Author
Patrick Thomson
Patrick Thomson is Head of Research, Analysis and Policy at Phoenix Insights, a new think tank set up by Phoenix Group to transform the way society responds to the possibilities of longer lives, using research to inform fresh debate and prompt a national conversation to inspire the action needed to make better, longer lives a reality.
Patrick has more than 15 years’ experience of policy, research, and delivery across the private, public and charitable sectors. Immediately prior to joining Phoenix Insights, he was Policy Institute Director at the Shaw Trust, the UK’s largest not-for-profit social enterprise in the employment, training, education and skills sector. During his career he has also led the Centre for Ageing Better’s programme on age-inclusive employment, has been an expert witness to the Women and Equalities Select Committee, and authored a review of the case for longer working lives for the Intergenerational Commission.
As a former member of the Government Social Research Unit he managed a research, policy and analysis portfolio for the Department for Work and Pensions’ ageing society and extending working lives strategy, and helped produce the evidence base which led to the removal of the default retirement age in 2011.
4 pieces
Newest first, since May 2022
· Analysis
Global approaches to lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is a policy priority around the world – for Patrick Thomson there is a lot the UK can learn from practice further afield
· Comment
Demand still uncertain for lifelong learning entitlement
New polling shows that demand for for lifelong learning entitlement fee loans is not where the government may hope. Patrick Thomson from Phoenix Insights tells us more
· Comment
For growth, we need to be sure that training really pays
Analysis shows that people are keen to develop skills, but only if they can be sure the benefits outweigh the costs. Patrick Thomson tells us more.
· Analysis
The public likes the idea of lifelong learning – but not a “lifelong loan”
Public polling on the proposed lifelong loan entitlement reveals concern about the prospect of taking on additional debt