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michaelkenny.bsky.social
Michael Kenny
@michaelkenny.bsky.social
1.2K followers 550 following 5 posts

Professor of Public Policy, Inaugural Director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge, Author

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Political science 67%
History 18%
Posts Replies Media Videos

Reposted by Michael Kenny, Maria Abreu

ojgarling.bsky.social
Owen Garling @ojgarling.bsky.social · Sep 15
Really excited to be recruiting to this role at @bennettschool.cam.ac.uk.

We're looking for someone to help broaden our connections between the school and the worlds of academia and policymaking.

Sound interesting? Details below.

www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/about-us/vac...
Research Assistant/Associate - Bennett School of Public Policy
Department/Location: Department of Public Policy (Bennett School of Public Policy)Salary: £33,002-£46,049Reference: JB47263Category: ResearchDate published: 12 September 2025Closing date: 10 October 2...
www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

yusufimaadkhan.com
Yusuf @yusufimaadkhan.com · Sep 1
“I worry that sometimes the world of statistics can become a proxy battleground. Statistical debates about what to measure can be used as a way to transpose a philosophical or political argument about what we actually value in more cloaked and technocratic way.”

Yup

pbe.co.uk/insights/bey...

Reposted by Michael Kenny

hetanshah.bsky.social
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · Jul 28
Really support this. We’ve been banging on about the importance of this community social infrastructure for a while including this recent report with @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk on how it can be measured www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/news/value-o...

Reposted by Michael Kenny, Laura Díaz Anadón

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Mar 31
We're looking for an Assistant Professor to join the new Bennett School of Public Policy in September 2025, to play a leading role in the running & teaching of our M.Phil in Public Policy and PhD programme, & to also conduct original research.

Apply by 27 April 2025:
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50808/

Reposted by Michael Kenny

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Jul 3
📸 A productive & inspiring team away day!

Team Bennett is hard at work planning for the exciting opening of @bennettschool.bsky.social this October 2025 - under the leadership of @michaelkenny.bsky.social & @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social

#Research #Teaching #Engagement #Impact

Reposted by Michael Kenny, Thomas Hale

blavatnikschool.bsky.social
Blavatnik School of Government @blavatnikschool.bsky.social · Jun 27
How can democracies think long-term?

The Heywood Fellowship team says the UK is being outpaced – and is building a plan for action:
🧬 Diagnosis
🎯 Objectives
🧭 Big bets
🔀 Trade-offs

Learn more about their call for a long-term national strategy + Spain’s example ➡️
Heywood Fellowship
The Heywood Fellowship is a visiting fellowship created in memory of Jeremy Heywood, Cabinet Secretary from 2012 to 2018. The purpose is to give a UK Civil Service Permanent Secretary the opportunity…
www.bsg.ox.ac.uk

michaelkenny.bsky.social
Michael Kenny @michaelkenny.bsky.social · Jun 10
New piece from me and @ojgarling.bsky.social on what kinds of thinking and policy on infrastructure now needed to achieve more equitable growth acss.org.uk/the-role-of-... @acadsocsciences.bsky.social
The role of infrastructure in good growth – Academy of Social Sciences
acss.org.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

alwalker.bsky.social
Alex Walker @alwalker.bsky.social · May 23
Starmer is meeting with the devolved heads of government and English regional mayors today for the second instalment of the Council of Nations & Regions

Good time to read our report with @policywise.bsky.social to find out what it is & why it matters!

www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/publications...
A more collaborative way of governing? Why the UK's Council of the Nations and Regions matters - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
The Council of the Nations and Regions represents an opportunity to foster better relations between the key players in the territorial government of the UK – the UK’s central government, its devolved ...
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

policywise.bsky.social
PolicyWISE @policywise.bsky.social · May 22
Can tomorrow's Council of Nations & Regions meeting navigate the big and small 'P' politics of national and local #devolution?
Watch our webinar with @michaelkenny.bsky.social @alwalker.bsky.social & Dewi Knight www.youtube.com/watch?v=tru3...
Read our report www.policywise.org.uk/about/inter-...
Watch the Webinar: "A More Collaborative Form of Governance?
YouTube video by PolicyWISE
www.youtube.com

michaelkenny.bsky.social
Michael Kenny @michaelkenny.bsky.social · May 22
Shrewd overview of the politics surrounding the second Council of Nations and Regions summit happening this Friday - with reference to our brand-new report on this under-the-radar constitutional innovation (with @policywise.bsky.social) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK risks falling apart. Keir Starmer can mend it now – but he doesn’t have much time | Martin Kettle
The PM has little choice. Unless he brings the fractured nations together, none can move forward, and neither can he, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle
www.theguardian.com

Reposted by Michael Kenny

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · May 21
Drawing on in-depth research, @alwalker.bsky.social & @michaelkenny.bsky.social set out why the Council of the Nations and Regions matters for devolution in times of political fragmentation.

In a new blog, they discuss what’s needed to make it work.

www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/why-the...

Reposted by Michael Kenny

alwalker.bsky.social
Alex Walker @alwalker.bsky.social · May 13
Our new report is out! @michaelkenny.bsky.social, Dewi Knight and I look at the Council of the Nations and Regions.

This initiative has so far flown pretty under the radar, but we argue it has the scope to be significant.

Some key points below.

www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/publications...

Reposted by Michael Kenny

policywise.bsky.social
PolicyWISE @policywise.bsky.social · May 12
Tomorrow! Join Dewi Knight, @alwalker.bsky.social and @michaelkenny.bsky.social to hear why the Council of Nations and Regions matters and the importance of working with all UK leaders no matter the politics....
Sign up www.policywise.org.uk/node/671
#intergovernmentalrelations #ukpolitics #webinar

Reposted by Michael Kenny

the-syllabus.bsky.social
The Syllabus @the-syllabus.bsky.social · May 7
Challenging lists of cultural assets, our hidden gem of the week calls for measuring goods like networks that foster relationships.

By Dimitrios Panayotopoulos-Tsiros, @ojgarling.bsky.social, @annaalexandrova.bsky.social, @dianecoyle1859.bsky.social at @britishacademy.bsky.social

buff.ly/DtQ009T

Reposted by Justin H. Kirkland, Michael Kenny

hetanshah.bsky.social
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · Apr 30
New @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk @britishacademy.bsky.social report today on the need for policymakers to not overlook the importance of investing in social and cultural infrastructure, and how we might go about measuring it
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/value-o...
Value of social and cultural infrastructure ‘risks being neglected in decision-making' without new measurement framework - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
New framework for measuring the value of social and cultural infrastructure will more effectively highlight its crucial role in improving wellbeing and economic growth.
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Apr 30
🚨 New report from the Bennett Institute warns that social & cultural spaces like libraries, galleries & community hubs risk being overlooked without better ways to measure their impact. They’re vital for economic growth & tackling inequality.

www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/value-o...

Reposted by Michael Kenny

martinwhite33.bsky.social
Martin White @martinwhite33.bsky.social · Apr 7
I participated in the @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk Crossing Channels podcast series with a programme on the food system, diets and health. Interesting conversation with Jonathan Stieglizt, evolutionary anthropologist. Listen or read here: www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/posts/types/...
Podcast Archives - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Sarah Hall

michaelkenny.bsky.social
Michael Kenny @michaelkenny.bsky.social · Mar 31
Great new opportunity, teaching on and researching public policy here, at Assistant Prof level here in Cambridge - please spread the word! @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Mar 31
We're looking for an Assistant Professor to join the new Bennett School of Public Policy in September 2025, to play a leading role in the running & teaching of our M.Phil in Public Policy and PhD programme, & to also conduct original research.

Apply by 27 April 2025:
www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50808/

Reposted by Michael Kenny

memckeague.bsky.social
Matthew Mckeague @memckeague.bsky.social · Mar 28
Really good session on 'forgotten about places' at @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk conference this afternoon. Glad to hear the importance of social infrastructure get a few mentions! @michaelkenny.bsky.social

Reposted by Michael Kenny

andywestwood.bsky.social
Andy Westwood @andywestwood.bsky.social · Mar 28
Fantastic panel to discuss spatial inequalities and their consequences. Chaired by @michaelkenny.bsky.social @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

hetanshah.bsky.social
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · Mar 28
I’m at the @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk conference and @sarahoconnorft.ft.com has mentioned Blackpool which gives me an excuse to link to her seminal article from 2017 in case some of you are too young to know it
www.ft.com/blackpool
Left behind: can anyone save the towns the UK economy forgot?
Soaring antidepressant usage, falling life expectancy: Blackpool embodies much of what is going wrong on the fringes of Britain
www.ft.com

Reposted by Michael Kenny

rachelextance.bsky.social
Rachel Extance @rachelextance.bsky.social · Mar 28
At @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk for their annual conference today. "We are talking about these issues at a time of crisis," says Michael Kenny #BennettInst
Michael Kenny addressing the audience at Churchill College.

Reposted by Michael Kenny

ojgarling.bsky.social
Owen Garling @ojgarling.bsky.social · Mar 21
Really useful guide to using Large Language Models (LLMs) from my @bennettinstitute.bsky.social room-mate @alturobov.bsky.social.

Will definitely be of use beyond just the civil service.

www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/publications...
Using Large Language Models responsibly in the civil service: a guide to implementation - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
UK civil servants, along with officials at other levels of government and in other countries, face a potentially transformative moment in the adoption of digital tools with the availability of...
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

michaelkenny.bsky.social
Michael Kenny @michaelkenny.bsky.social · Mar 3
Delighted to announce that we are going to become an independent Department - the Bennett School of Public Policy - @cambridgeuni.bsky.social from this autumn. Thanks to all those who have supported us on our journey to this point - www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/bennett...
Major new policy school at Cambridge University set to take on AI economy and reviving ‘left behind’ regions - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
The Bennett School of Public Policy opens this October, and is already leading work on two of the most pressing policy problems of our time: implementing AI and revitalising post-industrial areas.
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Feb 28
Join us for our Annual Conference keynote lecture with @profsanderlinden.bsky.social discussing how it is possible to “immunize” people against disinformation so they can recognise & resist unwanted attempts to be manipulated & misled.

Keynote-only tickets: www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/conference

Reposted by Michael Kenny

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Feb 28
New data on how public sector employees use their time & which tasks they consider unimportant suggests significant scope for improving both their productivity & their job satisfaction using AI, writes Nghi Nguyen. Here's how ⬇️

www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/working...
Working time in the public sector: opportunities for AI? - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
The UK government is placing high hopes on the potential for AI to improve productivity in public services. But how big is this potential? As Nghi Nguyen explains, new data on how public sector employ...
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk

Reposted by Michael Kenny

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Feb 27
We're pleased to be at the @bennett-innovate.bsky.social launch event.
Cambridge's @michaelkenny.bsky.social joined a panel discussion with other directors of Bennett Foundation funded institutions to discuss new frontiers in research & innovation.

Reposted by Michael Kenny

sundersays.bsky.social
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · Feb 26
Most believe that being born in England + identifying as English is what matters.

Nobody could have become English across a thousand years after 948 AD if the children of migrants needed "ancestry" so couldn't qualify on the basis of birthplace + identification + acceptance by the existing group.

Reposted by Michael Kenny, Adelina Comas‐Herrera, Peter Allen

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Feb 26
Cambridge University is looking for 2 Assistant Professors in Public Policy to work in the Faculty of Human, Social, & Political Science, starting August 2025.

Scholars with research & teaching experience in public policy are encouraged to apply by 10 March 2025.

www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/50248/

Reposted by Michael Kenny, Mark Sandford

bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk
Bennett Institute for Public Policy @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk · Feb 26
New blog by @marksandford.bsky.social explores govt's white paper on English devolution discussing strengthening collaborative governance between central govt & mayors, & challenging Westminster centralism through joint initiatives for regional growth.
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/blog/english...
Slow burn revolution? Collaborative governance in the English Devolution White Paper - Bennett Institute for Public Policy
Strengthening collaborative governance could transform the UK’s Westminster model, fostering 'embedded autonomy' seen in other states. The UK government is showing increasing willingness to focus on s...
www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk