An inclusive society

The UK is becoming more diverse in race, religion and family structures, while the population is ageing, and fertility rates low. These demographic trends are playing out differently across places and communities, shaping people’s experiences, well-being and relationships in complex ways.

We will work with researchers and other partners to help the UK respond to these shifts in ways that promote inclusion, opportunity and belonging. We aim to explore the drivers of demographic change, and the implications for state and society, including themes such as:

• Adapting to an ageing society, such as providing more care and support to work longer, and improving intergenerational fairness
• What helps communities to thrive, including factors affecting social cohesion, housing markets, and the local environment
• How place shapes opportunities, identities and sense of belonging
• What an inclusive society looks like, and how intersecting factors like race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and social class shape identities and outcomes

What we’re interested in

These are particular questions we are interested in exploring. We welcome proposals that address them directly or explore adjacent issues. If your work aligns with our aims, we’d like to hear from you.

• What does the changing age structure of the UK mean for society, public services and government? How are changes in fertility, migration and other factors driving this? What role, if any, should policy play in changing these trends?
• Given these trends and changes within the UK, what are the barriers and pathways to a racially just and inclusive society in the decades ahead?
• What are the direct and indirect impacts of the UK’s current housing market on individuals, communities and the economy? What scale of change is required? What sorts of policies might deliver it?
• What levels of care are needed for an ageing UK population and how should it be provided and funded? Is there scope for greater technological and / or social innovation to lead to new care models and what ethical issues may arise from this?
• How should the provision of public goods and services interact with and take account of local communities, including local identities and social ties?