Demos Staff overview
Max Wind-Cowie
Head of the Progressive Conservatism Project
- Telephone
- 020 7367 6311
- max.wind-cowie@demos.co.uk
Max Wind-Cowie runs the Progressive Conservatism Project at Demos, which identifies conservative values and policies that have progressive ends.
Max Wind-Cowie runs the Progressive Conservatism Project, which identifies conservative values and policies that have progressive ends.
The Progressive Conservatism Project has recently published work on the Conservative Party's relationship with trade unions by Robert Halfon MP, a collection of essays from leading Tory women and research reports on regeneration, forced marriage, pride and welfare reform.
Max has written extensively about patriotism and civic engagement as motivators for pro-social behaviour and about long-term reform to the welfare system to promote individual and community responsibility. He blogs regularly for ConservativeHome, Platform 10 and the Huffington Post and has written for the Telegraph on localism, Britishness and human rights.
Max is a Campaign Adviser to the centre-right campaign group Right Angle. Prior to joining Demos, Max worked in policy and public affairs at the Charity Commission and Mind.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2009-07-17
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
Recapitalising the Poor makes proposals across Housing Benefits, pensions and money-lending to end the current cash-based, drip-feed welfare system and propose ways to give low-waged workers and families the assets to lift themselves out of dependency.
- Authors
- Jonty Olliff-Cooper, Max Wind-Cowie, Jamie Bartlett
- Publication Date
- 2009-09-22
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
As part of Demos' Progressive Coservatism project, Leading from the Front argues that public sector reform must empower frontline staff to create empowered citizens and improved public service provision.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2010-02-09
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
Inequality has not always been seen as a priority for conservatives. This pamphlet argues that in face of new evidence about the impact of ‘everyday inequalities’ – those inequalities we see around us that are transparently unfair or undeserved – conservatives should now look again at the issue of distribution in our society.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2010-06-07
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This report looks at how two sink estates transformed their areas from the ground up, and what the 'Big Society, Big Citizens' agenda can learn from these experiences.
- Authors
- Dan Leighton, Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2011-02-10
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
Open Economics is the first step to rebalancing the power of economic expertise in public life. It considers reforms that work towards consensus and public engagement in economic debate.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2011-03-09
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This pamphlet informs the task of welfare reform, demonstrating how people can be better protected from financial shocks at a reduced cost to the state.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2011-09-30
- Publication Type
- Collections
A collection of essays that explores some of central questions around the Conservative party’s race agenda.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie, Tom Gregory
- Publication Date
- 2011-11-18
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
New research argues for a revised approach to our relationship with patriotism
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie, Beatrice Karol Burks
- Publication Date
- 2011-12-16
- Publication Type
- Collections
A collection of essays reflecting on the Open Society and the threats it faces.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2012-03-05
- Publication Type
- Report
This report argues that a radical transformation in Government policy is needed to reap the rewards big data could offer.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie, Claudia Wood
- Publication Date
- 2012-04-19
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This report outlines a new tool for measuring the social value of corporate sponsorship.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie, Phillida Cheetham , Tom Gregory
- Publication Date
- 2012-04-30
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This report investigates the practice of forced marriage in the UK, suggesting how it can be brought to an end.
- Authors
- Beatrice Karol Burks, Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2012-05-14
- Publication Type
- Collections
This collection brings together contributions from female Conservative MPs.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2012-09-25
- Publication Type
- Pamphlet
This think piece argues that Government needs to use 'nudge'-style policy instruments to reward those who take responsibility.
- Authors
- Duncan O'Leary, Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2012-11-15
- Publication Type
- Report
A survey of almost 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs reveals their attitudes and evaluates how government can better help their businesses.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2012-12-12
- Publication Type
- Report
Duty of Care asks whether employers have a role to play in widening and strengthening financial protection for workers in the UK.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie, Claudia Wood, Ally Paget
- Publication Date
- 2012-12-20
- Publication Type
- Report
This report provides the results of the Measuring Up evaluation.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2013-01-22
- Publication Type
- Report
Squaring the Circle investigates how we can promote financial security and wellbeing at a time of declining living standards and constrained public spending.
- Authors
- Max Wind-Cowie
- Publication Date
- 2013-03-11
- Publication Type
- Report
This report calls for a new settlement between the state, the individual and local communities.
Recapitalising the Poor
Max Wind-Cowie, Jonty Olliff-CooperThis project looks at ways of using conservative theory and ideology to deliver progressive aims in the context of poverty in the UK.
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On Your Side
Jonty Olliff-Cooper, Max Wind-CowieThe Progressive Conservatism Project will set out a new, radical agenda for how older people can be better supported by the state and each other in a time of shrinking budgets, by creating a new facilitator services to unscramble the complex web of state and charitable help already on offer.
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A very British foreign policy
Max Wind-Cowie, Jonathan BirdwellThis project aims to facilitate genuine public engagement in British foreign policy. Demos will ask a representative sample of British people, with advice and debate from internationally renowned experts and thinkers, to draw up a list of principles on which they feel that British foreign policy should be based.
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Party Conferences 2010
Claire Coulier, Julia Margo, Max Wind-Cowie, Philip CollinsDemos will hold some great events at the three major party conferences this autumn. Find out who's involved, what we'll be discussing and how you can be part of it.
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Next Time it's Personal
Max Wind-CowieThe Progressive Conservatism Project is undertaking new research into how Britain can reform unemployment benefits in order to spread the cost more fairly between individuals, employers and the state.
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Patriotism and Pride
Max Wind-CowieThis project will focus on 'practical patriotism', investigating the things that make people feel proud and give them a sense of belonging.
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Are We There Yet?
Max Wind-CowieThis project will investigate the Conservative Party's relationship to issues of race and identity.
More
Demos Collections
Max Wind-Cowie, Beatrice Karol BurksThe Demos collection series brings together thought leaders and experts to write on the big questions facing society.
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Ending Forced Marriage
Max Wind-Cowie, Phillida CheethamThis project aims to identify an effective cross-border approach to tackling forced marriage in Britain.
More
Squaring the Circle
Max Wind-CowieThis project investigates how we can promote financial security and wellbeing at a time of declining living standards and constrained public spending.
More
The politics of demography
David Goodhart, Max Wind-Cowie, Eric KaufmannThis research will analyse the phenonemon of 'white flight', using the 2011 Census and demographic surveys to investigate the true nature of immigration and integration in Britain.
MoreThe importance of being empathetic
Max Wind-Cowie on why Diane Abbott is right to talk about men.
Trust thy neighbour?
Max Wind-Cowie on how London’s churn undermines a sense of community.
Cracking the Nuttall
Max Wind-Cowie on the threat UKIP's deputy leader Paul Nuttall poses to Labour.
Bordering on brilliance
Max Wind-Cowie applauds Theresa May's decision to bring the UK Border Agency back into the Home Office.
80 quid well spent
Max Wind-Cowie has a confession to make.
A debate in a vacuum
Max Wind-Cowie on Baroness Warsi's speech on Islamophobia.
Muddy waters
Max Wind-Cowie argues that the Government must provide consumers with clear advice on healthy eating.
Missing the target?
The Government must win people's trust on immigration, argues Max Wind-Cowie.
De-magnetising Britain
The UK's politicians aren't powerless to restrict migration in the face of free movement, argues Max Wind-Cowie.
Are we all 'working class' now?
Max Wind-Cowie on a poll that reveals a majority of Britons now self-define as 'working class'.
A little bit of history repeating
Max Wind-Cowie on how the Government needs to prepare for increased migration from Bulgaria and Romania.
We need to talk about immigration... again
Max Wind-Cowie introduces Demos's unique 'Dragon's Den' on immigration and integration, to be held at Conservative conference.
A new role for Baroness Warsi
Max Wind-Cowie responds to the speculation around the future of the Conservative Party's co-chair.
Boris Johnson's UK tour
Max Wind-Cowie on why Boris should spend his term selling London to the rest of the UK.
Appropriate opprobrium
Max Wind-Cowie says that social media can regulate itself.
iPads for PCs
Max Wind-Cowie argues that iPads for frontline police officers will save time and resources.
A unifying vision of common ground
Max Wind-Cowie on why Aidan Burley MP was wrong about the Olympic opening ceremony.
Shame should be liberated, not legislated for
Max Wind-Cowie argues for more judgement and less legislation.
Give democracy a chance
Max Wind-Cowie criticises the premature mourning of Egyptian democracy following the presidential election.
Ed Miliband's philistinism
Max Wind-Cowie writes that there is something lacking in Ed Miliband's speech about integration.
The nation's trust
Max Wind-Cowie on the enduring patriotic values of Octavia Hill, in an extract from our recent collection.
A Beecroft in their bonnet
Max Wind-Cowie argues that the Conservatives should handle the Beecroft report with caution.
Memo to CCHQ – don’t dismiss Cruddas
Max Wind-Cowie says Jon Cruddas' appointment represents more than a tack to the left.
Justice for the cameras
Max Wind-Cowie warns against the public spectacle of announcing criminal charges at press conferences.
What Conservatives can learn from Haidt
Max Wind-Cowie urges Conservatives not to shy away from morality arguments.
Balancing the internet
A new campaigning platform can help the Right learn the online lessons of the Left, says Max Wind-Cowie.
The right side of loyalty
Max Wind-Cowie argues that our historic relationship means that we should continue to send aid to India.
Coping with Big Data
Max Wind-Cowie says that government is 20 years behind the private sector when it comes to personal data.
Honour amongst thieves
Max Wind-Cowie calls for reform of the UN, in light of their delayed response to the situation in Syria.
The soap box and the soap opera
Max Wind-Cowie criticises the melodrama surrounding Chris Huhne's charges.
Labour: the new Lib Dems?
Max Wind-Cowie reacts to Ed Miliband's performance in today's PMQs.
The ECHR must be saved from itself
Max Wind-Cowie warns that public commitment to human rights risks being eroded by the ECHR.
The future's bright
Max Wind-Cowie finds reasons to be cheerful in British Future's new state of the nation report.
What Abbottgate tells us about race in Britain
Max Wind-Cowie argues that the politics of group-interest won't end racism.
A British education?
Max Wind-Cowie responds to a new report which urges a cautious approach to patriotism in schools.
Patriotism takes off
Max Wind-Cowie commends recent developments in the debate on patriotism.
A question of loyalty
Max Wind-Cowie says it's anti-Semitic to question the loyalty of British Jews.
What is C21st patriotism?
Max Wind-Cowie says that volunteering and social action, not the flag or the Crown, inspire pride in Britain.
Getting the answers Right
Max Wind-Cowie says that Ed Miliband showed a conservative streak during Labour Party Conference.
A loveless marriage
Max Wind-Cowie on the relationship breakdown between the Coalition partners.
Palace Intrigue
Max Wind-Cowie rebuts the accusation that "the Tories are vacating the territory of progress".
The future of open data
Max Wind-Cowie introduces our work on big data and public services.
Two Cheers for James Purnell
Max Wind-Cowie warns that Purnell's welfare proposals could easily end up providing cushy career breaks funded by the state.
Is Ofcom 'Fit and Proper'?
Max Wind-Cowie points out that Ofcom has let less than 'proper' candidates pass the test in the past.
In Ken Clarke's shoes
Max Wind-Cowie looks at what the sentencing U-turn says about Clarke's relationship with the PM.
Simon Cowell is risking his place in the modern pantheon of Britishness
Max Wind-Cowie considers what Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole mean for modern patriotism.
Andrew Lansley - Not a t****r
Max Wind-Cowie argues that British politics is unfair to ministers who know what they're talking about.
The equal pay anti-climax
Max Wind-Cowie is disappointed by Will Hutton's review of public sector pay.
Mutually beneficial
Max Wind-Cowie makes the case for government encouraging income protection based on his report, Of Mutual Benefit.
The squeezed middle is real
Max Wind-Cowie responds to George Osborne's criticism of the 'squeezed middle'.
What is 'muscular liberalism'?
Max Wind-Cowie comments on a new approach to liberalism.
A quiet victory for the purple plotters
Max Wind-Cowie comments on the Oldham East by-election result.
There'll be no coupon election
Max Wind-Cowie comments on speculation about the forthcoming Oldham East by-election.
The language of the Big Society
Max Wind-Cowie examines the heart of the Big Society and public perceptions of it.
Don't blame Cameron, blame FCO bias
Max Wind-Cowie argues that elected leaders should not held by the whims of the Foreign Office.
Public Injustice
Max Wind-Cowie argues that raising the retirement age will have an impact on the younger generations.
Let's not stuff Turkey
Max Wind-Cowie argues that there is a progressive conservative case for favouring Turkey's accession to the EU
Cut costs, not places
Max Wind-Cowie says two-year degrees could be the answer to the university funding crisis.
Time to decide
Max Wind-Cowie wants the Anglican Communion to make up its mind on gay clergy.
Field of dreams
Max Wind-Cowie praises Cameron and Clegg's moves towards a Government of all talents.
No winners, no mistake
Max Wind-Cowie calls last night's leaders' debate a draw.
Parliament: Hung, drawn and quartered
Max Wind-Cowie is skeptical that a hung Parliament would increase transparency.
Open marriage on the international dance floor
Max Wind-Cowie looks at the US-UK 'special relationship.
Drowning in ‘clear, blue, water’
Max Wind-Cowie joins calls for David Cameron to follow his progressive instinct.
Evidence based conservatism
Max Wind-Cowie argues that progressive conservatism has its roots in solid evidence.
Cameron’s Hurt Locker
Max Wind-Cowie warns that David Cameron mustn't make the same mistakes as James.
Localism unites Tory campaign
Max Wind-Cowie argues a Conservative victory will come from a commitment to localism.
The state of responsibility
Max Wind-Cowie argues that Conservatives should care about inequality too.
License to skill
Max Wind-Cowie warns the Children, Schools and Families Bill doesn't do enough to drive up teaching standards.
David Cameron's social party
Max Wind-Cowie believes the Tories' new policies show they are radically progressive.
Sex, votes and forgiveness
Max Wind-Cowie comments on politicians battling for the pink vote.
Playing the Field
Max Wind-Cowie on Frank Field's commitment to a cause.
Cameron's outcomes
Max Wind-Cowie comments on David Cameron's speech to Demos.
Working families must never be left out in the cold
Max Wind-Cowie writes on marriage, schools and snow.
A Progressive Parliament
Max Wind-Cowie discusses the rising prevalence of progressive ideals amongst Conservative MPs.
Parents choosing school choice
Max Wind-Cowie discusses Tory education policy.
Education is a high-stakes game
Max Wind-Cowie argues that the importance of education means we must implement choice to ensure quality.
Childcare still matters
Max Wind-Cowie argues that childcare is about more than looking after children.
Poverty in the round
Max Wind-Cowie takes a progressive conservative look at poverty and social exclusion.
It’s not what you earn, it’s what you own
Max Wind-Cowie looks to Westminster's housing policies to recapitalise the poor.
Europe lets itself down (again)
Max Wind-Cowie takes a look at the EU's new appointments.
Victory policy
Max Wind-Cowie writes on the need for clear direction in Afghanistan.
President Blair
Max Wind-Cowie thinks the Conservative party should support Tony Blair's bid for EU President.
Broken down or broken up?
Max Wind-Cowie thinks Brown must be more willing to debate the politics of big banks.
Why Jan Moir brings out the Mill in me
Max Wind-Cowie is heartened by the vocal response to Jan Moir's controversial column.
Who should do battle with the BNP?
Max Wind-Cowie would like to see Sayeeda Warsi put Nick Griffin in his place.
There are more taxing questions for the Guardian to ask
Max Wind-Cowie thinks the Left should give up bullying the Tax Payers Alliance.
Twelve tests for 2012
An incoming Conservative government will have to pass '12 tests in 2012' if it is to be judged truly progressive after two years in power.
Academise, academise!
Max Wind-Cowie thinks conference commitments will make positive changes in education.
Angela smashes
Max Wind-Cowie looks at what David Cameron might learn from Germany.
Why turkeys don’t vote for Christmas
Max Wind-Cowie responds to David Walker's blog about Leading from the Front.
Trust me, I'm a doctor
Max Wind-Cowie argues that giving public sector frontline staff more responsibility is a progressive Conservative vision.
State intervention: quality not quanitity
Max Wind-Cowie argues that state intervention is about quality, not quantity.
Sacred cows must be sacrificed
Max Wind-Cowie thinks it's about time that everyone embraced spending cuts
Give ‘em enough rope
Max Wind-Cowie supports the move to allow the BNP on Question Time.
A chance for reform
Max Wind-Cowie thinks the recession has opened the door for much-needed welfare reform....
Cameron’s encounter with ‘the black swan’
18/09/08 Max Wind-Cowie comments on a breakfast event with David Cameron at...
Progressive Conservatism gains traction
17/08/09 Max Wind-Cowie comments on a poll that places the Conservatives as...
Why a pub lunch can be the healthy option
12/08/09 Max Wind-Cowie thinks that serving school lunches in pubs might...
A suitable age
16/07/09 The news that the world's oldest mother has died is relevant for progressive...
Progressive conservatism can beat the BNP
10/06/09 The political classes are in a tizz. Buried in every broadsheet, somewhere...