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Yvonne Hutchinson
Yvonne Hutchinson is the founder and Managing Director of community development consultancy, Community Chameleon. She has worked in an advisory capacity with a range of government departments and leading research bodies and was a board member of the government regulator, The Housing Corporation, from 1998 - September 2005. She was a member of the Social Exclusion Unit's Policy Action Team on Neighbourhood Management and is a member of the Independent Birmingham Housing Commission. A former housing association tenant she established the Ripleyville Tenants Association in 1994, spearheading a £2.5m local regeneration programme. Yvonne served as Deputy-chair of the £50m New Deal for Communities pathfinder in Bradford while establishing and chairing an award-winning drug awareness charity which successfully campaigned for and secured legislative changes in 1999. The charity continues to impact the lives of thousands of young people across the north of England. Until December 2003 she was the UK & Ireland Regional Manager with one of Britain's largest NGOs and is currently a trustee of the Church Urban Fund.
Duel Identity: The Battle Goes On
February 24th, 2010 by Yvonne Hutchinson
Once again the World Cup has raised the sensitive issues of nationality, ethnicity and identity as a Scottish company displays World Cup T- shirts reading ‘Anyone But England’. It all brings back to mind a blog I wrote in 2007 during the last global football fest. It’s interesting to see what’s …
RSL, RPL, What’s the difference?
February 4th, 2010 by Yvonne Hutchinson
I’ve just read the Communities and Local Government paper, The private rented sector: professionalism and quality which was issued earlier this week.
At first I was enthusiastic. I’m certainly keen on seeing better standards in the private rented sector and felt the earlier Rugg Report made some interesting and wide reaching observations, but …
Thank God for the Lords!
August 6th, 2009 by Yvonne Hutchinson
If the House of Lords ever needed to justify its existence it did so admirably in its ruling on the case of Ahmad v Newham LBC, March 2009.
During my interview for Board Membership of the Housing Corporation back in 1998, I was asked what I would do to reverse the ghettoisation occurring on many …
I Just Had A Dream
November 6th, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
What can I say but, ‘hay, it’s a beautiful day’,
Go Obama!’
I had a dream, it was the real thing, King,
No more drama!,
But I’m this side of the ‘pond’ Black not blond,
Can it take hold?,
America sneezed, I’ll wait … there’s a breeze,
Perhaps we’ll catch cold.
Credit Where Credit is Due
October 13th, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
Has the Prime Minister rescued us from economic catastrophe or did economic catastrophe rescue the Prime Minister from us? Well, one thing is certain, the colossal collapse of the banking system couldn’t have come soon enough for Mr Brown.
Less than a month ago Gordon looked a beleaguered, baggy eyed figure as calls for …
You Cannot Serve Two Masters
October 3rd, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
There are two ancient proverbs that deserve to be revisited in these times of economic turmoil, both of which were spoken in a single sermon on the lust for money.
‘The love of money is the root of all evil’ goes one, while the other states, ‘You cannot worship two masters.’
It’s fascinating, then, that …
History in the making: have we been left behind?
September 7th, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
Being in America to witness the first Black nominee for president in the nation’s history was quite an experience. The Democratic Party’s nomination of Barack Obama will certainly go some way towards restoring America’s image internationally.
I arrived in Florida during the worst of Hurricane Fay, which was quickly downgraded to just a storm and …
Stand Up And Be Counted
June 6th, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
Standing as a first time, independent candidate in the recent local elections was an experience not to be missed. And my filing of expenses has reminded me that I really ought to put some tips in print for any future would-be local election candidates.
If you’ve never stood as an independent in a local …
Free Spirit!
February 7th, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
Being a local councillor was the last thing on my mind when I decided to leave the ‘Big Smog’ and head back up north to the green, green grass of home. I had just one thing in mind then. My plan was to set up and develop my consultancy working from an office in …
Back to the Future with a Splash!
January 21st, 2008 by Yvonne Hutchinson
Mention Bradford’s Manningham district and the first thing that comes to most people’s mind is the 2001 riots, social deprivation and lack of community cohesion.
That’s why the decision by Tom Bloxham’s Urban Splash development company to press ahead with the regeneration of Manningham’s Lister Mills is as daring as it is remarkable. And my …
Glasgow Housing Association's '£100 house' takes major step forward 
Man jailed for £50,000 benefit fraud 
Brighton seagull puts Google Street View users into a flap 
Trust invests in tenants who want to make a difference 
Sanctuary Care chef triumphs in culinary contest 
