New Pioneers Programme

The New Pioneers Programme is being developed by RBH in partnership with the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). This programme is focussed on the Lower Falinge and College Bank neighbourhoods, looking at new ways to support residents with their employment prospects. 

Following work done in February and March, 2017, the next steps are to work with local partners to fully scope a potential employment support programme, operating from a new community hub. We are also exploring the possibility of a new externally-funded scheme which would offer alternative income support for residents who voluntarily exit the traditional government benefits system. In early 2018 these proposals will be presented to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The RSA has a long history of working with places across the country. The Cities of Learning pilot explores the idea of a whole city getting behind a culture of learning which is supported by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, workplaces, and youth/community/civic organisations. A number of areas across the United Kingdom are also working with the RSA to look at the possibilities of trialling a universal basic income. In September these local initiatives received backing from the Scottish Government.