Francesca Wood
@francjwood.bsky.social
Practical innovation specialist, creative collaboration, tri-sector connector. Fluent in Private, Public & Third Sector languages.
Leeds-based, but working with clients on a national, regional, city and hyper-local basis.
https://www.fwoodsolutions.co.uk/
Leeds-based, but working with clients on a national, regional, city and hyper-local basis.
https://www.fwoodsolutions.co.uk/
Reposted by Francesca Wood
"Kemi Badenoch has to use people like me to give her any kind of relevance," @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social tells @lewisgoodall.com, responding to Badenoch's criticism of her handling of violence against women & girls.
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
December 18, 2025 at 5:44 PM
"Kemi Badenoch has to use people like me to give her any kind of relevance," @jessphillipsmp.bsky.social tells @lewisgoodall.com, responding to Badenoch's criticism of her handling of violence against women & girls.
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
"She should probably apologise to the girls who might have been raped."
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Leeds £2.5bn tram scheme delayed to late 2030s after government review
Leeds £2.5bn tram scheme delayed to late 2030s after government review
Business case must be submitted for mass transit system with lines connecting Leeds and Bradford before work continues
The opening of the long-awaited Leeds tram system has been pushed back by at least two to three years, after a government review of the £2.5bn project.
The West Yorkshire combined authority (WYCA) said its mass transit scheme, including new tram lines connecting Leeds and Bradford, would now be completed in the late 2030s. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Leeds £2.5bn tram scheme delayed to late 2030s after government review
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Best case scenario for a new Leeds tram starting passenger service is now almost 50 years after the proposals were made.
Who asked for an independent review?
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/new-par...
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/new-par...
New partnership to deliver Mass Transit once and for all
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to Mass Transit in West Yorkshire, following a review of plans to deliver the largest local transport scheme in the country.
www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Best case scenario for a new Leeds tram starting passenger service is now almost 50 years after the proposals were made.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
2001 Leeds supertram approved
2005 Leeds supertram cancelled
2012 Leeds trolleybus approved
2016 Leeds trolleybus cancelled
2024 Plans for 2 tram routes by early 2030s
2025 Plans delayed until late 2030s
Meanwhile, we all struggle with a congested, polluted city.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
2005 Leeds supertram cancelled
2012 Leeds trolleybus approved
2016 Leeds trolleybus cancelled
2024 Plans for 2 tram routes by early 2030s
2025 Plans delayed until late 2030s
Meanwhile, we all struggle with a congested, polluted city.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Leeds-Bradford £2.5bn tram plan delayed after government review
West Yorkshire's mayor says she is confident the trams will be running
www.bbc.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
2001 Leeds supertram approved
2005 Leeds supertram cancelled
2012 Leeds trolleybus approved
2016 Leeds trolleybus cancelled
2024 Plans for 2 tram routes by early 2030s
2025 Plans delayed until late 2030s
Meanwhile, we all struggle with a congested, polluted city.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
2005 Leeds supertram cancelled
2012 Leeds trolleybus approved
2016 Leeds trolleybus cancelled
2024 Plans for 2 tram routes by early 2030s
2025 Plans delayed until late 2030s
Meanwhile, we all struggle with a congested, polluted city.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Remember when HS2 to Leeds was cancelled by the NIC's shitty maths and fundamental lack of expertise, and Leeds was thrown the bone of "you'll get trams" and I said those would never be delivered?
Yeah, as I was saying...
Yeah, as I was saying...
December 18, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Remember when HS2 to Leeds was cancelled by the NIC's shitty maths and fundamental lack of expertise, and Leeds was thrown the bone of "you'll get trams" and I said those would never be delivered?
Yeah, as I was saying...
Yeah, as I was saying...
Reposted by Francesca Wood
If a Treasury under the leadership of a Chancellor of the Exchequer representing a Leeds constituency cannot bother funding a long-desired and long-planned light rail network for Leeds, it's never going to be funded.
I look forward to celebrating the opening of the Leeds Supertram on my death bed. Maybe. #ThePolitics
December 18, 2025 at 11:17 AM
If a Treasury under the leadership of a Chancellor of the Exchequer representing a Leeds constituency cannot bother funding a long-desired and long-planned light rail network for Leeds, it's never going to be funded.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
This is potentially one of the most transformational policies this government has done if it holds its nerve.
NEW: Labour just announced the biggest change in planning policy in 80 years.
My breakdown of the key measures and whether they will succeed.
www.samdumitriu.com/p/labour-are...
My breakdown of the key measures and whether they will succeed.
www.samdumitriu.com/p/labour-are...
Labour are finally taking the housing shortage seriously
Is the new National Planning Policy Framework Labour’s biggest pro-growth move?
www.samdumitriu.com
December 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM
This is potentially one of the most transformational policies this government has done if it holds its nerve.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
As with most economic downturns, young people are bearing the brunt of a falling employment rate.
(Although the current episode of rising unemployment is not yet of equal scale to previous labour market downturns)
(Although the current episode of rising unemployment is not yet of equal scale to previous labour market downturns)
December 17, 2025 at 12:26 PM
As with most economic downturns, young people are bearing the brunt of a falling employment rate.
(Although the current episode of rising unemployment is not yet of equal scale to previous labour market downturns)
(Although the current episode of rising unemployment is not yet of equal scale to previous labour market downturns)
Reposted by Francesca Wood
One of the side projects I've been involved in over the last few years is the Centre for Education Systems - doing big comparative reviews of 14 systems around the world.
We've now published our first three reports on curriculum, accountability and SEND.
www.ces.partners/copy-of-latest
We've now published our first three reports on curriculum, accountability and SEND.
www.ces.partners/copy-of-latest
The Centre For Education Systems | CES Partners
Centre for Education Systems (CES) exists to improve the effectiveness of education policy by learning from education systems around the world
www.ces.partners
December 16, 2025 at 10:09 AM
One of the side projects I've been involved in over the last few years is the Centre for Education Systems - doing big comparative reviews of 14 systems around the world.
We've now published our first three reports on curriculum, accountability and SEND.
www.ces.partners/copy-of-latest
We've now published our first three reports on curriculum, accountability and SEND.
www.ces.partners/copy-of-latest
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Since the start of 2020, the UC Health caseload has increased by 2.6m, and most of the rise relates to those who are *not* moving to UC straight from ESA (i.e. either new claimants, or people moving from other benefits).
December 16, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Since the start of 2020, the UC Health caseload has increased by 2.6m, and most of the rise relates to those who are *not* moving to UC straight from ESA (i.e. either new claimants, or people moving from other benefits).
Reposted by Francesca Wood
SEND parent carer information drop
Date: Wednesday 14th January 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Swarcliffe Community Hub, Leeds, LS14 5LS
Let us know if you will be attending the drop in here: surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/
If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk
Date: Wednesday 14th January 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Swarcliffe Community Hub, Leeds, LS14 5LS
Let us know if you will be attending the drop in here: surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/
If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk
December 15, 2025 at 10:19 AM
SEND parent carer information drop
Date: Wednesday 14th January 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Swarcliffe Community Hub, Leeds, LS14 5LS
Let us know if you will be attending the drop in here: surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/
If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk
Date: Wednesday 14th January 2026
Time: 10.30am till 12.30pm
Venue: Swarcliffe Community Hub, Leeds, LS14 5LS
Let us know if you will be attending the drop in here: surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/
If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk
Reposted by Francesca Wood
It’s day 4 of our #12daysofChristmas & today we’re asking you to join our 5K Every Day Challenge throughout January & start 2026 with purpose - small steps with big social impact.
Sign up here: www.rethinkfood.co.uk/january-5k-c...
#makeadifferencetoday
Sign up here: www.rethinkfood.co.uk/january-5k-c...
#makeadifferencetoday
December 15, 2025 at 10:50 AM
It’s day 4 of our #12daysofChristmas & today we’re asking you to join our 5K Every Day Challenge throughout January & start 2026 with purpose - small steps with big social impact.
Sign up here: www.rethinkfood.co.uk/january-5k-c...
#makeadifferencetoday
Sign up here: www.rethinkfood.co.uk/january-5k-c...
#makeadifferencetoday
Reposted by Francesca Wood
2024-25 community life survey, which has a large sample of 175k, distributed at 500+ in each local authority area
The findings are stable year on year & reflect the themes of the State of Us
Generally high local belonging
Mixed trust
Varied civic participation
www.gov.uk/government/s...
The findings are stable year on year & reflect the themes of the State of Us
Generally high local belonging
Mixed trust
Varied civic participation
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Community Life Survey 2024/25: Headline findings
www.gov.uk
December 11, 2025 at 11:14 AM
2024-25 community life survey, which has a large sample of 175k, distributed at 500+ in each local authority area
The findings are stable year on year & reflect the themes of the State of Us
Generally high local belonging
Mixed trust
Varied civic participation
www.gov.uk/government/s...
The findings are stable year on year & reflect the themes of the State of Us
Generally high local belonging
Mixed trust
Varied civic participation
www.gov.uk/government/s...
Reposted by Francesca Wood
I wonder if a lot of this is driven by our modern culture of wanting kids to do better/go further in education and become an accountant, lawyer, doctor or, best of all, something in the City. Some just won't/can't.
December 13, 2025 at 9:10 AM
I wonder if a lot of this is driven by our modern culture of wanting kids to do better/go further in education and become an accountant, lawyer, doctor or, best of all, something in the City. Some just won't/can't.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Just one of a number of eye-opening graphs in this brilliant piece (as per) from @jburnmurdoch.ft.com (www.ft.com/content/8252...) on "How redefining special needs rocked education". I'm posting this one because it's most relevant to what I do, but the one showing measures vs diagnoses is amazing.
December 13, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Just one of a number of eye-opening graphs in this brilliant piece (as per) from @jburnmurdoch.ft.com (www.ft.com/content/8252...) on "How redefining special needs rocked education". I'm posting this one because it's most relevant to what I do, but the one showing measures vs diagnoses is amazing.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
This is worth a read. As noted, the large rises in people being diagnosed with ADHD, Autism etc are fuelling conspiracists: 'something must be "damaging" our kids'...
No, the prevalence of symptoms in populations is stable over time. It's just being recognised now.
No, the prevalence of symptoms in populations is stable over time. It's just being recognised now.
December 13, 2025 at 8:49 AM
This is worth a read. As noted, the large rises in people being diagnosed with ADHD, Autism etc are fuelling conspiracists: 'something must be "damaging" our kids'...
No, the prevalence of symptoms in populations is stable over time. It's just being recognised now.
No, the prevalence of symptoms in populations is stable over time. It's just being recognised now.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
'The sharpest fall was among students from China, with 80 per cent of universities saying that enrolments among this group had fallen an average of 17 per cent. A total of 63 per cent of universities said they had seen a drop in enrolments among students from India, at an average of 9 per cent.' 1/2
UK universities report further decline in international students.
Annual fall in the number of international students starting postgraduate courses in September (for the second year in a row) adds to concerns about the sector’s precarious finances.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
Annual fall in the number of international students starting postgraduate courses in September (for the second year in a row) adds to concerns about the sector’s precarious finances.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
UK universities report further decline in international students - Research Professional News
Survey finds second annual drop in postgraduates starting courses, as visa applications sink
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:32 PM
'The sharpest fall was among students from China, with 80 per cent of universities saying that enrolments among this group had fallen an average of 17 per cent. A total of 63 per cent of universities said they had seen a drop in enrolments among students from India, at an average of 9 per cent.' 1/2
Reposted by Francesca Wood
We're hiring!📣
Join our Young People team as CSE Parents and School Liaison Support Worker!
Find out more: buff.ly/41I9E3E
Join our Young People team as CSE Parents and School Liaison Support Worker!
Find out more: buff.ly/41I9E3E
December 9, 2025 at 1:20 PM
We're hiring!📣
Join our Young People team as CSE Parents and School Liaison Support Worker!
Find out more: buff.ly/41I9E3E
Join our Young People team as CSE Parents and School Liaison Support Worker!
Find out more: buff.ly/41I9E3E
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Join Nifty Sustainability CIC, MyCake, Voluntary Action Leeds and Forum Central THIS MONDAY for an online presentation and panel discussion where we share the latest insights on how Leeds’ VCSE organisations are doing, the pressures they face and the strengths that continue to shape our sector.
December 10, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Join Nifty Sustainability CIC, MyCake, Voluntary Action Leeds and Forum Central THIS MONDAY for an online presentation and panel discussion where we share the latest insights on how Leeds’ VCSE organisations are doing, the pressures they face and the strengths that continue to shape our sector.
Reposted by Francesca Wood
🌟 Welcome Spaces in Bramley & Stanningley 🌟 Please share!
Full details & times for all Welcome Spaces in Leeds can be found on the Leeds City Council website: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/welcome-spaces
#WelcomeSpaces #TogetherLeeds
Full details & times for all Welcome Spaces in Leeds can be found on the Leeds City Council website: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/welcome-spaces
#WelcomeSpaces #TogetherLeeds
December 10, 2025 at 2:03 PM
🌟 Welcome Spaces in Bramley & Stanningley 🌟 Please share!
Full details & times for all Welcome Spaces in Leeds can be found on the Leeds City Council website: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/welcome-spaces
#WelcomeSpaces #TogetherLeeds
Full details & times for all Welcome Spaces in Leeds can be found on the Leeds City Council website: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/welcome-spaces
#WelcomeSpaces #TogetherLeeds
Reposted by Francesca Wood
Some great RHS advice on #edible flowers for schools and anyone www.rhs.org.uk/education-le...
Edible flowers / RHS
Many flowers can be eaten. Grow some in your school garden or pick those you have already growing there.
www.rhs.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Some great RHS advice on #edible flowers for schools and anyone www.rhs.org.uk/education-le...
Reposted by Francesca Wood
✳️If U are concerned about someone #RoughSleeping tell thestreetlink.org.uk, who will send an alert to #LeedsStreetSupport services✳️
✳️#SupportChange
give 2LOCAL #Leeds charities
streetsupport.net/leeds/✳️
We all need:
SomewhereSafe2Stay
SomewhereSafe2Live
Somewhere
2CallHome
✳️#SupportChange
give 2LOCAL #Leeds charities
streetsupport.net/leeds/✳️
We all need:
SomewhereSafe2Stay
SomewhereSafe2Live
Somewhere
2CallHome
December 10, 2025 at 7:43 PM
✳️If U are concerned about someone #RoughSleeping tell thestreetlink.org.uk, who will send an alert to #LeedsStreetSupport services✳️
✳️#SupportChange
give 2LOCAL #Leeds charities
streetsupport.net/leeds/✳️
We all need:
SomewhereSafe2Stay
SomewhereSafe2Live
Somewhere
2CallHome
✳️#SupportChange
give 2LOCAL #Leeds charities
streetsupport.net/leeds/✳️
We all need:
SomewhereSafe2Stay
SomewhereSafe2Live
Somewhere
2CallHome
Reposted by Francesca Wood
GoodEvening
#CitySafeLeeds💜
A big TY 2all across the partnership who have worked tirelessly on the #NightSafeLeeds in 2025👍🏽
◼️Not loose, but a tight response to presenting issues
◼️Not ordinary, but delivered by extraordinary PEOPLE
🎄#BeSafeFeelSafe🎄
🕊️Peace&Goodwill🫶🏽i
#CitySafeLeeds💜
A big TY 2all across the partnership who have worked tirelessly on the #NightSafeLeeds in 2025👍🏽
◼️Not loose, but a tight response to presenting issues
◼️Not ordinary, but delivered by extraordinary PEOPLE
🎄#BeSafeFeelSafe🎄
🕊️Peace&Goodwill🫶🏽i
December 10, 2025 at 7:46 PM
GoodEvening
#CitySafeLeeds💜
A big TY 2all across the partnership who have worked tirelessly on the #NightSafeLeeds in 2025👍🏽
◼️Not loose, but a tight response to presenting issues
◼️Not ordinary, but delivered by extraordinary PEOPLE
🎄#BeSafeFeelSafe🎄
🕊️Peace&Goodwill🫶🏽i
#CitySafeLeeds💜
A big TY 2all across the partnership who have worked tirelessly on the #NightSafeLeeds in 2025👍🏽
◼️Not loose, but a tight response to presenting issues
◼️Not ordinary, but delivered by extraordinary PEOPLE
🎄#BeSafeFeelSafe🎄
🕊️Peace&Goodwill🫶🏽i
Reposted by Francesca Wood
This Thursday at The Pack Horse, our headliners are a brand new talent, Ink-Ridden, featuring Angelina X Sings & Sonny. It's the penultimate open mic before Christmas so sing, play and watch some great live music. Free in. Doors: 7.30pm. www.facebook.com/events/86503... #openmicleeds #leedsgigs
The Mos Eisley Open Mic Night with Ink-Ridden
Event by Cloth Cat and Beth Mroz on Thursday, December 11 2025
www.facebook.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:14 PM
This Thursday at The Pack Horse, our headliners are a brand new talent, Ink-Ridden, featuring Angelina X Sings & Sonny. It's the penultimate open mic before Christmas so sing, play and watch some great live music. Free in. Doors: 7.30pm. www.facebook.com/events/86503... #openmicleeds #leedsgigs
Reposted by Francesca Wood
There is over a week left to apply for our part-time Universal Advocate #JobVacancy! If you would like to help people in Leeds to get their voices heard, this may be the role for you.
To apply, please go to advonet.org.uk/2025/12/02/j... #HiringNow #CharityJobs #LeedsJobs
To apply, please go to advonet.org.uk/2025/12/02/j... #HiringNow #CharityJobs #LeedsJobs
December 11, 2025 at 9:04 AM
There is over a week left to apply for our part-time Universal Advocate #JobVacancy! If you would like to help people in Leeds to get their voices heard, this may be the role for you.
To apply, please go to advonet.org.uk/2025/12/02/j... #HiringNow #CharityJobs #LeedsJobs
To apply, please go to advonet.org.uk/2025/12/02/j... #HiringNow #CharityJobs #LeedsJobs