Our policy positions set out what we think on the key topics central to our work. They are informed by our values, our research, and almost forty years of working with communities.

Our research and reports aim to share the learning from our programmes and the work we do in local communities, providing insight for practitioners and policy-makers who share our goals.

Many of our reports come directly from the learning generated by our projects and programmes. We also commission and carry out original research to add to the evidence base both for our work and to share with policy makers in a position to change things for the better.

We use policy and research to support our three core aims:

  • Improving people’s prospects
  • Creating better places
  • Promoting greener living and working

You can view our latest reports and policy positions below or view all of our reports by topic.


  • Energising Communities

    The Energising Communities programme has been supporting households at risk of fuel poverty with energy advice since March 2020. The start of the programme coincided with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, creating new challenges and opportunities. This report looks at what we have learned during one year of delivering this programme. Published August 2021.…

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  • Report cover image: a young boy is entertained by a street performer blowing bubbles

    Regeneration and a green recovery

    This report looks at the role town centres play in regenerating urban areas and helping communities towards a green recovery. It explores ways that town centres can contribute to our social and environmental wellbeing in the future through: connecting people with nature; community hubs; cultural spaces; sustainability centres; and high street communities. Published May 2021.…

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  • Picture of a woman and children in a park with flowers in foreground

    Out of Bounds

    Natural spaces in our towns and cities have lots of benefits: for our mental and physical health, for communities and for the local economy. However, not everyone has equal access to these benefits. This report looks at the evidence on equity in access to urban nature and how we can address it. Published May 2021.…

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View by topic

Green jobs

To create a more sustainable future and improve prospects for everyone, all jobs should be green jobs.

Climate and nature

Community action on tackling the climate and nature emergencies.

Health and wellbeing

Supporting good health in our communities.

Communities in control

How and why we should be putting communities in control of their future.

Supporting young people

Reports on youth participation, youth work and young people’s education and employment.


Our policy positions

Supporting Young People

Our position on youth participation, youth work and young people’s education and employment

Climate and Nature

Our position on the need to tackle the climate and nature emergencies

Health & Wellbeing

Our position on supporting good health in our communities

Communities in Control

Our policy position on putting communities in control of their future