Summer Reads: What’s inspiring the FEA team
As we look ahead to the launch of our new strategy in September, this summer offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the ideas shaping our work.
This week, the FEA team has curated a selection of thought-provoking reads, listens, and reflections that speak to the themes at the heart of our mission - alongside a few of our own recent blog posts.
From big-picture thinking to local stories of change, we hope these suggestions spark fresh ideas and renewed inspiration as we head into a pivotal new chapter for the FEA.
Systems Change
Understanding Systems Change – Think NPC
A clear and accessible guide to systems change – with lessons for charities, funders, and policymakers alike.Podcast: Talking Systems Change with Elliot Trevithick – Think NPC
A short and engaging episode unpacking what systems change looks like in practice — and why it’s hard but worth it.YouTube: Systems and Place-Based Change - FEA
Insights from our recent workshops on what it really takes to shift systems in place.Podcast: Louisa Mitchell, Co-Founder & CEO, AllChild - The Impact Equation
Louisa shares how AllChild is transforming early years support through a place-based, systems-led approach.
Place & Community
Book: Head North - Andy Burnham & Steve Rotherham
A powerful exploration of regional inequality – and what it will take to rebalance opportunity across the country.Communities in the lead: opportunity, inequity and the power of local change – FEA
How local partnerships are leading change on the ground – and what we can learn from their impact.Improving Life Outcomes for Young People in Doubly Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods – Local Trust
Explores how areas with deep structural disadvantage and low civic infrastructure face unique challenges — and how community-level investment and youth-led design can drive progress.Defining place-based change: the future of collaborative charity work – Right to Succeed
A thoughtful reflection on how place-based work is evolving — and how collaboration is key to long-term change.
Collaboration & Collective Action
Book: The Art of Gathering - Priya Parker
A fresh take on how we come together – and why the way we meet, share and collaborate matters more than ever.Collaboration in Action – FEA
A spotlight on deep partnership work – and what collective strength looks like in practice.Substack: Stories of Change newsletter– John Hitchin
Real stories from people and communities shifting power and creating change where they are.
Looking Ahead
The new academic year is shaping up to be a big one for the FEA, and we’re excited to share what’s coming.
In September, we’ll be launching:
Our 2025 Report Card, sharing the latest data, insights and progress toward our Impact Goals. The launch webinar will take place on 16 September, 10-11am.
Our 2025-30 strategy, setting out a bold, collective vision for the next five years
Keep an eye on your inbox for more in the coming weeks — and join us in building momentum for long-term, place-led systems change.
Beki Tovey
Digital Communications Manager