Alison McKenzie-Folan
There’s real value in our arts
Council support for arts and culture is at serious risk amid the latest funding crisis. But we must find a way to sustain the arts as a remedy to our deepest challenges, says Alison Mckenzie-Folan.
Breathing new life into a cultural jewel
The power of culture is transforming a much-loved historic hall in Wigan. Once completed its impact will be profound in addressing deep-rooted inequalities, says Alison Mckenzie-Folan
Shaping a new era for Wigan Council
The Wigan Deal is a movement for change that rewrote the rules, says the council's chief executive Alison McKenzie-Folan.
Turbo-charging our digital economy through inclusion
As the 2022 Solace Summit in Birmingham draws closer, Alison McKenzie-Folan says it is crucial the Government does not lose sight of digital inclusion as it goes for growth.
Cheering a public health champion
Professor Kate Ardern has retired after a stellar career in local government public health. Alison McKenzie-Folan pays tribute to her achievements, including her work on the Wigan Deal and the pandemic response.
Helping staff speak up on gambling
Wigan MBC is the first local authority in the country to sign a charter pledging to support employees struggling with gambling. Alison Mckenzie-Folan explains why the council is leading the way.
Light at the end of the uncertainty
Alison McKenzie-Folan describes how Wigan and Greater Manchester are sustaining arts and culture through a crisis, and says it’s imperative Government funding supplements this local and regional support.
Place-based principles’ critical response is working
Alison Mckenzie-Folan explains how Wigan’s place-based model of integrated public service delivery, based around seven ‘footprints’ each with their own ‘healthy networks’, has been used to respond to the COVID-19 emergency.
Wigan’s next chapter
The success of Wigan MBC’s 2013 Deal has prompted the council go one step further with Deal 2030. Alison McKenzie-Folan explains.
Wigan’s fire within
A year ago, Wigan MBC commissioned its new cultural strategy. Alison McKenzie-Folan, explains how the arts are helping ignite excitement and spark creativity in the town.
