Strategic Review
Evidence to improve lives in a changing world
In uncertain times, our Strategic Review renews our commitment to prosperity, inclusiveness and fairness and a strategy focused on the complex challenges shaping lives in the UK today.
A turbulent world
Our new Strategic Review comes at a time of , the weakening of long-standing alliances, the spread of populism and protectionism – together, these forces have shaken assumptions that once underpinned policymaking and public debate.
Leaders today face starker dilemmas than most of their post-war predecessors. Science and technology is outpacing our ability to govern it effectively. Economic shocks have revealed and compounded inequalities and eroded resilience. Political consensus around climate action is fraying.
As a diverse society and open economy, the UK is experiencing these global shifts directly and indirectly. There are gnawing doubts that our systems of governance are not up to the task.
The role the Foundation plays
We must confront the scale and urgency of today’s challenges with the same commitment to rigour, evidence and nuance that has defined our work since 1943. In this context, our underlying goal of advancing well-being in a more inclusive and just society has renewed purpose. Our independence gives us the freedom to take the long view, focusing on issues that can be overlooked in short-term policy cycles, while also responding rapidly to fast-moving events.
We will use our resources to generate evidence, convene debate and promote innovation to deliver lasting social benefits by:
- influencing policy
- improving practice
- funding innovative interventions
- backing groundbreaking institutions
The priority questions that will shape our work
The work we fund and do will prioritise prosperity, inclusiveness, and fairness. We will maintain a clear focus on inequalities, disadvantage and vulnerability for individuals, families and communities – and how to address them.
Over the next five years, our work will be guided by five interconnected questions:
- How can we build a prosperous and fair society, where people are secure and can fulfil their potential?
- How can we build an inclusive society, where people thrive and feel they belong, in the context of changing demography and ways of life?
- How can we ensure that developments in science and technology work for people and society?
- How can policies to address climate change be developed in a way that promotes a prosperous, fair and inclusive society?
- How can we build and maintain the effective, accountable and trustworthy institutions that our society and democracy need?
Our Strategic Review responds to a time of profound uncertainty, taking a refreshed approach to addressing the inequalities, disadvantages and vulnerabilities that shape people’s lives.
