Press Story

Christine Berry has been appointed director of the leading think-tank for the north of England. She is currently writing a book on democratic ownership and will join IPPR North in October 2021.

Christine is a political economist and an expert in economic democracy. In her current role as a freelance researcher, she has played a key part in shaping the debate on the post-covid recovery, including by co-authoring an influential IPPR report* which makes the case for the costs and risks of Covid-19 lockdowns to be shared fairly across society. She has also worked with the Greater Manchester Independent Inequalities Commission. Christine’s experience also includes serving as a member of the senior leadership team at the New Economics Foundation (NEF) where she was principal director of policy and government, as a trustee at Rethinking Economics, a fellow at the Democracy Collaborative, a senior fellow at the Finance Innovation Lab and a contributing editor at the journal, Renewal.

Christine will take the helm at the highly respected think-tank, leading a team of five, whose independent research and influence has shaped the political agenda and refocussed national attention on regions like the North for almost two decades.

Executive director of IPPR, Carys Roberts said:

“I am delighted to announce that Christine Berry will join IPPR North as its director in October. She brings with her a wealth of experience from 13 years of working in policy, research, and advocacy and IPPR looks forward to welcoming her to our UK-wide senior management team.

“IPPR North is IPPR’s dedicated think-tank for the north of England. It has a strong, 17-year history of developing bold, progressive ideas, and for making the case for a real shift in power and resources to England’s regions and communities. Christine’s leadership will mean that IPPR North continues to be a leading light in ensuring that progressive policy is of, by, and for regions like the North”.

Incoming director of IPPR North, Christine Berry said:

“I am thrilled to be appointed to direct the leading think tank for the north of England and cannot wait to get started in the autumn.

“The North has been hit hard by the pandemic. Covid-19 has widened pre existing inequalities which have made a good life increasingly unattainable for many. But the North is also home to vibrant and exciting new leadership that is showing how we could do things differently.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we cannot return to business as usual. We need bold ideas for a recovery that addresses the deep structural flaws in our economy and gives people real power and ownership over the places where they live. People across the north are already leading the way, but we need a deeper shift in power and resources to make their aspirations a reality. I can’t wait to get stuck in and help play my part.”

ENDS

Contact: Rosie Lockwood, media and campaigns manager for IPPR North, on 07585772633 or r.lockwood@ippr.org.

Notes:

IPPR North is the leading think-tank for the north of England, developing bold ideas for a stronger economy and prosperous places and people. It was shortlisted in two categories for Prospect’s ‘think tank of the year awards’ in 2020. For more information, visit ippr.org/north.

Christine Berry is currently writing a book for Verso on democratic ownership, for publication in 2022. She will join IPPR North in October 2021. In the meantime, IPPR North and IPPR spokespeople remain available for interview and comment on a variety of public policy topics. Contact Rosie Lockwood for more information or to book them.

*The IPPR report that Christine co-authored, ‘Who wins and who pays?’ can be accessed online here.