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.


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    The Groundwork Movement

    Groundwork Trusts have been working in the country’s most excluded communities since 1981. This study, published in 2002, reviewed the activities of eight local trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to explore the nature of Groundwork’s contribution to neighbourhood renewal and identify lessons for current policy. The report: Reviews the policy context Describes the…

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  • Children play tug-of-war

    Communities Taking Action

    As we navigate uncertain times, harnessing the assets of passion, pride and knowledge that already exists in local areas – and investing in the people and groups that can drive change – will help ensure that no area is ‘left behind’ when it comes to having strong and resilient communities. Graham Duxbury, September 2019 This…

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  • Two Groundwork Green Team trainees with their team leader

    What’s a working life worth?

    For those who witness at first hand the devastating and demoralising effects of long-term worklessness, talk of efficiency and economics is at best immaterial and at worst insulting. For them, as it should be for all of us, one life wasted is one too many. Graham Duxbury & Eoin Heffernan, September 2015 Between 2010 and…

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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