed on more detailed findings from the research relating to:
- Poverty
- Employment Opportunities
- Unemployment
- Education
- Crime and Drugs
- Health

Delegates were given the opportunity to discuss how this research could be used to influence policy and any barriers to this.   The agenda, presentations, workshop feedback and photographs from the event are attached below.