Can we create a world where food banks are in the past and everyone can afford the essentials?

In this discussion with Jess Miles, Heather Buckingham, author of ‘A Taste for Change’, explains the importance of believing that everyone matters and making sure that everyone can live a healthy life without shame or stigma.

Heather Buckingham is Social Change Advisor at Trussell, a charity whose goal is to end hunger in the UK.

Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/a-taste-for-change

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/09/28/podcast-a-future-beyond-foodbanks-where-everyone-matters/

Download the discussion guide: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/asset/13981/buckingham-discussion-guide.pdf

Timestamps:

01:21 - What is your background and why did you want to write this book?

05:14 - What do we mean by 'the essentials' and why is that a good starting point?

08:20 - How would society benefit if everyone could afford the essentials?

10:28 - How does the way society values different people relate to food bank use?

14:24 - Why is meritocracy problematic and what needs to change?

18:44 - Why is it important for change to be collective and relational?

23:33 - Why are social security changes slow and difficult?

28:17 - How can we engage with this issue in a helpful and productive way?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

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Are you Chess Club or Drama Club? Do you focus on the detail or prefer to imagine the bigger picture?

In this Transforming Business episode, Martin Parker speaks with Sally Bridgeland, author of Chess Club, Drama Club, about why we need a mixture of both clubs within teams, and within ourselves.

They discuss how the ‘Club Mix’ can enhance team dynamics by balancing creativity, structure and different ways of thinking, including the value of neurodiversity and inclusive teams. Through real-life stories, business insights and practical exercises, Sally explores how the ‘DJ’ can create the perfect mix to drive business success.

Sally is an actuary with extensive experience in innovation, risk management and responsible investment across investment management and pensions.

Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/chess-club-drama-club

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/09/10/podcast-chess-club-drama-club-creating-the-perfect-club-mix-for-inclusive-teams/

Timestamps:

01:04 – What is the distinction between chess club and drama club?

05:06 – Why is having a mix of both clubs important?

06:40 – What is the ‘club mix’?

14:06 – What does the dance between chess club and drama club actually look like?

20:26 – How does the ‘club mix’ apply to politics?

23:45 – Is the chess club, drama club divide a gendered one?

27:24 – What is the role of the DJ in this space?

30:55 – When were you at your most and least motivated?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

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Is class truly in the past, or do invisible workplace codes still govern who gets a place in elite workplaces?

In this Transforming Business episode, Martin Parker speaks with Lee Elliot Major and Anne-Marie Sim, authors of ‘Cracking the Class Code’, about how leading employers can dismantle these class barriers.

They discuss the hidden codes passed down through generations, why it matters for both people and businesses that talent is assessed beyond these codes, and how we can build a fairer system in which everyone has a genuine chance to lead a decent life.

Lee Elliot Major is Britain’s first Professor of Social Mobility, based at the University of Exeter. Anne-Marie Sim is co-founder and lead of the South-West Social Mobility Commission at the University of Exeter.

Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/cracking-the-class-code

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/08/25/podcast-cracking-the-class-code/

Timestamps:

01:16 - Why do you care about social class at the present moment?

04:27 - Has social mobility stalled in some way?

10:49 - What do you mean by 'class code'?

16:04 - Isn't judgement in organisations inevitable?

20:01 - How do gender, ethnicity and social class intersect?

23:05 - What should firms be doing in order not to be discriminating on the basis of social class?

28:03 - How does tax come into this equation?

31:09 - Are these steps necessary in our current 'meritocracy'?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.