Andy Howell Memorial Lecture
The Andy Howell Memorial Lecture is a biennial lecture series established in memory of Andy Howell, a local political activist, community champion, and public servant committed to inclusion, grassroots engagement, and social change.
Created by New Roots, the lecture series brings people together from different backgrounds to explore important questions around housing, community development, civic participation, and the role of local people in shaping the places where they live.
About the Lecture
Honouring Andy Howell’s legacy
Andy Howell believed in connecting policy with people’s lived experience. He worked to ensure that marginalised communities were included in conversations and had a meaningful voice in shaping their neighbourhoods and futures.
The lecture series honours this legacy by creating space for thoughtful discussion, shared learning, and new perspectives on the issues affecting communities today.
What the Lecture Series Explores
Each lecture encourages critical thinking and debate.
Themes include:
- Social and community development
- Housing and neighbourhood change
- Civic participation and democratic engagement
- Local devolution and the role of the state
- The relationship between communities and the economy
- Creative approaches to building inclusive places
Bringing People Together
The lecture brings together diverse research, professional, practitioner, and community voices.
Speakers include national and international figures who inspire discussion, challenge thinking, and encourage new approaches to community development.
The series connects research, practice, and lived experience in meaningful ways.
Andy Howell and New Roots
Andy Howell chaired New Roots for a period of 18 months and played an important role in supporting its wider vision.
As a Birmingham-based registered charity, New Roots is committed to supporting housing solutions for vulnerable people and encouraging creative, collaborative responses to social challenges. The Andy Howell Memorial Lecture reflects that same commitment: breaking down barriers, opening up dialogue, and helping build relationships that can lead to meaningful change.
In this way, the lecture series forms part of New Roots’ broader contribution to community thinking, partnership working, and stronger local futures.
