The Observatory's Economic Inclusion Team carry out research on the issues surrounding inclusion and worklessness in the West Midlands.
Our work aims to assess the scale of the challenge facing the West Midlands and inform policy makers as to where best to target their efforts. Our work is steered by the Economic Inclusion Data Group.
Economic inclusion in the West Midlands
The West Midlands Regional Economic Strategy reveals a £10bn output gap between the West Midlands and the UK average. 20% of this gap is attributed to economic exclusion.
The main contributor to economic exclusion is worklessness. The Economic Inclusion Panel draws together organisations across the West Midlands who can work to address worklessness and its associated issues.
We will provide research and analysis to the panel and its members. Accurate information on where the problems lie will help the panel to make the right decisions.
Meet the team
Helena Duignan
Senior Research Analyst
Email helena.duignan@wmro.org
Tel 0121 202 3253
Helena leads the Economic Inclusion Team and is the Observatory’s key contact for Birmingham and Solihull. Helena has a background in social and market research and a Masters degree in Research and Social Policy from the University of Birmingham.
Rosie Day
Research Analyst
Email rosie.day@wmro.org
Tel 0121 202 3286
Rosie analyses and interprets data to draw out key issues and policy implications to meet the data and intelligence requirements of the Observatory’s regional partners. Prior to joining the Observatory, Rosie worked at the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit as a member of the Research and Information Team. Rosie has a degree in Sociology and Social Policy from the University of Liverpool.
Marie Kibble
Research Assistant
Email marie.kibble@wmro.org
Tel 0121 202 3285
Marie supports the economic inclusion work through dataset compilation, data presentation using tables and charts, and assisting with analysis of data and commentary. She also assists with the collection of Inward Investment Data. Marie joined the Observatory from Advantage West Midlands and has a degree in Geology with Environmental Science.