Podcast: Gerrin' on wi' it series - "Bringing together coalitions of the willing"

In this episode of “Gerrin’ on wit’ it”, Paul Hayes speaks with Kersten England CBE about how collaboration drives meaningful change across Yorkshire and the Humber. Kersten reflects on major moments in her long career within local government and contributing to local, regional, and national conversations to influence decision-making processes. These candid reflections provide examples that emphasise why collaboration isn’t optional when tackling complex social situations - what works, what doesn’t, and what she would do differently as the region continues to build a more collaborative future.

Kersten explains why effective partnerships require deep listening, shared incentives, and a commitment to long‑term relationships. Paul and Kersten discuss the impact of initiatives such as YPIP and Y‑PERN, and they explore how universities, local authorities, and communities can work together more effectively.

Paul and Kersten unpack how to balance academic incentives with place-based needs to strengthen collaboration and how to embed genuine, non-transactional relationships across sectors. The conversation highlights the importance of governance, strong networks, capacity building, and sustainable resourcing.  

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This episode was recorded on 9 December 2025. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available.

About the speakers:

Kersten England currently serves as Chair of Bradford 2025 (UK City of Culture) and Chair of the Young Foundation – having recently stepped down as Chief Executive of Bradford Council and Chair of Yorkshire & Humber Councils. She has over 30 years of experience in local government leadership across Kirklees, Calderdale, and York.

Paul Hayes is Senior Policy Engagement Fellow at Leeds University Business School, supporting academic colleagues in developing impacts from their work and in engaging with the policy community and public bodies. He was formerly corporate policy manager at Wakefield Council and policy lead for the Key Cities Group, an association of 27 mid-size UK cities. This role encompassed policy advisory work to local, regional and national politicians; development and authorship of local and regional strategies and plans; engagement with and representation on working groups of UK government and national bodies; and responses to consultations. The role also included scoping, commissioning, and joint development of academic and think tank research and engagement with business and voluntary and community sectors.

Terms and acronyms:

• YPIP – Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership
• Bradford 2025 City of Culture
• The Young Foundation
• REF – Research Excellence Framework
• Y-PERN – Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network
• Yorkshire Engagement Portal (YEP)
• Yorkshire and Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA)
• Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)