Jane Foot is an independent policy advisor and researcher. Her interests currently include the role of community development in improving health and wellbeing and the challenge of community led regeneration. Her recent publication A Glass Half Full (IDEA 2010) suggests that a focus on the assets and strengths of individuals and neighbourhoods, rather than their deficits and needs, is essential if communities are to be agents of change rather than recipients of services. With Martin Yarnit and Davy Jones, she jointly edited the New Start series on Outer Estates.